Auckland, the City of Sails, heart of New Zealand’s city life, as well as a nice change from the rest of our trip. For the past month, we’ve roamed beaches, milked cows and collected chicken eggs, hiked legendary peaks, mountain biked and trekked (or tramped as the kiwi’s say) through the vast expanse of National park. We’ve learned about permaculture from people who treat it as a lifestyle, as well as embracing the warmhearted welcome as we culturally immersed ourselves of the Maori community, but needless to say this was a refreshing change of pace as well as a growth rounding out our experience when it comes to getting the full New Zealand package. In the days we’ve been here we’ve shopped our wallets out, explored every nook and cranny of the downtown area, and generally treating ourselves to the city life known as Auckland; however, all the tears shed recently haven’t all been of joy. During our last day here, we went to the scenic island of Rangitoto for a stroll to both appreciate the skyline of Auckland as well as an extensive reflection of our first leg of our journey, reviewing our goals that we wrote at the orientation ceremony and rewriting them when adaptation was necessary. On another note, each member was asked to write a little something about how they felt, learned, took from, or all the above about their time in New Zealand:
New Zealand was an eye opening experience. I got meet a lot of awesome people that have changed my outlook on life. I am very grateful that they took time out of their busy day to teach us about native culture and passions. I built amazing friendships that will last a lifetime and I can’t wait to return to New Zealand.
Junior G
It is difficult to sum the feelings, experiences, and lessons learned in a month into a single paragraph, but I think the focal point of the entire experience could be summed up into three words, perspective, gratitude, and clarity. There is absolutely nothing like what we all felt and experienced this past month, and the memories will be with me until the end of time as I know it.
Eli B
Here’s the last of the statements:
My time in New Zealand has featured lots of growth scattered with moments of wonder and amazement. Carpe has allowed me to access lifestyles that I never thought possible. Somehow we have been honored enough to take part in everything from sustainable farming to an evening in a Native American sweat lodge. What has impacted me most about New Zealand is the focus on inter-connectivity.Every single aspect of life affects another, which has challenged me to be more intentional with my actions, and has inspired me to lead a life where energy is focused outward.
Anna B
New Zealand has been an amazing experience. Joining the group late, I was worried about fitting and finding my place, but they have become a second family. Over the past couple of weeks we have faced challenges, both physical and mental, and I have felt myself growing as a person. I have a greater confidence in what I can handle and am more in tune with my sense of self. New Zealand has given me friendships and taught me lessons that will last a lifetime, and I will forever be grateful.
Taylor B
The biggest takeaway for me from our New Zealand chapter is the sense of wonder and curiosity that has been instilled in myself. No longer do I consider myself a tourist, but a traveler. In the future, I do not want to seek out the Hiltons or the Marriots, but the hostels, the more culturally authentic ways. Meeting the people we have here has also called into question my own beliefs and values that I held strongly before this trip. I have come to the realization that I truly am the master of my own destiny and can lead a life as awe inspiring and remarkable as I have been for the last month. “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
– Ashley T
I think the best way to start my recap of New Zealand is to say that it is the most beautiful country I have ever been to. The beach, the farm land, the mountains, I have yet to be disappointed by the landscape. But i think what i am taking away from the New Zealand chapter is a stronger sense of self. We have done a lot of activities where we have had to push ourselves mentally and physically and I am beginning to discover that I am stronger than i thought i was. As we enter into the Fiji chapter i know that i can handle most things that will be thrown my way.
– Carly S
Over this trip, the New Zealand chapter of it, I have been able to take away so much. By living to the fullest, be it scrambling to the top of a mountain, enjoying the sunset, or surfing the waves of Raglan, I am fully content with my life and am glad to be alive because, I for one, sure as hell feel alive. I’m glad to have been able to experience the Maori culture and their history and art as well as the concept of permaculture which is practiced quite a lot in New Zealand. Tune in next time for more adventures.
– Dane O
One change in my perspective that I have noticed after spending a month in New Zealand is how closely tied a native culture (Maori) and modern society are able to assimilate with each other. Coming from America, one has a very skewed vision of how the Native American’s live completely separated from our culture. In fact the two society’s are almost entirely segregated. Seeing how modern New Zealand was able to find common ground and live with the Maori people is very inspiring and can be used as a model for us back in the states.
– Ian W
My experience in New Zealand is something I won’t forget. It couldn’t have been a more beautiful place to just take a break from everything going on back home. I’ll take away so many awesome memories and sights but most importantly, this month has started to bring peace back to my mind. I look back on New Zealand as the beginning of a new chapter in my life. The journey has been very satisfying so far and I am looking forward to continue what it has started.
– Alex B
New Zealand, to try and describe this experience in just a paragraph is doing it a huge injustice. From stepping off the plane in Wellington to our last few days in Auckland, it’s been an absolute blast! Hiking the Tongarira pass, surfing in Raglan, immersing ourselves in the awesome Maori culture, Working on Greg and Rachel’s farm in Hawkes bay, and exploring Auckland. The list of memorable times I’ve had goes on and on, and that’s only been on that first third of the trip. This experience has already been eye opening and has changed me, so to say I’m excited for the next two months would be an understatement!
– Dylan P
I have to say, it feels like a bit of a tall order to have to minimize the myriad of experiences and emotions I’ve felt within this month solely into one concise paragraph. Sometimes I feel as though the amount of English tongue I have at my disposal just isn’t sufficient in expressing what it is it I feel inside. Perhaps I can’t exactly paint the entire picture, but some words that might shape the silhouette of the experience are such terms as amazing, inspiring, enlightening, and astonishing. I’ve felt lifted to the top of the world, and humbled all the same. I’ve gazed upon gorgeous sights, swam in the shimmering waters of New Zealand’s pacific, and embarked upon some of the most breathtaking hikes I’ve ever been on. This month has given me the chance to look deep inside myself, considering such concepts as how I’d like to see myself, what part I’d like to play within the group, and what is it I want to walk away from this trip with holding sacred. It’s been challenging. It’s been revitalizing. It’s been a billion little details all in one.
– Cyrus K
On an even further note, with heavy hearts we also said farewell to two members of our family: Lauren and Coleman. Needless to say mixed emotions were in the air, but We can all feel the spark of excitement in the air for the next Chapter in our Journey!
-Ashley and Eli