Auckland is the kind of city that gently welcomes you which is much needed after long flights from the UK. I flew via Singapore with just a couple of hours to change planes – very easy and the journey went by surprisingly quickly.

A leisurely first day, we explored the city on foot with Liz from Auckywalky tours. Visting an Auckland institution for lunch, Mezze Bar, and a sweet treat at Cocoa Wilds – very indulgent! We then experienced New Zealand’s rugby culture at the All Blacks Experience, which was a such an immersive way to understand the nation’s passion for the game.

Rounding off our first day perfectly with dinner by the water at Soul Bar & Bistro — great food, great atmosphere, and the ideal spot to watch the city lights across the harbour.

A short stroll back to Auckland Harbour the next morning to take the ferry to Waiheke Island — just 40 minutes later, it felt like we’d arrived in a completely different world.

First stop: EcoZip Adventures. Flying over native forest with sweeping views across the bay and vineyards below — such an exhilarating way to start the day (and definitely worked up an appetite).

For lunch, wine tasting and a beautiful Spanish inspired meal at Casita Miro. If you’re into food and wine (especially reds), Waiheke is a must - boutique vineyards, farm-to-table dining among the vines, and relaxed beachside cafés all centred around fresh seafood and local produce.

With ferries running until late in the evening, it’s ideal for a day trip or to really wind down, stay a night or 2 - explore hiking trails, grab an e-bike or relax on one of the many beaches with calm waters & breathtaking views.

Auckland to Rotorua via Middle Earth

Even if, like me, you’ve not seen or read any Lord of the Rings, visiting Hobbiton is an absolute must.
Everything is so perfectly done — right down to the washing hanging on the line and vegetables growing in the gardens. It feels peaceful, cosy and is so magical - you’d think everything here is real!

Ending the tour exploring the Hobbit holes was so much fun & turns out I’m perfectly Hobbit sized!

Day 3 continued….

The one thing that definitely hasn’t changed about Rotorua in the 22 years since I was last here is the smell! Sitting on one of New Zealand’s most active geothermal regions, the town is famous for its bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, natural hot springs — and, of course, the unmistakable sulphur aroma they create.

One of the best places to experience it all is Te Puia, home to the famous Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, which can erupt up to 30 metres into the air. Wandering through the geothermal valley, you’ll pass steaming vents, boiling mud pools and beautifully coloured mineral terraces, all while learning about the powerful geothermal forces that shape this unique landscape.

Te Puia is also one of the best places in New Zealand to experience Māori culture and traditions. Alongside cultural performances and storytelling, it is home to the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute. Traditional carving and weaving skills are still taught and preserved today and you can sense the pride the students and teachers have in their work.

The experience is rounded off perfectly with a traditional hāngī meal, cooked underground using natural geothermal heat.

 Day 4 

 The National Kiwi Hatchery is an unassuming but fascinating little place near Rotorua. Taking on abandoned kiwi eggs, we saw the journey from incubation through to hatching & had the privilege of meeting a kiwi in a behind the scenes experience. Not being particularly friendly birds, I’m not so sure she was as pleased to meet us! 

 Southern World have sponsored an egg this season and since we came home it’s hatched! Still to be named…Sarah has been suggested….

 Then time for some relaxation before flying down to the South Island at Wai Ariki HotSprings & Spa.

Wai Ariki HotSprings & Spa.

Owned and curated by the local iwi (tribe), the signature experience is a seven step therapeutic journey blending the natural elements of geothermal heat, water, mud, and steam with the rich cultural traditions of the Ngāti Whakaue Maori values. All with spectacular views across Lake Rotorua - much needed after a few days on the road.

Rotorua is the adventure capital of the North Island - enjoy rafting, hiking, treetop walks, kayaking - plenty to do here for a couple of days & you do get used to the smell! 

Day 4…..evening food tour in Christchurch 

Christchurch is a small city with a very English feel – go punting on the river Avon, wander or cycle through parks with a coffee (New Zealand has fantastic coffee btw!) or enjoy a lazy picnic.

Since the devastating earthquake hit the city in 2011, there’s been a carefully planned rebuild & restoration so you see an interesting mix of old and new.

Riwai from Amiki Tours, guided us through the changing city, showing us the regenerated areas & thriving food scene. The food was so good, I’ve no pictures of it!! 

Day 5 & 6 Christchurch to Queenstown via the West Coast

We all know, travel doesn’t always go as planned & likely the main reason you may have a hiccup in New Zealand will be the weather. 

The Tranz Alpine train usually runs from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast….not today. With heavy rain forecast, we could only travel as far as Arthur’s Pass then the rest of the journey was by road to Franz Josef. 

Following heavy overnight rain here, we knew our planned helicopter flight to Franz Josef Glacier was very likely to be called off & it was. This did mean an earlier arrival in Queenstown….or did it?

One broken down bus just outside Franz Josef fortuitously came alongside a break in the weather so we thought the heli was back on. Literally within 10 minutes, whilst we were watching the safety video, the weather had turned once more & it was 100% cancelled. 

This meant we had time to stop in Wānaka, a gorgeous lakeside town that’s looking splendid in the autumn colours. This was one of my favourite places on my last trip so it was great to have the chance to stop here again. Also had my first kiwi pie – not kiwi in a pie, a meat pie – NZ is famous for their pies and this one hit the spot for a late lunch.

Days 7 & 8 Queenstown 

We’ve all been looking forward to Queenstown as we can unpack for 3 nights! Hosted by The Rees Hotel & the hospitality here has been superb. 

A gorgeous setting on the lake a few minutes’ drive from central Queenstown, it’s the perfect base to explore from, then come back to comfortable luxury after a busy day. 

A meander with a coffee through Arrowtown was a lovely start to our time here then we ramped up the adrenaline on the Shotover Jet…so much fun & a must do…it’s not as scary as it looks! 

Day 9 Milford Sound 

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders - even the journey to get there takes your breath away! 

We travelled from Queenstown, if you prefer a shorter journey on the day though, stay in the picturesque lakeside town, Te Anau. 

We’ve been very spoilt today, experiencing RealNZ’s business class day trip - small group, luxury coach with cosy blankets and ginger shots to wake us up, then cruising on the MV Sinbad - Cloudy Bay fizz on arrival and a seasonal tasting menu to accompany our Fiordland cruise. 

Of course the real luxury is the destination - Mirror Lake en route is magical & the towering peaks, waterfalls & wildlife of Milford create an unforgettable day. 

Day 9 - 10 Mount Cook - Lake Tekapo 

We’ve had the most beautiful weather the last few days. It’s autumn here & it’s been lovely crisp mornings & glorious blue skies, perfect for exploring.

Also ideal weather for seeing NZ from the air. Our luxury Milford experience ended with a scenic fly back to Queenstown & this morning we took to the skies again near Mount Cook - New Zealand highest peak. A bucket list experience helicopter tour with a landing on the Tasman Glacier. 

If the day wasn’t perfect enough, we ended it stargazing & relaxing in hot spring pools at Tekapo Stargazing.

Day 11 - our final day on this amazing trip! 

Another early start this time to meet Tekapo Adventures for 4WD adventure through Mackenzie country. This isn’t your average trip as you’ll get beyond the tarmac deep into the Cass Valley where the only traffic jams will be cows & sheep! 

From crystal-clear alpine streams to sweeping mountain views, this off-road experience takes you deep into untouched landscapes that most visitors never get to see. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers looking for something truly special near Lake Tekapo.

Then our final drive back to Christchurch where I said goodbye to the most of our group as they fly up to Auckland. I had another night to explore Christchurch so a bit of shopping, a mooch & dinner at the Riverside Market.

We packed so much into our short stay – I definitely recommend longer so you can enjoy more of this incredible country at a more relaxed pace!

 It’s a long way to New Zealand but 1000% worth it...