The Remarkables

When I decided to book a flight to New Zealand, I didn’t consider that it was winter at the time I’d be here. For much of the country that meant low season: a little chilly, but serene beauty spots that would be busy in the summer were deserted, and I was able to enjoy them in peace. In Queenstown though it was not low season. Snow season had just begun and the whole town was buzzing with infectious excitement.

Not one to miss an opportunity, I booked three days of snowboarding lessons on the mountains known as The Remarkables. I barely saw any of Queenstown, as I spent the vast majority of my time either on the slopes, or recovering from the beating my body had taken from them. I’ve always wanted to try snowboarding, but wasn’t expecting to be that good at it - balance isn’t my strong suit. I was very happy with how easily I picked it up though, and after one day of lessons I was able to make S turns, after two days I just about made it down a green run, and by the end of day three I’d left my teaching group entirely, just wanting to get some runs in on my own before I left. It was exhilarating, and in truth, if I didn’t have a flight already booked the next day I’d have stayed longer. Snowboarding was one of the real highlights of the whole trip and I fear I might have found myself a new and very expensive hobby.

I sit writing this at 5am in Queenstown airport, about to fly to Australia. New Zealand has been an unexpected experience, different from any travel I’ve done so far. Despite the name, solo travel isn’t particularly solo: you spend most of your time with people you meet along the way. The last three weeks though, whether driving, hiking or eating, I’ve been mostly on my own. I came here for a change, and I got one - just not the one I expected. I’ve learned that I’m ok in my own company, I’ve remembered how much fun driving can be when I’m on the right roads, and I’ve discovered a new love for snow. Thank you New Zealand. I’m so glad I came.