Aotearoa is the Maori and preferred word for New Zealand Okay I think Ive visited NZ about 8 or 9 times now so I am nooo stranger. From traveling the country top to bottom in a van, to living the luxe life In Queenstown. Ive done it all (or at least, a lot). We even eloped in this beautiful country. Let me...
Sections
5
NZ Travel In General
Places to Stay
North Island
South Island
Tour Options
NZ Travel In General
Inspo, Transport and tips
This is how I traveled NZ from top to bottom. Make sure to pick a “self contained” van (aka has a toilet) as some campsites only allow that type of vehicle
Hire A Campervan Or Rent A Car To Explore New Zealand ...
Im biased as hell because I was in the Social Media campaign for this one but I also think its just a cool way to help you plan your Winter trip
Explore New Ski-land | 100% Pure New Zealand
If you still want to explore but would rather not camp
Hertz New Zealand ltd
Kiwis are bloody obsessed with Cookie Time. Its good af though
Cookie Time Triple Chocolate Cookies 630 g
My Queenstown Vlog (and more!)
Explore Queenstown: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide and Travel Vlog
!!!!! A must have app if youre road tripping. Gives you cool and unique stopping points you may not find otherwise !!!!!← if you're self driving this is my #1 recommendation
CamperMate - Official Site
Just a cool video I enjoyed to help get you excited
New Zealand: The Ultimate Travel Guide by TourRadar 5/5
I made a youtube playlist for all my videos about Australia and NZ
Australia & New Zealand
Places to Stay
Design forward stay in Auckland
The Hotel Britomart, Auckland, New Zealand
Comfortable and convenient location in Wellington
Bolton Hotel, Wellington, New Zealand
I love QT
QT Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Stay near Franz Josef Glacier
Rainforest Retreat in Westport | 2024 Updated prices, deals - Klook Australia
QT is my favorite hotel chain
QT Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Another Lake Taupo stay. I like this one too because it feels very Great Gatsby!- Kiwi Style
Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand
Budget Christchurch option
Haka House Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
Insanely gorgeous Stay in South Island Queenstown (2 hours ~ish) outside of Queenstown. The best part of NZ is getting out of the cities. Heres your chance
The Lindis, Omarama, New Zealand
Another Auckland Hotel
Hotel in Auckland | voco Auckland City Centre Hotel, an IHG hotel
Moderate Queenstown option (everywhere in Queenstown is literally spenno I wont lie)
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, Queenstown, New Zealand
Lake Taupo is another must (and super near Rotorua). Take advantage of this great location on the lake
Acacia Cliffs Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand
Gorgeous Stay in Rotorua. Perfect for a romantic weekend (and head to the mud baths while youre in the area!)
Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua, New Zealand
Budget Auckland option
Haka House Auckland City, Auckland, New Zealand
Located in an International Dark Sky reserve
SkyScape, Twizel, New Zealand
We stayed here when we eloped :)
QT Queenstown
A Christchurch stay. Christchurch isnt my favorite of NZ's cities but if youre in the area, its a great option
The Mayfair, Christchurch, New Zealand
A luxury Stay in New Zealand's Wine Country. If you like wine, then you know that New Zealand does it well
Breckenridge Lodge
A lot of people skip Wanaka for Queenstown. Dont make that mistake! Wanaka is amazing (Especially if you love hiking and food!)
Minaret Ridge Retreat, Wanaka, New Zealand
If you want a cheap n cheerful Hotel you can also stay at a Jucy Hotel
Jucy Snooze - LyLo
Moderately priced Queenstown hotel. Near the Remarkables
Hotel in Queenstown | Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park Hotel
This is where I stay when I go to Taupo
Finlay Jack's Backpackers, Taupo, New Zealand
Auckland Hotel Option
Crowne Plaza Auckland - Auckland, New Zealand
North Island
Auckland, Wellington, Taupo, Rotorua etc etc
Free Museum in Wellington- I go here everytime Im in Town
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
North Island is known for its hot springs. Dont miss out
Te Puia Geothermal Park
Rotorua: A must in North Island NZ
Hells Gate Mud Bath and Spa
A great stop near Rotorua and a must visit
Lake Taupo
Cuban food in Wellington. On Cuba St.
Fidel's Cafe: home
Another great stop near Lake Taupo
Huka Falls
If you love to hike, this is a must do! But be aware weather is really iffy
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Shuttle at the end of Tongariro if you decide to do that
A cool old timey bar (they call bars hotels). Even if you don't stop here for a feed, the drive is worth it (between Queenstown and Wanaka). See the famous bra fence
Cardrona Hotel
NZ Chefs Tasting. Where we came for dinner after our elopement
The Bunker - Queenstown
More remote than Milford sound but less crowded and more spectacular
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise Tour from Queenstown, NZ
Franz Josef is another of South Island's Glaciers. Also disappearing :( [I visited 4 years apart and it had shrunk visibly even then]
Franz Josef Town: Glacier Helicopter Tour with Snow Landing
Farm to table experience in Queenstown
Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour | GetYourGuide
I personally prefer the wine region in Nelson (the tip top of NZ South Island) but Otago (the region containing Queenstown) also makes great wines
Queenstown: Wine Tasting Tour
Given NZ is a big place (ok yes it small compared to other countries, but this list is literally about the entire country). In addition to my specific food recs, heres a list
Best Places to Eat in the South Island
Almost gauranteed to see whales and dolphins in Kaikoura
Whale Watch Kaikoura from Christchurch, NZ
If you're a National Park Girlie like myself. Abel Tasman is a must
Abel Tasman National Park
We hikes Abel Tasman, but if I could do it again- Id see it from the water! Its hot af!
Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise
Tour Options
If you'd rather not drive yourself but dont want a group tour
Kiwi Experience: New Zealands Best Bus Tour Experience
If you really cant be bothered traveling yourself- try a group tour
New Zealand Tours | Topdeck Travel
Another Group travel option- definitely more party vibe than the other
New Zealand Tours, Trips & Holiday Packages | Contiki AU
G Adventures
New Zealand Tours & Travel
Trafalgar
Trafalgar Travel New Zealand
Local Company :). - Tours from the locals themselves
