Docking in Port Chalmers, it was interesting to see the timber which New Zealand exports. Port Chalmers is also the cruise gateway to historical Dunedin!
On our whirlwind tour of Dunedin, known as the “Edinburgh of the South,” first stop is the iconic Railway Station known for its grand gothic architecture.
Then there were amazing views from Unity Park which features the The Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd Memorial. A bronze bust of the famous American polar explorer on a black Norwegian marble pedestal, honoring his historic 1928 departure from Dunedin for his first Antarctic expedition.
Our final destination was the iconic Baldwin Street, the steepest residential street in the world.
Walking up that steep hill certainly gives you perspective!
Life sometimes feels like that, with steep climbs, challenging moments, and the occasional need to stop and catch your breath.
But reaching the top often brings a new inspiring view. Health and personal wellbeing are similar.
Progress often happens step by step with small efforts adding up over time. Sometimes the most important thing is simply to keep moving forward.
Next we visit Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island and also known as New Zealand’s Garden City.
The Christchurch Gondola was a fun way to start and see spectacular panoramic views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour, the Pacific Ocean and beyond!
Travelling then down into Christchurch, it was deeply moving to see that the city is still rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes that dramatically changed so many lives in 2010 and 2011.
Seeing the strength and resilience of the community was inspiring.
Despite unimaginable challenges, the people of Christchurch continue rebuilding their city with determination and creativity.
Resilience is something we also talk about often in health and wellbeing.
The human nervous system is remarkably adaptable.
Even after difficult experiences, with the right support, people can release their pain and stress, and then regain balance, strength and emotional stability.
For the past 26 years, that is what I love to do, assist people in clinic and online (from all over Australia in the comfort of their own home).
Because time is precious, and life has taught me that you don’t want to waste it struggling or in pain.
Visiting Christchurch and seeing some of the rebuild was a powerful reminder to never give up and that recovery is possible.
Next stop on this wellness journey through New Zealand: Wellington, the most southern capital in the world.
“Windy Wellington” is notoriously breezy and officially the world’s windiest city by average wind speed.
The city sits directly on a major active fault line in the Ring of Fire and frequent seismic activity has made Wellington a world leader in earthquake-resistant building technologies.
So its location and history gives Wellington an energy all of its own.
I loved visiting the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and travelling on the iconic Wellington Cable Car.
The historic, bright red Cable Car rises up smoothly from the terminal in the heart of the Lambton Quay shopping district (near Woolworths) up to the lookout at the top for panoramic views of the city. You’ll also find there the beautiful Botanic Gardens and Cable Car Museum.
Wellington being full of wind, movement and activity reminds us of the importance of movement and circulation in our own lives. Just like fresh air moving through a city, the human body benefits greatly from movement, fresh air and good circulation also.
Our next stop on my trip to New Zealand was Napier, known as the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand. With only a few hours available we dashed through the beautiful countryside before stopping at Arataki Honey to learn about bees and sample delicious local honey.
New Zealand’s Manuka Honey has wonderful therapeutic properties and is rich in methylglyoxal, bioflavonoids and phenolic compounds. This gives potent restorative properties that enhance and support the body’s own defences and immune health. Great for wound healing, as a digestive aid, and for helping to relieve coughs and sore throats amongst other things.
Then it was off to the Silky Oak Chocolate Factory and Museum. High-quality dark chocolate and raw cacao offer therapeutic benefits due to high polyphenol, antioxidant and flavonoid content. It may improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, protecting brain function, improving mood and reducing anxiety. There are claims that it can also aid in muscle recovery. Good to know that indulging in some high quality dark chocolate and cacao can support a healthy lifestyle!
On our way back to the ship, we toured streets filled with beautiful Art Deco buildings. Then at the dock and getting ready to re-board, we were greeted by dulcet tones of the Art Deco Jazz Band, The Twin City Stompers. Serenaded by “Georgia” it was a great way to end our visit to Napier.
Travel days like this are full of movement, curiosity and sensory experiences. And that’s actually very good for the brain.
Learning something new, whether it’s about bees, chocolate, local history or architecture, stimulates the brain in ways that support mental health and wellbeing.
Curiosity activates areas of the brain associated with motivation, learning and positive emotional states. In many ways, curiosity can be a powerful antidote to stress.
It shifts the mind from worry mode to discovery mode.
An easy way to reduce stress and reset can be simply getting outside. Explore something new and stay curious about the world.
Geothermal Energy and the Power of the Earth – Tauranga & Rotorua
A favourite stop on my trip to New Zealand was Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, the gateway to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua.
Anyone who knows me well, is aware that alongside my studies in anatomy, mind-body therapies, business and journalism, I’m also a science and volcano enthusiast.
So visiting this region was fascinating!
Rotorua sits within an active geothermal valley where the earth releases enormous energy through geysers, bubbling mud pools and steam vents.
At Te Puia, within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, we saw spectacular geysers erupting and steaming vents rising from the ground.
Being close to active volcanoes, there are approximately 500 pools and 65 geyser vents.
The earth here is alive with movement and power.
Watching these natural processes reminded me how powerful natural forces are, and how important it is to respect them.
It is similar to the innate healing power that our own bodies and minds have to facilitate a return to wellness and normal function given the right environment and quality support.
That’s why I specialise in providing premium body and mind therapies to assist my clients.
During our visit we were also mindful of the recent landslides at Welcome Bay and Mount Maunganui which sadly took eight lives earlier this year.
Our bus driver mentioned that the local communities still warmly welcome visitors because they are proud of the beautiful land in which they live and tourism is vital to many families in the region.
Of course, places like Rotorua are also rich in culture.
Te Puia is home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute which offers traditional Maori welcome and cultural dancing singing plus schools younger Maoris in the woodwork and handicrafts. An amazing bonus is the Kiwi Conservation Centre where I was lucky enough to see “live” both an adult kiwi and a baby.
The experience was a powerful reminder that nature, culture and science are all deeply interconnected.
For our own wellbeing, spending time in natural environments, especially powerful landscapes like geothermal areas, mountains or oceans, often helps the human nervous system settle, reset and recalibrate.
Nature has an incredible ability to restore peace and perspective. It is also a powerful regulator of stress.
When I booked my cabin for my recent cruise to New Zealand, I knew it was listed as an “obstructed view.” I was travelling with a group of friends and this was the only way to get our cabins close together.
But once in my room and opening the curtains, I realised the obstruction was only partial. Beyond it was an expansive ocean view. This reminded me of something I often see in my clinic.
When people are stressed or overwhelmed, it can feel like everything is blocked. Their vision can narrow and they develop a kind of “tunnel vision,” focussing on the negative and discounting the positives.
But when we calm the nervous system and release accumulated tension, people often discover that the view was never completely obstructed and there is actually something really beautiful beyond.
Sometimes the possibilities were there all along, just waiting to be noticed.
Do you need help to see the possibilities in your life? Contact me to organise your free 15 minute consultation to discuss how I can help you.
