Around this time last year, I blogged about all the places that I’d like to travel to one day and in terms of places that are on the other side of the world, New Zealand is pretty high on my list. I’ve never been particularly passionate about traveling to Australia (sorry Aussie friends!) but I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand.
Living in London, I seemed to accumulate Kiwi friends and was always semi-shocked at why they’d give up their gorgeous homeland for London. (Though the same could be said of me and leaving my own country behind.)
New Zealand just seems so beautiful and natural and brilliant (not to mention the coffee and brunch scenes). And the fact that “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is the funniest film of all time.
So in my imaginary New Zealand trip, I’d spend at least a month there. First of all to justify that loooonnng flight. Second of all, because I’d like to road trip around the country. But you can also turn to someone like Flight Centre to help you with any New Zealand holidays options.
North Island
In my dream trip, I’d most likely be flying in to Auckland and I’d definitely succumb to the lure of going up the Sky Tower. But whilst there, I’d prioritise driving out to Cape Reinga, Bay of Islands and the Waipoua Kauri Forest.
Then I’d take on the central part of the North Island and visit Rotorua, and Taupo. I’d be particularly keen on seeing Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. I love the pictures of its magical blue pools and geysers. Though I do hear that it smells of rotten eggs – there must be a lot of sulphur in the area. I have a worm phobia, so I might have to pass on the famous Waitomo Caves (lit up by thousands of glow worms – which I know are beetles not worms, but the name alone makes my palms start sweating and causes me to shiver!)
Next I’d drive the Pacific Highway Coast to see the stunning seaside scenes and make my way to Coromandel Peninsula to see the famous Cathedral Cove before making my way to Whangamata to hop on a kayak to go out to explore Whenuakura Island with its tranquil central lagoon. And whilst still on the same path, I’d head to Tauranga to go on a guided tour of Mount Maunganui.
Maybe it’s embarrassingly nerdy, but then I’d go on one of the Hobbiton tours to see where they filmed “Lord of the Rings”. I don’t even like LOTR all that much (and don’t get me start on how abysmal the Hobbit movies are) but when in Rome, and all that.
Then I’d head to Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, and Te Papa Tongarewa. In Wellington, I’d drink my body weight in flat whites and visit the National Museum (Te Papa) before moving on to a wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay’s famous wine area.
(This picture is used with Emma’s permission from her post on Hobbiton.)
South Island
I’m a big fan of walking, so I’d have to walk the Abel Tasman on this New Zealand dream trip. Before heading over to see the Franz Josef Glacier. Walking on a glacier would definitely be something to cross off of the bucket list!
Queenstown seems to be famous for its thrill-seeking sports, of which I don’t really take part in – though I’d be tempted by a good zip wire!
Then I’d travel through Milford Sound. The sounds always looks so mystical and fjord-like in photos.
It’s pretty clear that I’ve already researched this trip to death. Now I just need a month off work and the funds to make it.
If you want to read some recommendations from an actual Kiwi, Emma from Adventures of a London Kiwi has some amazing posts! Jasmin Charlotte has some great New Zealand posts as well!
***This post was in collaboration with a brand. All opinions are forever my own.***
