NZ Diary Overview

Bief summary of the NZ diary this summer.

Volunteering in New Zealand

Back in summer, I spent slightly more than a month in New Zealand. The primary objective was to volunteer for Fish&Game in order to receive approval for my teacher education. This opportunity arose only because I have personal contacts to Fish&Game. However, due to the flexible nature of my assignment, I was able to do a lot more. Here is a brief summary:

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Content New Zealand Diary

• Interlude: What to expect
• From Auckland to Wellington: Driving down memorylane
• On the way South: Things that fell apart
• Southland: Duck Hunt
• 36 hours on Stewart Island
• South Island Sojourn
• Fly Fishing Taupo
• Work at Fish&Game Rotorua (Eastern Region)
• The most beautiful Canyon
• Blind date in the Waipu Cave
• Introduction to Fly Fishing in NZ

Roadtrip Gear

Due to the fact that I most often than not camped outdoors and traveled by car, my packing list consisted mostly of outdoor gear. Apart from the MSR Freelite 2 tent, Thermarest Neoair sleeping pad, and Western Mountaineering Antelope MF sleeping bag, I carried an entire fishing setup as well as photographic equipment (A6500, Tamron 18-200, Sigma 16mm, 10-18mm, Mavic Pro in the Atlas Athlete pack). That’s mostly it and all I need to live.

Summary of the NZ Diary

In a nutshell, my route led me from Auckland all the way down South to Stewart Island. A few detours – planned and unforeseen alike – brought me back North. There, I went even further to visit the Waipu caves in Northland. From the campground, I went straight to the airport to board the plane: I slept well.

This NZ diary of this trip allows a deep insight into the mode how I travel. Furthermore, it gives you the chance to plan your stay in NZ by suggesting a roundtrip starting in Auckland. When reading between the lines, you can also find out where to go to beat the crowds. Yet, your best bet would be to visit during off-season.

Once more, New Zealand casted a spell over me with its incredible landscape, its wonderful inhabitants and I cannot wait to go back again.