This is where I find myself in New Zealand for the next 6 months. Glenorchy is probably the smallest town I’ve ever stayed in: population of 500, 2 general stores with barely anything, and 2 pubs that only stay open until 9pm. The nearest town, Queenstown, is a 40 minute drive through a winding road for which the expected speed is 100km. There’s no police out here, but I’ve been told by the locals that that’s not an issue because they take care of everything themselves. It’s both a reassurance and a threat. That classic spring weather where it constantly switches between wet and windy and sunshine is worse by tenfold here. Glenorchy is settled in a valley between 2 mountain ranges. It makes for an absolutely beautiful spot that has me in awe every time I step out of the house. The storms, however, remind me why perhaps there’s not more people living out here. In the time I’ve been here so far, I’ve experienced a cyclone, 2 power outages, and gotten caught up in a storm while on a hike. When it thunders, you can hear it rumbling down the valley before it hits you, shaking your house like an earthquake, which also occur here but I have yet to experience. If just the thunder is this bad, I can’t imagine what actual seismic activity will be like.

All this is to say that I’m loving my time in New Zealand so far. For all its many quirks, Glenorchy is a gorgeous place with lots of outdoorsy activities. There’s wildlife everywhere from wild goats on the side of the road to 20+ bunnies eating in my yard. It’s easy to see the Lord of the Rings comparisons since some scenes were actually filmed 20 minutes up the road. The lodge where I work, Blanket Bay, is an exceptional place with wonderful workers. I’m the only American working there, but we have a surprisingly international staff from nearly every continent (we tried to get a penguin from Antarctica on staff, but he had a better offer). I’ve recently gotten a car, and so far have been taking it on local scenic drives and day trips out to Queenstown with plans for farther adventures soon.

I’m excited to explore more and share with you all my adventures. Glenorchy is a very enjoyable home base though. Although isolated and small, I find myself happier to be here than situated in the middle of Queenstown. My days are filled with nature walks, enjoying tea on my porch, and spending time with my housemates. I’m not going to delve into what a bunch of young adults do to entertain themselves living in the middle of nowhere, but we have fun.

One of the best parts for me so far, and what I’ll end here on, is the night sky. I live in one of two dark sky sanctuaries in New Zealand, and it is truly beautiful.