My last blog post

Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 29, 2009 at 2:05 pm

Having the opportunity to experience New Zealand was incredible. Writing this blog also gave me the opportunity to share some of the magic and beauty of the country. I hope that readers of the blog found it interesting, useful and a little entertaining. The TRENZblog will remain online for a few more months, just in case you want to come back and check it out. Who knows, maybe it will be brought back to life next year for TRENZ 2010. I know I have a long list of places and activities I would like to blog about!

As my final blog post for TRENZblog 2009, I wanted to put forward a few thoughts, things I learned, moments I discovered, experiences I had, and things that made this trip exceptional. Some are life changing—those big AHA moments that come when you least expect them—and others are little things that led me to those bigger moments or to a better travel experience.

So for what it’s worth, here are a few things to think about:

Guided tours are a great thing

I have to admit, before this trip, I would have said I’d rather just rent a car and head out on my own personal adventures. After having the pleasure of seeing New Zealand with knowledgeable guides, I have changed my mind. Having someone with me who knew the area, the history and the cultural significance was priceless. It expanded each experience and gave me so much more than if I were there on my own.

Try new things

I never would have thought that I would eat whitebait (especially once I saw what they looked like!), but I did and it was an interesting experience. Now, I wish I had tried possum pie…maybe next time!

Ask around

In New Zealand, people are exceptional. They go out of their way to help you get to where you are going and to have a great experience. Ask people where they go for dinner, what they do on a rainy (or sunny) day and then ask them why they love New Zealand. The answers you get will take you to new places and may inspire you. One word of advice, don’t ask one of the naked rugby players during the game.

Live in the moment

One of the most incredible things I did was the helicopter tour to the top of the mountain. Drinking champagne overlooking Queenstown was a very special moment for me. I took a visual snapshot of myself standing up there on top of the world and I will keep that feeling with me forever.

Take that leap of faith

I am so glad that I didn’t back out of my bungy jump. And I really, really, really wanted to! Looking down into the canyon, I didn’t think I could do it. But I did. And I proved something to myself (of course, it did take four bungy professionals to talk me into proving that something to myself, but that’s another story). Take that leap, follow your dreams and try something you always wanted to do!

When you are thinking about your next big vacation, consider New Zealand. Full disclosure – I am a part of the PR team in Canada for Tourism New Zealand. Going there—and this blog—is a part of my job (tough gig, but someone has to do it!). The great people at TNZ were incredibly supportive about this being an authentic blog—not just a marketing piece—and I had great freedom to write what I thought.

I have travelled a great deal in my life and I can say without hesitation that New Zealand is a place you should experience at least once in your lifetime. The scenery is breathtaking; the activities are exciting, exhilarating and a little insane or they can be gentle, calm and peaceful. The food and wine are world-class and the people…well, Kiwis are exceptional. They are open, funny, full of adventure and always willing to take the time to make sure you have a great vacation in their country.

Kia ora!