Arriving in Aotearoa – A first day full of stories, people, and powerful moments

Welcome to Aotearoa. Even now, in the first hours, there is a feeling that this journey will be something unique. A blend of people, impressions, and little situations that stick with you.

An arrival with familiar routines – and a New Zealand downpour

I took an Uber from the airport to the hotel. I’ll spare you the story of the airport itself – you know it. Due to previous business experiences, I have a certain relationship with waiting times at immigration around the world. Today it was 1 hour 20 minutes. The result: all in order, all clean. But there remains that special moment you just carry with you.

Outside, New Zealand greeted us with full force: rain that is hard to describe. Not a light shower – a rain that came vertically, horizontally, and seemingly from below all at once. So strong that I'm sure: If it stays like this, my current rain gear won’t be enough.

Therefore, at the top of the list tomorrow: get a decent rain jacket. Without it, I won't get through the day here.

The first encounter – a group full of stories

In the evening, we met in the hotel lobby. Sixteen people who will become my little world for the next fourteen days. The composition is already fascinating:

• I am the only European.
• If you generously count the Luxembourger with South African roots, we are at least two.
• The rest are Canadians and Americans – roughly evenly divided.

One participant is, like me, a tax advisor, Chris from Dallas. Friendly, clear, humorous. Others have decades of backpacking experience, some are traveling with G-Adventures for the first time, while many have done so multiple times. Some couples are already retired and travel with the clear motto:

As long as we can move, we want to see the world.

What pleased me personally: I fit in perfectly age-wise. No outsiders, no exotic individuals, just another curious traveler. That feels good.

A presentation that sticks – our “CEO”

James opened the introduction with a role that instantly raises expectations with us in Europe: He introduced himself as the “CEO.” Then he relieved the tension – at G-Adventures, CEO means:

Chief Experience Officer.

And he fills this role convincingly. His energy, lightness, and the dedication to give us moments that we will never forget make him immediately the center of the evening. He lives this job. You can feel it. And he conveys it.

Sharing, listening, connecting

Everyone introduced themselves: Who are you? Where are you from? Why are you here?

A simple round – yet incredibly intense.

I was probably the only one who hadn’t looked at the trip beforehand. No routing, no videos, no planning. After weeks full of work, decisions, and organization, I just want to let it flow. People instead of to-do lists. Impressions instead of calendars. That's exactly how it feels right.

Afterward, we went out to eat together – all sixteen of us. And James led us again: calm, local, connecting. A true Chief Experience Officer.

The first day sparked something: this is not a standard program. This is a social adventure.

Auckland & Waiheke – A glimpse of tomorrow

Tomorrow our journey officially starts – and the day sounds like a perfect beginning.

Auckland – City of Sails

Auckland is modern, safe, and cosmopolitan. Two large harbors, volcanic cones, Pacific and European influences. A city that radiates both energy and serenity.

Waiheke Island – Wine, landscape, and ease

By ferry, it takes about an hour to reach the island.

Waiheke is known for:

• Wineries
• Olive groves
• Artist colonies
• Beaches
• A relaxed, almost Mediterranean atmosphere

A wine tour is on the agenda, in perfect weather: 26 degrees and sunny.

Organizational schedule

• Breakfast from 6:30 AM
• Orientation walk for ATM & supermarket around 9:30 AM
• Free time until noon
• Meeting at 12:30 PM in the lobby or 12:45 PM at the ferry terminal
• Return to Auckland around 6:00 PM

In the evening, we’re heading to the harbor area – diverse restaurants, from Asian fusion to top gastronomy to local classics.

A conclusion after the first day

This start was more than just an organizational kickoff. It was a human one.

People with stories. A guide with a mission.

A functioning group.

A country that shows on the first evening how intense it can be.

And I realize: That's exactly what I needed. Not planning. Experiencing.

Not leading. Following.

Not steering. Allowing.

New Zealand has begun. And it feels like an adventure that will last.