How would I describe my time on little Rakino Island? Easily an unforgettable moment of my life. You know how they say that traveling changes you forever? I am definitely a changed woman after experiencing utopia on this untouched island. Rakino Island is one of the many small islands off the northeast coast of Auckland, New Zealand. The island is about 1.5 miles long and about .75 miles wide. You have to take a 45-minute ferry ride from Auckland to get to the island. Along the ferry ride, you will see many other picturesque islands. Truly serene! There are about 16 permanent residents. The other residents on the island have a summer “bach,” which they call their summer homes, and they reside on the island for a few months out of the year. Residents of Rakino welcome its isolation and privacy. Rakino Island is an attraction for adventurers and no-fuss families. This is also a perfect daytrip from Auckland. The remote island does not have electricity, is solar powered and has limited water consumption (which took some adjustment for me personally). The topography is hilly and is comprised of volcanic topsoil, along with beautiful pohutukawa trees, which were in bloom while I was visiting. Many Auckland locals have not had the chance to visit Rakino, and some haven’t even heard of it. Popular activities include fishing, walking, snorkeling and diving. There are no big shops or stores; all goods need to be transported to the island via ferry. My friend Christine, whom I was visiting, has friends on Rakino who own a summer bach. What an adorable family! We had the chance to stay at their bach, which is incredibly quaint, functional and quite modern. This was truly a back-to-basics experience. I was so impressed with their ability to live simply and resourcefully. This was especially refreshing coming from LA, where life is lived in excess and based on wants, not needs. I will never forget the short time I spent on Rakino. It changed me. I am not the same person because of what my eyes have seen and how simply I lived while I was there, and how equally happy in life I was. Seeing the sunrise is always a spectacular moment, but seeing the sunrise in the Southern Hemisphere (literally the end of the earth) was beyond breathtaking. I will never forget how I felt in that moment. Just extremely thankful to be there. “Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.” — Anthony Bourdain — Rafie Iannello, account director, Pacific Rim