New Year in Wānaka was the highlight of my teens. It was the trip everyone talked about all year, a summer holiday with your closest mates and half your school year in one place. For me, it was also a chance to step away from home and enjoy a bit of freedom: sunny days, boating, and that last stretch of summer with almost no responsibility.

I stayed with family friends who treated me incredibly well. I knew how much time and effort went into hosting us, so being polite and pulling my weight felt non-negotiable. Helping with dinner, tidying up, and prepping the boat were small things, but they mattered if you wanted to be welcome again.

Of course, being respectful in the house doesn’t always translate to perfect decisions out of it. Having the independence to roam around town with mates was thrilling especially because I’d grown up in a strict home where parties and alcohol weren’t really part of life. Wānaka felt like a place where we could test a few boundaries.

That freedom came with some hard lessons. None of us really understood drinking or the rules around the liquor ban. We wandered the streets with our cans, thinking we were being responsible by binning them properly. It didn’t matter. The police stopped us, and as an intoxicated teen, I panicked. I made up almost every detail about myself, convinced it would keep me out of trouble. It didn’t. Officers ended up driving me back to my homestay.

Looking back, I realise I completely misread their intentions. They weren’t out to catch us; they were trying to keep us safe. Instead of enjoying the night I’d been hyping up for months, I was back on the couch listening to the fireworks, all thanks to a hip flask of whiskey I’d snuck out.

The thing that saved me was my friends. They gave the police the right details and made sure I got home safely. Their parents were incredibly kind too. Still, the regret hit hard the next morning.

Path Wānaka often says, “Add to the party, don’t shut it down.” It’s simple, but it’s true. A bit of honesty, knowing your limits, staying in touch with the people you’re staying with, and looking out for your mates can make all the difference. No one wants to be the one who misses the countdown because the night tipped too far.

Anonymous.

A quick word for parents

Stories like this are a good reminder that even the most level-headed teens can get caught out. A simple kōrero before they leave about drinking, limits, checking in, and sticking with their mates can make a real difference to how their night unfolds.

If your teen is heading to Wānaka this summer, take a moment to plan together. Agree on how they’ll stay in touch, what they’ll do if things get messy, and who they can call if they need help.

You’ll find practical tips, conversation starters, and planning tools on the Safe Summer Wānaka campaign page.

Explore the resources here.

Support them to have a brilliant time, and a safe one. Be a legend, not a liability.