How it started..

After the bachelor thesis presentation and the victory we both felt with Annija, we decided that we would both take a gap year. Our minds were focused on achieving our plans and starting to plan THE trip. The aim was to go somewhere as far as possible and experience something exotic and different from Europe. We had different ideas about where to go, but my top priority was to see turquoise water—you know which color I’m talking about.

The first step was to create a Workaway account for both of us. We decided that it would be the best way to travel within our budget and experience even more. Once that was done, we had a lot of ideas and saved places as our destinations, starting from Thailand, Australia, and ending with India, and I think even Canada.

The first time traveling so far, there are a few specific emotions you can feel, and I remember a few things perfectly:

  1. I knew I was really scared.
  2. I knew I was less scared because Annija was with me.
  3. Still, I was really scared.

We both checked out a lot of places, but we decided to inquire about volunteering in India. Now, remembering my feelings, I think I got a bit too scared and wanted to go somewhere more similar to the culture in Europe. I don’t know how Annija felt at that time, but I’m glad we both decided to find our luck in this beautiful retreat in New Zealand. One text after another (not many, actually), and we found the right match.

Not long after that, we were sitting in the fifth plane and looking out our windows, seeing the turquoise water and beautiful landscapes. I still remember the feeling when we got to our destination; it felt like a dream come true.

Of course, there were many more things to sort out before the trip—visas, paperwork, 8kg backpacks for almost two months, and so many other things.

But… the main thing is we landed safely, in a totally different time zone, without any idea what would happen next.

And our beautiful, wild, and crazy adventure started.

Our trip was divided into two parts:

  1. Volunteering and staying at Te Nikau retreat. Helping with maintenance work, living the New Zealand life, enjoying the beach, warmth, and meeting new awesome people.
  2. Traveling and staying in as many hostels as possible. Using buses daily, walking, and exploring new and a lot of places.

This was a perfectly planned trip because there was a bit of everything. That’s why this trip will stay in my memory for a long time—a reminder that it’s nice to be on both sides and to experience as much as possible.

Let’s delve deeper into both parts.

Volunteering and staying at Te Nikau retreat was actually magical. Everyone was really nice to us. Of course, at first, we were shy and sleepy (the greatest nap of my life lasted 15 hours), but we enjoyed the place 100%. The idea of Workaway is really simple: we help with the work they need, and they provide us with free accommodation, and sometimes food as well. I felt incredibly lucky because Chris (who works there and basically does everything) invited us and showed us very cool and for us extraordinary places. I think the most memorable thing for me was the first adventure together with him. We climbed the rocks and went to see crabs. It was a scary experience, at least for us. When Annija said, ‘’I think this was the best thing I have done in my life,’’ Chris’s answer was simple: ‘’If this was one of the best things you have done in your life, you should go outside more…’’ Two days later, Chris and James (the owner of the retreat) took us to look for penguins in the beach caves.

Days were filled with magic, warmth, and a relaxed environment. I believe one of my favorite moments in the day was sunsets at the beach. It was a great time, and it got even better when the Americans arrived—Hannah, Sam, and later on Andrew. They brought new energy, craziness, and so much fun to the house. I had  a chance to have great conversations with Scottish Andrew and  laugh with Imarlee. It was such a blast to get to know them, share so much, and enjoy time together. We had so much going on, one night we slept in the cave, next day we went mussel hunting, then to the lake, and drove with the boat. These are the days which are worth living.

I believe it was one of the greatest experiences I could imagine. I want to use Annija’s words about it: ”thank you to Te Nikau for being the best place in the world for just being wholeheartedly us.”

The second part of our trip,

traveling and staying in as many hostels as possible. Using buses daily, walking, and exploring new and a lot of places.

Even though it was hard to say goodbyes after a beautiful month at Te Nikau retreat, it was time to go and have new adventures.

This time was about understanding more of ourselves, hiking a lot, getting tattoos, and sharing every second with each other. Eighteen full days from Greymouth – Franz Josef – Wanaka – Queenstown – Cromwell – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown – Lake Tekapo – Christchurch.

A few memorable moments in this time:

  1. Almost lost my bag with everything I own
  2. Found a book on the grass ‘’Station Life in New Zealand’’
  3. Did the Roberts Point Track and saw a glacier
  4. Did some unbelievable hikes (Ben Lomond peak) in Queenstown. Most beautiful and hardest experience!
  5. Got two new tattoos
  6. Celebrated Latvia’s national independence day in the New Zealand winery, and in the evening we had delicious apple cake and the best Latvian song karaoke 
  7. Experienced the 8th wonder of the world – Milford Sound
  8. Ate one of the greatest burgers ever!!
  9. Saw an extraordinary sunrise in Lake Tekapo!
  10. Slept in the old jailhouse
  11. Reunited with Sam and Hannah, at least for a bit
  12. AND EXPERIENCED EVERYTHING TOGETHER WITH ANNIJA

After the trip, I felt like a different person, more grown up and more of a believer that everything happens to those who try new experiences. This experience was life changing and I’m so happy we said ’’Let’s go as far as possible’’ and ended up in such a great place as New Zealand. I will  hold these memories, places, and people in my heart forever.