Having lived just across the pond my entire life, I always thought I knew what to expect from New Zealand. The monumental scenery, transformative adventures and powerful culture are all well documented.
I knew it would be beautiful, that it would be a good time. But I wasn't prepared for just how fulfilling it would be, or how deeply I'd fall in love with this country.
My family and I enjoyed a road trip around the South Island — seeing sights from the icy peak of Franz Josef Glacier to the sunny shores of the Marlborough Sounds. And yet I left with even more places added to my to-do list.
New Zealand, put simply, is a land of multitudes: the most jaw-dropping scenery you could imagine plucked straight from the pages of your wildest fantasies; the kindest and most helpful travel guides and industry experts you could hope to meet on holiday; and rich cultural experiences aplenty.
If you've been tossing up a trip, I can guarantee this experience will overhaul your expectations and leave you 100 per cent fulfilled.
Here are a few of my top recommendations.
We kicked things off in Christchurch — we flew direct from Sydney, and it couldn't have been easier. It's only a three-hour flight, and for most international travellers heading to the South Island, you'll begin here.
You can take in more relaxing activities like the Botanic Gardens, the shops and restaurants of New Regent Street, or Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū — which places a large focus on works by Māori artists.
But if you're keen to kick off the adrenaline in the heart of the city, you should check out the ziplining at Christchurch Adventure Park or the Christchurch Gondola for sky-high scenic views.
This might just be the most beautiful place I've ever seen in my life. Then again, I thought that every five minutes as we travelled the South Island.
But if New Zealand is one of the most breathtaking places on earth, then Abel Tasman National Park is the cream of the crop. Once described as a "hidden gem", it's now one of the most popular destinations for adventure seekers but it still felt perfectly serene.
The main gateways to the Abel Tasman National Park are Mārahau or Kaiteriteri, just a short one-hour drive from Nelson. You can reach the golden beaches of the national park by water taxi (for those seeking a more private experience), tour bus or self-driving.
If you want to soak up the nature, you could do the three–five day (one way) Abel Tasman Coast Track — one of Aotearoa New Zealand's Great Walks — or, if you only have one day, hike one of the many shorter trails in the park before cooling off with a dip in the water and basking in the subtropical scenery.
That's what we did — walking part of the track from Medlands to Anchorage, crossing the Falls River Swing Bridge and basking in the golden sands of Anchorage Beach before heading home. And I've never felt more in awe of the world's natural beauty.
If you spend all day looking at a screen — the way so many of us do — there's something indescribably powerful about immersing yourself in this level of otherworldly nature. It makes you feel small in the very best way.
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The Marlborough region is famous for its world-class wineries, with a particular speciality in sauvignon blanc. But don't sleep on the pinot noir and chardonnay!
The wine region has three main valleys: Wairau Valley, Southern Valleys and Awatere Valley. My favourite winery was Lawson's Dry Hills, a 100 per cent sustainable winery with some of the best Savvy B I've ever had. Another favourite was Villa Maria, which is a popular, affordable option — and you know what? A delight.
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While the region is famous for wine, it was also one of my favourite places for natural scenery. And that's all thanks to the Marlborough Sounds.
Taking up 1,500 kilometres of New Zealand's coastline, the Marlborough Sounds are ancient sunken river valleys — with some of the bluest water these eyes have ever seen, and deep green, forested hills rising from the sea.
You can book day trips to visit the Sounds — namely, Queen Charlotte Sound (Tōtaranui area) — ranging from budget-friendly cruises to luxurious private tours. If you want to stay for multiple days to explore the wilderness or take on the Queen Charlotte Track, there are campgrounds and other accommodation options available.
If I had my time over, I'd head back and stay at one of the hotels nestled between the trees, because I was outrageously jealous of the travellers staying there as my boat pulled away. Such a tranquil travel opportunity is a rare thing, and I will absolutely be returning for more.
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The town of Franz Josef (Waiau) has a charming and cosy feel to it, as it's brimming with visitors looking forward to exploring the World Heritage–protected region.
Of course, the real reason we're all there is to see one of New Zealand's showstoppers: the 12-kilometre-long temperate maritime glacier, Franz Josef Glacier.
From aerial sightseeing to an actual guided ice climb, there are many ways for the icy, adventurous folks among us to see this wondrous natural beauty up close. And the local tour guides couldn't be more helpful in making you feel very safe (and expert) in tackling this kind of adventure.
But if the weather doesn't permit, or it's just not for you, I couldn't recommend the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk more — it takes you to the best viewpoint of the glacier from the ground, passing rivers, waterfalls and walking through rainforest (and one rocky portion that will have you feeling very Lord of the Rings–coded).
After a couple of weeks of thrill-seeking, I was ready for some relaxation when I arrived in Lake Tekapo. To be full of clichés, it took my breath away.
It's a small town (very small) set along the turquoise lake and surrounded by mountains.
Walking along the lake and simply marvelling that something so beautiful exists? Now that's a way to pass time on this planet. Add a few hundred thousand stars to the night's sky, and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd at the edge of town, and you won't believe your eyes.
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Despite being a small spot, Tekapo does boast some great food (I loved eating at The Blue Lake Eatery & Bar).
Nearby, you'll find Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Pūkaki — two more of my favourite spots on the South Island. But it's Tekapo that has my whole heart!
For things to do in town, there's the impressive Dark Sky Project that combines scientific discovery and Māori knowledge systems, where stargazing experts connect manuhiri (visitors) to the night skies. And of course, you can pay a visit to the Alpine Lavender Farm. If you do, please try a vanilla and lavender soft serve — I have dreams about that ice cream.
While in the New Zealand adventure capital of Queenstown, there are a whole bunch of things you'll be able to tick off your list.
But a trip to Milford Sound is an absolute must.
A day trip will truly take all day — and it'll be worth every minute. On the drive, you'll pass Lake Te Anau, the Eglinton Valley, the famous Mirror Lakes and any number of massive waterfalls spread through the ancient alpine forests. If you're on a coach tour, most will stop for scenic photo opportunities.
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But the real winner is the moment your bus passes through the one-kilometre tunnel into Milford Sound, when the concrete fades away and you're faced with towering, snow-capped mountains that unfold into even more spectacular scenery as you drive.
Culminating in a cruise through the fiord, you'll spy seals, dolphins and waterfalls cascading off mossy peaks. It's clear to see why this place is nicknamed the eighth wonder of the world.
If time permits, like everything else on this list, I'd recommend giving yourself more time to explore by staying in accommodation in the region, so that you can truly enjoy all the natural sights, including Lake Gunn, Lake Marian or the Key Summit Hike.
Find your 100% Pure New Zealand and start planning your next holiday.
Feature Image: Supplied.
