New Zealand is a land of dramatic contrasts and breathtaking natural beauty. From the subtropical rainforests and golden beaches of the North Island to the towering, snow-capped Southern Alps and glacial fjords of the South, it’s a wonderfully remarkable country just waiting to be explored. Volcanic activity has sculpted geothermal wonders, bubbling mud pools and fascinating geysers, while ancient forests of towering kauri and beech trees provide a haven for unique wildlife.
This pristine environment makes New Zealand a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. That’s why there are many travellers making the trip to The Land of the Long White Cloud for a journey of self-discovery. Visitors often fall in love with the natural beauty of the country and use it as a chance to inspire themselves and seek ways of finding out who they truly are.
We will explore both the north and south islands of New Zealand in this guide to find out why they are two of the best places to harness the power of experiential learning for personal growth and self-discovery as a woman.
New Zealand’s North Island Nature
Waitomo Caves
Famous for its stunningly impressive cave system and wonderful glowworm attractions, Waitomo Cave is a must-visit location on New Zealand’s north island and is only a two-hour drive south of Auckland. Caves like this provide the perfect setting for self-discovery, as they provide a secluded environment that forces you to conquer your fears, disconnect from daily distractions and immerse yourself in a natural world of wonder.
Whakarewarewa Forest
There are over 5,600 hectares of natural treasures in the Whakarewarewa Forest, which gives you the perfect setting for ultimate nature immersion. Home to magnificent Californian Coast Redwoods, this forest is a great retreat that also offers a wide range of activities. Forests like this provide a serene, natural setting that invokes self reflection and the ability to gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Seeing rare species of native wildlife can help to trigger parts of the brain that are consistently active during self reflection. There is no better place to channel this emotion than by visiting Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, whether you’re a solo traveller or part of a group. The lush eco-sanctuary is located in the heart of Wellington and has some of the rarest wildlife found in the entire world from kiwis to prehistoric reptiles and everything in between.
New Zealand’s South Island Nature
Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki is one of the largest alpine lakes in the whole of New Zealand and gives off an extremely beautiful turquoise glow from the water, which only improves during the summer when the light bounces off it. The calm, serene environment a lake provides encourages a meditative state, allowing for quiet introspection and clearer visual representation of your thoughts. Aoraki/Mount Cook towers over this lake and is also a great place to traverse for self-discovery.
Milford Sound
Famous for its towering peaks, gorgeous rainforests and remarkable waterfalls, Milford Sound is a beautiful haven for self-discovery. This fiord has a plethora of wildlife, such as seals, penguins and dolphins that you can see as you walk through the one-of-a-kind Edenic that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. You can take the time to relax in Milford Sound and learn more about yourself during the journey.
Wanaka
The majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand are home to Wanaka, which has the perfect balance of laid-back charm and adventurous spirit that gives you the perfect location for self-reflection and discovery. Outdoor enthusiasts will love this wonderful haven that offers a range of outdoor activities for you to enjoy during your adventures. The iconic “That Wanaka Tree” only adds to the unique character of the town and it symbolizes the beauty of this retreat.
Packing For Your Self-Discovery Journey
When packing for a self-discovery journey, you should consider your goals, what you want to wear and how you want to document your trip. Depending on these variables, the things you pack will change but there are general things that you can’t afford to miss out on. Here’s some advice on what to pack:
- Essentials: It goes without saying that clothes, underwear and socks must be taken, but something that is often forgotten is a first aid kit.
- Swimwear: New Zealand has a lot of beaches and lakes, so it’s very likely that you’ll be entering a body of water at some point.
- Journal: To complete your self-discovery, carrying a journal can be a great idea so that you can look back on it to remind yourself of what happened during your New Zealand travels.
- Leave behind bad habits: If you’re going to New Zealand for self-discovery, make sure to leave behind any bad habits like cigarettes. If you need something to solve your cravings, Nicopods have the same impact with less damage to your body.
- Pack Light: Leave yourself space to bring back any discoveries, as this can help remind you of the moment you found yourself.
No matter what you pack when travelling to New Zealand, make sure that you go with the intention of broadening your horizons as it’s the perfect place to go for self-discovery and learning more about who you are.
