There are moments in travel when you’re not just visiting a place- it becomes part of you. That’s how I felt standing on the windswept coastline of Nature’s Wonders in Dunedin, New Zealand. Owned and lovingly preserved by Perry Reid and his family, this 650-acre expanse of untouched wilderness is more than a destination. It’s a window into the raw, unfiltered beauty of our planet.
Driving up to Nature’s Wonders, the view alone was worth the journey. Rugged cliffs dropped into the churning Pacific, showcasing the blues and greens of the Antarctic-fed waters that feed the vast array of animals here. Perry himself greeted us with a warm smile and a palpable passion for conservation. The Reid family has taken extraordinary steps to protect this land, making it a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for travelers seeking authentic connections with nature. They have passed up offer upon offer to build hotels, resorts, and more- wanting to preserve this land for upcoming generations.
The tour began with a thrilling ride on an Argo- an all-terrain vehicle that felt more like an amusement park ride as it tackled steep hills and uneven terrain. If you've been to Disneyland, think Indiana Jones Adventure- but with incredible views and wildlife all around you.
Our first stop was a fur seal colony on one of the many gorgeous beaches surrounding the property. Standing quietly, we watched in awe as a mother fur seal nursed her
pup on the beach, their bond tender and unbreakable. Nearby, other young seals tumbled through the surf with the unbridled joy of children at play. To be there, experiencing this moment of nature's nurture with my 6-year-old daughter was something I'll never forget. It struck me that these seals knew we were there but also knew they were protected- that we didn’t pose a threat to mom or her pups. The beauty of these moments caught me off guard- it made me tear up to see these generations of New Zealand fur seals enjoying their sunny day as much as we enjoyed observing them.Â
Further along, we were introduced to one of Nature’s Wonders’ most enchanting residents: the blue penguin. These tiny birds, the smallest species of penguin in the world, were busy raising their chicks in burrows nestled into the hillside. Watching the chicks clamor for food and their parents’ tireless dedication was beautiful and humbling. Perry showed us the tiny penguin tracks and other hidden nests- we walked by hundreds of these amazing birds without realizing it.Â
Nature’s Wonders isn’t just a place to observe wildlife; it’s a lesson in coexistence. The Reid family’s efforts have allowed these species to thrive. Their conservation initiatives extend beyond the borders of their property, inspiring a ripple effect of environmental stewardship in the region.
For those craving adventure, Nature’s Wonders delivers. But it’s not the adrenaline that stays with you- it’s the quiet moments. The weight of the air as you watch a seal pup’s first tentative swim. The electric stillness as a blue penguin peeks out from its nest with its chicks.
These are the moments that ground you, that remind you what’s real and important.
As we left the peninsula that day, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Nature’s Wonders had given us so much more than adventure. It had given me perspective. I did not want to leave, and I'm desperately trying to find a way to return as soon as possible. That visit will stay with me for life. Perry Reid’s slice of New Zealand is more than a testament to the beauty of our world; it’s a call to protect it. For me, and for our "Life Over Seas" journey, it was a reminder that travel isn’t just about seeing new places- it’s about rediscovering ourselves in the process.