Going to New Zealand

[SocialDisaster]

This isn't exactly an accomplishment, but I've decided to try and let go by going ahead and travelling to New Zealand by myself. I don't expect this trip to be any kind of catalytic remedy for my depression but I will happy not to have to see my father and live it up the way I want to for two weeks. The trip will; however, force me to get around and talk with travellers and locals, which will help my self confidence.

[onehandclapping]

Good for you! Get out there and enjoy yourself

[Perfectionist]

Sounds awesome! I hope you have a great time.

[mongorians]

I'm definitely jealous, New Zealand looks like a beautiful country.

Hope you have fun!

[Classified]

I've been to the north island and had a good time. Have you made any plans yet? You can hire a car for a week pretty cheaply, but can only drive it on one island. And make sure you use a company that exists...

This is the only country I've been to that makes you pay for the privilege to leave their country. $20 or something like that...

PM me if you have any questions, I was there a year ago and should have done a little better planning I think. But I still had a good time.

[Trillian]

Yeah! I'm jealous. Have a great time. Say hi to the guys from Flight of the Concords for me.

[SocialDisaster]

Originally Posted by Classified

I've been to the north island and had a good time. Have you made any plans yet? You can hire a car for a week pretty cheaply, but can only drive it on one island. And make sure you use a company that exists...

This is the only country I've been to that makes you pay for the privilege to leave their country. $20 or something like that...

PM me if you have any questions, I was there a year ago and should have done a little better planning I think. But I still had a good time.

I'm taking the Magic Tours bus around both of the islands. I'll probably miss a lot of stuff this way in only 12 travel days, but the hostel accomodations are taken care of. Definetely hope to go skydiving and bungee jumping in Queenstown..

[heymikey]

You've made a really good decision to travel and this is quite an accomplishment to itself. I traveled around New Zealand last May for 3 weeks and had a blast. Traveling solo will really force yourself out there to socialize especially since you will be staying in hostels. Hostel life is pretty intimate. Aside from sharing bathrooms and dorm rooms, you'll be sharing each other. This is a good time to practice your social skills. I totally agree with everything that is written on this website.

Anyway, I didn't go with the Magic Bus but I've heard really good things about it. It's not as wild as Kiwi Experience but this is probably a good thing for you. It was cheaper for me to do it on my own with intercity buses but if I ever to go back, I'd probably go with the Magic Bus.

[badmoonrison]

Hostels are cool, I stayed in one in NYC that was fun.

[heymikey]

So SD, have you left yet? When is your trip? Please post your experiences here and if you're comfortable enough, maybe some pictures as well. By the way, skydiving is cheaper in Taupo than in Queenstown. If you're thinking of bungee jumping, you may want to try doing the canyon swing as well. Also, make sure you visit Milford Sound as well. And of course, make sure you socialize with everyone and try going out with them every night. Have fun man!

[SocialDisaster]

Just got back from New Zealand, which was a total blast! I met all sorts of people from around the world, and managed to find a few friends from Australia and England as well. I didn't get the chance to check out the Milford Sounds, as I was busy doing the 134 meter bungee when I was in Queenstown (so fun, even as I was pissing my pants ). One night, I partied with a bunch of random Kiwis at the bar in Taupo and got an invite to crash at their house instead of the hostel! Hiking up the glacier at Franz Josef was a definite scenic highlight. The Monteith brewery tour at Greymouth was a great social moment for me, and a chance to get wasted with intellectual British girls . Black water rafting at the Waitomo Caves was an extremely fun experience.

The only bad things were the fact that the weather turned to crap in most of the south island, especially along the west coast. I wanted to swim with dolphins in Akoroa, but the winds forced them to cancel any swims that day when I showed up. The biggest bummer is the fact that I'm home now, and must return to my life of seldom excitement or interaction...

I will try and post pictures of my trip soon..

[Cypress]

Originally Posted by SocialDisaster

The trip will; however, force me to get around and talk with travellers and locals, which will help my self confidence.

managed to find a few friends from Australia and England as well......One night, I partied with a bunch of random Kiwis at the bar in Taupo and got an invite to crash at their house instead of the hostel!

Sounds like it did force you to get around and talk with people, and it looked like you do a good job of doing it. Awesome that you had a great time, now your self confidence should be sky high

I will try and post pictures of my trip soon..

I'm interested to see pictures, so if you got them post em!

[Beggiatoa]

While you're there, can you pick me up some propolis toothpaste? Thanks!

[Gerard]

Wow, it sounds like it was a pretty wonderful and exciting trip. Yeah... That's great. Even though you said your back at home, at least you have the memory of the experience, and that perhaps you can probably know you can experience more of that in the future. And I just want to wish you the best in full recovery.

Love,
Gerard