New Zealand Journal Entries

Study Abroad
AHSS*3500
Brittany Dey
0749113
The University of Guelph-Humber

So it Begins
Sunday, May 26 2013
Today we landed in Auckland, New Zealand after a 24 hour trip, I was very exhausted.
When I stepped out of the airport the air had a different smell, it almost smelled like the ocean
when I went to New Brunswick but not quite. The first thing I noticed about my surroundings
was that vehicles drive on the left side of the road. As well as the driver of the vehicle is in the
right seat rather than the left. Once we settled down in our living quarters at the AUT
Millennium Lodge, we went for a walk to get some dinner. During the walk I began to realize
that the land has many hills and walking requires more work. I also noticed that there is more
plant life surrounding buildings and homes. As we got closer to food, there seemed to be plenty
of fast food options just like in Canada. When we entered out desired choice, Subway, I realized
that the prices were slightly higher than normal. And in the connecting gas station the more
unhealthy choices like chocolate bars and packaged products were more expensive as well. In the
restrooms, both public and at the lodge, they used more water efficient toilets. There are two
buttons to press depending on the amount of water you are willing to utilize. Our group also went
to a liquor store, some prices were more than normal but some were less than expected. The
prices at the store seemed to vary. After eating we went back to the lodge, and got to know the
members of our group a bit better. Which was nice, I really enjoyed being in New Zealand and I
could not wait to start my adventure on the other side of the world.
A Day in a Life of a Kiwi
Monday, May 27 2013
On our first full day in New Zealand, I woke up very excited to get started. The facility
was generous to provide our group with breakfast every day; the food was very appetizing and
consisted of only healthy options. After eating we received a tour of the facility from a professor
at AUT, which was very interesting. We learned that the institute works with athletes to help
them perform at their maximum capacity, focusing mainly on strength and conditioning. I liked
how the facility centered on athletics and sports, and how PAP affects sport performance. My
favourite part was getting a chance to utilize the testing machines to determine force, power, and
strength of an athlete. It is not like anything Ive used before; it was a great opportunity to get a
one on one chance to use it. It was nice to see that the facility can afford such equipment like the
temperature changing room that they plan to use for the upcoming Rio Olympics and the 3D
room that enables conductors to observe runners or cyclists at every possible angle. I believe it
would be quite beneficial to have facilities just like this in Canada; although expenses, space, and
other issues such as our government hold us back on getting an institute like the AUT
Millennium Lodge. Having everything a tester needs under one roof would be quite helpful and
could enable Canada to move forward with development in sports and athletics.
After the tour, we took a trip downtown by using the bus. It was much more expensive
than buses back at home in Burlington. The pricing of their buses seemed to be priced like we
would our trains (at least like in Burlington); there was a set one-way trip price as well as a full
day pass. In Burlington, we have a set price of $3.25 and give out transfers that could be used for

a specific period of time. But in Toronto the buses are different; it is just like in Auckland.
Toronto provides a full day pass for $10.75, the bus in New Zealand was just under $10. Though,
unlike Canada the buses here provide change for passengers. Another thing I noticed was that the
bus stops were quite a distance from the lodge, and other sections as well. The distance between
stops gives encouragement to physical activity, for citizens if using the bus would have to walk a
larger difference than in Canada. As we took the trip on the bus, I noticed that the drivers seemed
to have a lesser regard for safety due to starting to drive with the back door still open. The buses
also had a specific lane to drive in when going into the city. Once we got into downtown
Auckland, we got an opportunity to walk around. The city had many hills, which is uncommon
in Toronto. Looking around downtown, I noted that there were a lot of Asian culture and shops. I
wasnt expecting New Zealand to have diverse cultures like in Canada. It was a nice surprise. I
also saw quite a few Maori people, who are New Zealands natives. During our walk around a
group of us went to go check out a casino, just to see what it was like. I got in, but a few students
did not because they needed to be 20 years of age and one didnt get in because her jeans were
ripped. After our quick look in the casino, we then went to lunch by the harbour. The food was
decent for portion sizes and tipping in New Zealand wasnt a custom. The citizens I found were
very friendly and helped out with directions and great places to eat. Following downtown, we
returned back to the bus and as we were walking back to the lodge we decided to stop at another
liquor store and an organic grocery store. At the liquor store, the prices were different than the
first one we went to, maybe their prices arent as regulated like in Canada. At the organic
grocery store, the eggs seemed to be more expensive than in Canada.
Tuesday, May 28 2013
Today, we received an excellent breakfast again. Once we finished our food we left for
AUTs North Shore campus. This time we travelled by taxi. The taxi drivers were really nice.
When we got to the campus the weather changed drastically, all day it was start-stop rain and
hail; not to mention some clear periods. While waiting in the university, I noticed by the gym the
vending machine had many healthy foods like nuts, seeds, and bars. At the university we had a
small lecture, our group discussed about the differences from Canada and New Zealand as well
as the different health focuses for each of the universities. We met so many amazing facility
members that helped us to understand New Zealands systems. The school even offers programs
on their Maori culture, which is amazing. I would love to learn about their culture more, I know
we dont have any program like they do in AUT in Humber or Guelph-Humber. My favourite
part was learning that in one of their buildings they cared for citizens and the students got the
opportunity to get hands on practice, as well as New Zealands Maori people get a chair in
government unlike Canada. It was also nice to learn that in New Zealand health professionals
work together. The green prescriptions that we talked about before this trip was mentioned, but
we learned that they are not too commonly prescribed in New Zealand anymore. But because of
the health professionals working together a disadvantage could be that sometimes they are not
certain who should prescribe the green prescription or when one health profession should step in.
Although it doesnt work perfectly, I think it is an interesting concept and should be considered
in Canada. It was nice to see a variety of professions working together. Following the lecture, we
took a tour of the North Shore campus. There was an opportunity to look at the different rooms
available in the campus for testing and lectures. As well, we got a chance to look in at their clinic
where students get to work with people. I loved how they even included oral health into their

facility. I also got an opportunity to play volleyball with the locals, I had tons of fun and they
were quite friendly. After our volleyball game, we went back into downtown Auckland. While
shopping I realized that they include tax with the price of the product, which we dont do in
Canada. We then went to dinner downtown. Following dinner we return to the lodge and hung
out.
Wednesday, May 29 2013
Today was going to be a busy day, after breakfast we took the bus to the North Shore
campus. When we got to the terminal we walked across a bridge into the facility. The bridge
promotes public transit rather than personal vehicles. Using fewer vehicles will decrease
pollutants in the air as well as promote more physical activity because one would have to walk to
the facility for a longer duration of time. Once we entered the building, we received a lecture on
one of the programs offered at AUT. The three year program, outdoor education, is where
students are taught teamwork and leadership skills. The lecture provided us with information on
where the program could take you, as well as skills that could be developed. The lecture really
interested me, and I feel like it would be something I could possibly do in the future. I personally
love the outdoors and learning survival skills. The instructors were quite friendly, and made the
program interesting; they seemed to love what they do. Once the lecture was completed, two
people from the program organized outdoor activities and survival tips. I found it to be rather
exciting and I enjoyed my time. The group got an opportunity to create fire by only using sticks
and string, as well as learned how to weave a ball with the leaves from a flax plant and launch
homemade rockets.
After spending time with the instructors, we received a project to find things in
downtown Auckland that had to do with health, fitness, and wellness, and compare it with
Canada. My partner Magda and I travelled all over the city searching for information for this
project. We took many pictures, and travelled to far lengths. Magda and I even went so far to
grab a grocery store flyer to help us compare food prices to Canadian flyers. While in the grocery
store, we noticed that food prices were high, both fast food and some grocery foods. Also, unlike
Toronto, Auckland provides many recreational activities and opportunities for physical activity
and exercise. In Auckland there were many citizens that were jogging, biking, and carrying gym
bags. While walking, I noted that there was more vegetation on the sidewalks, medians, and
around the houses/buildings. It looked like there was more green space than downtown Toronto.
Having plenty of vegetation and a greener environment encourages walking due to a more
comfortable and likeable surroundings. As stated before, the land has many hills and uneven
pathways; which makes walking more strenuous causing more muscles to engage. We even went
to a few parks that had a skate park and even cricket batting cages, we even saw at a park a
personal trainer and her client working out. Following our downtown adventure attempting to
come up with ideas for the project, we met up with the group at the Sky Tower. The group went
for dinner, I got the lamb and it was delicious. Thinking now, lamb is likely one of New
Zealands exports because they have plenty of farming. After dinner, we headed back to the
lodge and packed up our belongings for our next destination.

Thursday, May 30 2013

After breakfast, I gathered up my bags and packed them onto the bus headed to Rotorua.
During our travels, the closer we got to our hotel the more the land became hilly and a lusher
green. The lands werent as even and the hills were much higher. In the flatter land, there was
lots of farming. I saw plenty of livestock such sheep, lamb, and cattle; all which are a big
industry in New Zealand. The living houses looked small, only one floor and likely no basement.
On our way to the hotel we stopped at the Waitomo glow worm caves, where we got to travel
into a limestone cave and see glow worms. I was super excited to see the glow worms, but I was
very disappointed that I could not take any pictures or videotape my experience though I
understand why. It was an amazing thing to see, very unique. Also, on our way to the hotel we
stopped off at Maori tourist attraction and got a chance to look at some geysers and mud pools as
well as see a real live kiwi bird. While at the village I noticed a foul smell from the sulphur in the
hot springs and mud pools. The smell from the sulphur seemed to linger with me and stay on
some of my clothes. Although the smell wasnt pleasant, the view of the geysers, mud pools and
hot springs even from afar was spectacular. In the tour of the Maori village we learned about
wood carving and weaving, as well as how the natives of New Zealand create their clothing. The
wood carving was spectacular. They put a lot of effort and time in creating a piece and every
carving tells a story. Our tour guide told us that they pick only a small amount of students in
school for wood carving to come and carve for the village. Also, the tour guide was a Maori as
well. I think it was great to have this passed down from generation and to stay proud of ones
culture and heritage. Its nice to see, because I know that in Canada our natives are losing their
cultural aspect. I know firsthand because I am native descent. On the tour we looked at some
geysers close up. These geysers in Rotorua are caused by volcanic activity underneath the
springs which creates the heat and steam. After the tour, we went straight to the hotel to drop off
our bags and go to the Maori village for a native experience and a hangi dinner. When we got to
the village we played some games, learned more about their culture and even learned how to do a
bit of the haka war dance. I really enjoyed my time learning about the Maori people. Following
the games, we sat down for the hangi dinner, which is when the food in cooked inside the Earth.
The food was delicious. Overall, I enjoyed my experience with the Maori people. When I got a
good look in Rotoura, I noticed that the buildings looked rundown at times and most places
where out of business. There could have possibly been a recession or even I high unemployment
rate.
Friday, May 31 2013
After breakfast the group went on the bus and headed to the agridome. When we got
there I saw many animals that were farmed for produce and products. We went to a sheep
shearing demonstration, which informed us of the many products that could be made from wool
and the different kind of wool there is. Products from wool are one of New Zealands exports,
and are widely used by the world. After the sheep shearing demonstration, we got an opportunity
to watch how a sheepdog herds. Next, we went to a tractor tour and learned about the various
things New Zealand farms like cattle, sheep, lamb, and even deer as well as alpacas (for their
wool). The farm also had fruit like kiwis and feijoas, I have never heard of a feijoa before and
turns out they are not really found anywhere else because they cannot be exported due to going
bad fast. Kiwis at the farm are not only exported and sold at grocery stores, they could also be

turned into wines and juices. While on the tour, our guide told us that in New Zealand there are
about 4.4 million people but there are 35 million sheep! That is crazy!
For our last activity, we went to go mountain biking. I was really looking forward to a
bike ride in the forest it sounded nice to me. At first I didnt think it would be too difficult but
when we got to the path I realized how hard it was. The hills were steep at times and going
downhill got quite fast. Even if you know how to ride a bike, going into a forest is hard work.
There were even some falls and I even got a few bruises. Mountain biking in the forest was
overall a fantastic experience, and is another recreational activity for the kiwis. The best part of
the trails is that they are free to ride on if you have your own bike and gear. It only costs to rent a
bike and have a guide through the forest. The free access to these trails encourages citizens of
New Zealand to participate in the mountain biking activity.
Saturday, June 1 2013
After breakfast we got our bags and went to volcano valley for a hike. We learned about
the history of the worlds largest geyser at one point in time, unfortunately the pressure got too
much and it was destroyed. We also saw the Frying Pan, which is a body of water that gets as
hot as 60 degrees Celsius and has a pH of 2. The pH of 2 means that the water is extremely
acidic, it is like nothing Ive ever heard of. I was very intrigued that the volcanic activity could
cause such acidic water; it even prevents anything growing in the water like algae. Though
interesting, I was kind of let down that the tour didnt last that long. I was expecting a little more
from the valley. Next Bob, our driver, took us to see some mud pools and New Zealand biggest
waterfall; though the waterfall was nothing to Niagara Falls in Canada but it was beautiful in
colour. After we went to Taupo and looked at some active mountains (volcanoes).
Sunday, June 2 2013
I woke up today super excited! Its Hobbition day! I couldnt wait to grab my bags, leave
Taupo and head to where The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were filmed! Like usual we had
breakfast and headed out on our adventure. We brought our stuff because we were changing
hotels again and heading back to Auckland after Hobbiton. There was a lot of driving today than
usual, but I didnt mind I was too ecstatic. Once we got to the movie set of Hobbiton, we went on
a tour. The tour was very interesting and I learned a lot about the behind the scenes of the
movies, and how much work was put into the smallest things. Like how the director purchased
his own brewery so that he could create only 1% alcohol beverages and they made their own
peach tree from an apple tree because the peach tree would be to large in comparison to the
Hobbits. It was nice to have only a fun day, a day not to really worry about the intellectual aspect
of health and fitness. I really enjoyed my time at Hobbition and got opportunity to purchase
some awesome gifts, though pricy it was worth it! Following Hobbition we got some lunch at the
town of Matamata at a caf. The food was great but a little pricy, but thats nothing new in New
Zealand. When we finished our food it was back on the bus to Auckland. Once we arrived we
checked into our hotel and relaxed for a bit. Both Bea and Magda went on the sling-shot ride, it
looked like fun. A group of us wandered downtown and looked at shops. After we returned to the
hotel to get ready for dinner, and ended up going to an Italian restaurant. I like how in Auckland
they also have a variety of foods.

Monday, June 3 2013

Today is our last full day in New Zealand, although I was happy to go home and see my
friends and family I was still upset to leave such a beautiful country. The morning began like
every other, a nice breakfast. Today we were headed out for a tour of the rainforests in New
Zealand; I was looking forward to a nice walk in a comforting environment. The tour guides
picked us up at the hotel, and were very enthusiastic. On our way to the rainforest we learned
that New Zealand does not naturally grow flowers, but the flowers that we saw growing there
were actually imported from other countries long ago. Another interesting thing was that the
plants that were losing their leaves are imported as well; the plants that keep their leaves during
their winter periods are native to the land. We also learned that animals were brought into the
country as well for people to hunt; this is because majority of the animals in the rainforest were
birds. Many of the original birds in New Zealand are either extinct or rare. Importing animals to
New Zealand has caused issues with pests, such as the possum. The possum in New Zealand is
not like the ones we have back at home, and is now overpopulating their country. It has gotten to
a point where they must hunt to control their over grown population. The reason the possum has
gotten so overpopulated is because the country has no predator. The birds that have gone extinct
or rare to find have been over hunted by people or attacked by new predators introduced by other
countries importing into New Zealand. An example would be the kiwi bird, it originally had
minimal predators but was over hunted by the Maori people and new predators like dogs. Once
we reached the rainforest we went on the hike. I noticed that there were no flowers to be seen
and many large trees and green plants. We also saw a huge tree called a kauri tree; the tree could
live for thousands of years and grow to be 25 feet in width. This tree is also considered to be
sacried to the Maori people and would not be willing cut down by them. The kauri trees also
produce a gum that the Maori people would use for chewing. The forest gives the impression of
animal life, but we saw nothing other than some over large pigeons eating. The lack of visible
animals was surprising and unexpected. After the hike we went to the beach, I noted that the
sand was black in colour. Our tour guides told us it was iron in the sand from the volcanoes. The
iron actually makes the sand magnetic. In Canada, Ive never seen anything like it. It was a sight
to see. Along our way back from the beach some of our group noticed some calla lilies, but in
New Zealand we were told that they were more of a weed there. Before finishing our tour, the
guides told us and interesting fact that trout in New Zealand could be caught but not sold, Im
not too sure as to why.

Auckland Assignment
During our trip downtown Auckland, my partner Magda and I discovered the differences
between New Zealand and Canada. How their food prices, recreational living, as well as
surroundings promote health and fitness. We noticed that Auckland provides its citizens with a
variety of recreational activities and tourists with attractions. Even its geological design and
environment is beneficial to ones fitness. The land was uneven and had many hills. The
sidewalks also travelled with the hill, this will encourage more muscle usage when walking and
exert more energy than flat land. The streets had more vegetation than one would find downtown
Toronto, it was seen by the sidewalks, medians, and around buildings. Not only did the
vegetation provide a comfortable environment that may encourage walking, but the harbour
provided running and biking trails. The city of Auckland also had two parks, the Victoria Park
and Albert Park. Victoria Park had a playground for children, soccer field that could also be used
for rugby, Skate Park, and cricket batting cage; while Albert Park had sightseeing statues and
large hills, especially going into the park. The parks would encourage physical activity for all
ages, my partner and I even saw a personal trainer working with her client at Victoria Park.
There was also a free entry art gallery, The 5th Auckland Triennial, that promotes walking and
tourism.
My partner and I both noticed that at the harbour there were plenty of gyms and yoga
studios. Many of the gyms advertised deals and cheap pricing. Lower pricing for gyms and
studios would promote citizens to get a membership or give exercising more of a chance. Though
if you do, it is not as appealing. We also saw that the harbour had sailing and kayaking
opportunities just like to Torontos harbour. As mentioned, there we lots of people biking by the
harbour, conveniently there were bike shops promoting more bikers; which is something you
would not really find in downtown Toronto.
One main thing that was noted in the trip was that there were a large variety of health
advertisements throughout the city. My partner and I found some focusing on getting regular
doctor check-ups, eating healthy, and exercising. We also found a few advertising outdoor
activities such as Manu Aute (Kite Day) for families and other activities located at the harbour.
Advertisements were found on benches, buses, billboards, bus shelters, and areas close to gyms.
Just like in Toronto, there was a variety of fast food chains. The restaurants provided citizens
with cheaper and easy to access foods. Although not always the best choice, the chains were
placed strategically into the city to encourage consumption. Yet, I realized that the prices of fast
food where more expensive in comparison. In Canada the cost of a Big Mac meal is $8.34 (In
Burlington) and in Auckland its $9.
Unexpectedly the gas prices in New Zealand were extremely expensive. I found a station
that was charging 211.9 per liter. Turns out New Zealand has one of the most expensive gas
prices in the world. Currently gas is at 128.7 per liter in Canada. The high gas prices are likely to
promote kiwis to walk or take public transit. Not using personal vehicles could improve health
and decrease some pollutants in the air to better environment. By improving environment, air
quality will clear and encourage more walking. Though, strangely we noticed that downtown
there were plenty of cheap parking places. We found one parking place for $11, and one by the
harbour that was low as $5 for early birds. In Toronto parking can be quite expensive, and hard

to find open spots. The low parking prices and high availability to park downtown allows people
to travel to the city more and rely more on their vehicles rather than walking.

Canada and New Zealand Price Difference

Canada
Food Basics

New Zealand
Windback

Sirloin Steak $6.61/kg

Sirloin Steak $17.99/kg (product

of Australia)

Food Basics

Windback

GayLea Butter $3 for 454g

Anchor Butter $3.89 for 500g

Food Basics

Windback

Red Grapes $2.20/kg

Red Grapes $4.79/kg (product of

Chile or Australia)

Food Basics

Windback

Eggs $3 for 18 pack

Eggs $3.67 for 12 pack

Walmart

Windback

Ketchup $2.97

Ketchup $2.49

Metro

Windback

Maple Leaf Bacon $5.49 for 375-500g

Hellers bacon $9.95 for 400g

Metro

Windback

Pasta 3 for $5 for 300-375g

Pasta 2 for $3.50 for 300-500g

No Frills

Windback

Chocolate Bars 2 for $3

Chocolate Bars 3 for $3

Price Difference
$11.38 more than Canada

$0.89 more than Canada

$2.79 more than Canada

$0.67 more than Canada

$0.48 less than Canada

$4.46 more than Canada

$1.50 less than Canada (More

product for Canada)

Same price (More product for New

Zealand)

Table 1: Is a comparison of Canadian and New Zealand grocery flyers. Majority of New Zealand
products are more expensive than Canadian grocery stores.
While in the grocery stores in Auckland, we noticed that the fresh fruits and vegetables
were more expensive than you would find in Toronto. Strange enough, the fruits and some
vegetables were locally grown (labeled product of New Zealand) or from Australia or Chile.
Lemons that were local were priced as $7.99 per kg. More of the unhealthy foods, although still
somewhat pricy, were cheaper overall and more affordable in comparison with health foods. The
lower price of some unhealthy foods would encourage unhealthy habits in eating and contribute
to weight gain.