New Zealand Adventure
From lush meadows to alpine peaks
Photo by Stephanie Herson
It was a perfect summer day in New Zealand, and what better way to ring in the New Year than exploring protected bays, enjoying golden sand beaches, and searching for stingray by kayak in Abel Tasman National Park. This is how seventeen alumni and guests spent the first day of 2006 as participants in the HBS Alumni Travel Program’s New Zealand Fiordland Discovery.
The twelve-day trip originated in Auckland in late December and concluded in Queenstown on January 8. Our journey through New Zealand’s diverse landscapes showcased the region’s remarkable beauty and history.
We admired the varied textures of the land, from lush green grass to icy glaciers to crystal clear waters and alpine peaks. And we were warmly welcomed at our many stops by the local Kiwi and Maori (native New Zealanders). Our local guide expertly described the natural wonders, history, and culture of her homeland. Many in the group took advantage of a diverse range of activities available to us, including sailing, fishing, golfing, mountain biking, swimming, hiking, glacier climbing, and wine-tasting.
Our trip concluded with a tour of Milford Sound, part of one of the world’s largest national parks. It offered us a glimpse of New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery. We were enthralled by the power of nature — from hundreds of tumbling waterfalls to forested valleys and deep fiords.
A farewell dinner hosted by the HBS Club of New Zealand further highlighted the country’s great hospitality, delicious cuisine, and fine wine.
— Stephanie Herson
