On our free day in Wellington, we decided to go on a hike. It was a gorgeous day and the sun was out with a little breeze to accompany it. After climbing to the top of the mountain for a lunch with a gorgeous view, we went back down and were giggling with excitement because we could finally go back to the hotel and eat and rest. Our bubbles were then bursted when we realized that we had taken a wrong turn and were actually climbing back up the mountain.
After a moment of panic, we put our heads together and figured out a way back. We ended up hiking a total of 16 miles that day and although it was not planned, we had a long but fun day. It was definitely a work out, but I got to spend the day lost in the beautiful mountains of New Zealand. I felt like we were in The Sound of Music. We frolicked with sheep, hiked along a creek and had a great meal together once we got back into the city. It was fun to explore and spend time with my new friends.
-Danin Greusel
Down Under Cinema: Film Studies in Australia and New Zealand 