As I sit out on the balcony of our accommodations, I gaze up at Mount Cook. The full moon is shimmering down onto the mountain face as the stars twinkle brightly in the sky.

I can clearly make out the few constellations I know as the Milky Way shoots vividly throughout the sky. The only light comes from inside the accommodations and the few surrounding buildings dotting the park, with the only noise being laughter from my friends inside playing a game.

The light breeze is incredibly refreshing and I can’t help but smile and take a deep, relaxing breath. This moment is one of the most peaceful and relaxing moments of my life.

Sure, I’ve hiked and camped in some pretty remote locations in the States, but never have I felt this much solitude and fulfillment.

There is something special about New Zealand, and it is exemplified as I gaze out onto this beautiful mountain. Maybe it’s the Kiwi people, or the incredible breathtaking landscapes, or the students on my trip that contribute to this specialness, but anyway I look it everything is amazing. This has been the trip of a lifetime, and I wish I could just repeat everything about it.

Text and photo by Colleen O’Connell, Virginia Tech student on the 2011 wintermester New Zealand program.