Sarah Coleman, the University of Florida’s Sustainability in New Zealand student blogger, writes:

Five layovers, six flights, and two days of the most worthwhile travel later, we finally made it to the beautiful South Island of New Zealand! This country has taken every expectation of ours and exceeded them far beyond imagination. Every hike, day of travel, and city we stay in is surrounded by the most unbelievably powerful scenery I’ve ever seen. Whether it’s snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, charming architecture, or exotic, endemic species, New Zealand is a country to be cherished and protected.

We’re quickly learning that there is no better way to understand the importance of sustainability and preservation of the environment than to be continuously engulfed in it. With 75% of our class time being outdoors, we are getting hands-on learning experiences from passionate experts in the field.

Our first full day here was spend with Elm Wildlife Tours visiting penguins – including yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins, the smallest penguin species in the world – sea lions, seals, and the endangered royal albatross. We’ve also visited Fiordland National Park, the largest national park in New Zealand, cruised through Milford Sound, and hiked 12 miles through Mount Aspiring National Park. 

It is inspiring to see so many passionate people protecting the environment here, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn about such a wonderful place. One of the things that has stuck out the most to me is the importance of conserving our environment for future generations. I hope that people in the future will have the same opportunities I have here in order to understand the importance of sustaining the world we live in today and for years to come.