Submitted by Haley Nelson on the 2016 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Animal and Food Sciences…
Having now experienced my fifth full day in New Zealand I have come to realize that every surface of this country is not only covered in sheep as far as the eye can see, but also stunning scenery. The drive from Christchurch started out with wide expanses of green grassy flatlands. After traveling through the Canterbury plains, the bus began climbing up the hills jutting out from below. These hills are considered “high country” for a reason; the drive allowed for breath-taking views of the harbors below, including the location of our next destination, Akaroa. Akaroa is a beautiful harbor town with crystal clear blue water containing Hector’s dolphins, which are the smallest species in the world, seals and even penguins.
My first experience in Akaroa was walking up the docks that run from the shore out fifty feet past some of the sailboats bobbing peacefully in the harbor on clear blue salt water, expanding towards mountains in the distance. The ocean views however are not the only draw to locals and travelers alike. There were many small shops with trinkets expressing the shore culture including copper seagull wall art, opal shells incorporated into Kiwi necklaces, dancing penguins and numerous other fun and fantastic items. As if all of this was not enough, I then had the opportunity to hike up the side of one of the hills surrounding the harbor. On this hike our group first channeled our inner child, when we stumbled upon an empty playground. After sliding and swinging to our hearts desire, we found a perfect climbing tree. One of my hiking group members scaled the tree and made his way up into the sprawling branches above, while I was finally managing to make my way onto the first branch with only a few minor cuts and bruises.
The most striking part of the trails we hiked on were the beautiful sounds of the birds echoing through the dense forest. New Zealand was once inhabited by only birds, who took the niches of many of the land mammals and reptiles found in other parts of the world. I really experienced this while enjoying a quiet moment in the woods listening to the high pitched chirps of the songbirds, and the squawks of seagulls in the distance. We then continued up the side of the hill, and ran into a family of wild chickens, who seemed to be very used to human interaction. Finally we reached the top, and were rewarded with a stunning view over the top of the entire harbor. Having now experienced my fifth day in New Zealand, I am certain there are many more exciting adventures to come.