Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! This newsletter is the last in a series of four covering my epic trip to New Zealand last month. Please forward this newsletter to anyone you know who would love to take a trip to this magical country. There are so many decision points that the support of a professional travel advisor is key to a well-planned itinerary and a seamless experience.
Last week, you read about the many amazing lodges and hotels where I stayed (and toured) in New Zealand just last month. This week, I’ll share some of the incredible experiences I had – and some that I couldn’t fit into my packed schedule, but you should on your trip!
FUN FACT! Air New Zealand just won Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Award for World’s Best Airline! Since I just flew them, I can tell you what to expect, and it’s all good for what will be a long flight 😊
Adventure & Sports
While Queenstown on the North Island is considered the adventure capital of New Zealand – and some say the world – you can enjoy all types of adventurous activities on both islands. By adventure, I mean anything from ‘soft’ adventure (hiking, biking, ATV rides) to serious adventure (bungee jumping, heli-skiing). While not adventure, sports are popular in New Zealand – golf, rugby, tennis, etc. If you like to be active, there is plenty to do!
Here’s the list of activities I did (and I’m the opposite of a daredevil):
3 – Helicopter rides*
2 – ATV tours
1 – Speed boat ride
1 – Golf (driving range only); I was scheduled to have the helicopter-golf experience but weather didn’t allow. Next time!
0 – Bungee jumping (weather wasn’t cooperating, and I’d probably die of fright if I tried it) **
*If you followed my Instagram stories, you saw my helicopter rides. As someone who doesn’t love heights, it was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but the views and experience were well worth the jitters!
**Bungee jumping was created in New Zealand, and you have a variety of options for your jump. In Auckland on the North Island, you can jump from the Sky Tower or nearby bridge and there are a couple of spots around Queenstown on the South Island.
If I’d had more time, I would have loved to have gone hiking, biking, fishing, ziplining, or horseback riding,
If you’re there in the winter, southern hemisphere skiing is a fun experience (heli-skiing for the uber-adventurous).
Sailing fans: Last weekend, Emirates Team New Zealand won the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup after an epic final showdown in Barcelona against the Challenger of Record, INEOS Britannia, in a single race that ebbed and flowed from the outset but ultimately saw the Kiwis secure victory by 37 seconds.
PHOTO CREDIT: above, 3rd photo down. Over The Top Helicopters will take you to swing your club high above Queenstown!
💎Hidden Gem Tip: If you like sports and it works with the timing of your trip, consider taking in an All Blacks rugby game!
Glimpse & Taste of Farm Life
For a city-suburb gal like me, farm living is a foreign lifestyle. It was fascinating to have a tour of the sheep station at Flock Hill (as described in last week’s newsletter). The head shepherd explained the sheep sheering process and took us out onto the lands to watch highly trained dogs corral the sheep. It was like a dance!
At Wharekauhau, the tour of the organic farm was a fascinating glimpse into how vegetables are raised and incorporated into the menus. I learned how it’s truly an art and a science. The head farmer invented a technique for using sheep’s wool as mulch which he found to be surprisingly effective!
With so much of New Zealand being covered in farmland, the food is incredibly fresh. Farm to table culinary excellence is abound, especially at the great lodges and estates where you’ll stay.
Vineyards abound, and as wine lovers know, New Zealand wines have become internationally acclaimed in the past decades. I loved my day on Waiheke Island (a ferry ride from Auckland) driving from winery to winery for tastings and bites. You can also take a bike tour if you prefer a bit of exercise between your tastings!
Hobbits & Glow Worms
For fans of the Lord of the Rings series, New Zealand is a must-visit, including Hobbiton on the North Island. Hobbiton is very well done despite being a movie set. Fans will not be disappointed but expect crowds. One of my tour guides was in the movies, and it was fun to hear about the casting process with the locals. Other Lord of the Rings filming sights are found in Queenstown – itineraries can be designed around these places.
Not too far from Hobbiton is Rotorua which is known for Māori cultural experiences, geothermal springs, and glow worm caves. They don’t allow photos inside the caves (see the photo of the sign), but suffice it to say that it was more fascinating than touristy! These can all be visited easily from Auckland with a one or two night stay to reduce driving.
Inspired? Reach out to me now to get your questions answered and begin the planning process. Now is the time to plan for 2025 trips (or even start the ball rolling for 2026).
Wishing you amazing travel adventures,
Susan
NEW Section: Travel News You Can Use
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: New Zealand Visa
To visit New Zealand, you’ll need to apply online for a visa called NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) which was very easy. Most are approved within 72 hours but don’t apply last minute just in case there’s a delay. I had mine on the app on my phone which was easy to show upon arrival. Hidden Gem Travel clients will be helped through the process if needed.
