New Zealand – Page 4 – GW Blogs from Abroad

An Accidental Bonus

AdminOctober 4, 2013December 14, 2018

Kia Ora!

So my friends and I went to a quaint little beach town last weekend in New Zealand. In this place called Tauranga, we had made our plans to do some hiking, some chilling by the beach, and visiting some waterfalls. While we were there, we got an added bonus. The weekend we were there, there was a town festival going on!

One day, we stumbled upon a farmers market that was filled with yummy local foods. Plus, there were tons of free samples, which was our favorite part. Farmers markets in the states are fun, but this one had different local foods that you wouldn't really find at a typical market in America. Quiches, unique meat pies, and locally-grown dried fruit, just to name a few. It was a great way to kill a couple hours and take in the local products.

That night, some locals told us of a fireworks show that was going on. So we walked down to the beach and watched fireworks over the beach.

Also, the local art gallery was offering free admission that weekend in honor of the festival. So my friends and I popped in there and were able to see some really cool paintings and sculptures from a couple New Zealand artists. Definitely different from American artwork, but still cool, nonetheless.

We had no expectations for this festival, but it turned out to be awesome. Everything was free; live entertainment, food samples, and fireworks, it was a great weekend.

So, key point from this post, definitely check out local activities if you happen to be around. It could be hit or miss, but it's a great way to experience local culture and learning about the surrounding area. Check the local paper to see what's going on. Also check your university to see if there are any free shows or events going on then.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Merideth

I Dare Ya

AdminSeptember 26, 2013

raft over waterfall — Rafting over the falls

What's up mates? Ready for another installment of the Epic Adventures of Merideth? Well aren't you in for a treat.

Last weekend, my study abroad program (IFSA-Butler) took a group of us on an adventure weekend. So you're probably thinking, adventure, I wonder how intense it was. Well, it was crazy. I like being adventurous and exploring, but I'm not an adrenaline junkie in the least!

We did mountain biking, luging, and white water rafting. Everything was incredible, but I'm going to focus this blog post on the rafting.

Our group did level 5 rapids, which is the highest level you can commercially raft in. To make things even more nuts, the river we went down had a 23 foot waterfall we had to raft over. I may have peed my pants a little when we went over, not gonna lie. Our raft flipped over and I thought I had drowned, but turns out, life jackets work really well!

This post was not designed to brag about how awesome my weekend was. Instead, it is a gentle recommendation that when studying abroad, don't be afraid to try anything new. Chances are, you'll regret it later on. I almost chickened out and didn't raft over the waterfall. I'm so glad I stuck with it though. It was incredible. That waterfall was also the largest waterfall in New Zealand (and I'm pretty sure the world) that you can commercially raft over. While things may seem scary, probably even terrifying, just try it. I'm a pretty wimpy person, but here I am, living proof that you can raft over a 23 foot waterfall and live to tell the day.

Cheers!

SPORTZZZZ

AdminSeptember 20, 2013December 14, 2018

By mtumasz

Ok guys, here's the scoop. I'm a huge rugby fan (and I also play for GW). Rugby is New Zealand's main sport. Their national team, the All Blacks, are incredible. Last weekend, I went to their match against South Africa. I thought the atmosphere at the game was going to be similar to something like an American football game, but I guessed totally wrong.

First off, the city of Auckland (where the game was held), gave free bus and train transportation to the game stadium, which was on the outskirts of the city. Once you got there, you were surrounded by happy fans, everyone wearing jerseys or hats, or whatever paraphernalia they had. I entered the 48,000 person-capacity stadium and took my seat (second row behind one of the end zones, I might add) and automatically felt energized. There's just something about watching a live game in person that gives me such an adrenaline rush.

Anyways, before the game starts, the national anthems of both countries are performed, but then the All Blacks perform their legendary haka, which is a traditional Maori war-cry that is now mostly known for the pre-game tradition for the Blacks. Once this was completed, the game starts and from the first minute, the game is extremely intense. New Zealand and South Africa are huge rivals, so tensions were high.

Half time comes, and the Blacks are ahead, but not by much. Second half is just as intense and invigorating as the first, and as the final minutes wind down, everyone in the stands is cheering and hollering, because the All Blacks are going to win. Final score: New Zealand 29, South Africa 15.

My friends and I head to the train station to go home, where once again, it's free, thanks to the city of Auckland. We are surrounded by happy fans, even South African ones! No fights broke out, there was no rude language, and everyone was just genuinely happy to be in each other's presence. This was a drastic change from American sporting events...

Overall, the game was incredible, and if anyone is in New Zealand, I highly recommend checking out an All Blacks game. It was definitely one of my favorite experiences so far!

Cheers Mates!

Hostel Living

AdminSeptember 18, 2013December 14, 2018

By mtumasz

Greetings Mates! Time for another weekly installment of my knowledge and experiences from Abroad in New Zealand!

So I just came back from mid-semester break, where I traveled around Australia for a week, then the South Island of New Zealand for a week. It was AH-MAZING. But traveling constantly, with no incoming cash flow, can be challenging. The goal is to make things as cheap as possible, to be able to do as much as you can while on a budget. For this two week trip, we saved money by staying in hostels, instead of regular hotels. We also ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches everyday, and I don't think I'll be able to eat another one for years...

So anyways, we spent the entire trip hostel hopping. Hostels are great for meeting new people, especially if you're traveling by yourself. The ones we stayed at would have social activities each night like bingo, pool contests, and free drinks at local bars. They would also give away awesome prizes like free bungy jumps, bar tabs, and discounted adventures throughout the country.

Some hostels even give you FREE MEALS. We had several hostels that gave us free dinner, and even free breakfast. It feels so good to eat a nice warm meal after eating granola bars all day.

If you do decide to travel throughout a country, and are trying to save a couple bucks, I highly recommend going the hostel route. They're fun, friendly, and definitely cater to the college-age demographic.

There are a couple downsides about hostels though. You usually don't get your own room; you could be sharing a room with up to 12 other people. Also, the bathrooms are communal, so make sure to bring some shower shoes. Also, not all hostels have free wifi, and this can be hard when you're trying to plan things, or trying to stay in contact with people not traveling with you. But other than that, hostels are great.

Safe travels and stay tuned for more adventures from down undah!

Travel Awareness – Or Things Easily Forgotten

AdminAugust 29, 2013December 14, 2018

By mtumasz

Kia Ora Mates! This post is going to be slightly all over the place, but very informative. I’m going to tell you all the little travel tips you might not think of when traveling from another country.

Super Important Fact #1:

Check the requirements for traveling from one country to another. I am currently in New Zealand, and am spending a week in Australia (I leave tomorrow, Ahh!) and my group of friends and I did not realize you need a traveler’s visa to enter Australia. Usually this isn’t needed for traveling among countries in Europe, but it still doesn’t hurt to check. Another big point off of that is checking for vaccinations! Traveling and vacationing is no fun if you’re extremely ill the entire time…

Don’t be afraid to use public transportation, because taxis can get very expensive! If the bus or train system looks confusing, ask someone at the information counter and they will be more than happy to help you navigate to where you are trying to go! ...continue reading "Travel Awareness – Or Things Easily Forgotten"

It’s All About the Journey

AdminAugust 25, 2013December 14, 2018

By mtumasz

Kia Ora Mates! Once again I will say, New Zealand is amazing, breathtaking, every awesome adjective you can think of. It's crazy to think that I have mid-semester break in a week, and that I'll be taking midterms soon; it feels like I just got here!

Last weekend, my friends and I all rented a minivan and drove Northeast of Auckland, to the Coromandel Peninsula. Absolutely gorgeous beaches, nice waterfalls, and heaps of hikes to do. My favorite part of the weekend trip wasn't any of this though; it was the drive back to Auckland. ...continue reading "It’s All About the Journey"

Food for Thought

AdminAugust 25, 2013December 14, 2018

By mtumasz

So here I am, chilling in New Zealand, STARVING. Food here is very expensive, and the University of Auckland doesn't have a nice dining plan for its students; you have to fend for yourself. It's a pretty rough life when you're a poor college student, spending all your money on trips and adventures, and forgetting you have to go grocery shopping.

I'm a very healthy eater, and not a big fan of sweets. Junk food and fast food tend to be a lot cheaper than healthy options when buying food. In this post, I am going to offer advice to people in foreign countries, trying to eat clean while also on a budget. ...continue reading "Food for Thought"