Our in-house thrillseeker, Roxanne Whyte, went on a breathtaking experience recently. She and a group of friends canoed the Whanganui River along one of New Zealand’s  ‘Great Walks’. The adventure did not disappoint. They covered a distance of 97km, from Whakahoro to Pipiriki over a 3 day period.

New Zealand’s Great Walks pass through breathtaking and spectacular scenery. Native forest, lakes and rivers complimented by mountain peaks that leave you in awe, gorges and valleys that are picture perfect summarise the beauty of this country. Great Walks are very user friendly and easy to follow. Explorers can elect to travel on their owns terms, but guided trips with more comfort are on offer. These walks are accessible from major towns. They are well services by local operators and offer the real Kiwi experience. Roxanne and friends can recommend them without hesitation.

Canoeing along the river was memorable for different reasons. A bit of cave exploring, walking and a lot of fun filled the days of sunshine. Canoeing can be arduous and the group were tested in terms of endurance and stamina but they all agreed that this was a life experience that most can only dream about.

Muhammad Ali once said that “I don’t count my sit ups. I only start counting once it starts hurting.” This is a shining example where this approach to life will take you. To experience the breathtaking, the extraordinary and the fullness of this existence require from us a little bit more introspection. It requires the willingness to test ourselves and to go beyond the mundane and everyday experiences. Fresh air, mountain skies, deep blue rivers and lots of greenery inspire us to be better versions of ourselves.

You are guaranteed to get tired when you really test your own abilities. Roxanne did admit that she was exhausted at the end but she fell asleep with a smile on her lips every night. She felt renewed and thankful for the opportunity to experience nature this way.

If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand permanently, you must consider the rich, natural beauty and freedom that this country offers. Contact us immediately so we can assist you to make your bucket list a reality.