If you’ve missed any of my 62 posts on New Zealand, now’s the chance to catch up! Or maybe you’re planning your own trip and stumbled upon my blog. This single post contains links to everything I’ve written about this beautiful country. Click away to dive in deeper on any location!
Urban, green, upscale, waterfront views — Auckland has it all. My friend Allison and I spend a day walking around the city and taking in the sights.
We spend the day driving around scenic Coromandel peninsula — seaside towns, panoramic overlooks, and cute restaurants.
Dig Your Own Jacuzzi at Hot Water Beach
There is a beach in New Zealand where if you show up with a shovel you can dig your own jacuzzi. Only catch is it’s not exactly private, as hundreds of others are doing the same thing! Still fun to watch this natural phenomenon.
Highlight of Hahei: Cathedral Cove
Some call it the prettiest beach in New Zealand, and we get it all to ourselves for a few glorious hours!
Rolling down a large hill inside a ball full of water is easily the craziest thing I’ve done on my RTW trip so far.
Most relaxing day ever: my friend and I spend an afternoon luxuriating in the thermal waters of this Polynesian Spa in Rotorua, New Zealand.
We turn a rainy day into a fun one with wine tasting, waterfalls, and a wicked meal.
Another highlight of the North Island: exploring the Ruakuri and Gloworm caves in Waitomo.
Succumbing to the Lord of the Rings at Hobbiton
I’ve resisted its pull for decades, but I pick a good time to give in: I am now officially a Lord of the Rings fan after touring Hobbiton (aka The Shire).
Wine Tasting on Waiheke Island
Wineries, beaches, shopping… my friend Allison and I have a veritable ‘girl’s day’ in Waiheke Island.
Driving and Dining in New Zealand
There are a few photos from my week in New Zealand with Allison that I didn’t have a chance to post… so here they are!
iPhoneography: French Market in Auckland
I’ve photographed so many farmer’s markets in Los Angeles, it only makes sense I’d check out one in Auckland. iPhone in hand, of course.
It’s day one of my six-week bus tour with Stray Travel. Activities include a glass-bottomed boat ride, scenic waterfall, and sunset in the Bay of Islands.
Cape Reigna: The Top of New Zealand
We visit the northernmost part of New Zealand and witness the beginnings of a tropical storm from the Cape Reigna lighthouse.
Grab a boogie board! Time to surf the sand dunes at Cape Reigna.
There’s a highway in New Zealand that runs along the beach. But there’s no pavement — only miles and miles of sand. I wouldn’t mind this commute!
Centuries ago Russell Island was a notoriously unlawful destination. Today there’s a charming wharf, scenic hikes, and rugged beaches.
Bay of Islands is the most spectacular destination on New Zealand’s North Island. Check out the dolphins cruising through those turquoise waters!
I thought the Coromandel peninsula was pretty during the day, but at night the stars come out and put on a show. Check out these night photography shots of the Milky Way.
Raglan: Surfing Capital of New Zealand
Raglan’s coastline makes it a surfer’s paradise. Plus check out an incredible sunset from Inspiration Point.
One of the unique opportunities on our Stray bus tour is an overnight stay with a Māori family. We eat local food, listen to traditional music, and learn about how they honor their culture on a daily basis.
Mud Baths and Spa at Hell’s Gate
It’s raining in Rotorua but my friend Emma and I make the most of our visit to Hell’s Gate, a spa with mud baths located over a geothermal hot spot.
Never Take a Sleeping Pill and Laxative on the Same Night, and Other Lessons From the Week
Spotted cows, tricky fence crossings, natural hot springs, trivia night, random quotes, and FOOD lead his week’s highlights in miscellaneous photos.
Feeding Stingrays in Gisbourne
I wake up in time to watch “the first sunrise in the world” and then feed wild stingrays in the ocean, all before 7am.
The Longest Pier in New Zealand
We visit the longest pier in the country and our bus driver jumps off to ride some impressive waves.
Two of My Favorite Hostels (So Far)
My favorite hostels so far share three attributes: cozy decor, coastline views, and charming hosts.
From Trap to Table: A Lobster Feast
The locals call it crayfish; I call it lobster. Who cares, as long as it’s boiled and dipped in butter!
Odds and Ends From the East Cape
Among the oddities of my East Cape trip, we encounter a lamb with two heads. And whatever you do, please do not disturb Conrad the Eel.
Horseback Riding at Blue Duck Station
Did you know that Ryan Gosling has a twin brother who rides horses in New Zealand? Me neither, until I meet our guide Chad at Blue Duck Station.
An unexpected twist: our horseback riding tour turns into a mini kayak excursion. Lucky us!
A natural hot stream, bubbling mud pools, and our arrival at Blue Duck Station — this wraps up my final days on the North Island… for now.
I only have a few hours in Wellington, so the plan is to climb up high and scout out where to visit when I return for an extended stay in three weeks.
Ferry Ride to the South Island of New Zealand
Time to bid adieu to the North Island! We embark on a scenic ferry ride from Wellington to Picton.
My bus tour doesn’t stop in the charming town of Nelson, but fellow travelers have advised me it’s well worth exploring. So I hop off the bus!
Arrival in Abel Tasman National Park
At long last, I’ve arrived in Abel Tasman! This national park is home to one of the greatest multi-day walks in New Zealand.
I kayak the first stretch of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Don’t miss the baby sea lions!
Abel Tasman Coastal Track: Day 1
The kayak portion of my journey complete, I begin the three hour trek to Bark Bay to spend the night in a rustic hut.
Abel Tasman Coastal Track: Day 2
Highlights from today’s walk include sweet bird calls, turquoise waters, and a high tide crossing that requires me to wade neck-deep into water. There’s video.
Check out these unique rock formations off the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
Blackball is one of the most unique stops on the on the Stray bus tour. It’s a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, but that doesn’t stop them from throwing some crazy parties.
Heli-hike to Franz Josef Glacier: Part 1
Flying by helicopter to Franz Josef Glacier and then hiking said glacier is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Figuratively and literally. Here’s part one of the photos.
Heli-hike to Franz Josef Glacier: Part 2
My hike on Franz Josef Glacier is too cool for just one post. Here’s part two of these statuesque icy blue formations.
Jade carving, tree planting, seals lounging, waves crashing, and a few scary one-lane bridge crossings round out this week’s miscellaneous photos.
Catch a glimpse of Mount Cook’s reflection in the peaceful waters of Lake Matheson.
The sublime deep turquoise color of the Blue Pools will take your breath away. We also comb a nearby beach for jade, but no luck!
We arrive in Lake Wanaka just in time to catch a technicolor sunset over the mountains.
Queenstown: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Don’t Change
It didn’t take long for this alpine city to find a spot in my heart. I’ll never quit you, Queenstown!
Fall leaves are in full splendor in charming Arrowtown, located just outside of Queenstown.
Food, fall leaves, and fun new Instagram apps wrap up my time in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Check out these impressive fiords as we cruise along scenic Milford Sound, New Zealand.
The Deep South: Stewart Island
It rains 265 days a year on Stewart Island, the southernmost point of New Zealand. But we luck out with sunshine!
We visit rock chasms and mirror lakes in Fiordland National Park, then spend the night at historic Gunn’s Camp.
At over 12,000 ft. elevation, Mt. Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. We spend one night here and wake up to fresh powder!
Kaikoura: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
The mountains march right into the sea in Kaikoura. We go for a coastal walk to check out this spectacular scenery.
Swimming With Dolphins in Kaikoura
The Dolphin Encounter in Kaikoura provides the opportunity to swim in a pod with hundreds of dolphins. Where do I sign up?!
Moments From Lake Tekapo and Beyond
A historic seaside chapel and three-level bunk bed tops this week’s memorable photos.
My six-week trip around New Zealand on the Stray Bus has nearly come to an end. I’ll break down details of the tour and how you can plan a similar experience.
New Zealand’s capital city is like a giant playground. I explore its uniquely designed outdoor spaces, sculptures, and public squares. Then I crash a graduation ceremony.
Te Papa Museum in Wellington commemorates the history and culture of New Zealand. The Ocean Life floor is my favorite; check out the giant squid.
Channeling Peter Jackson at the Weta Cave
Forget Hollywood — the Weta Cave is home to the world’s top special effects, design, and editing facilities.
Last New Zealand miscellaneous post! Meet the town of Bull, hear how the weather botched my Tongariro Crossing experience, and check out my favorite food photos from the week.
Are you curious how much this New Zealand trip is costing me? Me too! I’ve tracked every cent and here are the details.
Thanks for sending me this! I just got so excited!!! wahooo
You are welcome! Have a blast exploring this spectacular country over the next year!