My Weekend Away in New Zealand's Mount Ruapehu - rich opportunities are not to be missed!

"As fast as each opportunity presents itself, use it! No matter how tiny an opportunity it may be, use it!" - Robert Collier

There is something magical about being a far drive away from home, wrapped up in a maze-like, wooden lodge not far from the snowy, vast mountains.

Just recently, some friends and I embarked on an adventure to New Zealand’s Ruapehu Mountain for snowboarding. We had been discussing the trip for a while, yet when it came time to depart, it felt almost like a last-minute decision. I was personally sceptical about going away because I had my practice exams for school on Monday and the weather wasn't promising. Knowing my beautiful country, if you want to know the forecast, simply read the sun as rain, and the rain, as sun.

Only kidding, of course!

It turns out that my apprehensions were nothing in comparison to the wonderful experience I had. The five-hour drive on route to Tongariro National Park was exhilarating and replenishing. There’s something about the crisp mountain air that always refreshes my soul and fills me with an inner solitude. It's as though retreat from the divine comfort of home and certainty of tomorrow drew me back into the rawness of life. At times throughout the drive I would lean my head out the open car window, listening to faint acoustic tunes and allow the oncoming breeze to embrace me.

The morning after arrival, I awakened before the others. While journaling and spending time with God, I gazed out the window to the farmlands and encompassing forestry. Once the boys awoke and we had our much-needed caffeine fix, we headed to the mountain promptly. There was this wonderful expectation for how the day would unfold as our car plowed its way up the winding, narrow roads to the base of Whakapapa Ski field. Our day was spent boarding through the dense fog. All the while, we tried as best we could to navigate our way down the steep incline somewhat safely...

That’s the whole fun of it, is it not?

Aside from my wrist acting as a landing pad for many clumsy tumbles and my friends throwing a few unfortunate cartwheels (so I heard), we returned to the lodge as soaked sponges, but nevertheless, satisfied.

The following day, my sister and her friend joined us. Despite partially enduring a blizzard halfway down Turtle Run, with the afternoon dismissal of the clouds and rain, we had a glimpse of bluebird. The day simply got better from there. Fresh powder was the snow, and on our break we enjoyed a flat white tucked away in the mountain’s cosy café.

As for the accommodation, staying in the Tongariro Crossing Backpackers Lodge in a shared dormitory was a surprisingly pleasant experience. I would definitely do it again. The enriching encounters with various people from around the world added value to my adventure. This included two friendly girls from Ireland who have been living in New Zealand for over a year and a French hiker who would read his book in the corner of his bed, head torch and all. I felt in awe that there are so many different people in this world, yet I could meet these three lovely strangers whom I may never see again.

I am forever grateful that I did not let anything stop me from going on this trip. There will always be little things that will try to convince you into saying no to rich opportunities. Overcome the doubts in your mind. Don't let it convince you out of something potentially great and a time of growth for yourself.

Choosing to trust in the adventure that lay ahead and letting go of my concerns was challenging, but more than that, it was rewarding. I had to accept that some things are out of my control and consciously avoid stressing about the small details. This decision to simply enjoy the present has been a massive lesson for me, not just over the weekend, but in life. I had to realise that life is complex– sometimes you wait, sometimes things aren’t perfect and sometimes there is a lesson to be learnt even in the hardest of times.

Over this weekend get-away, I’ve come to learn that spontaneity and going for the right opportunities is where ultimate life experiences are born. It is in times of scarce comfort and challenge where you discover an inner confidence in who you are as an individual.

The enjoyable last stretch home. Exhausted and wrapped up in a fur blanket in the back seat, I listened once again to my music, head down on my pillow. Watching New Zealand’s magnificent landscapes pass me by, the sun setting behind the green, rolling pastures, and many wondering baby goats, I knew in my heart it would not be long before I would be back again.