Student Perspective: New Zealand stars in Te Anua

Kerri Malone, 2012 New Zealand Adventure Tourism student blogger, writes:

A snapshot of the lake down the road from the accommodation in Te Anau.

Capping the day off with a night walk on a silent, completely lightless path near our lodging in Te Anau completed my first full week of experiences, sites and people in New Zealand. As the stars dotting the sky of the Southern Hemisphere transfixed my gaze while I lay in the soil, a connection with my environment really put where I am into perspective. I am in New Zealand. Explorations on the Southern Peninsula, a cruise around the breathtaking Milford Sound, a rugby game, a chocolate factory, delicious food and an incredibly friendly social scene have contributed to a week of absolute enjoyment.

Some of the group after a treacherous tour of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory in Dunedin.

Prior to departure, I knew the snow-capped mountains, winding valleys and exotic species that characterize New Zealand would sneak into many of my photographs, yet I had limited knowledge of the emotions the program would evoke. After my encounter with a shooting star (my first) and the Southern Cross constellation in Te Anau, there is evidence that the program will also challenge and reinvent the ways in which I interpret the landscape(s) around me.

A stop at “The Chasm” – a beautiful day in Te Anau.

Although I attended my share of local eateries, including the local favorite Velvet Burger in Dunedin, as well as dipped into as many newspapers as possible and dived into a range of first-time experiences, this entire first week has been somewhat of an delicious appetizer.

Similar to the anticipation shared among the group today when traveling through the mountains of Milford Sound, nearly fully extended on our toes to see the view beyond the mountains, this week has evoked in me an excitement for more. On my menu of items in which I am thrilled to experience include the Fox Glacier hike, a free day in Queenstown spent hang gliding and immersed in Lord of the Rings filming area and learning more of New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Maori (very excited!). In the meantime, my bib is on, napkin placed and my fork in hand. Stay engaged for complete reviews, including more photographs, soon!