Allie takes us along for a day on her study abroad program in New Zealand, she writes:

In the summer of 2024, I traded Texas heat for New Zealand’s crisp coastal air, joining a group of Baylor University students for the adventure of a lifetime. Here’s a snapshot of one day that sums up the magic of studying abroad in Aotearoa.

7:30 AM – Waking Up to the City of Rotorua
The day starts with the soft sound of birds chirping and the quiet hum of traffic nearby. Rotorua has a distinct, earthy scent from the hot springs, but you get used to it quickly. After a quick breakfast (usually muesli and fresh fruit!), I throw on my backpack and grab a light jacket – even though it’s warm back home, it’s winter here!

9:00 AM – Class Time
Our morning lectures are held in a small classroom at our current hotel. Today’s topic: Māori and New Zealand authors, literary works, and culture. It’s one thing to read about indigenous heritage in a textbook, but it’s another to get to read these stories and even hear stories from local guest speakers who carry these traditions. I wasn’t familiar at all with Māori culture before traveling here, and it’s been incredibly interesting to learn about.

12:30 PM – Journey to Hobbiton
After class, we pile into a shuttle van and head out to one of the most iconic places in New Zealand: Hobbiton. The drive through the green rolling hills feels straight out of a movie… because it is. As we pull into Matamata, the excitement builds!!!

We walk down the winding paths of the Shire. Every detail is there, clotheslines, garden tools, even fresh-baked smells from the Green Dragon Inn. Walking past the colorful round doors and peeking inside hobbit holes, I feel like I’ve stepped into an entirely different world! (I think we probably took about 1,000 pictures).

2:30 PM – Lunch at The Party Marquee
After exploring the set, we’re treated to a themed lunch at The Party Marquee, a large tent inspired by Bilbo’s birthday celebration! Long wooden tables, lanterns, and a FEAST. There’s roasted chicken, fresh bread, seasonal veggies, and a sweet apple crumble for dessert. It honestly feels like we’re extras in a movie scene 🎬

After that, we take even more photos, sip ginger beer at the inn, and just soak in the peacefulness of the place. It looks JUST like the movie to the point that I almost can’t tell its a set. It’s not just a tourist spot anymore… it’s like the movie has been made real.

6:30 PM – Dinner Back in Rotorua
We return to Rotorua just as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the whole city… After a long day, we’re all ready for food. A group of us heads to a cozy local spot downtown. Rotorua has great options, from classic New Zealand lamb dishes to hearty pies and Māori-inspired cuisine. Tonight I try hāngī, a Māori traditional meal. Warm, smoky, and very comforting. We talk about our favorite Hobbiton moments and scroll through our photos, already planning what we’ll post.

9:30 PM – Reflecting Under the Stars
Back at the hotel, I step outside for a just moment before bed. The air is cool and still, with steam rising softly from nearby vents and stars scattered across the clear sky. It’s hard to believe I walked through the Shire today AND learned about Māori storytelling this morning.

Studying abroad in New Zealand isn’t just about academics, it’s about experiencing the culture, the land, and the stories woven into both. I jot a few notes in my phone, already knowing this will be a day I’ll remember for a long time.

Then it’s lights out. Another adventure awaits tomorrow.