New+Zealand+Travel

In my third year of college, I spent a semester (five months) at the University of Otago in New Zealand. (If you've seen any of the Tolkien or Narnia movies, that's where they were filmed.) New Zealand is southeast of Australia and consists of 2 islands, and I lived on the southern end of the South Island, in a town named Dunedin (done-ee-din). It was among the most incredible experiences of my life, and had a huge impact on making me who I am today. It's also full of many of the most beautiful and interesting places I've ever seen--here are some pictures:

In Wanaka (South Island), on the drive up to a ski hill.

At the top of the ski hill--most amazing view I've ever skied towards.

In New Zealand, sheep outnumber people by a ratio of 10:1. Just try to imagine that for a second.

Orakei Thermal Park (North Island)--This part was named 'The Artist's Palette," and was formed between 8,000 and 14,000 BC. The smoky clouds around it is steam being released from the hydrothermal (hydro=water, therm=heat) activity under the ground. The park is near the town of Rotorua, which is known in part for its smell (like rotten eggs), which is from the sulfur emitted by hydrothermal vents around town.

On a walk in the west coast rainforest--moss covered most of the trees, including exposed roots and fallen branches, like in this photo.