HAVING GROWN UP in a cricket crazy country, the little that I knew of New Zealand was through cricket matches. The Kiwi cities in which India played against the home country looked beautiful on screen and I didn’t think much beyond that. However, a trip to the Pacific country in March introduced me to the contrasting wonders of its North and South Islands, and I came back with some unforgettable memories. Here’s a short account of my transformative journey through some of the most spectacular sceneries in the world.
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
An almost six-hour flight from Delhi took me to Singapore and thereon I boarded the Air New Zealand aircraft for Auckland. A sense of relaxation engulfed me the moment I set foot on the aircraft. The friendly staff, ambient lighting, and plush leather seats that turn into lie-flat beds in the Business Premier Class made the journey utmost comfortable. The airline impressively showcases Kiwi traditions and culture. From the on-board safety video that talks of Tiaki and the guardians of Māori culture to emphasise the importance of caring for the land, the sustainable measures practised in the aircraft to the in-flight food, which was a curation of indigenous ingredients and flavours, my flight seemed like a curtain raiser to things that were to follow.
The thoughtful wellness initiatives that the airline has in place deserve a special mention. The in-flight entertainment system has a series of stretches, exercises, and meditation techniques that one can do from the seat. If you are worried about not catching enough shut eye, ask the flight attendant for the sleep ritual like I did. I was treated to chamomile tea, almonds, and passionflower sleep balm that lulled me into a peaceful slumber till I landed in Auckland.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2023 من Travel+Leisure India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2023 من Travel+Leisure India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
The Abode Of Gods
Paphos, the ancient home of Aphrodite, is steeped in folklore. A walk around the old town can turn into a journey to the past; all you need is a little imagination.
Chasing Joy On Rottnest Island
Blue waters, shimmering sandy beaches, and historic sites-Rottnest in Western Australia is the quintessential island getaway. But what truly captivated our cover star Rashmika Mandanna is the happy and laid-back life that the island offers.
AS TIME GOES BY
A decade and a half after a life-changing sojourn in Vietnam, a writer returns to track the country's transformations-and his own.
PARIS MATCH
Royal roots and boho cool, French trad and cosmopolitan flair: Thomas Chatterton Williams visits the Marais and finds the perfect mix.
Spotted in the Wild
Tracking down a creature as evasive as the cheetah is never guaranteed. Jeff Chu treks to southern Africa to find big cats and fulfill a long-held family promise.
Tastes Like History
With a lineage spanning millennia, Armenian cuisine is an alchemist's dream. Veidehi Gite samples iconic dishes that evoke memories of home.
Secrets of the Happy State
A road trip from Aizawl to Champhai along the Indo-Myanmar border leads to many revelations for Florina Soren.
Championing Cheer
Fostering mindful atmospheres within corporate environments, Dr Sharon Rajkumar stands as a beacon of positivity, guiding others towards a more fulfilling and balanced life. In a candid chat, the TEDx speaker shares her journey with Kiara Sengupta, on how serendipity led her to become the first happiness evangelist in India.
Doodling Up Joy
Turning embarrassing moments of daily life into comedic relief comes naturally to Neha Sharma. The CA-turned-doodle artist now harnesses the power of her paints to create relatable comics that mirror the everyday. In a hearty chat with Bayar Jain, the self-taught artist and storyteller outlines her journey and underlines the importance of art in bringing happiness.
A Novel Take On Happiness
With his 90th birthday on the horizon, India's most beloved author Ruskin Bond, talks to Eshita Srinivas about love affairs on ships, the excitement of train journeys, and his new book that he hopes will inspire young readers.
