Trip Overview
This was more than just a vacation—it was a trip that fed the soul. For over two weeks, we explored the natural wonders of New Zealand, with a brief (but bucket-list-worthy) hop to Sydney, Australia. What made it truly unforgettable wasn’t just the scenery, but the feeling—a mix of environmental reverence, deep calm, and a culture rooted in kindness and care.
Whether we were soaking in geothermal waters, landing on a glacier, or floating on a coal-powered boat with a beer in hand, New Zealand had a way of making every moment feel grounded and awe-inspiring.
Most Memorable Moments
Landing on a Glacier by Helicopter – This was the definition of a “peak New Zealand” moment—quite literally. Standing on top of a glacier surrounded by jagged peaks and absolute silence was something I’ll never forget.
Milford Sound Lodge Stay – Remote, peaceful, and unbelievably beautiful. Between the epic drive, the quiet setting, and the amazing breakfast, it felt like staying in a postcard.
Hot Water Beach + Ocean Swim – On the Coromandel Peninsula, we found natural hot springs bubbling up through the sand at low tide. Dig a hole, create your own hot tub, then cool off with a swim in the ocean. A full-circle moment of nature and joy.
Scenic Steamship Cruise – This old-school boat ride was way more fun than expected. The sunny weather, open-air deck, and very visible coal-shoveling engine room made it feel like a ride through time—with cold beer, no less.
The Culture of Care – Across the country, we noticed a deep sense of stewardship—for the land, for each other, for community. It was calming and contagious.
Sydney Sights & a Bigger Mission – A quick but worthy detour to Australia to check another continent off my list. The Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, and Bondi Beach were all hits—and the Little National Hotel made for a luxe home base.
Logistics & Practical Information
Accommodation
- Four Points by Sheraton (Auckland) – Central and convenient.
- Milford Sound Lodge – The most scenic spot of the trip.
- Coronation Lodge (Queenstown) – Comfortable base for exploring the South Island.
- Koura Lodge (Rotorua) – Peaceful lakeside stay.
- Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort (Hahei) – Charming beach bungalow for a perfect coastal escape.
- Little National Hotel (Sydney) – Compact but luxurious city stay.
Transportation
- A multi-leg journey with connections through Dallas, San Francisco, and Auckland. Domestic flights within NZ and AU were smooth. Renting cars made remote access easy—especially in Queenstown and Rotorua.
Notable Food
- Fergburger in Queenstown(a must!)
- Delicious lodge breakfasts at Milford Sound
- Morning pastries in Sydney
Activities
- Helicopter glacier landing
- Milford Sound boat cruise
- Onsen hot pools and Rotorua spas
- Hobbiton and geothermal parks
- Beach walks, rainforest hikes, and winery stops
- White water tubing through glow worm caves
- Sydney sights: Opera House, Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach
Tips for Travelers
- Plan well, but leave room for surprises—like that boat ride.
- Book Milford Sound early—it’s remote and worth the effort.
- New Zealand roads are scenic but winding. Don’t rush.
- Pack for layers. You’ll go from snow to swimsuits.
- Consider combining countries if you’re going all that way—Sydney was a perfect complement.
Reflections & Final Thoughts
New Zealand is one of those rare places that feels both epic and intimate. From the quiet kindness of the people to the raw beauty of the land, it just felt right. Adding Sydney helped round out the journey and push forward a personal goal—visiting all seven continents.
NZ is easily one of my favorite countries.
Expedition Hamilton 