Falling in Love with Aotearoa: Dunedin's Charm and a 36-Hour Journey's Reward

There's no other way to put it. I've traveled, but never have I felt such an immediate and profound connection to a place. The kindness of the people, their respect for the land and sea, and a genuine sense of community resonated deeply with me. I cried every day, not from sadness, but from pure, overwhelming happiness.

My adventure began in Dunedin, a city that instantly captured my soul. After a grueling 36-hour journey from Halifax, involving four flights, I landed at 9:00 AM. Determined to conquer the 16-hour time difference, I embarked on a 20-kilometer walk from my B&B, nestled high on a hill, down into the city center and back.

My mission was simple: get my bearings, explore, and find some groceries. But fate had other plans. I stumbled upon "Best Cafe," and a sign in the window caught my eye: gluten-free fish and chips, cooked in a dedicated fryer. As a celiac, this was a culinary miracle! I ordered fish bites and kumara fries, a generous portion that I took to the gardens in front of the Dunedin Railway Station, a building that looks more like a grand museum.

Despite my jet-lagged state, I couldn't help but be charmed by the local seagulls. Smaller than their Halifax cousins, they performed hilarious little "dance-offs" for scraps of food, bowing their heads in a comical competition. I shared some of my fries with these entertaining birds, and then noticed a man sitting alone nearby. He appeared to be experiencing homelessness, quietly enjoying the sunshine. Knowing I couldn't finish my large meal and that fried food doesn't travel well, I offered him the rest of my fish bites and kumara fries. His grateful acceptance warmed my heart more than any warm meal could.

With my stomach full and my spirit lifted, I began the 10-kilometer trek back to my B&B. It was around 5:00 PM, and I knew I had to stay awake until at least 9:00 PM to adjust to the new time zone. When I arrived, I took the time to truly appreciate the property. It was even more beautiful than the photos. Ducks and chickens roamed freely, and the owners offered fresh eggs to guests when they were around. Inside my unit, a grapevine laden with fruit hung from the ceiling, alongside these interesting small orange berries I can't quite recall the name of (but they were delicious!). Outside, a lush garden overflowed with kale, carrots, spinach, zucchini, and lettuce. It was a picture of self-sufficiency, a lifestyle I deeply admired.

And the water! The entire property ran on filtered rainwater. My skin and hair felt incredible, and the water tasted pure and refreshing. It was a glimpse into a simpler, more sustainable way of living. After a final snack from the garden, I finally succumbed to sleep around 9:30 PM.

My first day in New Zealand was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and emotions. It was a day of pushing through jet lag, discovering hidden gems, and experiencing the kindness of strangers. It was a day that solidified my desire to return, to immerse myself in the beauty and tranquility of this extraordinary country. New Zealand, you have my heart.