We12Travel

Haere rā Aotearoa ā tōna wā ki tōna wāhi I’m writing this from Auckland Airport while waiting at the check in for my journey home, my home at the other side of the world. As I write this, tears well up in my eyes. It’s impossible to explain a feeling for a place in the world that noone understands simply because they don’t feel the same. Another journey through New Zealand has come to an end. For exactly half of my life, this place has held a special place in my heart. I won’t even try to explain because how do you explain that a part of your heart tells you this is where you belong, but the other part of your heart knows you do not. During my trip the question “where do I belong” came to mind a lot. I have tried to answer this question before but I guess the only right answer is that I don’t belong anywhere but where my heart wants to be and if that is more than one place than that’s absolutely fine. My time in New Zealand was short for now but yet it was another big adventure. The Universe tested my resilience in many ways but I’m grateful for every lesson learned. Between adventures, I translated my e-book into English (will be available for purchase soon) and I updated my guidebook which is currently sold out and will be reprinted early ‘25. I’m leaving another piece of my heart behind in this beautiful land and I’m leaving with a tear and a smile at the same time. Goodbye New Zealand, until we meet again ❤️

24 Hours at the Coromandel Peninsula! Started at Hot Water Beach, then went to Hahei, Shakespear Cliff, Waiau Kauri Grove and the Waiau Falls. Oh and Karangahake Gorge as well 🤩 My trip is almost coming to an end but not before one last adventure (see stories) #newzealand #nzmustdo #travel #travelgram

A morning at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Other than the geyser they make explode by adding soap to it, I really enjoyed it a lot. Great to rediscover this again since my last visit 22 years ago (yes I am that old 😅) #newzealand #nzmustdo #travel #travelgram #rotorua

24 Hours in sunny Gisborne (Gizzy) in Hawkes Bay. Gisborne is the easternmost city in the world and calls itself the place to see the first sun every day. Of course 24 hours was much too short but I’ve already realized I planned my trip much too optimistic. After leaving Gisborne I drove through the Waioeka Gorge and visited the Tauranga Historic Bridge, the only surviving harp suspension bridge in New Zealand. After arriving in the Bay of Plenty in the rain and over a flat white (thanks to all who contributed to my coffee fund 😘) I realized that it was not my time to be there so instead went back inland where I hoped to see a little less rain. Thanks @gisborneexperience for setting me up with a bike – much appreciated! 💙 #nieuwzeeland #nzmustdo #gisborne #experiencegisborne #newzealand