Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! If you read my last newsletter, you were teased to guess where my next big, ‘bleisure’ trip was. The choices were Japan, Argentina, or New Zealand. If you guessed New Zealand, you were right!
Having been to Australia twice (and I LOVED it each time), I’m excited to explore this beautiful Kiwi country and all it has to offer.
I’m here as you read this newsletter and will be covering my trip over a couple of newsletters and on social media (Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn). Follow along any way you prefer!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/51113592/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting/
New Zealand, or Aotearoa, is a visually gorgeous destination known for its diverse natural landscapes, set-jetting experiences (think Lord of the Rings), outdoor adventure, and rich Māori culture.
Read on for the scoop part one on my adventures in New Zealand…
The Flight
So, the first thing that may come to your mind is how far the flight is to New Zealand. I’m here to tell you that it really wasn’t bad at all (coming from someone who travels a lot internationally).
I recommend the flight I took, if you live fly out of NYC area airports. Air New Zealand has a nonstop flight from JFK to Auckland, and the flight time is 16 ½ hours. The flight was scheduled to depart at 10pm (we didn’t take off until almost 11), and once onboard had drinks and a lovely dinner served by the friendly Kiwi flight attendants. Then the cabin went dark and many people slept. Once awake, there was time for watching movies, reading, etc. A nice breakfast was served around 2 hours before landing.
I flew Premium Economy and the seat, pillow, blanket etc. were all very comfortable! Business class looked amazing. Honestly, I would have no hesitation taking that flight again. For those that want to break up the time, you can connect and have a layover (maybe even take a day in your layover city).
Seasonality and When To Go
I’m here at the beginning of Spring as their seasons are opposite ours in the US / Northern Hemisphere. However, the weather here varies depending on whether you are on the North or the South Island.
For example, the North island (where you’ll find Auckland) has mild temps now, but there have been reports of snow in the South island! It’s similar to what early spring can be like in the northeast whether you’re in New York City or Vermont. Oh and you can experience all kinds of weather just in one day!
The general guidelines and top activities for each season are:
Summer (December – February): Beach time and summer outdoor activities.
Autumn (March – May): Hiking and fall foliage.
Winter (June – August): Skiing, snowboarding, and winter activities in the South Island.
Spring (September – November): Gorgeous gardens with mild weather later in the season (mixed weather early in Spring).
Bottom line: Visit New Zealand anytime you have 2 weeks for vacation! And it’s close to Fiji and Australia so you can add beach time if visiting in the colder seasons.
💎Hidden Gem Tip: Consider an ocean cruise that covers both New Zealand and Australia – there are some excellent choices I can share with you!
Your Trip to New Zealand
I highly recommend New Zealand as a vacation destination! The country has it all for families, couples, and groups of friends who love natural beauty and unique cultural experiences. Love wine? Regions like Marlborough and Hawk’s bay offer some of the world’s most lovely wines (trust me I’ve been enjoying them!).
Here is a teaser from my preferred partner for New Zealand: Discover some of New Zealand’s most scenic sights on this 12-day highlights itinerary. Auckland is a great start to your New Zealand journey, with a half day highlights tour and time to discover the city of sails at your own pace. And you can visit Hobbiton from here if you’re a fan, but it’s a memorable experience either way. Next head to Rotorua where you will see the natural and man-made wonders of this geothermal wonderland, before flying to New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown. A trip to the majestic Milford Sound and a thrilling jetboat ride later, you are off to explore the glaciers and forests of the rugged West Coast. Last stop is the garden city of Christchurch, with a dolphin watching cruise at Akaroa. This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of options. I’m staying at some incredible lodges with golf and incredible on property activities. More to come!
Working with me and my local experts, your hotels, activities and transportation will be seamless – all you have to do is relax and enjoy! Now is the time to plan for 2025 (or even start the ball rolling for 2026). Stay tuned for part 2 of my New Zealand adventure!
Inspired? Reach out to me now to get your questions answered and begin the planning process.
Wishing you amazing travel adventures,
Susan
NEW Section: Travel News You Can Use
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Green Hotels
Sustainability in travel is an important trend that I’m seeing around the world. In Auckland, I recently stayed at a hotel that was New Zealand’s first 5-star Green hotel. Plus, it was boutique style in a fantastic neighborhood bustling with shops and restaurants adjacent to Auckland Harbor. Oh and I had an incredible night sleep. A win-win-win! Reach out to find out the name of this fantastic hotel!
PARTNERSHIPS
About Hidden Gem Travel Consulting
Hidden Gem Travel Consulting was founded by Susan Wilson. After decades of traveling the world and working for Fortune 50 companies and global nonprofits, she opened her own travel business which is affiliated with Virtuoso – the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel.
Through her deep network and signature consultative process, she designs customized travel itineraries that elevate your escape and speak to what will wow everyone on the trip.
It’s a new way to travel – a vacation that allows you to feel the full vibrancy of the destination while giving you access to perks, amenities, and experiences that are “ungoogleable.”
Enriching. Experiential. Effortless. Hidden Gem Travel Consulting is your trusted travel advisor.
Schedule A Complimentary Consultation
Hidden Gem Travel clients get some fab perks at many premium and luxury hotels around the world!
Want to book a hotel on your own and get upgrades and perks? Follow this link: https://www.virtuoso.com/advis…
Share this weekly newsletter with family and friends who love to travel well!
Give them the scoop by sharing their email address here:
www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/newsletter
Follow my Facebook & Instagram pages for more curated travel inspiration: www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel
REFERRAL BONUS If you know someone who would benefit from help from a travel expert, forward this email and have them mention your name during their complimentary consultation. You will receive a special perk!
Virtuoso Wanderlist Specialist
Hidden Gem Travel Consulting is proud to be one of the first travel businesses to be certified in Virtuoso Wanderlist, a unique and exclusive consulting service designed to turn travel dreams into reality through the creation of a strategic plan – called a travel portfolio.
Much like wealth advisors manage investment portfolios, Wanderlist Advisors manage an equally important asset – our leisure time. Wanderlist marries “Netflix-style” technology with the deep expertise of a travel advisor. Wanderlist helps families live a life filled with anticipation and special memories.
Take a peek here: https://bit.ly/wanderlisthgtc
