TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 12
QUEENSTOWN
The Māori are the Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand (Aotearoa). They first settled the islands over 700 years ago.
In New Zealand, “kia ora” is a common Māori greeting meaning “hello,” “goodbye,” or “thank you.” More than a phrase, it conveys a wish for well-being—“have life” or “be well.”
Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand, is often translated as “Land of the Long White Cloud,” referring to the clouds that shroud its mountains. It also evokes the idea of a “Long Bright World.”
Most airports are all buildings and runways, but not in Queenstown. Even on the way to the plane, you’re still surrounded by hills and sky. It felt like the landscape was saying a soft goodbye.
And just like that, we say goodbye to a country Hubby and I came to love. From up in the air, we look down one last time and say—Kia Ora, Aotearoa. Till we meet again.
This was from my trip last April 2025.
When I was a child, there was a make of orange squash called Kia-Ora. I only recently found out the significance. What a beautifully situated airport!
I agree with you, the airport is not your usual kind.
I remember Kia-Ora – I seem to recall they used to advertise in cinemas?
What a lovely send-off from a beautiful country!