Fun ways to expand your mind in New Zealand

"I love coming here to study for exams because it is about half way between my house and university which means I don’t have to travel as far but I am still being productive and not staying home where I can never manage to study with all the distractions. The librarians are very lovely and helpful which is a nice surprise as I always imagine them to be how they are in movies and tv shows and really old and witch-like. The library itself has a great lay out, definitely better than my university’s one. It is very open, not dark like most others. I always find it really easy to study in here because it has a really nice ambience and obviously there are plentiful books to cater to everyone’s interests and expand your horizons."

"This is a great venue! Being on the shore and all, you wouldn’t really expect a nice AND big setting on the shore of all places. I have been here many a time in my youth for events such as Rockquest, various High School awards ceremonies and also my sisters graduation ceremony. They were all quite different events but the Bruce Mason is very practical and malleable to whatever it is that is being held there. The events that are held here vary from concerts of any music genre to plays, ceremonies, comedy shows, the list goes on. The Bruce Mason website will keep you up to date with all of the upcoming events that are guaranteed to appeal to all types."

"I have always been fascinated with the universe since a young age (I used to carry a little handbook of constellations around with me as a child) so when I finally got to go to the Stardome it was an exceptionally exciting trip for me. I saw the show "The Autumn Night Sky" where you sat in an amazing 360 degree theatre that replicates the sky outside as a presenter discusses what we can see from our spot in the world for the particular month of your visit. After this, everyone goes outside into the courtyard for a viewing of the planets, and I got to see Jupiter through a huge telescope. It was an amazing experience and afterwards I felt rather moved by it all because as you are learning about the infinity of the universe it gives you tingles and puts things into perspective knowing how limitless it all is. In the wise words of Calvin and Hobbes, ""If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently. ""

"The Wine Box is nestled in the quaint Albany Village which in turn sets the tone for the actual restaurant. This restaurant is very unique in the way that it serves Australian dishes and this is why I chose to put it on this list. Expand your mind by sampling the Australian dishes, and by this I mean kangaroo, ostrich and other various exotic dishes. I have never been game enough to try these dishes but I do think it is a great idea to think outside the box and make your restaurant memorable and unique. This restaurant is a lovely place to go with a loved one you are trying to impress. It is very romantic and cute and the food is just delicious. Just hope your date is not put off by smoked ostrich."