Alumni Perspectives: Chasing the Southern Lights in New Zealand (and Additional Adventures in the Pacific)

In the following blog, Jordyn Ochoa recounts her numerous adventures scattered throughout New Zealand and the greater Pacific region, all culminating with a unique opportunity to see the Southern Lights.

From one side of the world to the other, I stand beneath the aurora australis, watching them dance across the South Island sky. Here, I was 7,113 miles away from my home, in Akaroa, a small town located on the Banks Peninsula of the South Island of New Zealand. Looking back, it feels as if every moment aligned perfectly to bring me here. To convey the full meaning of this experience, I must first rewind and explain the series of events that led me to this very instance.

On January 30th, I packed my bags and set out to witness the other side of the world. My best friend and I planned to travel to Australia for two weeks before arriving in Auckland, New Zealand. We witnessed the world-famous Sydney Opera House and explored Bondi Beach before heading north to Whitsundays, Australia. Here, we sailed across the chain of islands that serve as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. I watched the Milky Way come to life and illuminate the ocean around me as we spent a night docked at sea. From the Whitsundays, we would soon make our way to Auckland, New Zealand.

Moving into my apartment in Auckland, New Zealand was a surreal experience. I moved into an apartment with two locals, who I now consider lifelong friends. My accommodation was only a ten-minute walk to campus. I spent the next few weeks making friends from all corners of the world. Throughout this time, I started forming amazing friendships and spent my free time exploring New Zealand. We explored beaches and traveled using the various ferries, buses, and trains. We spent nights out exploring our new home. There is no shortage of nightlife and things to do in Auckland. The city has a lively and irresistible atmosphere.

I spent the mid-semester break chasing waterfalls in Indonesia and swimming alongside manta rays. My best friend and I were both new to Indonesia and Asia, but we were ecstatic to dive into this bucket-list destination. We started our journey in Ubud, a town nestled with lush rainforests. Here, we learned about the vibrant traditions and culture of the Balinese people. Next, we traveled to the coast. We swam with manta rays in Nusa Penida. This trip ticked off multiple bucket list adventures that I dreamt of completing.

After coming home from Indonesia, I turned twenty-one, in a new city with my new friends. Originally, I was fearful of spending this day alone, but my friends made it special. They threw me a birthday celebration and brought me to my favorite pub to catch a live band. At one point, everyone in the bar, along with the band, joined in singing happy birthday to me.

After all the adventures spread across the months of February to April, I still had so many more to come. Shortly after my 21st birthday, I found myself in the middle of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of SavuSavu, an island in Fiji. I scuba-dived in Fiji and swam with bull sharks, and I found myself amongst colorful schools of fish. I then filled my time by chasing additional rushes and completing bucket list activities. I first jumped off of a bridge. I found myself 43 meters above the river before jumping off the platform I jumped off of. Next, I found myself strapped to an Australian Skydiving instructor who worked in Queenstown. I skydived and loved it.

Despite all the amazing adventures I already have had, I found myself looking for flights to Christchurch. I found a seventy-five dollar flight, which was a round trip. This flight was booked immediately by my friend Lea and I. Shortly after, we rented an SUV and flew to Christchurch. We explored the mountains of Mount Cook National Park. The snow had fallen the night before and painted the peaks a bright white. We then explored Lake Tekapo before heading to Akaroa, a small town on the bank’s peninsula.

As we lay in our sleeping bags looking at the milky way, we noticed the sky start to turn pink and then green. We grew ecstatic, knowing our 1% chance of seeing the lights had come true. Initially, I believed it was just luck, but now I realize that these incredible experiences came from expanding my mindset and embracing new opportunities. I spent my time enjoying the present instead of always planning for the future. New Zealand was a beautiful country that allowed me to chase adventure and learn the value of a non materialistic lifestyle. I am forever grateful for the experiences, cultures learned, and relationships formed during my five and half months living in New Zealand.

Jordyn Ochoa is a TEAN Global Ambassador at Arizona State University, and a University of Auckland study abroad alum.