My passion for travel started from a young age, so after finishing university I packed up my bags and spent the next two years exploring Canada. My curiosity spurred me on to my next adventure, with my sights set on Australia and New Zealand.
After a breathtaking trip up the east coast of Australia, I flew to New Zealand to spend the winter living and working in Queenstown. Life in the Southern Alps was filled with hiking snow-capped mountains and spotting the wildlife endemic to New Zealand. I found the Kiwi way of life enchanting and decided to continue my exploration of New Zealand after the winter was over. I spent the next eight months travelling from the dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound, up to the kauri forests of the Northland, enjoying the culture, wildlife, and scenery of New Zealand.
Now I'm back in London, I feel privileged to share my knowledge of my favourite place on earth.
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Q&A with Rebecca
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
One of the best meals I had in New Zealand was a traditional Hāngī dinner in Rotorua, a place renowned for its Māori culture. The process involves cooking the meal in a steam oven dug into the ground, heated by hot rocks placed underneath. Eating this food was an experience, as it has been prepared with such care, using a process that has been passed down through generations. I particularly liked the pork — it was hearty, tender, and infused with the smoky flavour from the cooking process.
What's your most vivid travel moment?
I was spending the night at Mueller Hut, an alpine hut situated in Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, perched among the glaciers and striking views of Mount Cook and the surrounding mountains. After an exhausting trek up the side of the mountain to get to my spot for the night, I was ready to tuck myself into bed. Thankfully, I ventured outside once the sun had fully set to get a glimpse of the magnificent stars that I expected to light up the night sky, but I was greeted with a different kind of light. A soft, green glow began to move across the sky, faint at first but then it grew brighter. After a while the aurora started to dance across the sky, filling the nights sky with a wondrous green. Seeing the Southern Lights felt surreal and I remember thinking how beautiful nature can be. Sometimes the best memories are the ones that take a little effort — like hiking to the top of a mountain and staying awake until 2am — and I'll surely never forget this one.
Which book, film or artwork captures New Zealand the most?
Whilst staying with relatives in Christchurch I was introduced to the film Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro. The film is a reproduction of the book by the same name, written by Witi Ihimaera, a Māori author. The movie showcases the natural landscapes of New Zealand, whilst delving into the history of Māori traditions and the respect that New Zealanders have for nature. Watching this movie helped me begin to understand the beauty and complexities of New Zealand culture.