Fiordland national park, New Zealand South island
New Zealand remains on the top of many tourist’s travel bucket lists. A land of extreme natural beauty, New Zealand awes and impresses at every turn.
From a trendy urban capital city to vineyards that stretch for miles, the deepest lush valleys and inviting beaches, New Zealand has earned its place as one of the most desirable places to visit on Earth.
But now that the world is in lock down and travel is severely restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dreams of traveling to and exploring New Zealand need to be put on hold, at least for the time being.
Visit Auckland, part of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development just released a beautiful video celebrating all that makes this city and indeed the entire country so special.
All of the photography and video for the short movie was shot before the virus took hold, with narration and editing taking place from home. The name of the video, Papatūānuku is breathing, comes from the Maori word, meaning Mother Earth.
Throughout the two-and-a-half minute film viewers are presented with other Maori words such as:
- Tuawhenua – Mainland
- Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland
- Maunga – the mountains
- Moana – the ocean
- Tui – a bird
- Waiata – Traditional songs
The central message presented is that all the beauty and majestic natural splendor of New Zealand is waiting for you, and until you can travel, just listen.
Listen to the sounds of the ocean, the birds in the trees, and the wind blowing across the land. Without the normal hubbub of traffic and people dimming the natural chorus, the land comes alive.
New Zealand Is Worth Waiting For
Beauty of nature at sea
We are all of us living in some sort of strange holding pattern right now. We repeat our daily routines without the escapism of immediate travel plans to look forward to.
For frequent travelers this enforced pause is particularly difficult. Slowing down and taking time to really listen to the world around you can be enriching, however.
My experience of New Zealand felt like a first date. It was exciting and exhilarating, but I was left wanting more.
I traveled to both islands, starting on the North Island in Hawke’s Bay, where wineries are dotted throughout the more than 200 km of trails.
The North Island
Pirinoa
At the Taniwha station I met the soulful eyes of beautiful black cattle that are raised for their prized wagyu beef. First Light were the first company to raise wagyu cattle like this, out in the fresh air and on a totally grass-fed diet.
Their expertise has led them to become the only commercial scale producer of 100% grass-fed wagyu beef in the world.
Even though you may not be able to travel to Hawke’s Bay right now, you can still taste the world-class beef from First Light which is available in farm food shops, fine food stores, and grocery shops across California, Oregon, Washington State, Montana, and Texas.
Wagyu tenderloin
Still on the North Island, I traveled next to the city of Napier, which has a charming art deco vibe. After a thirty-minute drive I found myself following a wave of fluffy sheep up and over hillsides. The sheepdogs rounding them up and moving them on over and over in an effortless day’s work, were obviously enjoying their work immensely.
We then trundled down onto Ocean Beach on ATV’s racing across the sands before stopping for a luxe picnic lunch provided by Atkins Ranch and chef Shaun Clouston, from Logan Brown.
We were served the juiciest lamb chops and presented with pretty charcuterie boards, I have since recreated at home for a taste that immediately conjures up memories of this perfect summer day.
Atkins Ranch is known for its delicious 100% grass-fed New Zealand lamb, which is available across the US and Canada. The company even has an American base in San Francisco.
The South Island
My trip culminated in the South Island with a thrilling helicopter ride that started at Lake Wanaka. High above the alpine scenery I had a chance to see how helicopter mustering works before landing at Motatapu station.
Sunset over Wanaka lake and Southern Alps mountain range with Mt Aspiring visible, from Mt Roy. ... [+]
As we weaved through the valley, tiny dots below were identified as sheep and deer before we came to land and meet the farmers for a sheep dog lesson. We were given a small silver whistle and instructed on how to make any sort of discernible sound. It’s much harder than you might think!
The animals here live a life most farm animals could only dream of. They really do roam in a truly idyllic setting. The farmers here work with Silver Fern Farms to produce 100% grass-fed beef, lamb, and venison that’s available to buy across the United States.
By scanning the QR code on the pack of lamb steaks or venison medallions, you can trace the animal all the way back to these lush green pastures!
Happy Silver Fern Farm lambs
Like everyone at the moment, I am spending these days in lock down not exploring new places but reveling in memories and photographs from my past trips.
Now is the time to wait patiently but that doesn’t mean that we cannot enjoy simple pleasures that remind us of some of our most treasured travel memories. Or inspire future trips after the world emerges from this travel slowdown.
I can’t continue my love affair with New Zealand right now in person, but I can fill my plate with kiwi tastes, like grass-fed lamb, wagyu beef and venison raised right on those lush hillsides, deep valleys and greenest pastures. With every bite I am planning my future return to this most beautiful part of Papatūānuku.
So yes, like the widely viewed video from Visit Auckland suggests, we can’t travel to New Zealand right now but until then, listen. I would add, until then, eat!
