Johanna Brebner's journey across New Zealand on a bicycle is an inspiring tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the beauty of slow travel. Her film, 'Spaces In Between', is a testament to the power of embracing the unknown and the joy of exploring one's own backyard. In this article, I'll delve into the key aspects of her journey, offering my personal interpretation and commentary on the experience.
A Homecoming Adventure
Johanna's decision to embark on this journey was rooted in her desire to reconnect with her homeland, New Zealand. Having grown up in the North Island, she had always yearned to explore the South Island, which she had spent less time in. This homecoming adventure was not just about reaching a destination but about immersing herself in the country's natural beauty and culture.
"I chose New Zealand because I grew up there. I was born in the North Island, did all my schooling until I was 17, and then I left for Australia. I didn't get a whole lot of time to fully explore the country - obviously being young and at school and stuff - and I'd always had this deep yearning to come back." - Johanna Brebner
The Choice of Bicycle
The choice of a bicycle as her mode of transport was deliberate and meaningful. She wanted to break free from the routine of driving a van and the complexities of learning to sail. The bicycle, with its simplicity and versatility, seemed like the perfect solution. It allowed her to travel at a slower pace, appreciate the surroundings, and connect with the land in a more intimate way.
"I really wanted to do something different. I've had a van and driven a van for years, so the thought of doing a van trip just wasn't that appealing. Also, I'd love to sail but I haven't learned yet and that's not something you want to throw yourself in the deep end with. And then obviously I wasn't going to walk - too slow. So it just came down to a bike, which is a great option because you don't really need that much preparation." - Johanna Brebner
The Challenges and Rewards
The journey was not without its challenges. Johanna's experience with changing a flat tire on a bicycle was a humorous yet memorable moment. However, the rewards of the journey far outweighed the challenges. The convenience of New Zealand for surf travel, especially for those seeking pumping waves, was a significant factor in her decision. But she also embraced the slower pace, allowing her to explore the country at her own pace and appreciate the beauty of each moment.
"If you've got time up your sleeves, it’s great. I loved it, but you've really got to let go of any preconceived ideas, or just the hyper fixation on chasing waves because you're just present where you are and then you've got maybe 100km radius of where you can go in the next day or two." - Johanna Brebner
The Power of Connection
One of the most remarkable aspects of Johanna's journey was the connections she made along the way. Her encounter with Hahnee Vail, a Tasmanian surfer who joined her for a month, was a testament to the power of serendipity and the joy of shared experiences. The hospitality she received from the locals was a source of pride for her and a reflection of the warmth and friendliness of the Kiwi people.
"I think they’re just generally lovely people. You hear it from a lot of travellers over here. They're just like, 'We can't believe how open everyone is, always wanting to have a chat.'" - Johanna Brebner
The Journey's Impact
Johanna's journey had a profound impact on her perspective and understanding of her home country. The contrast between traveling by car and by bicycle highlighted the beauty of the landscapes and the importance of being present in the moment. Her experience on the road taught her the value of vulnerability and the joy of embracing the unknown.
"Yesterday I was driving from Queenstown up to Hawea and I was driving along in the middle of nowhere. I looked at this intersection and I was like, 'I've been here.' And then I realised that I’d been driving through the very country where I had biked. The contrast of being in a car to being on the bike was stark. I just had this urge, 'Oh, I just want to be on a bike again.'" - Johanna Brebner
In conclusion, Johanna Brebner's journey across New Zealand on a bicycle is a testament to the power of slow travel, the beauty of connection, and the joy of exploring one's own backyard. Her film, 'Spaces In Between', is an inspiring call to embrace the unknown, let go of preconceived notions, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
