To celebrate the ending of classes and provide a bit of relief before studying for finals, my friends and I took a trip up to the north of the north island. We left Friday right after my last class and arrived at our hostel right off of Ninety Miles beach around 9. We were warmly greeted by Arthur, who we’d spoken with many times on the phone due to some booking complications. Him and his wife, Heather, who run the hostel were beyond sweet.  All of the hostels we have stayed in have had such great hosts and I absolutely love their kind hospitality. We unpacked the car and headed straight to the beach to watch the stars, moon, and admire the waves. It was so peaceful and serene. I appreciate how safe most of NZ is. There is little reason to fear being at such a place at night. Though, of course, I wouldn’t do it alone!

The weather the next morning was perfect as can be. We stopped at two incredible beaches on our way up to Cape Reinga, the northern most point of NZ. It really offered a feeling of closure; we had been to the southern most point of NZ over semester break and now we were at the opposite end…we’ve covered it all! I cannot describe the magical color of the water or how it perfectly sparkled under the sun. Here’s a peak:

It was hard to leave. After admiring the beauty around us, we went to one of the bays we overlooked. The water was by no means warm, but we swam anyways. There is nothing like swimming in the clear blue of the Pacific; a bit of cold water shouldn’t stop anyone!

That day we also went sand boarding-it’s essentially sledding on sand dunes. This was quite the experience! We climbed a dune bigger than I could fathom. When my friend initially proposed going to the top of it, I didn’t think he was serious. We had to take many breaks before getting to the top and we’re a rather fit bunch. It was such a physical challenge! Two of my friends got down gracefully but the other two of us successfully wiped out and ate our fill of sand. Nevertheless, it was fun and thrilling. It was crazy to have the sea to one side, forest on the other, and vast sand dunes all around. It really did look out of place. I love the immediate diversity of NZ’s landscapes-it’s truly incredible. As always, the drive was an activity in itself.

Admittedly, with many hours in the car (1100 km covered), I was given a lot of time to think and became a bit homesick. To my surprise, I really hadn’t felt homesick until the last few weeks. I would’ve expected it in the beginning of the semester, not the end! When big events happen at home, you truly realize how far away you are. Now, I am nervously awaiting and preparing for finals that are 60-85% of my grade! Still so much to do and see before finals finish and before my final trip around NZ!

On a side note, while waiting outside my professor’s office, I met an American student pursuing his PhD in mechanical engineering here at University of Auckland. We had a great conversation; it’s always nice to unexpectedly meet new people you have things in common with…even if it’s just both being from America! Between my discussion with him, and my flat mate applying to graduate schools, I have become more fascinated by the idea of enrolling in graduate school abroad. I honestly have no idea whether I want to work or continue to graduate school after senior year, but definitely want to continue international pursuits! I think interning or pursuing a master’s abroad is a great way to do this. So many possibilities!

Location: Auckland, NZ