Imagine setting off from sunny Tauranga in December with your suitcase full of winter woollies, bound for a trip of a lifetime in Iceland, soaking up all the white Christmas vibes!

Iceland is a pinch-me destination to uncover! For lovers of scenery and folklore, hot pools and volcanic landscapes, Iceland offers it all.

Seeing the icebergs with my own eyes was one of my must-dos, and I was not disappointed. Visiting Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, I was in awe of its beauty, but if that wasn’t enough, just a little further down the track is Diamond beach – named for the sparkling ice chunks that wash up on the black sand, resembling diamonds.

If you’re ever fortunate enough to visit Iceland just before Christmas, don’t miss the opportunity to learn some Icelandic Christmas folklore. On our six-day Northern Lights escape with Intrepid Travel, our guide Larus had us all captivated by the legend of the Christmas elves!

While outside my be at freezing point, Iceland has a bounty of geothermal energy, heating the country’s homes, baths, and pools.

Icelanders are known for their genial and efficient natures, which was on full display at the sheep farm guesthouse where we stayed. The animals were being housed in a warm barn over winter and we enjoyed beautifully ripe tomatoes in the heart of winter thanks to their hot houses.

Our typical day saw sunrise at 11am and dusk at 4pm, and I was amazed by the resilience of Icelanders, who go about their daily lives so efficiently despite the short hours of sunlight.

Iceland’s dramatic scenery is a breathtaking showcase of nature’s extremes, where thundering waterfalls, towering glaciers, and volcanic landscapes collide in spectacular fashion. From the striking Gullfoss Falls and the beauty of Seljalandsfoss, to the powerful roar of Skógafoss, the island’s waterfalls are nothing short of mesmerising.

On one of our days, we hiked along Europe’s biggest icecap, Vatnajokull, which has about 30 glaciers flowing out of it. It’s the same size as Jamaica! Exploring naturally weathered ice formations, deep crevasses, and surreal blue ice caves reminded us of the raw power of nature.

Every step through Iceland’s rugged wilderness offers a sense of wonder, where the elements are wild, pure, and endlessly awe-inspiring. They say good things come to those who wait, and I was so grateful to be blessed with a spectacular show of Northern Lights on our final evening in Reykjavik.

Seeing the Northern Lights is one of those rare, soul-stirring moments that words can’t fully capture. It begins in silence, the air is crisp, the night sky inky and still, and then, almost imperceptibly, a soft green glow appears on the horizon. Slowly, it grows, shifting, swirling, and stretching across the sky like celestial silk. The lights dance and ripple in waves, sometimes pulsing with hints of pink, violet, or white, and in that moment, you know you are witnessing one of Earth’s most beautiful and fleeting miracles.

We’d love to connect with fellow travel enthusiasts! Whether you’re seeking expert advice or simply want to chat about your dream destinations, come visit us at Chaffey & Turner Travel Associates. Our team is here to help make your travel dreams a reality.

Megan Elliott

Megan.elliott@travelassociates.co.nz

1 Spring Street, Tauranga CBD

0800 86 82 87