There are so many wonderful moments I've had in New Zealand so I thought I'll start of by just sharing with you in this blogpost, some of my Best Moments in the land of Kiwi (:
// AUCKLAND //
You'll probably find this one familiar as I've raved about it before. You can read it over HERE.
Hands down, one of the best fish sliders I've ever laid my hands (or tastebuds) on.
// HAMILTON //
We went to check out the glow-worm cave which was a signature Must-Go spot but what created a deeper impression in my memory was the Aranui limestone cave that we ventured into. It's basically a limestone cave that has been formed thousands of years ago. It was better than the glow-worm cave in my opinion because it was actually bright and you are allowed to Take Photos inside!
After the caves, we took a short hike up to the Waitomo Walkway Viewing Point and you will get a really nice view from up there. We were lucky cos the sunshine was so brilliant that day and we managed to get some nice photos as well.
How can you visit New Zealand and miss out on the Hobbiton tour? Lord of the Ring fans will be thrilled with this one. All I can really say is - it's all in the details. I love love love learning about behind-the-scenes and how much and work and detail that went into everything!
I thought this was interesting as I've never seen a mud pool in my entire life. We went searching for thermal hot springs and chanced upon this mud pool at a juncture. Possibly the coolest thing I've seen in a while.
// TAUPO //
This small town is one of my favourite stays in New Zealand. We stayed a short drive away from the town center where we caught a movie, had the best fish soup and gazed upon the most amazing view of the lake. The whole town circles around this lake and it's just the most stunning thing ever during sunset. We also stayed in the loveliest Airbnb and the host was super nice and friendly.
Despite bad weather conditions, we braced ourselves and attempted to hike up Tongariro but had to turn back in the end because, honestly, there was too much fog and there wasn't even a point to hike anymore and the rain was starting to come down fast and hard. Not the most ideal, but we made up for it by making time to visit the Huka Falls which turned out to be a spectacular surprise. I've never seen water so blue in my life and it was literally like a scene straight out of Pocahontas.
// MARLBOROUGH //
We got to visit the famous Cloudy Bay vineyard and took a tour around it. Didn't get to cycle around the vineyard and pick grapes because they didn't cater for it (this is possible at some other vineyards!) but we did have the tasting menu for just $10! What a steal. AND it was for 2 pax. We couldn't exactly drink that much since it was like early in the day and we had to drive for quite a while on the roads so a tasting menu served its purpose for us.
// KAIKOURA //
Stopped by Kaikoura and OMG, i'm not even kidding you, I had the BEST seafood meal I've ever had in a really long time. We ordered their crayfish (Kaikoura literally means to eat Crayfish), mussels and a giant bowl of clam chowder. We were super hungry that day so we chowed down everything and the moment we left the table, the seagulls attacked the leftovers. Sadly, there weren't any leftovers for them really. The seafood was so fresh and brilliant.
// CHRISTCHURCH //
You have to take a stroll in Christchurch's Botanic Gardens because it is beautiful. I took away the best souvenir of the trip there (I think buying necklaces from specific countries that I go to is becoming a thing). I know I keep saying that there's nothing much to see or do in Christchurch but they serve up some really good food. Think triple-fried potatoes and duck confit pasta. Yum
// TEKAPO //
Tekapo doesn't really need much introduction since it's literally famous and everyone knows that this is the spot to go to to take all your wedding photos haha. (or propose to your future fiancé) The lake is gorgeous. Choose a lake-facing hotel and you can wake up to lake views every single morning. Or learn how to skip rocks at the lake like how we did. I managed to skip mine twice!
// WANAKA //
We had some time to kill whilst on our drive to Queenstown so I decided to drive us to a Lavender farm. Little did I know that there were Alpacas in the farm! It wasn't exactly the right season so most of the Lavender flowers weren't in bloom but the Alpacas were enough to keep me entertained alright. I think we possibly spent half an hour there trying to get them to look at us, what retards!
// QUEENSTOWN //
The place where all the adventure happens! And also not forgetting that gorgeous lake view. Doesn't that look splendid?
I know everyone says to go to Ferg Burger and why not, considering the fact that they are opened till 5am and resume business at 6am. LOL. Yes, try the Ferg Burger (tbh, the bun wasn't my favourite), try Ferg Gelato and try Ferg Bakery. Do me a favour when you're at it, and try the MINCE & CHEESE PIE. Omg, I can't care less if this is a less than appealing photo but the matter of fact is that I'm sharing this sliver of inside foodie secret with you. You can thank me later.
Also, checked something off my bucket list by going SKYDIVING! One of the BEST EXPERIENCES I've ever had and I've saved it so long just to do it in New Zealand. I mean, really, look at that gorgeous view you're jumping into from the plane. It is breathtaking! The skies were exceptionally blue that day and I'm so glad we managed to do it! You can read about my experience HERE, or watch the vlog HERE (:
// MILFORD SOUND //
I didn't think the cruise trip out to sea was fantastic, but seriously, I can't expect much out of a cruise can I? We spotted some seals! but no dolphins unfortunately. Got attacked by a horde of sandflies though! You have been warned. Milford Sound is FULL of sandflies so it's best to cover up and apply insect repellant.
What was more amazing was the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. We managed to spot some fantastic views and got to interact with some wildlife Keas! They are a large species of the parrot family and are extremely inquisitive creatures. One of them decided to jump onto our car and we also got to interact with some whilst waiting for the Homer Tunnel crossing.
// PUKAKI //
Another gorgeous lake on a beautiful day. Sadly, we got to see this on a bus back to Christchurch cos something really bad happened but this was like the cherry on top! At least we got to see the lake and definitely going back to that Salmon farm the next time I make it back to New Zealand.
New Zealand, I have much love for you.
Xo,
Amelia
