Why New Zealand?

Obviously one of the most important decisions going into a study abroad program is where to go. I searched through my school's study abroad website, found the programs that would easily transfer into my major, and then went my location. My major is Agricultural Business, which is fairly specific, so there were four main programs I could choose from. My options were New Zealand, Australia, Czech Republic, and France. I already knew going in that I wanted a laid back environment and spoke English, so that narrowed it down to Australia and New Zealand. I initially picked New Zealand because my major has had a lot of experience with students studying at Lincoln University in New Zealand and they could tell me which classes I could take for credit. The more I looked into New Zealand however, the more excited I got over the country itself. All of the reasons I had for picking LUNZ (Lincoln University - New Zealand) were very valid, but none were based off of the country itself. Now I can't stop looking up more things about New Zealand! Especially South Island, where my school is. New Zealand is seriously one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen (in pictures ;)) and there is SO much stuff to do. Coming from a Colorado University, adventure is a must, and this country is full of hikes and adrenaline filled fun!

You might have already seen my bucket list, but New Zealand has everything I love. They speak English, but I can still immerse myself in their unique Maori culture if I choose to, they have a very mild climate, and some of the most beautiful scenery. These are all very important to me, seeing as I'll be living here for five months, not just visiting for a few weeks, a very relaxed and chill city was a must for me. I can't explain how excited I am to spend my weekends hiking and camping, and the occasional weekend bungy jumping or spelunking. There are just so many opportunities for adventures and I plan to make the most of them.

Luckily we get a two week mid semester break in April, so if I want to expand my horizons to include Australia, Fiji, or some other spot, I totally can. If I can budget well enough I would love to be able to spend those two weeks making even more memories, and I would love to be able to spend time in multiple countries if I can! I really hope this blog post made sense, I got my wisdom teeth out recently and my body is currently on some strong pain meds. I guess when I go back and read this in a week, I'll find out. ;) Officially three weeks until I leave for my big adventure!

New Zealand Bucket List

Here's what I have so far for a bucket list. I REALLY hope to do all of these things, but it really depends on how much money I have.

1. Milford Track 
2. Hike to Lake Matheson and see Reflection Island
3. Do as many hikes within the Mount Cook National Park as possible!
4. Go to the Waitomo glow worm caves :)
5. Visit Hobbiton 
6. Do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (walk into Mordor!)
7. Do the Kawarau  Bridge Bungy
8. Walk the Mueller Hut Route
9. Walk the Kepler Track
10. Hike Mount Sunday (Edoras)
11. Go to Cathedral Cove (Narnia <3)
12. Visit Paradise
13. Go horseback riding in Ruapehu and/or Glenorchy
14. Eat the local food
15. Pass my classes ;)
16. Visit Australia
17. Explore as much of the North Island and South Island as I can!
18. Use any leftover money for travel
19. Be healthy
20. Order at least a few drinks because I'm legal there! (drinking age of 18 yessss)
21. Take lots of pictures!
22. Utilize my GoPro to the fullest
23. Make lifelong friends :)

Pilot

I know the first show in a TV series is the "pilot" episode, so here is my pilot blog post! I just finished up an incredible semester working in Walt Disney World doing the Disney College Program, and now I'm off to New Zealand! What can I say, I have an adventure addiction. My New Zealand program goes from February-June, and I will be studying at Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand. For those of you who don't know, New Zealand is made up of two main islands, and I will be studying on the south island (less populated). I could not be more excited to immerse myself in the unique culture and breathtaking scenery. Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia were both filmed here, and you bet I'll be visiting some of those film sets. I started making a bucket list which I'll hopefully post soon, but for now I just wanted to get a foundation set for this blog! I hope for it to be a mix of a travel blog, photography blog, and online journal. I leave for Christchurch on February 14th, arrive the 16th, and have not yet booked a return flight. Finals end the 26th (ish) of June, but I would love to travel if I have enough money left. Well it's midnight and I should go to bed...please enjoy my awkward first post.

To read my Disney College Program blog, go here: http://livingthedcpdream.blogspot.com/