As a travel consultant, we occasionally receive discounts on airline tickets and admission tickets. In 2016, Tourism New Zealand Singapore provided a fantastic Explorer Pass Program.

New Zealand (often known as “Aotearoa”) is a small island nation in Oceania. There are glacial and volcanic craters, mountains, valleys, and lakes throughout the land. The gorgeous country is surely photogenic, despite the fact that it is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and even the capital city of Wellington is located on a fault line.

With a population of 4.7 million, traffic congestion is not as common as it is in Malaysia. You may find yourself travelling alone for the entire route at times. In big cities, shopping malls and eateries close at 6 p.m.

Self-driving or joining Intercity coach and train tours are the best ways to see the breathtaking landscape.

For individuals who like flexibility, self-driving is strongly suggested. However, never underestimate New Zealand’s driving conditions. They’re gnarly and twisty, and they’re also unforgiving. Drivers with daring hearts are required to navigate around mountain cliffs. Prepare yourself mentally for a bad or lost mobile signal. While travelling through Tongariro National Park, Arthur’s Pass, and Haast Pass, I lost all mobile signal.

The Intercity combo pass is the most cost-effective and convenient solution for single backpackers.

Auckland, City of Sails

It felt lovely to start the afternoon with a short stroll to Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, a new neighbourhood on reclaimed land on Waitemata Harbour, following a 25-hour journey to Auckland.

It was a beautiful sunny day, and I didn’t want to miss out on going out to the sea. The 5-hour Dolphin and Whale Safari tour is unquestionably a good buy.

As the ship proceeded out to the Hauraki Gulf, we enjoyed the sea breeze with other tourists. Seeing a school of dolphins swim that close is an incredible sight.

As we continued to cruise, the ship was suddenly slammed by a large wave. AH-HA! Those standing or sitting on the deck were splashed with water. Remember to bring a towel and extra clothes.

There were four rounds of getting a close look at dolphins, but no success in seeing Bryde’s Whale. Our wet clothes were dried by the sun on the way back.

We walked to the Ferry Building, which is located at the end of Queen Street, instead of returning to the hostel. There are ferries to Devonport, Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island, and Rotorua Island from here. Locals and visitors alike crammed the ferries to the Waiheke and Rangitoto Islands.

Our malls in Asia often close at 10 p.m., but here they close at 6 p.m.! Before the doors closed, we quickly grabbed a few packs of Sushi for dinner. Then we made our way up Queen Street to the Auckland Sky Tower.

We proceeded up to the Level 51 Main Observation Level after exchanging our e-tickets. I prefer the Level 51 Sky Deck over the Level 60 Sky Deck. On a clear day, you can see a panoramic view of the city of Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula.

As the sun fell on the horizon, we were treated to a spectacular panorama of the city and marina. The city is then gradually illuminated. It’s just stunning!

Our second day began with a clean slate. On Upper Queen Street, we had a decent breakfast. The street is Auckland’s longest walk, stretching nearly 3 kilometres from Civic Theatre to Britomart Station.

Queen Street is a famous shopping destination for Asian visitors. Featuring businesses such as LV and Prada, as well as local boutiques providing New Zealand-made cosmetics, milk powders, and souvenirs.

Local markets are, as usual, my favourite!

As the phrase goes, if you want to get to know the locals, go to their markets and have a good time. The Auckland City Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday beside the Britomart Station.

You can buy organic fresh fruit and talk to local farmers who offer raw honey here. If you prefer cooking your meals, those vegetables and eggs are a fantastic buy.

There is a free shuttle bus that goes from Britomart Station to Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium.

It’s an excellent location for learning about marine conservation. The feeding of the King Penguins was a highlight for us. It’s hilarious to see them swallow an entire fish down their throat.

Rotorua, Geothermal City

Rotorua city, just four hours from Auckland, is known for its geothermal activity, hot mud pools, and the iconic Pohutu Geyser. “Roto” means lake in Maori, while “Rua” means second. The Chief of Te Arawa is said to have discovered another lake north of Lake Rotorua.

The city has the worst clean air index in New Zealand due to sulphur emissions from adjacent geothermal regions. We discovered little white sulphur oxide marks on our suitcases after the rain.

Before our transfer to Tamaki, we took a stroll around the city. The Government Gardens and the Tudor-style Rotorua Museum are both charming. Then continue walking until you reach Blue Baths House. In the 1930s, Blue Baths was a mixed bathing house, but it now has distinct male and female sections.

Tamaki Maori Village is a must-see attraction. There are fascinating stories about New Zealand’s history and Maori culture to be found there. It’s possible that you won’t enjoy the Hangi supper.

A superb soak bath at Polynesian Spa, less than 5 minutes walk from the Government Gardens, is the best way to treat yourself in the evening.

The next day began with a trip to Te Puia Thermal Valley. While you’re there, don’t miss the Pohutu Geysers in action! The activity can occur up to 20 times each day and can reach a height of 30 metres. It comes highly recommended!

In the afternoon, the Agrodome Sheep Shearing Show will take place. To be honest, the event was tedious and overly commercialised. It isn’t worth the money spent.

Hobbiton, the Middle Earth film set

You must visit Hobbiton to experience life in Middle-earth if you love The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit movie.

Alexander Farm is home to the Hobbiton Movie Set. The journey takes you through Bag End and Bagshot Row, where Frodo and his companion Bilbo walked. Michael, our tour guide, is an excellent storyteller.

The greenery is real. Many gardeners are maintaining the plants. The pumpkin is enormous! The apples are also fresh.

The Green Dragon Pub provides a complimentary drink. Apple cider and ginger beer are both non-alcoholic beverages. The drinks appeal to me. It tastes better than factory produce.

Alpine Crossing Tongariro

In Rotorua, we returned our leased car and boarded the Intercity bus to Wellington. It had been a seven-hour journey.

During the journey, there are a few short stops. We took a 30-minute break in Taupo town. Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake. It is located within the caldera of the Taupo volcano.

After Taupo, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a three-hour nonstop ride. If you get hungry, buy something to eat, but not a hot drink. The roads were twisting and winding till we arrived at Flat Hills for a rest.

Wellington Capital’s Port City

Wellington must be New Zealand’s windiest city. The wind is so powerful that even our coats can’t keep up. Use a hat instead of an umbrella.

We slept at the Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Hostel, which is located directly across from Wellington Railway Station. Lambton Quay, Victoria University, and the Parliament Buildings are all within walking distance of the city’s main station, which was established in 1937.

I began my morning stroll to Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand. We went to Frank Kitts Park and the Giant Kina (sea urchin) sculpture. Inside the museum, you’ll find a plethora of valuable New Zealand artefacts.

The Treaty of Waitangi – the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand – and a big Pounamu (greenstone) on exhibit at the Te Marae (meeting place) House at Mana Whenna (The World of Maori) are two of my favourites.

After that, we went to Lambton Quay for lunch. For $10 each, we got two Indian lunch sets. Lambton Quay, which was once the foreshore’s high-water line, is now Wellington’s major commercial centre.

From there, take the Wellington Cable Car to the top of the Botanic Garden for a historic trip. It is New Zealand’s sole operational funicular railway. The view of the centre district, Lambton Harbour, and Oriental Bay from 120 metres above sea level is breathtaking.

The Wellington Botanic Garden has one of New Zealand’s top rose gardens. With the roses, the lavender lawn grows brilliantly. They’re stunning!

Across the street from the garden is Thorndon Village, Wellington’s oldest residential area. This has been the hilly, affluent residential area since the 1890s.

Hike downhill to the Parliament Buildings, passing through the 1840–1892 Bolton Street Cemetery and the monument to New Zealand’s first prime minister, Sir Richard Seddon. Keep walking till you arrive at the Old St Paul’s Cathedral.

The cathedral, which is now a Wellington landmark, was built entirely of native New Zealand timbers in the nineteenth century. It is thought to be one of the world’s best examples of Gothic Revival architecture.

The beautiful stained glass windows of Old St Paul

Interislander Ferry Crossing Cook Strait

From the Wellington Railway Station, take the shuttle bus to the ferry terminal. If you’re taking the Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Kaikoura or Christchurch on the same day as us, you can check your luggage and pick it up only at your final train station. The check-in procedure was both remarkable and quick!

From Wellington to Picton, it takes three hours to cross the Cook Strait. It was a really peaceful and restful cruise.

There are enough chairs and family lounges on decks 7 and 8. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy the sea breeze and the spectacular sight of dolphins swimming from the observation deck on the 10th level.

Coastal Pacific Train, the scenic train

Only from October to April does the Coastal Pacific train run. The train follows the Pacific Ocean’s shoreline. My favourite is the Ohau Point Seal Colony. It’s thrilling to see seals in the wild!

The unexpected and refreshed Christchurch

The main entryway to the South Island is Christchurch, the largest city on the island. However, on February 22, 2011, everything changed. The Great Earthquake severely damaged Christchurch’s central business area.

Even the city’s most famous cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral had its spire destroyed and the majority of its structure seriously damaged. The devastation seen around the city was heartbreaking.

Personally, I am hoping that the cathedral will be restored to its former magnificence. (A rebuilding project is underway, according to Tourism New Zealand.)

The light at the end of the tunnel is always a wonder. Chalice, the hexagonal steel sculpture that stands towering in the centre of Cathedral Square, has survived. It was erected to commemorate the Canterbury Association’s 150th anniversary of the foundation of Christchurch and Canterbury in 2001. Its shape is similar to that of Christ Church Cathedral’s spire.

You won’t want to pass up the chance to ride one of the restored heritage trams that crisscross the city. If you’re lucky, like us, you might be able to ride on the same tram that Queen Elizabeth II rode in 1995.

Following the 2011 earthquake, the Cashel Mall was demolished. Eight months later, on Cashel Street, the Re:START Mall opened. The mall was made up of colourful shipping containers that have been turned into retail establishments, banks, and cafes. The atmosphere was incredible. (In 2018, the mall was decommissioned)

The Greek Dimitri store is a popular destination for both visitors and locals. The double set was amazing, and we were able to split it in half for tiny eaters like us. The store has been relocated to the Riverside Market.

When we were there, the Bridge of Remembrance, which lies at the western end of the mall, was being repaired. The bridge was to honour those who died during World War I. The bridge has been restored to its former beauty, and it now serves as a tram stop. The Riverside Market is a short distance from the bridge.

The Riverside Market is an indoor market that sells fresh local produce, beer, baked goods, locally made cheese, and international cuisine. Make time for your visit because it is massive.

The famed Avon River runs through Christchurch’s core business area. Punting on the Avon is a popular activity that you should participate in. The thirty-minute punt ride from the Botanic Gardens is a lot of fun. It’s a breathtaking sight!

The Rose Gardens in the Botanic Gardens, first opened in 1863, are among the most beautiful in the country. The Dahlia Border and Peacock Fountain areas are very spectacular. Next to it, Hagley Park is a venue for adventure sports such as golf, cricket, and rugby, as well as open-air concerts.

After a quick lunch nearby, we rode the shuttle bus to Christchurch Gondola, which is located at the foot of Mount Cavendish in the Port Hills. The view of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, and Lyttelton Harbour is breathtaking.

This is the most comprehensive summary of the events in Christchurch. The 185 Empty Chairs (a tribute to the 185 people murdered in the earthquakes), the Cardboard Cathedral (built of cardboard, wood, and steel on the site of St John Baptist Church), and the International Antarctic Centre are also worth seeing.

The Glacier Region

A trip to the country is never complete without a stop at one of its stunning glaciers. It was a toss-up between Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Franz Josef, the personnel at I-Site, recommended us because the town is larger than Fox.

We obeyed. Franz Josef turns out to be far smaller than we expected. We walked around town for fifteen minutes and were done! Motels and hostels outnumber retail establishments.

We slept at Chateau Franz, which is directly across the street from the YHA Hostel. The balcony of our room has a view of the mountain forest. A table and two chairs are available. In the evenings, the motel provides free WiFi and free soup. When the hostel is full, there aren’t many cooking tools, so get to the kitchen early.

The snow-capped mountains can be seen when you trek up to Franz Josef Glacier National Park. Temperature, wind, and rainfall affect glaciers, which are made up of ice that accumulates above the permanent snowline.

Glaciers have retreated substantially as a result of rising global temperatures, contributing to rising sea levels. In the four decades between 1961 and 2005, the country lost a third of its permanent snow and ice.

Franz Josef Glaciers as in 2016

Franz Josef Glaciers as in 2006.

Peak view lookout point at Fox Glacier

Romantic Adventurous City of Queenstown

Central Otago produces some of the world’s best Pinot Noir and Sauvignon. I agree completely. If you plan to take a bottle home with you, join the wine tour. Fruit growing is also popular in the area.

Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island, is the ideal romantic retreat, with breathtaking landscapes and exciting adventure activities. The journey from Franz Josef takes eight hours, with stops in Cromwell and Wanaka.

After a month of walking and hiking, exhaustion eventually caught up with us. We decided to unwind by taking a leisurely stroll through the city.

Queenstown is a popular year-round destination due to the wide range of exciting activities available. In the summer, there are a variety of outdoor adventure activities available, including jetboating, Lord of the Rings tours, and the century-old TSS Earnslaw cruise. During the winter, the Remarkables offer more than two kilometres of skiable terrain.

What does a romantic weekend in Queenstown entail? Skyline Gondola in Queenstown tells you the answer. For a panoramic view of the city, golf course, The Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu, take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak.

It might be liberating to spend time by oneself and do nothing. Sitting near Earnslaw Park, unwinding on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, or indulging in a chocolate ice cream cone at Patagonia. Whatever you do, remember to appreciate the beauty and the warmth of the locals.

Our journey came to a close with a mouthful of Queenstown’s most famous Fergburger. Fergburger Big AL is my personal favourite. Avoid going there during mealtimes. It’s possible that you’ll have to wait up to twenty minutes to be served.

On my return flight, I reflected on my journey. New Zealand is a small country, but it offers a wealth of experiences. It is IMPOSSIBLE to do everything in one trip.

In the country, there is never enough to do or see. I can’t wait to return when the sky clears.