On this wet, rainy, summer morning, I read back over my blog from the start of the year, Travel Dreams for 2023. I wasn’t expecting them all to happen and they didn’t. Cost of living has made it less affordable to travel this year. While I have traveled more in previous years, I have made it to a few epic bucket list locations. It has been a wonderful year of travel.

My favourite place I have been to in Aotearoa this year (and quite possibly ever) is Rakiura, Stewart Island. What an incredible place to celebrate my 40th birthday. I fell in love with the incredible beaches, slow, relaxed way of life, the abundance of birds and the stunning starry night sky. It is a nature lover’s paradise. While getting there does take a bit of planning, those who make the effort will be rewarded. It is spectacular.

Travelling has taught me many lessons, but the key learning is the importance of being present in the moment. I do plan quite full itineraries, but I have learnt to stop, take a moment and absorb my surroundings.

I call it, ‘taking memory photos’.

The complete awe of gazing on the southern night sky in a dark sky reserve. Star Gazing in a Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Feeling the cold waterfall flow down over me at Patuna Chasm. Exploring Patuna Chasm

Hearing 2 male kiwis fighting (honestly, that’s a sound you will never forget!)

Watching albatross effortlessly glide through the sky. Watching Albatross

They are all but moments, ones that could have been easily missed, but I have learnt that when you consciously seek out the beauty in the simple, there are extraordinary moments to be had everyday. Travel has helped open my eyes to the awe and wonder that constantly surrounds us.

I started my little blog 4 years ago, the first post landed 1st January 2020. And now, 134 posts later, on 31st December, 2023, it feels like the right time to end. I have loved sharing my adventures with you and having these stories and photos to look back at is so special. But everything has its season, and it feels like the right time to bring this one to a close.

Thank you for taking the time to read the words of a 40 year old kiwi girl, living in the most beautiful place on earth. It really means a lot. If you haven’t made it to Aotearoa yet, put it on your bucket list. The Long White Cloud is a remarkable place that will take your breath away.

Wishing you all an extraordinary 2024 with many beautiful moments that take your breath away.