Three Unforgettable Weeks in New Zealand: North to South and Back Again

After years of dreaming about it, my husband and I finally embarked on a three-week adventure to New Zealand, a journey that truly lived up to every expectation. From bubbling geothermal wonders to dramatic fjords, from glowworm caves to penguin colonies, this trip was packed with breathtaking scenery, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

North Island Adventures

Auckland to Rotorua

Our journey began with a long-haul flight to Auckland via Hong Kong, where we picked up a hire car and hit the open road toward Rotorua. This is New Zealand’s geothermal playground. The moment we arrived, that distinctive sulphur scent reminded us we’d stepped into a truly unique landscape.

Rotorua delivered adventure after adventure: We soared above the city on the Skyline Gondola before racing down the Luge track, laughed ourselves silly rolling down a hill in a ZORB, and then unwound in the peaceful Secret Spot Hot Tubs. They also have a great street food van here, serving some insanely good burgers and kumara fries (Māuri for sweet potato)

One of the highlights was the Māori cultural performance and village tour at Whakarewarewa. Learning about Māori traditions and seeing the geothermal pools used for cooking was both fascinating and humbling.

The Redwoods Treewalk offered a magical early morning experience, walking among towering trees strung with lanterns, and a day trip to the Orakei Korako Thermal Park was like stepping onto another planet with its steaming pools and silica terraces.

Further south, we chased waterfalls in Taupō, sped across the river on the exhilarating Hukafalls Jet, and explored the mystical Ruakuri Caves, where glowworms sparkled like stars overhead.

The South Island Road Trip

We flew from Auckland down to Queenstown, where our next adventure began, collecting a Maui motorhome to explore the South Island at our own pace. The freedom of the open road here is unmatched, with mountains, lakes, and winding roads that seem to stretch forever.

Highlights of the South Island

We started in Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village, before heading east toward Oamaru, home of the adorable little blue penguins. Nearby, the mysterious Moeraki Boulders made for a great photo stop before continuing to Dunedin.

From there, we followed the coast to Nugget Point Lighthouse, where the cliffs drop steeply into the ocean, then to Purakaunui Falls and Curio Bay. Curio Bay felt like the end of the world, just us, the wind, and the company of penguins and sea lions.

The route south took us to Bluff (the southernmost tip of the mainland) and Invercargill, before looping back north toward Te Anau, where we stargazed by the lake at night and caught a glimpse of the southern lights and the majestic Milford Sound. Cruising through its misty fjords surrounded by sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of the entire trip.

After returning the motorhome in Queenstown, we spent a few more days soaking up everything this vibrant alpine town has to offer: blending our own signature scent at Miller Road Fragrance Studio, sampling some pretty impressive wine and beer on a Twilight Wine & Craft Beer Tour, and speeding down the Dart River on a Wilderness Jet Experience.

A day trip to Wānaka provided yet another dose of jaw-dropping scenery. That Wanaka Tree (as it‘s known) stands proudly in the lake. Then it was continuing north to Christchurch, where we enjoyed a gentle end to the South Island leg, riding the historic tram, taking in panoramic views from the gondola, punting on the Avon River and checking out the creative street art along the way.

Trains, Ferries, and the Capital

Next up was one of the most scenic train journeys, the Coastal Pacific, which runs from Christchurch to Picton. From there, we crossed the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry to reach Wellington, the cool and compact capital city.

In Wellington, it was time to explore the waterfront and harbour promenade, discovering quirky cafés and bars.. A full-day winery and foodie tour in the Martinborough region was another standout, sampling world-class Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and delicious local produce.

The Final Stop – Auckland Lights

To round off the trip, we boarded the Northern Explorer train back to Auckland, enjoying the full Scenic Plus experience, complete with panoramic windows, delicious locally inspired meals, and fascinating commentary that brought the North Island’s landscapes to life. Watching rolling farmland, volcanic plateaus, and winding rivers glide past my window was the perfect, relaxing finale to an action-packed adventure.

Auckland felt positively buzzing compared to the rest of New Zealand, with bright lights, busy streets, and a great energy.

We spent our final days exploring Devonport by ferry, strolling through Cornwall Park, checking out boutique shops, hip coffee roasters, and lively bars. A night out with the locals at the Spark Arena to see Cirque du Soleil, a fun way to end an extraordinary three-week journey.

Three weeks barely scratched the surface of what New Zealand has to offer, but the memories are unforgettable: dramatic mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes, geothermal wonders, and warm, welcoming people. From Rotorua’s steam to Milford Sound’s mist, from penguins to glowworms, this truly was the trip of a lifetime.

We visited in spring, and let me tell you, the weather keeps you on your toes! You can quite literally experience all four seasons in a single day. One moment you’re soaking up the sunshine, the next you’re dashing for cover from a passing shower, and before you know it, there’s a rainbow making an appearance. It definitely makes packing a little tricky, but my top tip? Layers, layers, and more layers! Don‘t forget your sense of humour too, because when the weather can’t decide what it’s doing, you might as well enjoy the ride!