Kori: The Road trip of a Lifetime

My best friends and I have travelled to four continents together and we are trying to reach all seven by the time we’re 30! We haven't had the opportunity to road trip together before, so we knew New Zealand was going to be the perfect place to do it. We had no idea this trip would change our lives forever!

The freedom and adventure a road trip can provide was exactly what we were looking for. There’s something special about sharing an epic journey with close friends. On top of that we could stop at all of New Zealand’s breathtaking spots, from hiking in Tongariro National Park to exploring glowworm caves and even bungee jumping. It was the kind of trip that called for a bit of spontaneity.

There’s something about that first time seeing New Zealand, whether it’s the lush, rolling hills, the dramatic mountains, or those crystal-clear lakes that makes you feel like you've stepped into another world. We were totally blown away by how diverse the beauty is. Especially when the views change every hour. Each stop felt like its own little adventure. One minute you're cruising through fields of sheep and the next, you're driving along coastline cliffs with the ocean right there.

Living with my three best friends in the camper made the trip even more special. We were a team, figuring out how to make the most of our small space. We were cooking together, taking turns as DJ for the drive and embracing the adventure. It was cozy and it brought us even closer together. Those little moments, laughing over our attempts at cooking, or being silly on the road, made the whole trip feel so much more memorable.

But it wasn’t just about the bonding, it was how connected we felt to New Zealand itself. Waking up in the camper with the mountains right outside or having wine by a beach we’d just driven to was incredible. We were living in nature, not just visiting it. It made everything feel so much more real.

The landscapes were so grand and being in New Zealand with my best friends just made everything so much more special. Nature has this way of making everything else feel so insignificant, but in a way that’s comforting. It’s like you get a chance to reset your perspective, especially when you’re surrounded by that kind of beauty. This trip was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that made me feel truly alive. I made memories that will stick with me forever.