A Tale of Adventure in New Zealand
Ahoy adventurers! If you've been eagerly awaiting tales from our escapade to New Zealand and Australia, the wait is over! Buckle up as we embark on a whirlwind tour of stunning landscapes, cultural gems, and unforgettable experiences Down Under. Let’s dive into the adventure of a lifetime!
Our vacation started in Auckland (New Zealand’s largest city), where we dove headfirst into the vibrant city scene. From exploring the gorgeous Winter Gardens and the historic Savage Memorial to taking in panoramic views atop the iconic Sky Tower, Auckland offered a tantalizing taste of Kiwi hospitality.
We ended our first evening with a scrumptious group dinner at the Sky Tower's revolving restaurant, Orbit, a truly iconic New Zealand brasserie, treating us to a feast for the senses with its 360-degree views of the city skyline.
Our home base, the MSocial Hotel, proved to be a sanctuary of modern comforts. With amenities like complimentary laundry facilities, a cozy bar, and even a gem of a pickleball court dubbed Piperball, this urban oasis provided the perfect launching pad for our New Zealand escapades.
The next day we headed out of Auckland to witness the Waitomo glowworm caves. The worms are extremely sensitive to light, so we weren’t allowed to take pictures. The glowworms are fascinating to see and learn about. Fun fact - they are actually not worms but larvae. Turns out New Zealand & Australia are the only countries in the world where glowworms are found.
From there, our journey led us to the cinematic landscapes of Wellington, where we embarked on an epic Lord of the Rings tour. With guided insights into the movie magic behind iconic scenes, we roamed lush forests, channeling our inner hobbits along the way.
And who could forget our seaside lunch stop at Owhiro Bay at the quaint Chocolate Fish café? As we savored every bite of their homemade delights, we were pleasantly surprised that we were able to select what we wanted from the menu including drinks. (Often meals included with tours have a set menu.)
With our tummies full we headed to a behind-the-scenes tour of Weta Workshop, where movie magic comes to life in the form of robots, monsters, and fantastical creations. With hands-on encounters and exclusive glimpses into Hollywood's inner workings, it was an immersive experience like no other. (Pictures were not allowed in the workshop area.)
From Wellington we made our way to Timaru where we chose to explore the Moeraki Boulders. These mysterious stones are scattered across Koekohe Beach along the North Otago Coast. They are estimated to weigh several tons and are as large as two meters high.
Dunedin’s scenic train ride through the mountains and learning about the area's gold rush history was spectacular. Amazingly enough there are still a couple of occupied homes far outside the city without any running water or electricity. One house is so remote, they have made their own “rail car” to get them closer to town where they then have road access!
We were very fortunate with having good weather throughout New Zealand and this continued into Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds. The weather started off overcast and cold and then Mother Nature smiled on us, treating us to breathtaking vistas of cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs. The closer we got to Milford Sound the better the weather became and it’s now a moment I’ll cherish forever, having everyone on our balcony, socializing and enjoying the fjords together.
As our New Zealand adventure comes to a close, I'm left with a treasure trove of memories and experiences shared with wonderful companions. From the stunning glow worm caves to the majestic fjords, each moment was a testament to the beauty and diversity of this incredible country.
If you're feeling inspired to embark on your own New Zealand journey, know that there's a world of adventure waiting for you. Whether it's exploring the rugged landscapes or delving into the rich culture, there's something here for everyone.
When you're ready to turn your travel dreams into reality, I'll be here to craft the perfect itinerary tailored just for you.
Stay tuned for part two of our adventure as we delve into the wonders of Australia. Until then, happy travels and may your journey be filled with endless discoveries!
Bianca Ramos - Travel Advisor
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