Rarotonga felt like a dream even if the weather was a bit cloudy while we were there. The experiences were unforgettable, getting to know a culture up close and personal through IES Abroad’s help was magnificent. When we arrived the airport was so tiny, you would get off the plane straight outside. Although since it is so small it was easy to have everything checked and everyone out to meet quickly. The first day we went to the market and I got the cutest dolphin necklace and a beaded bracelet.

Where to find the one and only kiwi bird when you don’t want to rely on sheer luck. This nocturnal bird, a New Zealand native can be found at the wildlife reserves in Christchurch. We visited both reserves, the Orana and the Willowbank wildlife reserve.

Taking trips through New Zealand is made accessible through the intercity buses. They come and pick us up at the city bus interchange. There are set bathroom breaks and stops along the way when traveling. I don’t mind taking the bus, especially because New Zealand looks so unreal like a green screen background. The bus can be scheduled to drop and pick up on the same day or different days. This makes travel more convenient when not owning a car.