New Zealand had always been on my mind since seeing amazing Instagram photos on different locations in the country. When Cathay Pacific had a BDO promo, I knew it was a sign to make New Zealand our next destination. We spent 18 days, travel days included, and yet I felt it wasn’t enough. There was just too much beauty to discover, I felt every location looked liked a painting. Honestly, I was a bit nervous thinking my kids might end up bored with too much nature but they loved it and all the outdoor activities offered.
Here are the places we went to and the activities we did 🙂
AUCKLAND
Our apartment in Auckland was right on the wharf and had a fantastic view of the Sky Tower 🙂
We took the Fullers ferry to Waiheke Island and back to Auckland. The boat ride is only 30mins each way .
One of the beautiful beaches in Waiheke Island
Noah enjoying the roads on Waiheke
Mudbrick Vineyard on Waiheke
Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke
Mudbrick Vineyard , Waiheke
Mudbrick Vineyards
Man O War Vineyards, Waiheke – theirs is the largest in the island
Man O War’s rose is really good !
Tiritiri Mantangi is a wildlife sanctuary. You’ll have to take a 75 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Make sure to pack drinks and sandwiches (but you’ll have to take all your trash with you when you leave the island).
One of the bird feeders at Tiritiri Matangi
Hike to the top for a 360 view on the highest peak of TiriTiri Matangi
Shopping along Queen Street. My husband was so happy to know that New Zealand carries his size in rubber shoes- size 14!
Jervois Steakhouse
Jervois Steakhouse
Cornwall Park
Cornwall Park
HOBBITON
Hobbiton- Lord of The Rings Tour
Hobbiton, Lord of The Rings Tour
ROTORUA
Te Puia Cultural Show
Te Puia geyser
Te Puia
We were also able to visit Wai-O-Tapu’s famous thermal pools and geyser.
Wai-O-Tapu’s Champagne Pool
Wai-O-Tapu’s Champagne Pool
TAUPO
Beautiful Lake Taupo
Huka Falls at Taupo
Do not miss a visit to Huka Falls
The world’s coolest Mc Donald’s can be found in Taupo. There’s an airplane which you and your kids can dine in after taking your orders from the restaurant
WAITOMO
Gloworms and Ruakari Cave
No photos allowed inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, So this was taken on our way out
Souvenir photo from Waitomo Glowworms Caves
Getting ready to explore Ruakuri Cave
Ruakuri Cave
We took a short flight to Queenstown from Auckland. The view from above was spectacular.
As soon as we landed, we picked up our rental vehicle and headed to Mt. Cook ( about 4 hours to get there). The drive was really gorgeous, beautiful landscapes. We stopped a couple of times to take a million photos 🙂
Lake Hayes
MT.COOK
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to go on the chopper tour and land on the glaciers. The weather was really foggy for 2 days. So we managed to do a some hiking instead.
Tasman Valley
The Hermitage Mt. Cook
The Hermitage Mt Cook
at the Hermitage, Mt. Cook
QUEENSTOWN
waking up to this at Platinum Villas <3
Skyline Queenstown Luge
Skyline Queenstown Luge
Skytown Queenstown Luge
Skyline
yummy Tip Top ice cream- hokey pokey flavor is my favorite
When in Queenstown, Fergburger is a must!
Double Ferg with cheese
The burger is almost as big as Noah’s face 🙂
Gibbston Valley Winery
Gibbston Valley Winery
Bike Rentals are available at Gibbston Valley Winery
Bike rentals are available at Gibbston Valley Winery
waiting for our turn to get on the Shotover Jet
No.1 must do activity in Queenstown on Tripadvisor – the ShotOver Jet
GLENORCHY
Book Exchange- Take One, Leave One
MILFORD SOUND
Several stops are a must when driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound.
Mirror Lakes
Beautiful drive to Milford Sound
Milford Sound Lodge’s Room with a View
Right outside our room at Milford Sound Lodge
Outside our Milford Lodge Room
Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound
Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory
Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory
auckland, milford sound, mt. cook, new zealand, queenstown, rotorua, taupo, tip top ice cream, waitomo
