The ISA JournalTraveling the Scenic Wonders of New Zealand

Ashley Jonathan is a student at Bellarmine University. She is an ISA Featured Photo Blogger and studied abroad with ISA Service Learning in Wellington, New Zealand.

When traveling to an unfamiliar location across the world, my eyes naturally take in every background and landscape that is different from what I am used to seeing at home. I made a huge effort to capture these picturesque landscapes wherever I traveled while studying abroad in New Zealand. These pictures not only help me remember the beautiful land of New Zealand, but also the memories I made while I was there. I believe that it is important to take in every moment while you are abroad, and to take photos so that you can remember those feelings once you have left.

A picture of Mount Taranaki on a clear blue day during my first plane ride into Wellington.

Vast view of Wellington, New Zealand. Living up to its name “Aotearoa” or “Land of the Long White Cloud”.

Tahunanui Beach blending together the golden beaches and snowcapped mountains of New Zealand.

Striking rock figure I came across with native birds nesting on it.

A scenic view of what is on each side of a rainbow during a ten mile hike with my friends in Abel Tasman National Park.

A view of Tinline Bay on a semi-rainy day in Abel Tasman with a rainbow to complement it.

If you are studying abroad, before you start your program I would suggest making a list of places you would like to visit during your time overseas, but I would recommend waiting to schedule the excursions until you get to your host country. You may meet people you are studying abroad with who would love to travel and make plans with you. For example, I am a very organized individual, so I made a list of the places I wanted to travel to when I was studying abroad in New Zealand. I ended up waiting to schedule those trips until I was there with my new flat mates and friends so that I could travel with them.