Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! I’m just back from New Zealand, and my socks have been blown off on this incredible trip. What an adventure!!
After covering a great deal of ground across the two islands tip to toe, I can say that I’ve seen much of this incredible country in 2.5 weeks.
Did you know that New Zealand is a small country made up of two main islands – North and South (and some smaller islands)? It’s in the Southern Hemisphere which means their seasons are opposite ours (September is the beginning of their Spring). Think – they are on the beach in the thick of summer for New Years. I was there in late September – the early Spring and the Cherry Blossoms and flowers were gorgeous!
In the next few newsletters, I’ll share where I stayed and the exciting activities I experienced so stay tuned. For this week, read on for the scoop about what makes New Zealand so special and worthy of your next vacation…
Kia Ora
New Zealand is a very friendly, laid-back country. And it’s easy to navigate since it’s an English-speaking country (with a very sweet accent and slang). Example, instead of breakfast, it’s brekkie (Aussies say that too).
The indigenous language and culture is Māori and “kia ora” is a greeting (hello) as well as an expression of appreciation. There is a current movement to teach more New Zealanders how to speak Māori and appreciate this special culture. You can learn all about the Māori culture when you visit.
Fun fact: While I was there, New Zealand broke a Guiness World Record for the largest Haka dance at an All Blacks rugby game (the All Blacks are NZ’s prized rugby team). According to 100% New Zealand, traditionally haka was a customary way to welcome visiting tribes, but it also served to invigorate warriors as they headed into battle. It was a show of physical prowess but also an embodiment of cultural pride, strength, and unity. Today, haka is used as a sign of respect and is performed on important occasions, such as sporting events, weddings, funerals, and powhiri (a traditional welcome). You can see it for yourself here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpmARrbiJ6I
WOW moments
By ‘wow’ I refer to two aspects: the stunning landscapes and wow moments from my adventurous experiences. Stunning landscapes are everywhere on both islands. If you’ve seen any of the Lord of the Rings movies or even the photos, you know that the landscapes are incredible from soaring mountain peaks (snow-covered in the colder months) to multi-colored beaches (white sand, black sand, and pink from seashells), to vibrant waters ranging from greens to blues. In the countryside, you’ll see verdant green farmlands and hills similar to Ireland with its many hues of green. The hills are dotted with sheep, cows, and occasionally horses reflecting the many farms in New Zealand. My description nor photos can’t do the landscapes justice – you must see with your own eyes.
There is a plethora of soft and not so soft adventure activities. An example of soft adventure is hiking or biking and very adventurous is bungee jumping – it’s a range. Queenstown on the South Island is considered the adventure capital of the country and well-known as such worldwide but you can experience adventure on both islands.
For your trip, we’ll discuss the range of options and what you would love to experience. That said, I will highly encourage a helicopter ride so you can see the jaw-dropping landscapes from above! You will say WOW many times when you visit New Zealand – of that I can assure you.
💎Hidden Gem Tip: If you’re not a fan of snakes but love birds, New Zealand has no native snakes, and they are a nation of bird lovers!
Yum
Have you ever seen a kiwi cake? The farm-to-table food and wines (red and white) are amazing! With so many farms, your meals will likely be hyper-local and ultra-fresh. Whether you are a carnivore (famous NZ lamb for example) or a vegetarian, your food will be sustainably farmed. With so much coastline, the seafood is plentiful!
If you enjoy wine, you’ve certainly tasted your share of New Zealand’s reds and whites. You can travel on both islands and taste the local vineyards specialties and enjoy dinners with wine pairings. From Hawk’s Bay to Marlborough, you can learn all about New Zealand’s wines from the source. Gins are also becoming popular!
I’ll be reviewing some of my own experiences in an upcoming newsletter – stay tuned! Preview… YES – I ate a few meals at that gorgeous table with those views.
Now is the time to plan for 2025 (or even start the ball rolling for 2026). Stay tuned for the next part 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: Passport Renewal Update
Did you hear eligible U.S. citizens who want routine service can now renew their passports online? Note that the Department of State has indicated that online renewal will not necessarily be faster. Routine service is currently 6-8 weeks.
Take this as a heads up to check your passport expiration date and make sure it’s current for your next international adventure!
For more information and details, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html
PARTNERSHIPS
