From North Island to South Island Itinerary
North Island - Auckland
New Zealand’s must-go places: The Muriwai Gannet Colony is one of only 3 places where they nest on the mainland. The colony has great viewing areas and some birds nest right next to those making it a beautiful location for bird watching.
About 1,200 pairs of gannets nest here from August to March each year.
The nests are just centimeters apart. It’s an air traffic controller’s nightmare, but somehow the birds have it under control. Those coming into land must glide over the squawking raised beaks of their neighbors – so getting it wrong can be painful. These two-and-a-half kilogram birds have a wingspan of two meters, and their mastery of the onshore updrafts is impressive, to say the least.
Each pair lays one egg and the parents take turns on the nest. The chicks hatch naked, but within a week they’re covered with fluffy down. As they mature, they grow juvenile feathers and begin to exercise their wings in preparation for the one-shot jump off the cliff.
Once airborne, the young gannets leave the colony and cross the Tasman Sea to Australia. A few years later, surviving birds return to secure a nest site at the colony.
The Colony basically resides in Muriwai Beach which is a coastal community on the west coast of the Auckland region in the North Island of New Zealand. The Black-sand surf beach and surrounding area is a popular recreational area. It’s definitely an instagrammable spot.
If you are on a limited time, the best way to see Auckland is a half-day tour with a Harbour Cruise. There are many of these tours that you can choose from at the Viaduct Harbour. From Sunset cruise with dinner included to just a cruise around the harbour. It is worth trying.
I took the half day city tour, had a great opportunity to admire the views of Auckland Harbour and drive over the Harbour Bridge; gaze out over the city from the top of Mt Eden; visit K Road, the Auckland Domain, and the Mission Bay beaches; and explore atmospheric neighbourhoods such as Parnell, Ponsonby, and Northcote Point. Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour Admire views of Mt. Eden, Auckland Harbour, and the Hauraki Gulf See attractions such as K Road, Auckland Domain, Achilles Point, and Auckland Museum Drive through atmospheric neighbourhoods including Ponsonby, Parnell, and St. Heliers
Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland, New Zealand.
This shot was taken from Mount Victoria. The island is in close proximity to the Auckland shore.
Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of the approximately 50 volcanoes of the Auckland volcanic field, having formed in an eruption about 600 years ago, and covering an area of 2,311 ha (5,710 acres).It is separated from the mainland of Auckland’s North Shore by the Rangitoto Channel. Since World War II, it has been linked by a causeway to the much older, non-volcanic Motutapu Island.
I must say I was very excited to see such a view. What do you think of it? Ever seen a volcano right in front of your eyes? This was my first time. I’m almost done with my NZ throwback now to start going through a new batch of my gallery.
There are many city hotels around Auckland. However, if you’re looking for a budget-styled hotel then I’d recommend the Ibis Auckland Central.
It’s strategically located in the CBD, walking distance to many attractions such as the shopping street, Viaduct Harbour, rows of pubs and restaurants, sky tower and many others. Also the supermarket is just behind the hotel and there are many cafes around. So you don’t really need to get an inclusive breakfast.
Pro-tip: Be sure to ask for higher floors and a view of the harbour. It can be a little noisy so it’s better to stay on higher floors. The rooms are functional and have all the basic needs you need.
- Bluestone Room (just behind Ibis Auckland Central) here is the link to the pub. It’s got awesome food and a wide selection of NZ craft beers.
- Danny Doolans – this is on the viaduct harbour. It’s a typical Irish pub with extensive food and a variety of craft beers. Here is the link
- Chinese food – this is just behind Ibis Central on Durham Steet https://www.zomato.com/auckland/chiway-chinese-restaurant-durham-street-west
- Indian food – this is along the shopping street https://www.raviz.co.nz/
South Island
Facts About Queenstown, New Zealand.
Almost everyone I’ve met who’s been to NZ has told me, do please visit Queenstown, you won’t regret it and ohh… make sure to go for the bungee jump! I’m like huh… no way! I’ll settle for just seeing the picturesque sceneries and taking in the atmosphere.
So here are some facts in case you didn’t know.
So, the Bungy jump was born here in 1988 at the Shotover River’s Kawarau Bridge.
- Queenstown Is A Prime Location For Movie Sets – Some of the movies a) The Lord of the Rings b) 10,000 BC c) The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe d) Prince Caspian e) Wolverine
Queenstown Is The Best Place To Taste NZ finest Wine
- It’s Named After A Town In Ireland – Cobh, Ireland became Queenstown in 1849 after a visit from Queen Elizabeth of England.
How to get here – it’s best to take a flight out if you’re coming from Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington. It’s about 2 1/2 hours flight. My recommendation is to take a 2-hour flight from Auckland to Queenstown. The view from the plane is definitely worth the trip.
Where we stayed in Queenstown
We made Queenstown as our base and took all the South Island tours. Mind you these tours are full day tours. So it’s best to make Queenstown your base.
Like any city Queenstown has many hotels to stay at. From 3 star to 5 star. We stayed at a youth hostel called YHA Queenstown Central. It’s just walking distance to everything! I hardly stay in youth hostel style but this YHA had rooms with an ensuite and TBH it was strategically located for everything. The other hotels were somewhat a distance from most places. Hotels in Queenstown are extremely expensive.
Be sure to book the couple room which comes with an ensuite bathroom. Kitchen is a sharing style where you can buy your food and just heat up or even cook. Everything is provided in the shared kitchen. But be sure to clean up after your meals.
Link to the Hotel – YHA Central Queenstown.
What a beautiful view! Do you agree? Love the pigeons surrounding the tree against the mountain background.
I can imagine it being like this today in Queenstown. Anyone who’s in Queenstown now? Please do share. I wonder if the market is open today. Usually every Saturday you’ll see very talented small business owners selling their creative designs.
This shot was taken in 2016.
The Chasm Viewing Bridge - Queenstown
When staying in Te Anau, there are various walking routes and tracks throughout the Fiordland National Park. One of the most spectacular of these walks is The Chasm Walk, which is a short route with impressive sights. It is also one of the most popular walks in the area because it is easily accessible from the road, is easy enough for any ability to complete, and takes just 20 minutes.
Lake Wakatipu and Remarkable Mountains, Queenstown
The Remarkables are a mountain range and skifield in Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. Located on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, the range lives up to its name by rising sharply to create a remarkable backdrop for the waters. The range is clearly visible from the nearby town of Queenstown.
The Remarkables mountain range was named in 1857 by a surveyor Alexander Garvie who called it that after seeing the dramatic razorback mountain range in all its glory at sunset. The view across the lake to The Remarkables has now become one of the most photographed in the Southern Lakes region.
The Remarkables mountain range is also one of only two mountain ranges in the world to run directly north to south (the other is the Rockies). It’s also home to a commercial ski field and is a popular spot for heliskiing, hiking and climbing.
Some of the above was taken from Queenstown and other sites for up to date facts.
Queenstown is definitely a MUST visit city if you ever visit New Zealand. Gosh it's such a picturesque place. Just like my throwback shot and mind you it was taken from my trust IPhone. Can you imagine if it was a DLSR? Just wished I had spent more time. My next visit for sure to stay at least 1 week here.
Anyone been to Queenstown before? Please share your favorite spots?
Milford Sound
When in Queenstown, one of the MUST do tours is the Milford Sound. This tour is a full day tour of approximately 12.5 hours. Do be prepared when you’re planning for this.
I found 5 facts about Milford Sound taken from @sountherndiscoveries site. Southern Discoveries, Milford Sound’s oldest and most established tour company with 50+ years of experience, offer scenic and nature cruise options.
Do check them out.
1. Milford Sound is not a sound - It’s actually a fiord. It was named so in recognition of its geographic features. This large ocean inlet is a bit bigger than a bay and is flanked by sheer rock faces and majestic peaks. However, sounds are formed when a river valley is flooded with the sea, whereas Milford Sound carved out by erosion of ancient glacial ice.
2. It is one of the wettest places on Earth - Milford Sound tops the rainfall meter of New Zealand. The annual rainfall is pegged at 6,813mm falling about 182 days of the year. Like I said above, just make sure you bring your windbreakers & raincoats. Milford Sound is even more magical when the rains come. It amplifies the already powerful waterfalls and creates hundreds of temporary ones which cascade down the cliff faces in a fury of power and beauty.
3. Most Tourist Place - Being one of the most iconic scenes of New Zealand, it is also one of the most popular, clocking in close to 1 million visitors a year.
4. BTW Limited Internet - As you can imagine since being surrounded by nature, you won't be so hooked up on posting stories on INSTA. Most of these places won't have WIFI connection. After all the whole idea is to admire the beauty
5. The water is an inky black - The fiord is hundreds of meters deep, but that’s not the only thing giving it the dark appearance. It’s really a combination of darkened freshwater and seawater.
The majestic Stirling Falls in Milford Sound’s second-highest; its height comes in at an impressive 151 metres (495 feet). Brave boaters and kayakers are drawn to these powerful glacial cascades as they can easily steer their way right underneath them; the thrill of having the waters gushing all around makes for a memorable experience. The Milford Sound cruises regularly take travellers underneath the Stirling Falls too.
Did you know that there are 8 Most Beautiful Spots in Milford Sound, New Zealand? Here are the spots (save this for future visit)
- Mitre Peak
- Lady Bowen Falls
- Stirling Falls
- The Elephant and The Lion
- Fairy Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
- The Four Sisters
- Seal Rock
- Sinbad Gully
I only managed to see 4 of the spots and it was super chilly. Be sure to bring along your windbreakers or your raincoats. You’d experience getting drenched when the boats go under the falls.
The stunning Lady Bowen Falls is Milford’s highest waterfall. It plunges 162m from a hanging valley into the head of Milford Sound and provides electricity for the Milford Sound township by feeding a small hydroelectric scheme, as well as being the water source for the settlement.
Named after Diamantina Bowen, the wife of George Bowen the fifth Governor of New Zealand, these spectacular falls are accessible via cruise boat, scenic flight, and an excellent short walk.
The Mirror Lakes are world famous for their beauty and the way they reflect their surrounding scenery.
Did you know New Zealand’s smallest duck, the scaup or pāpango, live in the Mirror Lakes and other Eglinton Valley waterways, as do the grey duck or pārera. Under the water you’ll find long-finned native eels, as well as brown and rainbow trout which were introduced in the 1800s.
Apparently, there are some tips for taking the best Mirror Lakes photos possible. Check out the below (taken from Milford Sound site)
1) Get down low to capture the reflections from an interesting angle
2) Don’t be tempted to use a wide lens – it’ll make the foreground too prominent and the mountains less significant
3) Think about framing options – trees and greenery can create a nice frame to your shot
Here’s an interesting fact I found about South Island (taken from PureNewZealand site)
The legend of the South Island
‘Te Waka a Māui’ (Māui’s canoe) or what we know now as the South Island is said to be the waka or canoe that Māui and his brothers fished from. It’s believed that the Kaikōura Peninsula on the east coast of the South Island is the place where the seat of the canoe was situated, where Māui stood to haul in his giant catch.
Stewart Island-Rakiura is believed to be the anchor from the canoe and is named ‘Te Punga a Māui’ (Māui’s anchor stone).
New Zealand on the map
Looking at the South Island on the map you may see that the southern tip in Southland resembles the stern of the canoe and the prow can be seen in the north. Hmm interesting
Te Puia is a Māori village in the North Island, where visitors can explore, experience and understand the Māori way of life. Te Puia is located in the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and is also home to the Pōhutu Geyser and is home to the Kiwis and Māori legacy.
Pōhutu Geyser as seen in the shot here.Pōhutu means constant splashing in Māori, this geyser erupts once every one to two hours making it the largest geyser in the Southern hemisphere. The eruptions could go as high up as 100 feet.
Te Puia has other attractions such as it’s very own Kiwi bird sanctuary, btw did you know that the Kiwi bird is said to be the first bird that the Māori’s found when they found New Zealand and made it their home, making the bird the first inhabitant of the land as per the tribe.
The other attraction is the very impressive Māori School Of Arts & Culture.
Here’s an interesting fact:-The Māori language was not a written language originally. All the teachings, arts and culture were passed on verbally from one generation to another and it continues to be so even today.
To conclude your tour, be sure to watch the Maori dance called Haka dance.
If NZ is on your bucket list, I highly recommend including Rotorua on your trip.
Shot of the Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata, New Zealand
I found 11 interesting facts about my favorite movie land. Check it out
1) Hobbiton is a real place – While location scouting in the late ’90s, an aerial search drew Peter Jackson and co. to Alexander Farm, a 12-acre sheep farm in Waikato, a region just south of Auckland on the North Island. With lush pastures and rolling fields for miles around, they knew at once that this was their Hobbiton.
2) It’s been open since 2002 – After most of the set was struck when filming concluded on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, a few structures were left standing and this formed the basis of the initial Hobbiton tours, which began sometime after Fellowship of the Ring was released.
3) To visit the set you must book a guided tour – Unfortunately, Hobbiton has a “no admittance except on guided tour business” policy.
4) Second Breakfast is a very real thing in Hobbiton – offering a tour of the movie set first thing in the morning followed by breakfast at the brand-new Millhouse on select weekends.
5) Hobbiton own Ale – There are three exclusive Southfarthing beverages available at the Green Dragon Inn – an apple cider, ginger beer and two ales – brewed at the Good George Brewery in Hamilton. They are served from the barrels of the Green Dragon Inn.
6) You can visit during any holidays such as beer festivals, Christmas and Harvest festival
7) International Hobbit Day – Falls on September 22, is also the birthday of none other than Bilbo Baggins himself, as well as his nephew Frodo Baggins.
8) Weddings in Hobbiton – Hobbiton actually offers wedding packages to give your special day that Middle Earth flare.
9) The large oak on top of Bag End is completely fake and was constructed specifically for the movie. All of the leaves were individually painted and attached by hand.
10) While shooting the movies, the frogs in the ponds turned out to be a little too noisy. Peter Jackson paid someone to move all of the frogs to a different pond on the farm.
11) The majority of the hobbit homes are just facades covering empty holes. All of the interior shots were filmed in a studio in Wellington.
𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘁, 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
They dressed in bright colours, being notably fond of yellow and green; but seldom wore shoes, since their feet had tough leathery soles and were clad in a thick curling hair, much like the hair of their heads, which was commonly brown.” – Description of the Shire Hobbits.
The Green Dragon Inn, New Zealand
The Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range is only available from Hobbiton™ Movie Set and traditionally brewed right here in Middle-earth™, New Zealand. Served from the barrels of The Green Dragon™ Inn, the Southfarthing range captures the taste of The Shire™, home of the Hobbits.
Best Burger is in Queenstown
Have you heard of Fergburger in Queenstown in New Zealand?
Fergburger is a Queenstown 'Must Do'! Operating since 2001 it has been a favourite by locals and visitors alike. Try the classic Ferg with Cheese, Tropical Swine, the Chief Wiggam or the Cockadoodle Oink…
Save this post for later! Do share your best burger if you’ve been here.
Save this for future travel to NZ!