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Shweta Tripathi and her husband Chaitnya Sharma just returned from a 10-day long trip to Aotearoa New Zealand (The Land of The Long White Cloud)
Shweta Tripathi and Chaitnya Sharma’s Kiwi Adventure: A Trip to Remember
Shweta Tripathi and her husband Chaitnya Sharma (aka SlowCheeta) recently returned from their first trip to New Zealand, still buzzing with memories of their Kiwi holiday. The couple spent 10 days exploring Aotearoa New Zealand (The Land of the Long White Cloud) and claim to have had “their best date ever.” In an exclusive chat with News18, they share highlights from their unforgettable vacation.
Calm Before the Storm
“Our first day was mostly us settling in and soaking in the Kiwi atmosphere,” says Shweta. On their second day, the couple visited the iconic Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery in Whangārei. Designed in 1993 by architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this was the last authentic building of his creation. Despite its age, the vibrant and modern design stood out.
“As a design student from NIFT Delhi, art and culture really excite me,” Shweta shares. “Hundertwasser’s work was incredibly inspiring. His art represents values like individuality, creativity, and harmony with nature—values that are the need of the hour.” Moved by the message of sustainability, she purchased some of his paintings for her office in Bandra as a constant reminder of the responsibility to future generations.
Luxury and a Supermoon
Checking into Paroa Bay Winery and Accommodation in Northland felt like stepping into paradise for the couple. Their villa, Tarāpunga, boasted tennis and badminton courts, a sauna, spa, pétanque area, gourmet kitchen, golf facilities, and an outdoor swimming pool overlooking Paroa Bay and the Bay of Islands.
“The villa was pure bliss,” says Chaitnya. “We felt like Pablo Escobar for a few days,” he jokes. Adding to the magic was a supermoon that night, which made the entire experience even more enchanting. “Checking out was the hardest part!”
Adrenaline-Pumping Adventure
Day three began with a thrill—a skydive from 18,000 feet over the Bay of Islands. This was Chaitnya’s first skydive, while Shweta, already experienced, set the tone by rapping a song before the jump.
Initially booked for a 12,000-foot jump, the couple was persuaded to go higher. “At 18,000 feet, the air is so thin you need oxygen masks,” explains Chaitnya. The 75-second freefall, filled with screaming and teary-eyed laughter, left them with an adrenaline rush that lasted for days.
Immersion in Nature at Rotorua
Rotorua offered the couple a day of cultural and natural experiences. After witnessing the traditional Māori haka and indulging in a Hāngi buffet, they ventured on a Redwoods Forest tree walk. Suspended 20 meters above the ground, they admired trees over 150 years old.
Cheeta describes the experience as “being like a monkey but in style.” The evening brought even more magic with kayaking through caves illuminated by glowworms. “It was freezing, but the glowing lights were worth it,” says Shweta. “The glowworms looked like a scene from Chris Martin’s Sky Full of Stars.”
Braving Rapids at Tutea Falls
The next morning, the couple headed to Tutea Falls for another thrilling experience—rafting down the world’s largest commercially rafted waterfall, with a 7-meter drop.
“Within 50 meters of starting at Kaituna River, we hit the drop,” recalls Chaitnya. The surrounding forest, reminiscent of Jurassic Park, only heightened the adventure.
Exploring Auckland’s Charm
Later that day, they returned to Auckland and explored the city on e-bikes. They rode along a vibrant pink loop in the heart of the city, surrounded by blue skies and cool street art.
A Taste of Waiheke Island
Before heading back home, the couple spent a day on Waiheke Island, known for its olive oil and wines. After sampling an array of world-class olive oils and wines—including Rosé, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay—they took to the skies with ziplining.
Flying across three ziplines of varying lengths, they enjoyed sweeping views of the island’s forested landscape. “We screamed like animals as we soared through the air,” laughs Chaitnya. The couple also participated in a unique local tradition of tree-hugging. “If your fingers wrap around the tree, you get good luck. If they don’t, you give the tree good luck,” explains Shweta. “It reminded us to give back to nature, not just take from it.”
From cultural enrichment to adrenaline-fueled adventures, Shweta and Chaitnya’s New Zealand trip was a perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and discovery. As they fondly recall their experiences, it’s clear the Land of the Long White Cloud left a lasting impression on them.
