Looking back on this trip i would have to say it was a
life experience i wouldnt trade for anything. From the beautiful
scenery and features to the educational aspects, this trip was
unbelievable. The volcanoes, the hot water beaches, the wild life, and
unique plants only found in New Zealand were awesome. The hot water
beaches blew my mind. Digging a hole in the sand while building a
fortress to preserve the newly created hot tub was definatly one of the
aspects most unique to New Zealand, it's the only place one earth these
are found. I didnt realize how much we learned until the third to last
day when we went a museum. Our tour guide went on spill after spill
about the natural evolution of new zealand and how the influx of
humans, along with the unintended new commers such as the possom and
rats, has munipulated its natural environment. It was almost boring
because I seemed to know everything he was saying and in some cases
knew more about the things he was briefing us about from our visits to
the different universities or uni's as they call them. We got to talk
to some of the experts that where supplying the museums with thier
information. After the lecture on the medicinal purposes of Manuka
honey from the manuka plants native to New Zealand, I was convinced and
had to bring some back to the states. I can't wait to sign up for this
trip again next year, it was legit.

Dustin