Shweta Tripathi and her husband Chaitanya Sharma have just returned from a 10-day long trip to Ootearoa New Zealand (The Land of the Long White Cloud).
Shweta Tripathi and Chaitanya Sharma’s Kiwi Adventure: A Journey to Remember
Shweta Tripathi and her husband Chaitanya Sharma (aka Salu Cheetah) recently returned from their first trip to New Zealand, still buzzing with memories of their Kiwi vacation. The couple spent 10 days exploring Aotearoa New Zealand (The Land of the Long White Cloud) and claimed they had “the best date ever.” In an exclusive chat with News18, he shares highlights of his unforgettable vacation.
Calm before the storm
Shweta says, “Our first day was mostly about settling in and soaking up the Kiwi atmosphere. On their second day, the couple visited the famous Hundertwasser Art Center in Whangārei along with the Wairau Maori Art Gallery. Designed by architect Friedensrich Hundertwasser in 1993, Shweta says. Despite its age, it was the last authentic building to stand out.
“As a design student at NIFT Delhi, art and culture really excited me,” says Shweta. Hundertwasser’s work was incredibly impressive. His art represents the values of individuality, creativity and harmony with nature which are the need of the hour. Inspired by the message of sustainability, he purchased some of his paintings for his office in Bandra as a constant reminder of responsibility for future generations.
Luxury and Supermoon
Checking out Parva Bay Winery and Accommodation in Northland felt like stepping into paradise for the couple. Their villa, Taraponga, boasts tennis and badminton courts, a sauna, spa, petanque area, gourmet kitchen, golf facilities, and an outdoor swimming pool overlooking Parva Bay and the Bay of Islands.
“The villa was pure bliss,” says Chaitanya. “We felt like Pablo Escobar for a few days,” he jokes. Adding to the magic was a supermoon that night, which made the whole 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. It was Chaitanya’s first skydive, while Shweta, who is 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 that you need an oxygen mask,” explains Chaitanya. The 75-second freefall, filled with screams and teary-eyed laughter, was an adrenaline rush for them that lasted for days.
Immerse yourself in nature in Rotorua
Rotorua offered the couple a day of cultural and natural experiences. After witnessing a traditional Maori haka and indulging in a hangi buffet, they toured the trees of the Redwoods Forest. Suspended 20 meters above the ground, they admired trees over 150 years old.
Cheetah describes the experience as “monkey-like but in style”. Evening brought even more magic with kayaking in caves illuminated by glow worms. “It was freezing, but the flashing lights were worth it,” says Shweta. “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 the world’s largest commercially rafted waterfall, with a drop of 7 meters.
“Within 50 meters of starting from the Kaituna river, we dropped,” recalls Chaitanya. The surrounding jungle, reminiscent of Jurassic Park, only enhanced the adventure.
Finding Auckland’s charm
Later that day, they returned to Auckland and explored the city on e-bikes. They rode along a vibrant pink loop through the heart of the city surrounded by blue skies and cool street art.
A taste of Waiheke Island
Before returning home, the couple spent a day on Waiheke Island, known for its olive oil and wine. After sampling an array of world-class olive oils and wines, including Rosé, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, they took to the skies ziplining.
Flying on three zip lines of different dimensions, they enjoyed beautiful views of the island’s forested landscape. “We were screaming like animals as we flew through the air,” laughs Chaitanya. The couple also took part in a unique local tradition of tree hugging. You give good luck to the tree,” explains Shweta. “It reminded us to give back to nature, not just take from it.”
From cultural enrichment to adrenaline fueled adventure, Shweta and Chaitanya’s trip to New Zealand was the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration and discovery. As they fondly recall their experiences, it is clear that the Land of the Long White Cloud left a lasting impression on them.