First Impressions of Aotearoa: From Auckland to Queenstown

I just got to Wellington for my study abroad, but before settling in, I spent a week traveling around New Zealand with my family.

We landed in Auckland, slept, and left the next morning. Drove down to Rotorua, stopping at Mount Eden for views and Blue Springs along the way. Swimming in Lake Tikitapu and sunset at Hannah’s Bay were highlights.

The next day, we went to Waiotapu Geothermal Area (geysers and hot pools) and did the Rainbow Mountain walk. Then back to Auckland for the night.

Flew to Queenstown, which honestly looked like a postcard. So we decided to press the brakes a little and enjoy the beauty.

Drove to Te Anau the next day, stopping a bunch along the way. We did a last-minute jet boat on the Waiau River, which was so much fun, and we got to see so many cool things.

Woke up at 5:30 am for Milford Sound, and it was easily one of the best parts of the trip, waterfalls, mountains, everything. After the cruise, we did a few short walks before heading back.

Finished the trip in Queenstown with Fergburger on the water, gondola + luge, walking around town, and a day out in Gibbston Valley for wine tasting, of which I did not partake. We even got to witness a few brave souls at the Kawarau bungy and swing.