...And that's a wrap! Safely back home in New Jersey

So get this... My flight left Auckland at 10:55pm on Tuesday, December 15th and I landed in Newark at 12:07am on the next day.  So on paper, it appears that the travel time was only an hour and twelve minutes... Haha, if only it was that easy to get home from the other side of the world!!

I was so exhausted from pushing myself to pack in as much as possible during the twelve short days I spent in New Zealand, that I had no trouble sleeping on the flight home.  This was one of those trips where you need a vacation from the vacation, lol.  What I'd give to have a few more days off from work to lay in the sun on the beach somewhere and just chill.  But unfortunately that's not an option... Reality is about to slap me in the face, hard.

As I'm sure you can tell from reading about my daily adventures, I had the best time in New Zealand!!  I loved each day, the activities I had planned and everything I got to see.  You know you did a good job planning your itinerary when Kiwi's tell you that you're getting to see a perfect sampling of what their country has to offer and that you're probably seeing more in twelve days than most New Zealanders see in their lifetime.  

And... I did it!!  I can now check traveling solo off my bucket list.  As I expected, it is a life-changing experience and I think everyone should do it at least once.  It forces you outside your comfort zone and allows you to connect with the locals and the destination on a different level.  It also teaches you a lot about yourself and it's rewarding to realize how capable you are when you're on your own outside of your familiar surroundings.  

Many people I know who have traveled alone have told me, "once you travel alone, you'll never want to travel with anyone again."  I'm not sure this is true for me.  While I really enjoyed the experience and would definitely travel solo again in the future, I still enjoy traveling with others as well.  They are two different experiences and for me, one doesn't outweigh the other.  

This quote from Henry David Thoreau sums it up best... "The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready."  And there are so many other places I want to visit.  As I was staring at the map during the plane ride home, it's overwhelming to even pick out which place will be next on the long list of places (aka everywhere) that are on my list.  But now I know I don't need to wait for someone to go with me... When I'm ready for my next adventure, I can book a ticket and go.  It's a true freedom that traveling solo allows.

Oh, and if you haven't been yet and come across the opportunity, go to New Zealand!!  This stunning country of sparkling lakes, steep alpine peaks, miles of green hills that roll into green valleys and a beautiful coastline of turquoise water and perfect little beach towns is a must see.  From wine tasting, to sailing, kayaking or surfing out on the water, to hiking the many famous trails that weave through the vast landscapes... There's something for everyone in this amazing country!  Hopefully my travels have inspired your next trip :)

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."  - Miriam Beard

Day Twelve - New Zealand's Final Bow, the Coromandel Peninsula

Well unfortunately it's arrived... my last day in New Zealand (at least this time around).  I had the entire day to explore and just needed to make sure I was back in Auckland in time for my 22:55 flight back to the States.

Today was dedicated to the rest of the Coromandel Peninsula and the tiny beach towns and villages that dot the coast.  I started in Cooks Beach and Flaxmill Bay... an area boasting some of New Zealand's oldest history as this beach first caught Captain Cook's eye in 1769 and was therefore named.  Lonely Bay sits tucked away and is a photographer's dream with limestone boulders surrounded by white sand.

I had lunch in Whitianga, which is quickly becoming one of the North Island's most popular summer holiday destinations.  The yachts and sailboats docked in the marina was good proof.

After lunch, I made my way north to Whangapoua and made the thirty minute trek to New Chums Beach, which was rated by the UK Observer as one of the world's top 20 beaches.  It required wading through a stream and climbing over a rocky beach to even get to the trail through the woods, but it was definitely worth the trip.  The white sand seemed to stretch forever and there were only a handful of people who had also made the trip.  It was quiet and peaceful... another must see on the Coromandel Peninsula.

I then made my way over to the west side of the Peninsula, stopping in Coromandel Town before I headed down the coast and back towards Auckland.  I seriously can't get over the scenery here.  One moment I think I'm on a Caribbean island and the next minute I feel like I could be in Ireland.  The landscape is so diverse and can change in a matter of minutes.  God, good job on New Zealand.

I made it to the airport in plenty of time and decided to grab one more authentic New Zealand brew before I got on the plane.  From the other side of the terminal I spotted a bar with a big TV airing a replay of an NFL game from this past weekend.  Is it bad that I beelined it over there?  Lol... I haven't watched ESPN the entire time I've been here.  In fact, I haven't watched TV the entire time I've been in New Zealand.  I feel so disconnected from the sports world... Are the Warriors still undefeated?  Which teams are playing in which bowl games?  What's new with the Ravens?  (Just kidding... let's pass on that last one, I don't want to know).

Even though I'm disappointed this fabulous trip is coming to an end, it's always nice to come home and sleep in your own bed... that's so far from now though I don't want to think about it.  Apparently the jet lag coming home is worse.  I can't remember from my trip to Australia in high school... Guess I'm about to get a refresher.  Wheels up!

Day Eleven - Beauty Redefined on the North Island

So I think it's official... I've gotten up earlier more mornings on this trip, than I do at home.  The alarm clock went off at 5am so I could hike Mt. Maunganui to see the sun rise.  It was a pretty tough hike, at least at the speed I was hoofing it... the sun doesn't wait.  But once again, the views were worth the sweat and exhaustion.  

After stopping back at the hotel to shower and check out, I headed north along the coast of the Bay of Plenty onto the Coromandel Peninsula, stopping at the little beach towns along the way.  One of the highlights was Hot Water Beach where a warm spring sits underneath the sand.  Within an hour either side of low tide, you can dig a shallow hole on the beach to create your own little hot tub.  Despite all the people checking out this thermal rarity, it was a cool experience to see, and feel, the hot water scalding your toes when you dig your feet into the sand.  Seriously, it's so hot it burns... so your "hot tub" needs to be in reach of the ocean waves so the cold water can rush in to create the perfect temperature.

Then it was onto Cathedral Cove, one of the most picturesque spots I've encountered on this trip... and maybe in life.  This beach is only accessible via boat or a 3km one way hike. It's absolutely stunning and I was able to take some time, sit on the beach and soak it all in... and as we know, there hasn't been much opportunity for moments like this, these last ten days.  I enjoyed every second. This time the pictures DO do the backdrop justice, so I'll let them do the rest of the talking.

I'm staying in a ridiculously small town tonight in the most adorable hotel... it's an old church!  But there obviously isn't a whole lot to do, which works out well given that I'm beat from that 5am wake up call.  I did stop for dinner at the local brewery and had the Coromandel mussels.  I'm not sure how these were different from the Marlborough mussels, but WOW.  I've always liked mussels, but this took it to another level.  Unfortunately almost all of the seafood caught locally around New Zealand isn't exported outside the country, so if you want to try them, you're just going to have to jump on a plane and come on down to middle earth.  Take it from me... It's worth the trip!

Eleven down, one to go and I'm already starting to get depressed about having to return to real life :( Maybe I'll just miss my flight and have to stay...

Day Ten - Geothermal Oddities in Rotorua

When I woke up this morning in Auckland, it was gray skies and rain... which made me stop for a minute to appreciate how lucky I've been to be blessed with nice weather on this trip.  Besides a drizzle last Sunday when I hiked Abel Tasman, the weather has been amazing.  I'm very thankful.

I picked up my rental car and as I drove out of Auckland on the three hour drive to Rotorua, the clouds cleared and it ended up being another beautiful day.

Rotorua sits on top of the most active segment of the Taupo Volcanic Zone and is a tourist town through and through. You come here (and spend a lot of money) to see the earth bubble, boil, spit and ooze but are also gifted with the lovely smell of rotten eggs, which is the hydrogen sulfide that hangs in the air.  The town is also known for their spas and special treatments due to the benefits of the  geothermal activity.

I spent some time exploring Te Puia, home to various mud pools and the famous Pohutu geyser.  I also enjoyed a Maori cultural performance and a traditional Maori meal.  I'm glad I saw all of the above, because I came all the way to New Zealand and if this is a place to visit, then I want to make sure I see it... but I left asking myself how this became "a must see" stop on one's itinerary, lol.

I then headed over to the Polynesian Spa and enjoyed a Rotorua thermal mud body polish and aix massage.  It was a unique experience - like no spa treatment I've ever had before.  I laid on an oval shaped table that was more like a hollow tub and after the therapist exfoliated me with the mud, she positioned a line of multiple shower heads above me and performed the massage as the water rained down on my body.  I actually felt drunk after this was all over and she said that was normal... that's a nice buzz without the intake of any calories, lol.

I also got to enjoy the mineral pools and the acidic pool, which is renowned for the relief it gives muscle aches and pains in the body.

Once I was done being pampered, I drove another hour to Tauranga on the east coast.  I have an early morning tomorrow, so I grabbed a quick bite to eat on the Harbour waterfront and I'm calling it an early night.  Only two full days left in this amazing country... I don't want it to end!

Day Nine - City of Sails

I was told to skip Auckland or at least don't waste much time here.  But being a big city girl, I think it's fun to see the "big city" in the country you're visiting.  So I'm thankful I had half a day to explore New Zealand's largest city.

There are more yachts per capita here than in any other city in the world.  About one in four households in Auckland have a sea craft of some kind, accounting for the 70,000 boats dotting the docks of Waitemata Harbour.  Sailing seems to be part of the Kiwi DNA and when you're in Auckland, your time is best spent by getting out on the water.

Waiheke Island, one of the more popular Hauraki Gulf Islands, is a 40 minute ferry ride from Central Auckland and a hotspot for pricey vacation homes of city dwellers and wealthy foreigners.  It was already late afternoon by the time I got into the city, but I was told visiting the island is a must, so I caught the 4pm ferry and enjoyed being out on the water for the ride over.

I can see how people enjoy retreating to Waiheke.  It's quiet and reminds me of a few of the Caribbean islands I've been to.  It's also fast becoming known for it's vineyards and wineries, but unfortunately it was too late in the day for me to do any tastings.  I took the bus out to one of the more popular beach spots, but it was just a little too chilly to enjoy any time in the sun.  I also learned relying on the sporadic public transportation is not the best way to see this island and realized it would have been easier with a car.

After a couple hours, I headed back to the mainland on the ferry and went up in the Sky Tower to enjoy 360 degree aerial views of Auckland at twilight.  It was already 9pm and I was starving after having only eaten a Clif Bar all day.  (This is what happens when you pack your schedule so tight... you run out of time to eat!)  I went down to the Viaduct, which is lined with recommended restaurants and bars along the harbour, and enjoyed a nice seafood dinner as I watched the Saturday night action commence.  It might be a city to skip as a tourist, but these Aucklander's are doing something right.  Sailboats, yachts and more boats... and they sure look like they know how to have a good time!

Day Eight - Action Packed, Adrenaline Pumping, Adventurous Friday in Queenstown

Disclaimer: I'm sorry Mom for what you're about to read, but both feet are safely back on the ground, so no need to worry :)

Bungy jumping took root as a commercial enterprise here in Queenstown pioneered by Kiwi entrepreneur, AJ Hackett.  So knowing this, obviously I wanted to try it.  However, with a sister who is going to be a doctor, I was warned about the permanent damage that can be done to the neck and back and the responsible part of me promised her I wouldn't participate in this Queenstown novelty.

So I jumped off a cliff on the Canyon Swing instead!!!  The world's highest cliff jump from 109m over the Shotover River with a 60m vertical freefall!!  But unlike the bungy, you swing 200m instead of being yanked back up.  I thought I was crazy for doing this once, but I knew I had reached insanity when I was talked into a second jump, the second time going backwards... you only live once, so why not, right?!??  It was pretty badass and fulfilled my desire to get the adrenaline pumping.

As if that wasn't enough adventure for the day, I jumped off another cliff... this time with a parachute and strapped to a professional paragliding pilot.  So not AS crazy, but still an awesome experience and a great aerial view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  

My pilot was from France and had just moved to Queenstown a month ago.  We grabbed a beer after we were back on the ground.  He lives in a tiny village in the French Alps working as a Paragliding instructor/tandem and as a ski/snowboard instructor and had come to New Zealand for the year to improve his English.  I took notes on all the best mountains to hit around the world and mentally started planning my next vacation.  He showed me pictures from his recent trip to the Tasman Glacier where he was dropped out of a helicopter to ski for a few days... So just as I'm crossing a few things off my bucket list, there's another whole list of things that was just added.  I'm going to need more than one lifetime to accomplish all of this...

After beers, we headed to Fergburger, a Queenstown institution.  If you come to Queenstown and don't have a Fergburger, then you haven't really been to Queenstown.  The line is wrapped around the block at all times of day... but it was worth the wait.  That was the best burger I've ever had!!

After three days in Queenstown, my wallet's been emptied... but "when in Rome."  I'm sad my South Island adventures have come to an end, but off to Auckland tomorrow where I enjoy my last few days  here in New Zealand exploring the North Island.

Day Seven - Fiordland Eye Candy

I think I now understand the true meaning of majestic.  Today I saw the most beautiful natural landscape that my own two eyes have ever witnessed in person.

I took a day trip to the Doubtful Sound, a vast and untouched wilderness in the Fiordland National Park.  It was quite a trek to get there... a two hour and fifteen minute bus ride from Queenstown to Manapouri, an hour boat ride across the lake (there is no direct road access) and then another hour bus ride over the alpine pass.  And then we had to retrace those steps to get back.  But damn, it was worth the trip for a three hour cruise that I'll never forget.

As we made our way through the Doubtful Sound, I felt humbled by the physical grandeur of this place.  It has a way of making you forget everything that is weighing on you because everything seems insignificant in it's presence.  I don't think I've ever taken so many pictures.  I just couldn't get over what I was seeing.  I'm sharing a few of my favorites, but I must warn you... pictures don't even come close to capturing the true essence of this pristine landscape.  It's something you just have to experience for yourself.

We were already without cell service and a wifi connection, but my favorite part of the cruise was when the captain asked everyone to put their cameras away and stand still while he turned the engines off and we took a few minutes to enjoy the absolute silence and serenity.

I was so exhausted by the time I got back to my room that all I wanted to do was put my head on the pillow... but I haven't experienced Queenstown nightlife yet, so I told myself I'll sleep when I'm dead and I headed out for a bit.  I hit two of the top rated bars and felt like I was back in College.  Well it's more that I felt like grandma crashing a college party, lol.  I thought to myself, "there's no way these 'kids' are over twenty one"... and then I remembered, you can drink at eighteen here in New Zealand.  At that point, I decided sleep was more important so I headed home to bed.  The guy manning the desk back in the lobby and I had a good laugh about it and he gave me a list of places to try tomorrow night that won't be a drunk, college frat party.  Guess we all grow up at some point even though we don't like to admit it :)

Day Six - Iconic New Zealand Eats and Adventures in Queenstown

I made my way to the airport this morning... btw, I forgot to mention there is no security checkpoint when you fly domestic in New Zealand.  You literally walk into the airport, up to your gate, scan your boarding pass and get on the plane.  A nice little reminder of what flying was like before 9-11.

The view from my window seat on the right side of the plane on the hour flight to Queenstown was beautiful.  I stared at the snow capped mountain peaks of the Southern Alps, including Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand.

As I made my way into town from the airport, I started to feel the energy of this city and could easily understand how people come to visit, get persuaded to hang around a little longer, find a job and next thing they know... their mailing address is Queenstown, New Zealand.

It was a beautiful day, so I decided to treat myself to a nice lunch on the waterfront.  I had read that when in New Zealand, you must taste the lamb.  I wouldn't say I'm a fan, but I'm all about trying things that are a mainstay to get a better understanding of a country and it's culture...  So I had the rack of lack.  Now that can be checked off the list.  

After lunch, I decided to start my adrenaline filled activities in the adventure capital of the world with "the world's most exciting jet boat ride."  It's an iconic New Zealand experience that whips and weaves you through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River.  It was definitely a fun experience and I got to test out the new GoPro!!

I was in the mood for a relaxing night, so I found a spot to watch the sun set over the lake with a glass of wine and enjoyed the ambience.  (I know, so adult... boring!!!)  I also realized I hadn't had ice cream yet the entire six days I've been here and for all of you who know me... that's ludicrous, lol.  Hokey Pokey, a lacy honey toffee candy, is a New Zealand mainstay and so is the ice cream flavor of the same name.  So I got two big scoops and enjoyed this perk of traveling alone, when you can do what you want and no one you know is around to judge you (but I guess now that I told all of you, it defeats the purpose... whoops).

I didn't care though, because the sunset was so pretty, it was all anyone was focusing on.  

Day Five - Seafood, Seals, Sheep and some more Stunning Scenery

I couldn't leave the Marlborough region without trying their Greenshell mussels farmed from the Marlborough Sounds... I've never seen mussels so big!!  They definitely lived up to the hype!!

I then started my four and a half hour drive to Christchurch along the eastern coast of the South Island.  The scenery was absolutely breathtaking.  Rolling hills, steep mountain peaks off in the distance and turquoise water lining the coast.

I stopped in Kaikoura, a seaside town known for its plentiful marine life.  If you're going to eat while in town, crayfish is a must... so I tried a crayfish fritter.  It wasn't what I was expecting, but good nonetheless.  I drove out to the Seal Colony on the peninsula and was up close and personal with an entire pod of seals.  I made friends with this adorable pup who was just chillin' in the shade hidden away from the water.  Although, I think our friendship might be one-sided... He doesn't look to thrilled that I'm crashing his nap, lol

I also think I saw more sheep today in my travels than I did people... which prompted me to jump on google and turns out New Zealand has just over seven sheep for every person.  Have you ever watched a group of them for a few minutes?  They were making me laugh (or maybe I was just really bored on the long drive).  Check out these two, who were all about taking a quick break from grazing to jump in my selfie...

I arrived in Christchurch early evening.  I have always been intrigued by this city... first, the name is so unusual and when I worked as a sports reporter, I covered the Kiwi track cycling team who would train in PA during our summer season and I distinctly remember Christchurch being mentioned in conversations and interviews.  So naturally I was curious about visiting when I planned my trip to New Zealand.  Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, had been hit by a series of strong earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.  I had been told by several people not to bother going or if I do go, not to spend too much time because the city still hasn't recovered.  I guess I wasn't prepared for how true that statement is.  I've never seen anything like this.  You can't drive more than a block without seeing more cranes, construction sites and even red zones.  I spent more than twenty minutes driving in circles trying to get to my hotel because so many roads were closed that it was next to impossible to get where I was going.  You can feel that the spirit of the city was destroyed when the earthquakes hit... it's sad.  References to staying strong and rebuilding are spread throughout, like a new shopping area appropriately named "Re:Start" and a 46-meter neon light message lining the side of the Art Gallery reading, "Everything will be alright".  The city is undergoing major change and re-growth and I'd be curious to come back down the road and see how Christchurch has been transformed.  

I turn in my rental car tomorrow morning and fly to Queenstown!  Let the party begin!!  

Day Four - Marlborough Wine Country

Guys, I'm so drunk!  Just kidding... kind of :)  But honestly, I don't know how I'm not... wait until you hear about my day.

I had another early morning as I had to drive an hour and a half through the mountains to get from Nelson to Blenheim where I was meeting my wine bike tour.  Turns out I was the only one who had booked a full day, so I had a private tour guide!  Amelia was born and raised in the Marlborough region and home for her summer break... she's going to be a junior at the University of Otago.  She was so nice and knowledgeable, so I learned a lot about the area and winemaking.

She took me to four wineries in the morning and many of them were smaller, family run operations.  In fact, at Bladen Wines, the owner and her husband were the ones pouring my tastings and talking to me about the grapes, the winemaking process and even giving me the history of how they ended up owning a vineyard in Marlborough.

We had lunch at the Wairau River Wines vineyard with the owner of the bike tour company and two older couples who were visiting and touring as well.... one from Reno and the other from Canada.  After a tasting, we sat down to lunch and somehow the conversation turned to politics.  We were all laughing about how the national budget will need to be increased if Donald Trump becomes our next President because of the amount of hair products he'll expense.

After lunch, the Canadian couple joined Amelia and I on the bike tour.  We hit another three wineries... which put my total for the day at eight!  Amelia commented that eight wineries in one day set the record for the most the company has done and she was surprised I was still able to stand up straight, let alone ride my bike... Who's proud??  Lol.

After drinking a LOT of water, I drove 45 minutes north to the picturesque, seaside town of Picton, at the base of the Queen Charlotte Sound.  I had a fresh piece of fish for dinner, that was pretty much caught from the sound and then put on my plate... delicious!  Picton is a quiet town with not much going on, so I was thankful to have a low key night to catch up.

Day Three - Welcome to the South Island

It was raining this morning when I left Wellington, but after a 35 minute flight across the Cook Strait, the sun was shining when I landed in Nelson.  And so my South Island adventure begins!!  Almost everyone familiar with New Zealand will tell you, THIS island is where it's at... So I can't wait to see what all the hype is about!!

But first I had to figure out the whole opposite driving situation.  I was a bit nervous to be honest... I've never driven on the left and it is definitely backwards.  I mean, EVERYTHING is backwards.  You have no idea how many times I went to put on my turn signal and the wipers started doing their thing at full blast.  And at one point, going to get in the car, I went to open the left door (their passenger side, our drivers side) - "Hi, I'm from the states... is it obvious?"  #tourist

But after I had that sorted out, I enjoyed the hour drive to Abel Tasman National Park.  The scenery was beautiful.  As I pulled into Marahua, the small town at the base of the park, I started to feel overwhelmed.  Today, I'm definitely stepping outside of my comfort zone... hiking 13.7 km by myself.  My sister had given me a whistle before I left, but after realizing that I might pass a total of ten people all day, I wondered what good that was going to do to protect me.

I hired a boat to take me out to Anchorage Bay and would then hike back from there.  As we made our way along the coast, I couldn't get over how beautiful the coastline is... seriously, stunning.  After the boat dropped me and pulled away, I realized that I was pretty much stuck.  If I wanted to get back to my car, I had to walk... So after a detour to the beautiful Te Pukatea Bay, I started my trek.

I'm sure we can all agree that I'm NOT very good at relaxing and I don't think I've ever taken time to stand still and reflect.  Well today was probably the most time I've ever had alone with my thoughts.  After what felt like an hour, I was feeling good... but my enthusiasm was deflated when I realized I was only 20 minutes into my hike.  I tried everything... including a karaoke session thanks to having some tunes stored on my iPhone, but after getting busted by passing hikers, I shut that down.  (If you've never had the opportunity to hear me sing, consider yourself very lucky).

But as I came across each bend, I was in awe of the view.  The scenery was breathtaking.  New Zealand has to be the two most beautiful pieces of land God has created.  I took a few detours down to the beaches and bays along the trail and had a lot of fun with self-timer :)  I passed a total of 16 people all day and realized how nice it is to enjoy some real peace and quiet.  It was a great feeling when I arrived back at my car and I felt re-energized as I made the hour drive back to Nelson where I was spending the night.  Well re-energized emotionally, but physically I was beat... it's been two long days and another long one ahead.   See I told you I wasn't good at relaxing.  Goodnight!

Day Two - 360 Degrees of Wellington

I was told Wellingtonians love their coffee (CNN recently named Wellington one of the top 8 international coffee destinations) and with a cafe on almost every corner, hitting at least one is a must!  So I started my Saturday sitting in the sun, sipping a latte from a coffee shop that is ranked among the top five in town.

I then began my hike to the lookout on the top of Mt. Victoria, a 693 ft climb.  The 360 degree views of the city, harbor and coastline were amazing and on my way to the top, I got a nice little tour of Wellington's most pricey real estate... Serious life goals!

To reward myself for the calories burned, I treated myself to a nice lunch while laid out on a daybed overlooking the water.  (I know, counterproductive, but don't judge!)  From the second floor deck, it was also great for people watching and go figure, I saw a Kiwi sporting a Tom Brady jersey.  I came all the way to New Zealand and that's the jersey I see?!??  I can't escape my favorite NFL player, lol.

People love being outside here and the waterfront is crowded with Kiwis running, biking or just lounging in the sun.  But whoever dubbed Chicago the "Windy City" clearly hasn't been to Wellington.  I couldn't even take a selfie without my hair blowing in my face.  (That's supposed to be funny... but sadly, it's also true.)

For those of you who know me, you know that while I appreciate museums, it's not my favorite way to spend an afternoon.  But Wellington is home to New Zealand's Te Papa museum, an essential introduction to the country's people, cultures and landscape and listed as a must do in all the guidebooks.  With a closing time of 6pm, I stopped by at 4:30 and did a one hour, fast track, overview... and learned a lot about New Zealand in the process.  Now that's how I like to tackle a museum!

Wellington is also considered the craft beer capital of New Zealand, so I decided I couldn't leave without sampling a few.  I guess it only took one day to get over the insecurity of venturing out alone... I wondered into Malthouse, Wellington's original craft beer bar and discovered a local brewery, Tuatara, was having their tap takeover kickoff party.  I had the bartender pour me a Hefeweizen and I saddled up on a bar stool in the back corner.  I must have looked lonely because not even five minutes later I was invited to join the group of Kiwis next to me.  Turns out it was the owner of Tuatara Brewery and his team celebrating their tap takeover launch!  I got to sample a nice selection of the beers he hand crafts and my tab was on the house!  Now that's a proper Saturday night out in Wellington!

Day One - Kia Ora from New Zealand

And just like that, I'm in New Zealand!!! Well I guess not just like that, lol... but honestly, the flight wasn't that bad!  I managed enough shut eye that I woke up rested and ready to go with only 2 hours left until touchdown in Auckland.  My emotions are on overload... Part of me (the slightly shy, play it safe part) is asking myself why I decided to do this and the other (more fun, badass) part is excited and proud of myself for pulling the trigger on my first solo adventure... a travel experience I've wanted to try for awhile, but never had the courage to do.  Either way, I guess it's too late to change my mind now... This is happening!! 

After landing in Auckland, I flew directly to Wellington and my trip is officially underway!  I checked into the hostel (yes, I'm over 30 and staying in a hostel.  I have a private room though... def too old for the bunk bed/share with strangers setup) and started feeling a little panicked.  Even though I am over prepared, having researched every place I'm visiting to the nth degree, I was asking myself what should I do now that I'm here?  The realization that I'm on this vacation alone, hit me hard. But I didn't fly half way around the world to sit in my room, so I grabbed my maps and headed out to explore.  

Wellington is awesome.  A gorgeous city built on the harbor with a stunning backdrop of green peaks... At least green now that winter is long gone.  It was just warm enough for the brave ones to layout on the beach and for me to imagine what the scene must be like in the heat of the summer.  I rode the cable car up to Kelburn Lookout to experience one of Wellington's best views and wondered back down to the city through the Botanic Gardens.  On the hike down, I stumbled upon a gathering with a live band performing Christmas songs "kiwi" style.  I think it might have been a company holiday picnic, but either way, I crashed it, lol.  I can't turn down these types of experiences which really submerge you in the culture and give you a better understanding of how the locals live.  After a few songs, I continued my stroll down to and through the city just as the work week was wrapping up.  I must say, the Wellingtonians really know how to kick off the weekend... the sidewalks were covered in outdoor bars with kiwis bursting at the seems, drinks in hand.  It looked like a blast, but I didn't have the courage to hit one of the bars solo... maybe that confidence will come by the time day #12 rolls around.

And then all of the sudden the jet lag hit me... I was exhausted, but also starving.  I decided I couldn't let myself go to bed at 7pm on a Friday, so I man'd up and hit one of Wellington's staples, "purveyors of the finest in food, drink and culture" - the Matterhorn.  The food was delicious and the bartender gave me a nice sampling of wines from around the best producing regions of New Zealand.  I felt like I was missing out by not spending a night out on the town, but mom, you'll be thankful that I could barely keep my eyes open, so I headed home to catch up on some zzz's.  Day one is in the books... Excited for everything that's ahead!! 

The 22 hour trek to New Zealand

Leg one - Check ✔️

Newark to LAX is going to feel like a cakewalk after the next leg of this trip - 13 hours in flight to Auckland!!  Have my Tylenol PM and my neck pillow... Here we go!!