There are certain milestones in life that leave an imprint on your memory forever, your first day of school, your first job, and for me, my very first international trip. I had always dreamed of seeing the world beyond South Africa, but I never expected my first destination would be New Zealand, a country so far away yet so captivating that even now, it feels like stepping into a dream when I think back on it.
The Journey Begins
My adventure started with a night flight on Emirates. I still remember the mix of nerves and excitement as I boarded, clutching my passport a little tighter than usual. The first leg of the trip took me to Dubai, and walking through Dubai International Airport felt like being transported into the future. The space was enormous, dazzling with bright lights, endless rows of shops, and travellers moving swiftly in every direction. Coming from South Africa, I couldn’t help but stare in awe, it was like nothing I had seen before.
From Dubai, I boarded my connecting flight straight to Auckland. The hours seemed to stretch endlessly in the air, but every minute carried me closer to a new adventure. It was my first time flying internationally, and even though the journey was long, the anticipation kept me wide-eyed.
Arriving in Auckland
When the plane finally landed, I felt a rush of emotions, relief, excitement, and a tinge of nervousness. The airport process felt monumental. I collected my bags, stood in line to get my passport stamped, and then walked through the “nothing to declare” exit. It sounds simple, but for me, it was the moment it all became real: I had made it to New Zealand.
Waiting for me outside was my cousin, who had recently moved to Auckland. Staying with her gave me a sense of comfort, a familiar anchor in a brand-new place.
Christmas in a Summer Wonderland
What struck me first was how different Christmas felt in New Zealand. Back home, I associated the holiday with cooler weather, but here, the sun was shining, the air was warm, and everything felt bright and summery. Jet lag hit me hard, I slept through Christmas Eve, but I woke up on Christmas Day ready to celebrate.
We joined family friends for lunch, and though it was different from what I was used to, the spirit of togetherness was the same. That day taught me something I hadn’t thought about before: Christmas isn’t about where you are, but who you spend it with.
Discovering Auckland by Train
Before Christmas Day, my cousin had taken me on a train journey around Auckland. It was my first taste of the city, and I was amazed at how efficient and clean the trains were compared to what I knew. We started near Nuffield Street and made our way through Newmarket, with its stylish shops and vibrant atmosphere. From there, we stopped at Britomart, a busy hub full of life, and wandered through Commercial Bay, a sprawling shopping and dining destination.
Commercial Bay left me mesmerized. The architecture was sleek and modern, the shops were diverse, and the energy was contagious. I found myself marvelling at things I had never seen in South Africa, it was like being in a whole new world.
Exploring the City’s Waterfront
Over the next few days, I fell in love with Auckland’s waterfront. We spent time at Wynyard Quarter, Viaduct Harbour, and Silo Park. Each place carried its own rhythm, families strolling by the water, boats bobbing in the marina, cafés spilling out onto sidewalks. The city had this perfect balance of being lively without feeling rushed, and I quickly understood why people loved living there. We even stayed at a hotel for a few days, and though I can’t recall its name now, I remember the feeling of waking up in a new place, ready to see more of the city.
Adventures Beyond Auckland
The true beauty of New Zealand revealed itself when we left the city and ventured out to explore bays, beaches, and hiking trails. Each place seemed more beautiful than the last. The beaches stretched out endlessly, with golden sands and clear blue waters that looked almost unreal.
The hike at Whangārei Falls was my absolute favourite. The sound of rushing water echoed through the forest, and as I stood before the waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery, I felt a sense of peace and wonder I’d never known before. Later, we explored the Town Basin, a charming waterfront filled with boats, art, and cafés, it felt like a postcard come to life.
Food was part of the adventure too. One night, we shared a pizza so massive it nearly covered the table. It wasn’t just about eating, it was about laughing, enjoying the moment, and creating a memory that I’ll never forget.
Ringing in the New Year at the Sky Tower
As the year ended, we prepared to welcome in the new one at one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks: the Sky Tower. Standing tall over the city, the Sky Tower offered sweeping views that stretched far and wide.
On New Year’s Eve, the city gathered in anticipation, and when the fireworks began, the night sky exploded in colour. Watching the bursts of light reflect over Auckland was breathtaking. It was more than just a celebration of a new year; it felt like a personal celebration of everything I had experienced in the past few weeks.
The Spirit of Aotearoa
What struck me most about New Zealand wasn’t just its natural beauty or modern cityscapes, it was the culture. Known as Aotearoa in Māori, the country embraces its indigenous heritage in a way that feels genuine and powerful. From art to performances, the presence of Māori culture was everywhere, adding a richness to everything I experienced, then there were the people. Every interaction I had, from shopkeepers to strangers passing by, was marked by warmth and friendliness. There’s a laid-back spirit in New Zealand that makes you feel at ease, no matter how far from home you are.
Reflections on My Journey
Looking back, my first international trip was everything I could have hoped for and more. It was a mix of excitement, discovery, and personal milestones. I experienced jet lag for the first time, celebrated Christmas and New Year in a new country, saw landscapes that took my breath away, and created memories that I’ll treasure forever.
New Zealand isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place that stays with you. From the sparkling city views at the Sky Tower to the roaring waters of Whangārei Falls, every moment felt like a gift. For anyone considering it as a destination, my advice is simple: go. Let yourself get lost in its beauty, its culture, and its spirit, you won’t regret it.
Written by Nerona Naidoo
