A Mini Guide through New Zealand’s Beauties

Adventures in Queenstown

Something I never thought I would do but just had to do was a new “risk my life” kind of adventure. I had already flown out of a plane, which most of our friends were planning to do. And it was pretty darn expensive to do it in Queenstown, even with the USD being more favorable than the New Zealand currency. If I had to skydive again, I would do it in Ibiza or somewhere exotic.

Anyway, Ari and I wanted to bungee jump. We did it with a well-known company called AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy, Swing & Catapult. After much research, they pretty much owned all the adrenaline junky activities in Queenstown. They even have a lifetime discount after you’ve adventured with them once before, which is nice. We had other friends do different activities with them, so we pretty much all spent a morning risking our lives and then all hung out.

I think one of my favorite parts about Queenstown as a whole were its sunsets, besides the food, of course. I definitely did not try to wake up for the sunrise because it was quite chilly in the morning and I get cold easily. I know I’m a chicken, as my fiancé would say. We would walk from our hostel to the beach and sit on the pebbles to enjoy the view. The colors of the sky and everything just made it so much more special. It felt like a mix of the ocean with forest and mountains all in one view.

We even got to ride a gondola and luge in town. The views were amazing during sunset and a bit chilly on top!

Detour to Mirror Lakes, Cleddeau Valley, Milford Sound

Stopping at Mirror Lakes felt like I was in a Twilight movie- out in the woods, in the middle of nature, lots of fog, gloomy weather, and just an overlook into the wilderness. The bus dropped us off at the entrance and it was a one way to the exit.

Funny enough for this day in particular, our tour directors told us to “wear warm clothes,” which I totally ignored or had selective hearing for that comment, I guess. So when we arrived to the breakfast spot before Mirror Lakes, I needed something warm.

While everyone made a huge line in this one cafe, Ari and I walked a bit around town for something else. We ended up at a sandwich shop, which ended up working great because we had the other half of our sandwich for later. *Just call us smarty pants*

And I found a thrift store that I bought these sweat pants at!!! They were also basically $0.50 USD from the New Zealand currency exchange I looked up. I made my tacky outfit workout because my top was actually a t-shirt dress, and then I had a super light rain jacket on top, and of course, sneakers. WHAT A TIME!

Next stop was Cleddeau Valley! We found talking birds, river streams that were fresh and good for refilling your water bottles, and a FANTASTIC view!!! We were the first tour bus there, so it was nice to not have so many people photobomb our photos. We left just in time to make it to Milford Sound next for our boat day.

This was probably the first time we had a boat to ourselves! It was Ben’s and Justin’s group (the EF tour that stayed for both Australia and New Zealand). The lunch was provided and there was an opportunity for bar items too. Thankfully, I took my sweat pants off and was able to tan my legs a bit. Of course, we had to do the Titanic pose!!

the beauties of milford sound

january 11, 2023

A Day in Rotorua

Breakfast at Caper’s Cafe

Some of us needed energy in the morning, so we walked to breakfast before heading out to our adventures. I had something super small and a coffee with whip cream!

Polynesian Spa

This spa is known for its hot sulfur pools. Each pool ranged from 101 to 106 degrees. At the entrance, you have an option of borrowing a swim suit or using your own, because you had to wash your own right after the pool. We came prepared with tide packets to wash our swimsuit after.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua lies Polynesian Spa – a geothermal bathing and soul-soothing retreat, where you can experience wellness sourced from Rotorua’s very own backyard. Renowned for its healing waters and decadent spa therapies, discover why people have flocked to these waters since the 1800s. Waters from two natural springs are fed into the 28 mineral pools at Polynesian Spa. The slightly acidic Priest Spring relieves tired muscles, aches and pains while the alkaline waters of the Rachel Spring nourish skin. Wellness rituals include absolute lakeside hydrotherapy pools, heated recliners and a reflexology walk for the ultimate in relaxation.

Polynesian Spa

Legend has it that the sulfur water can cure anything: arthritis, stress, even a hangov— um… common cold.

Mitai Māori Village

Māori culture is an integral part of life in Aotearoa, New Zealand. For millennia, Māori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. Arriving here from the Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki over 1,000 years ago, the great explorer Kupe, was the first Māori to reach these lands. Manaakitanga is all about welcoming guests and providing great hospitality, something which all New Zealander’s pride themselves on. Make the connections between our past, present and future by embarking on guided experiences.

New Zealand

Kaitaki Adventures at Mount Tarawera

Into wild, natural experiences and fantastic scenery? We experienced the unique landscape and history of Mountt Tarawera. Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mount Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu. We participated in a fully guided walking experience encompassing the unique landscape and history of the area. With unmatched scenic vistas and 360 panoramic views, the trip was a total of 4.5 hours.

Volcano hiking was pretty scary because it was all downhill but it was also fun because, ya know, I got some rocks in my shoes. So I felt like a kid the whole way. I think being afraid of heights doesn’t help, but it was something I really wanted to take part in. Ashley helped me gain confidence as she walked next to me and made sure I didn’t fall forward… which would not be exciting. *Thanks Ashley!*

It was pretty chilly in morning but got warm later on. So I suffered a bit in the morning. ALL GOOD!

The colors of the craters were amazing! The erosion back in the day created a hole within the volcano so that was a site to see. We had pros from the Kaitaki Adventures lead the whole way through and they were so kind to us. I absolutely loved the hike and would recommend this company!

Hobbiton

Hobbiton is home to some of the series’ most famous hobbits like Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, and the Hobbiton Movie Set is where many scenes were filmed. Today, it’s one of New Zealand’s most famous tourist attractions.

Jackson first began the nine-month construction at the Alexander family farm on Buckland Road in 1999, thanks to the emerald rolling hills untouched by 20th century clutter such as roads, buildings, or power lines. 37 hobbit holes were created and The Mill and double arch bridge were built.

The Insider

Fun fact for you— if you want to stay on site, you can book a stay in Hobbiton. You would have to book a two-night minimum. They cost 10 New Zealand dollars (just over $6 USD) per night— in honor of the 10th anniversary of the first movie in The Hobbit trilogy.

hobbiton movie set

a day in the life of a hobbit

What it was like in Auckland

Cookies from Mrs. Higgins

Pit stop to a sweet spot. I feel like I need to have something sweet in each city I’m in, so Mrs. Higgins will do! The cookies were the perfect amount of moist and a much needed snack. Very fresh!

Ending the Trip at Brew on Quay

This was where our farewell dinner took place. We booked the elevator seated area in the restaurant on the first floor. It was nice to sit with everyone together for one last time and of course, enjoy a free meal on EF! We also had a mini photoshoot behind the brick wall of the restaurant.

On the other side of Auckland, we traveled to three wineries in Waiheke Island. That was worth its own post though. We even had to go on a ferry to arrive to the island for our last stay in New Zealand. Stay tuned for that!

No wine-ing here… let’s have a grape time!

PS We stayed at Nomad’s Queenstown Hostel | 5/11 Church Street, South island, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

PSS We stayed at Sudima Hotel Lake | 1000 Eruera Street, Central, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

PSSS We stayed at Auckland City Hotel | 157 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

*EF is a travel group that plans trips all over the world. I’ve gone on a few trips with their groups in my lifetime because it’s a fun way of traveling with likeminded people around your age group, meeting travelers nationwide, and you don’t have to plan anything! I got to know so many tour directors and have made so many memories, that they gave me the opportunity to become an EF Ambassador. I even get to give you a special link as a first time traveler to get $100 per traveler you and your buddies go on! Just tap away here and find a trip that’s right for you. And if you have any questions, as always, let me know!