Milford Sound, South Island

Invest in memories, invest in travel: What comes next? (Oceania)

Think green, think…

New Zealand

Well here we go again, back in 2017… ✈️ I hopped on a plane headed to New Zealand. Yep, all the way from Peru, crossing the entire Pacific Ocean! 🌊 And let me tell you, what I found when I got there… you won’t believe it!

Shakespear Regional Park, perfect spot for a picture
Shakespear Regional Park
Lighthouse Cape Reinga
Lighthouse Cape Reinga

First things first, let me tell you, New Zealand takes the cake when it comes to spectacular views. 🏞️ Can you picture it? All green, everywhere you look! Two incredible islands, packed with activities to do: from skiing to exploring lighthouses all over the country, or simply capturing stunning images in those landscapes straight out of a fairy tale. 📸

I was living on the North Island, specifically in Auckland. A beautiful city where the Sky Tower stands tall, ranking in the top 30 tallest buildings in the world. 🏙️ But don’t think it’s all skyscrapers, there are also dreamy beaches and tiny islands like Waiheke that are just a marvel! 🏝️

Waiheke beaches
Waiheke beaches

If you decide to venture north on the island, get ready for a visual feast. Paihia, with its jaw-dropping beaches, or Whangarei, perfect for hiking and connecting with nature. 🌄 And if you’re feeling adventurous, go all the way up to the northernmost point, Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide in a whirlpool of currents and otherworldly views. 🌊

North Island
A beautiful park on the North Island

Now, if you delve into the heart of the North Island, you can’t miss Rotorua . What a spectacular place! It’s like the epicenter of Maori culture, surrounded by geothermal activity and natural landscapes that will leave you breathless. 🌋 And of course, don’t forget Tauranga, with its beaches perfect for relaxing and spending the day like a true Kiwi. 🥝

the water is like a mirror
Some unexpected place

But it’s not all about the north, there’s plenty to see down south too! Lake Taupo awaits you with its crystal-clear waters and postcard-perfect blue waterfalls. 💦 Then we arrived in Wellington, the capital of NZ. A beautiful city where the food is great, the nightlife is buzzing, and I was lucky enough to witness the showdown between Peru and New Zealand for a spot in the World Cup!⚽

Pancake Rocks - Punakaiki
Pancake Rocks – Punakaiki

And so, we crossed over to the South Island, with stops like Picton, a lovely town with a charming harbor. From there, we headed to thePancake Rocks, a rocky formation that looks like something out of a movie! 🎥

Lake Tekapo, stunning place
Lake Tekapo

We continued southward and came across the incredible Lake Tekapo, with a blue that will leave you speechless, and the majestic Mount Cook, part of the Southern Alps, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.⛰️

Nugget Point Lighthouse such amazing place
Nugget Point Lighthouse

And what can I say about Dunedin? With its dreamy coastal landscapes… 🏞️ and then we went down to Nugget Point Lighthouse, what a sight! New Zealand is full of lighthouses with history, and you’ve got to see them all! 🌅

Milford Sounds - Soutland (the most impressive place I have ever seen)
Milford Sounds

And so, we reached the southernmost point, Invercargill, with its beautiful coastline and historic downtown… But we couldn’t end the trip without visiting Queenstown, the world capital of adventures, and boy, does it not disappoint! 🚵‍♂️ And, to top it all off, Milford Sounds, a magical place where dreams come true! 🌌

Rotorua and its entertainmentsWhat do you think, ready to embark on this adventure? New Zealand is waiting for you with open arms!

Fiji

Relaxing in Fiji (Fiji Time)
One of many beaches in Fiji

And then there was that spontaneous trip during my time in NZ when I thought, “Why not check out Fiji?” 🏝️ Let me tell you, it was a decision I’ll never regret. Fiji’s got it all – stunning nature, countless islands to explore, and oh boy, it’s gorgeous.

Swimming in Fiji, Crystal Clear Water
Crystal Clear Water

But you know what really blew me away? The Fijian folks themselves. They’re like the friendliest bunch you’ll ever meet. From the moment I set foot there, I was greeted with warm smiles and open arms. 🤗 And let’s not forget about Fiji Time – it’s like the clock slows down, and everyone’s just chilling, no rush at all.⏳

Sharing a meal with local people
Sharing with local people

I dove headfirst into their culture, soaking up every bit of it. From getting to know their traditions to digging into their mouthwatering grub, every moment was a revelation. One highlight? Sharing a meal with the locals. Picture this: digging into their traditional Lovo feast and washing it down with some ceremonial Kava. Talk about a taste sensation! 🍽️

In Fiji, it wasn’t just about the sights – it was about the people, the vibe, the whole shebang. They welcomed me like family, and I left with a heart full of memories that’ll keep me smiling for ages.❤️

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wasalina

Hey buddies, I'm one of the oldest students at the university; for me, it's like starting all over again. Many times, I don't understand a lot of things because I'm not as up-to-date as you guys, but I'm happy to be able to share some of my experiences and pass them on with open arms.

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