Travel journeys influence who we are
Carmen Parahi has travelled the world over five decades but there is one place she holds dear to her heart and returns to constantly: the South Island’s West Coast.
Atravel journey is more than a memorable holiday. It’s a voyage of discovery, one in which a person leaves the confines of daily living and on their journey, either coincidentally or purposefully, discovers something new in the world and about themselves.
In the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic, our travel reporters and contributors share their travel journeys across Aotearoa to inspire your own voyages of discovery.
Where friends call home
When I reflect on five decades of travel journeys, it is shared experiences with family and friends still influencing my everyday life. The wha¯ nau holidays developed my sense of belonging, and travelling with friends extended my worldview.
A Parisienne friend taught me to appreciate local cuisine, respect culture and language when visiting her family in Anglet, France. In Manitoba, Canada, another friend opened up her families’ homes, where I learned about the traditions of First Nations, Metis and Inuit, the devastation of colonisation and the role nature plays in the lives of people.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand other friends showed me how to catch trout and freshwater ko¯ ura on Lake Taupo¯ , eat and appreciate ocean bounty in the small East coast community in
Po¯ rangahau, Hawke’s Bay.
I was given a personal tour of the famous Whakarewarewa village; marvelled at historical artefacts in a family museum there and another one in O¯ ta¯ kou near Dunedin, where I also sat in a car with my friends watching a Royal Albatross swoop in and out of sea fog.
The joy of travelling with someone who is from a place you have never visited is the local knowledge and personal stories they share.
It anchors an experience to the landscape, giving the trip deeper meaning than just being a tourist on a holiday.
There is one place I have returned to over again because I am hooked by its wild beauty, Te Tai Poutini, the West Coast of Te Waipounamu, the South Island.
My first journey was nearly 20 years ago with my friend Vicki Ratana, who is from Arahura, near Hokitika. The road trip had a purpose, to attend a blessing ceremony of children from the remote Mahitahi, Bruce Bay, while exploring the many attractions of Te Tai Poutini.
I flew from Wellington to Christchurch, where Vicki lives. We took the West Coast Road from Springfield to Kumara through the Arthur’s Pass National Park, in the heart of the Southern Alps, Ka¯ Tiritiri o te Moana.
In Westland all the senses are enlivened. It feels like you could prescribe a colour to the air, glacial blue, and taste and smell it; clean, crisp, cold and ancient.
inspiring and otherworldly the remote, pristine landscape became.
Westland is part of Te Wahipounamu, a Unesco World Heritage Site. It contains remnants of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, dating back millions of years.
During every hike, we would explore the geological trove at our feet while marvelling at the vista before our eyes. In the dark, dank forests we heard the calls of unique southern birds and caught glimpses of them on our walks.
At Okarito, we hoped to see the rare tokoeka kiwi and ko¯ tuku, white heron.
It is easy to see how the environment has inspired the acclaimed works of two world-famous locals, The Bone People author Keri Hulme and landscape photographer Andris Apse.
In Westland all the senses are enlivened. It feels like you could prescribe a colour to the air, glacial blue, and taste and smell it; clean, crisp, cold and ancient.
When we visited Te Moeka o Tuawe, Fox Glacier and Ka¯ Roimata o Hine Hukatere, Franz Josef, the ice was easy to access and touch. Now, the glaciers are retreating, thawing as the planet warms up.
We stayed with another friend and her wha¯ nau at Lake Paringa for the night and the next morning went to Mahitahi, Bruce Bay, to witness the blessing of the Nga¯ ti Ma¯ haki ki Makaawhio children.
Our final push south was to Okahu, Jackson Bay, at the end of the state highway. A former whaling station, the small port is still in operation.
The village consisted of a few houses and surprisingly, a small food truck with booths inside.
A local woman opened it up for us and apologised because the only fish she had was fresh turbot.
Neither of us had eaten the cold water flat fish before so didn’t realise the treat ahead.
It was one of the best fish and chip experiences either of us has ever enjoyed.
And so ended my first Te Tai Poutini journey, sitting on a remote wharf with my friend, soaking in the cool sea air, staring at the ancient rainforest and mountains while eating fresh battered turbot and hot, greasy chips wrapped in newsprint paper.
I was forever hooked, by the land of pounamu. Lodged forever in my heart to remind me always to respect the nature of Aotearoa New Zealand.