Studying abroad in New Zealand was an adventure of a lifetime, filled with incredible sights and unforgettable experiences. One of the things I loved most about the country was how you could hop in a car, drive for a few hours, and suddenly find yourself surrounded by snow capped mountains and beautiful rolling hills. Coming from Boston, this was a total game-changer for me. Back home, you have to go out of your way to find such stunning scenery, but in New Zealand, it’s practically everywhere. One weekend, I went on a tour of the North Island. The drive itself was an experience. Instead of the usual traffic and urban sprawl I’m used to in Boston, I was treated to endless views of green pastures, clear rivers, and thick forests. There was barely any traffic, and having just one main route to follow made the drive stress-free and enjoyable. As I got closer to the Tongariro National park, the landscape started changing dramatically. The rolling hills gave way to towering, snow capped peaks. Seeing Mount Ruapehu up close was mind-blowing – its snowy summit shining in the sunlight was something I’ll never forget. What struck me the most about New Zealand is how much the country values conservation. Everywhere you go, you see the impact of their commitment to protecting the land and wildlife. The national parks and reserves are well-maintained, and there’s a genuine respect for nature that’s evident in everyday life. It shows all over the country in places like the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula or the lush forests of Fiordland, there’s a sense of harmony between the people and the land that’s truly inspiring. Every trip I took offered a new discovery and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The convenience of having one main route and the lack of traffic made every drive relaxing and immersive. In contrast, back in Boston, finding such natural beauty often requires a lot of effort and planning. But in New Zealand, it felt like it was around every corner. This constant proximity to stunning landscapes deepened my love for the environment and made me appreciate the importance of conservation efforts even more.
