Live from New Zealand | Garrett Harrison

Garrett’s Great Island Adventure, Alongside Kahurangi the Little Blue Penguin

Day 1: Auckland

Today will undoubtedly be remembered as the easiest and/or slowest day of the trip. While not boring, simply walking or bussing around town—as new as the town may be—is likely the least interesting part of this adventure. We began in a hotel meeting room, where we met each other and our guide, Terry. He seemed incredibly passionate and knowledgeable, even delaying us by a few minutes to share some last-minute bird information. This was greatly appreciated, especially since my favorite New Zealand bird, the bellbird, was included. After this meeting, we had a nice lunch where I interacted more with my classmates and had my first face-to-face conversation with my advisor, Dr. Kieran Lindsey. We ended the day with a trip to the University of Auckland’s Energy Center, where we interacted with and learned from Ph.D. students. This experience opened my eyes to new perspectives on energy research, particularly the economic side.

Day 2: Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari 

As expected, yesterday was nothing compared to this. After a short drive from Auckland, we arrived at a sanctuary that houses some of the world’s rarest animals. A staff member provided firsthand insight into conservation efforts and how this large piece of land became predator-free. We walked through a tuatara sanctuary and saw at least half a dozen of this ancient species. We also got as close as the public is allowed to a family of four takahe! This day likely produced some of the best pictures I’ll take on the trip. The systems keeping the sanctuary running are fascinating—an early warning system for fallen trees, 24/7 ranger staff, and ongoing management work ensure Maungatautari operates at the highest level.

Day 3: Whakarewarewa 

Having visited Yellowstone, I had low expectations for today’s geothermal visit, but this village exceeded them. Its daily life is deeply connected to the geothermal activity beneath it. Our guide emphasized how integral the geothermal environment is, showing us buildings destroyed by hidden steam vents. Instead of altering their environment, residents adapt. The village uses the geothermal water for everything from bathing and cooking to religious and cultural practices. We even ate food cooked using these vents, which tasted great and had no hint of sulfur. Later, we visited a kiwi (fruit) orchard. I didn’t get much out of it—the low-hanging vines made navigation difficult—but learning about kiwi cultivation and tasting a red kiwi for the first time was interesting.

Day 4: Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Today may be impossible to top—this was exactly what I hoped for on this trip. Waimangu felt magical, with wide-open valleys, boiling lakes, and rivers that didn’t exist 300 years ago. Walking through volcanic craters was unforgettable. The walking tour was shorter than I preferred, but the boat ride made up for it. Being on a lake formed and shaped by volcanic activity was thrilling. We tracked its depth and observed how the landscape has changed. This was a nearly perfect day. I could have done without the turboprop plane ride over the Cook Strait, though—my first time on such a plane, and I hate flying.

Day 5: Christchurch

If yesterday showcased natural wonder, today was a fantastic blend of education and culture. We began with a talk on urban water management—my career focus—so I engaged deeply and plan to follow up with the presenter. Next, we toured Christchurch City Center with Spud, a Maori guide devoted to teaching others about the city and Maori traditions. After lunch, we toured the red zones and Banks Peninsula. Terry, a Christchurch native, shared insightful commentary. Touching the Pacific Ocean from such a distant point from the Atlantic was fun. Overall, today deepened my appreciation for a city I’ve visited before.

Day 6: Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook

Today was more tourist-heavy, which was a nice change. We drove through stunning landscapes, stopping first at Lake Tekapo, a beautiful lakeside village. After lunch and sightseeing, we visited Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak. We took a glacier lake boat tour, learning about its formation just 35 years ago and why it recedes horizontally, not vertically. We even drank glacier water—easily the best I’ve had. The food here was the best so far, despite being buffet-style. The cool weather suited me, and I plan to return with my not-so-outdoorsy fiancé.

Day 7: Aoraki Mount Cook

As a longtime Boy Scout, I love hiking, so today’s main activity thrilled me. Before the hike, a Department of Conservation staff member explained Aoraki’s tourism management and cultural significance. We also discussed challenges from post-COVID tourism, including staff shortages and waste issues. Then we embarked on a four-hour round-trip hike to a glacial lake. We crossed three swinging bridges, saw waterfalls, and watched rivers swollen from recent rain. As Dan put it, the rain obscured the summit but enhanced the waterfalls. Just as we were leaving our picnic spot, the summit peeked through the clouds. A truly memorable day.

Day 8: Lake Hawea Station

This was probably my least favorite stop, only because of its brevity. An hour is hardly enough to explain New Zealand’s first carbon-positive farm. Still, our guide did well, and seeing a pasture dedicated to renewability was inspiring. I just wish we had more time to delve into sustainable farming.

Day 9: Queenstown 1

Queenstown is the epicenter of New Zealand tourism—a fact locals don’t necessarily celebrate. During our lecture, we learned about issues with overtourism, housing shortages, and controversial wastewater plans. As someone in water management, I was alarmed by the idea of releasing "barely treated" sewage into local waterways. I hope public opposition brings change. In contrast, our visit to Gibbston Valley Winery highlighted sustainable production done right. The tour and tasting were excellent. The Pinot Noir, a 2023 vintage, stood out. Today offered two very different views of Queenstown's development.

Day 10: Queenstown 2/Final Day

As final days go, this one was excellent. With a background in parks and outdoor recreation, spending time in a Queenstown park was ideal. I didn’t learn much new, but being immersed in nature was enough. I even saw a Cave Weka! Afterward, I grabbed a bowl of ramen and watched Alex Ovechkin tie the NHL all-time goal record. Later, I woke at 4:15 a.m. to watch him break it live. Our final group meeting was reflective. While I had a few critiques, the trip was unforgettable. Thanks to Dan, Kieran, Max, and especially Terry, our incredible guide.