courtney uncubed

12 Sweet As Things About Traveling New Zealand Style

Ten years ago, I was 20-years-old and the world was a mystery, until I curiously signed myself up for a Study Abroad Program. That’s when I met New Zealand and the bar was set. New Zealand was the place that inspired a career in travel, relaxed my New York state of mind, and channeled my inner warrior. So to salute the country that started it all, here are my Top 12 Sweet As Things About Traveling — New Zealand Style.

1. Rainbows in New Zealand are as common as pot holes in New York City.
2. Meat Pies are a celebrated form of late night eating.
3. NZ band Salmonella Dub is the best road trip music ever. Just have a listen.
4. If you can’t find a hotel, strangers will let you crash on their couch (and it’s safe.)
5. Wine country is the whole country!
6. The Coromandel. A honeymoon waiting to happen.
7. A magical snack called Kumara.
8. Kiwis are so relaxed, you actually feel safe plummeting 134 meters on a rubber band.
9. ”Hey, what’s that smoke?” Oh, just one of dozens amazing public hot springs.

10. No doubt, the Doubtful Sound is astounding.
11. Most caves have bats. New Zealand’s caves have luminescent glowworms.
12. A sunrise looks way better when you’re the first person in the world to watch it.

For these reasons and so many more, New Zealand, you rock.

Photo courtesy of kiwinz (Flickr)