New Zealand 2023-an Epic Saga of Wanderlust and Whimsy!

Twice a decade, it's like the universe conspires to reunite myself and my university roommate Arnaz for an escapade in adventure.

Picture this: it's 2013, and Bali becomes the playground. With an SUV packed to the brim—6 kids and all—the gang and I bounce around the island like a group of excited kangaroos, exploring every nook and cranny, from Gili Meno to God knows where!

Fast forward to 2017, and the tables turn as Arnaz makes her grand entrance into the Canadian wilds from her new digs in Kiwi land. Hiking, biking, and backpacking become the verbs of the day at Sun Peaks Resort and Garibaldi Mountain… redefining adventure for this group ages 15 to 85.

And now, drumroll, please! 2023 arrives, and it's time for "Mom's Gone Wild: New Zealand Edition!" Joined by the fearless Naomi, we set foot on the Land of the Long White Cloud, sans kids but definitely not sans adventure.

First stop: Auckland! Three glorious days spent soaking in sunrises on Milford Beach and zipping around Waiheke Island on e-bikes, probably feeling like the modern-day explorers of the Pacific.

Then, Queenstown beckons with its rolling hills and enough sheep to rival a fluffy white carpet. Glenorchy is our temporary haven. Sunset, lamb dinner, cozy cabin—ah, the stuff dreams are made of!

But wait, there's more! Te Anau becomes the gateway to the legendary Milford Track—a 4-day trek through New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes. MacKinnon Pass steals our hearts, and who could blame us? Milford Sound Lodge, perched on the edge of magnificence, treats us to wine, snacks, and a view that could make your eyes weep with joy. Dinner at the iconic PIO PIO Restaurant, where lamb makes a triumphant encore, and witnessing the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak at sunset—pure magic.

And then, cue the Mercedes camper van! Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Haast, Omarama, Benmore Lakes, Aoraki National Park, Lake Tekapo—each stop a postcard-perfect scene straight out of a travel brochure.

But amidst this whirlwind of beauty, what stands out the most? The day hike at Gertrude’s Saddle, the "sausage sizzle" extravaganza by Lake Hawea, the overnight stay at Mount Cook, the worth-it drive to Jackson Bay for fish and chips, biking around Lake Dunston, and exploring Lake Tekapo with our friend Tuula.

In the end, it's not just the places visited but the moments cherished that make this journey a treasure trove of memories laced with laughter, adventure, and the occasional lamb dish! Cheers to epic adventures and friendships that defy distance!