Land of the Rings

Back in 2006 I was given an amazing opportunity to travel to New Zealand with my high school's rugby team. We played three games (in each of which we got soundly beaten) and spent the rest of our trip enjoying all that New Zealand had to offer. Known for beautiful scenery, featured in the Lord of the Rings film, and mildly psychotic and rather dangerous activities, NZ was a slice of paradise for me.  

Auckland

We began our trip in Auckland, capital of the nation, on the North Island. Though we spent most of our time on the pitch, I was still able to see some amazing sights including the city itself. Auckland is one of the cleanest, quaintest, big cities I've ever experienced in my travels. Everyone I met made us feel extremely welcome; it felt like I was visiting my home away from home.

Lion's Rock

Our second stop was the iconic Lion's Rock in Piha. Also on the North Island, Piha is on the coast near New Plymouth. This was followed by a trek through the rainforest to see an amazing waterfall.

Fun Fact: Commercial bungee jumping began with New Zealander A J Hackett who built the first permanent bungee site in Kawaru, near Queenstown, in the South Island of New Zealand.

Taupo Bungee Jumping

My first experience with insane New Zealand versions of fun and games was in Taupo when I decided it was an excellent idea to bungy jump. On top of the questionable decision to participate in the first place I also had the brilliant idea to jump backwards. This was followed up by yet another brilliant decision to try Zorbing. For those of you who don't know, Zorbing is an activity where you put on a wet suit and climb into a giant plastic ball and get rolled down a hill.

Zorbing

Possibly the best decisions I have ever made. They were two of the most exhilarating experiences I've ever had. There is something you're able to learn about yourself when you push yourself to the limits of what you think you're capable of handling. And when doing so surrounded by some of the most beautiful views you've ever seen, there is no beating it.


Fun Fact: The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was filmed almost exclusively in New Zealand as it was able to provide the landscape required for EVERY location throughout all of Middle Earth. The New Zealand Army even helped to build Hobbiton months prior to filming in order to allow the plants to fully grow and flower.

I didn't think there was anything on this trip that would be able to beat my experiences on the North Island, and then we went south. Said to be rather rugged and barren, the South Island of New Zealand is not usually one of the most talked about places for tourists to visit. Luckily I was given the opportunity to visit it and discover what still is my favourite place in the world.


Milford Sound. Incredible. Stunning. Otherworldly. Virtually indescribable.

Milford Sound is on the South Island west of Queenstown and is, in my opinion, the most beautiful place in the world. I can't adequately describe it, so I will let the pictures do all the talking for me.

New Zealand. Birthplace of Zorbing. Home to some of the worlds best bungee jumping. Earth-spiration to Peter Jackson's legendary film trilogy, Lord of the Rings. Milford Sound. Need I say more? Go there. I guarantee you, it is worth every penny.

Disney vs. Disney

The happiest place on earth, brainchild of Walt Disney himself, Disneyland first opened in 1955. Walt died in 1966 before construction on "The Florida Project" began, but helped to develop it in the 60's. So what's the difference between the two?

There is a certain charm to Disneyland that just isn't there in the Florida park. You can feel the magic in a way that is indiscernible. You know that Walt himself rode the Railroad and the Jungle Cruise. You know that he personally designed the original park himself, and that gives the park an extra spark of magic. However, it is much smaller and is smack in the middle of a busy city. This erodes the illusion that Walt wanted.

Disneyland on Opening Day

Though in many ways a carbon copy of Disneyland, Disney World lacks the charm of the original park. Instead it boasts almost tenfold more rides and attractions as well as a much larger footprint. One of the most amazing things is the ferry entrance to the Magic Kingdom.

Both parks have spectacular firework shows, character meet and greets, and more Disney stage shows and parades than you could ever imagine. This being said, for me the biggest difference was the castle. In Disneyland it is Sleeping Beauty's castle; however, Disney World is home to the iconic Cinderella castle, trademark of Walt Disney Studios. 

Cinderella Castle Disney World

Sleeping Beauty Castle Disneyland

Fun fact: Doritos were invented in Disneyland as a way to use old tortillas. They were later packaged by Frito-Lay and sold regionally in 1964, expanding to national sales in 1966. 

The parks bring to life some of my favourite books and films from my childhood. They bring out the child in everyone, a special quality that many attribute to Walt's ideas and designs. If you haven't been yet then take your family and go now. Its an unforgettable experience that no one should miss.