We have long dreamed of visiting New Zealand. Such an incredible journey all the way from London, basically the farthest point on the other side of the globe. It had remained on our list unfulfilled. Oddly soon after returning from Australia (a close second on the-farthest-point-on-earth-from-London list) we immediately began making plans to go the distance. Maybe the delirium of the jetlag made us temporarily insane to want to endure that kind of flight again! But we booked tickets many months in advance and began planning. In truth I didn't know what we were going to see and do there. I was only familiar with a small list of things to see, but I just knew that it was a place we had to visit. It was quite a task organising this itinerary, three weeks to explore as much of the two islands of New Zealand as we possibly could, but most certainly without being able to see it all. It is easily the most difficult trip I have planned. It was truly worthy of all the effort in planning and getting there, everything from the dear friends we visited, to the enchanting rolling hills of the countryside, to the beautiful unspoiled beaches, to the warm culture of the Moari, to the breathtaking vistas of the fjords, to the gorgeous lakes, to the majestic mountains and beyond, New Zealand is more than a destination, it's a way of being. This fabled land way down under welcomed us with the bluest blues and greenest greens our eyes have ever beheld, causing us to wonder if we had actually really ever seen the colours of this world, truly ever seen them, before. Stepping off the plane we were overcome with the lightness, the freshness, the utter lack of toxins and the purity of this place. The air is so clean that our London lungs were in for a serious detox. Already we feel the magic of Aotearoa.
We spent 20 days exploring both the north and south islands, starting in Auckland and finishing in Christchurch. We spent the first few days in Auckland, then head over for a lovely weekend on the Coromandel Peninsula, then spent a few days in the Cambridge countryside before finishing the north island in the capital city of Wellington.
Beautiful Auckland
The highlight of our trip to New Zealand was visiting dear friends, Kiwis we had shared close friendships with in London for a decade. Now relocated back to New Zealand it was a treasured chance to visit them. Making pavlova, sharing a few meals, exploring a bit of the north island and sharing a few laughs and tears, we're so grateful for our time with them. London is not the same without them, we miss and love them very much!
Straight off the plane we wasted no time and spent a lovely day with them in their new home in Auckland followed by an afternoon on the beach. Friends, picking up right where we left off.
Auckland Art Gallery
So special to get some personal insights into Maori culture and history with our very own resident guides!
Victoria Park
Exploring more of Auckland
Views over Auckand from Mount Victoria
Views from our flat over Auckland
I could have stopped to take a million photos like these, just average New Zealand roads that are just stunningly gorgeous!
After Auckland we spent the weekend on Hahei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, which was the perfect beachy weekend. Loved the town of Hahei, this gorgeous coastal spot and the tropical vibes. So much good food and a wonderful little ice-cream shop in this town to top it all off!
Kayaking trip to Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove
Coastal drives leading out of the Coromandel
We spent an afternoon in Hamilton, New Zealand, a wonderful visit to the temple, a church museum and loved learning more about the saints in New Zealand, including a bit more about our friends who have so many connections there. It was a special afternoon.
Church museum
Stunning views from our home base retreat in Cambridge
Requisite visit to the hot springs at Wai-o-tapo in Rotorua. So much diversity in landscape in such a small country!
An afternoon of luging down the mountain in Rotorua
Hobbiton was high on our New Zealand wish list. This magical land created by Peter Jackson set in the most amazing valley surrounded by rolling hills is just incredible. There truly aren't words. Even without any interest in Hobbits or films thereof, this place is completely enchanted and I could not get enough of it. I took way too many photos and could have taken so many more. We were lucky enough to attend a special summer solstice event that included not only a tour of the shire, but also an evening of feasting and entertainment. It was out of this world, an evening we'll never forget.
Watching the sunset over the shire was just too good! A real pinch me moment.
This view is the stuff of dreams!
We spent another evening immersing ourselves in the culture of the Maori at the Tamaki Maori Village learning Maori games, listening to Maori stories, experiencing Maori traditions and enjoying a grand Maori feast. Such a beautiful culture!
Our last stop on the north island, before heading to the south island, was at the very southern tip of the island in the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington. We were here over Christmas and enjoyed exploring this eclectic city with a heritage of the performing arts, the Hollywood of New Zealand and learning more about this country and its heritage at the national Te Papa Museum. A quirky kind of city with a very unique artsy vibe, Wellington was a great finale to our north island travels.
The Beehive, the executive wing of New Zealand's Parliament building
New Zealand Parliament (Hi, Jacinda, we love you!)
Views over Wellington from up the Wellington Cable Car
We enjoyed a visit to the Weta Workshop, responsible for props and costumes for many films, most notably Lord of the Rings
Miniatures set at the Weta Workshop
Goodbye, Wellington! Up next . . . the south island!
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