The entrance to Heaven

by Melissa Macena (Brazil)

A leap into the unknown New Zealand

I was bitten by the foot-on-the-road bug and instantly contaminated by the traveling virus in my birth. The supposed cure for the disease was in the Kangaroos. In June 2014, the opportunity to go to the other side of the planet finally arrived. I couldn't stand by the excitement to enjoy 15 days on Australia's east coast and 16 days across New Zealand. There was no lack of planning, because anyone who fails to plan is planning to fail. However, there was also no lack of resilience which is essential to every traveler. Living the impressiveness of Sydney, from the famous Opera House, which, along with the Bridge, harmonize the Bay, to the exquisite Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, was a dream come true. Celebrating the 35th birthday on the banks of Melbourne's Yarra River was a charming achievement. Venturing on 'shotover' in the icy waters of the Pacific and meeting the affectionate whales that inhabit the waters of Surfers Paradise was a joyful experience. The feeling that the sweet Koalas and Kangaroos had suppressed the congenital virus hovered in the air during the three-hour flight between Gold Coast and Auckland, but, before landing, it faded. Fortunately, the disease caused by this germ opens the patient's eyes to see the details of each place and enhances the desire to contemplate the greatest number of scenes, in a very short period of life. Upon disembarking, the first measures were to learn how to deal with the motorhome and drive in the English hand. It was not difficult, as the country has a magnificent structure to teach tourists how to enjoy the way. In possession of everything needed to live like a snail, with the house on its back, and after touring through Auckland, the destinations were Matamata, home of the Hobbiton Movie Set, and Waitomo Glowworm Caves, which impresses everyone with such a naturally beautiful light show. In the kitchen of the campersite, the surprise of meeting a Brazilian, who printed a small route deviation in the plans of the resilient tourist. Following the path, it was as if I were traveling through photos of the old printed calendars from my grandparents' time. Rotorua and its volcanoes, Taupo and its fascinating lake, Hastings and Wellington. Many sheep adorned the landscape composed of huge and calm farms! Many 'look outs’ determined stops on the cozy roads of the North Island! After crossing the Cook Strait in an imposing vessel, the reception on the South Island could not be better. Countless sea wolves sunbathing on the Pacific coast, which borders the road to Kaikoura, said welcome. The road to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier reveals beautiful and exotic scenery, bringing doubt to anyone who has to choose between sea and mountain. A helicopter ride at the top of the glacier allowed a delicious dip in the fresh snow and an incredible view of the Tasman Sea, on a cold, blue and sunny day. The walk to the glaciers consolidated the knowledge about the planet´s warming. The attractive Queenstown, bathed by Lake Wakatipu and designed at the foot of the Alps, exudes adventure sports, therefore inspiring days of skiing, entitled to first-time sailor lessons. Despite the difficult start, the adrenaline at the end of the day is worthy any effort. By the final days, after visiting Te Anau and the fiords of Milford Sound, on the way to Christchurch, Lake Tekapo is a mandatory stop and left the “I want some more" desire of the delicious crab apples. The crystal clear water of the lake photographs the image of someone who passed by and, there, left her heart. Quick but striking passage through the city that has already eternalized in the name, Christchurch. The English influence over the city of parks, gardens and the River Avon gives a posh touch to the largest city on the South Island. If there is somewhere else that mixes so much natural diversity, beauty, charm and challenges, I have not heard of it yet, but there's no doubt that New Zealand is the entrance to Heaven.