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
We took the Fullers ferry to Waiheke Island and back to Auckland. The boat ride is only 30mins each way .
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).
Shopping along Queen Street. My husband was so happy to know that New Zealand carries his size in rubber shoes- size 14!
HOBBITON
ROTORUA
Te Puia Cultural Show
We were also able to visit Wai-O-Tapu’s famous thermal pools and geyser.
TAUPO
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
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 🙂
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.
QUEENSTOWN
GLENORCHY
MILFORD SOUND
Several stops are a must when driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound.
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