My first few weeks in New Zealand were nothing short of magical. From the vibrant city vibes of Auckland to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, this trip was filled with unforgettable moments, unexpected surprises, and some serious “pinch me” experiences. Here’s a look at the highlights from my time exploring the North Island:
Auckland
Auckland surprised me in the best way. It has this perfect mix of big-city energy and laid-back coastal charm. I stayed at Lylo Hostel for a few days, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough. The vibe was fresh and modern, everything was super clean, and the staff were so friendly and helpful. It felt like the perfect spot to start an adventure, especially if you’re traveling solo or hoping to meet people on the road.
The Viaduct was one of my favourite areas to wander. It’s packed with lively bars, great restaurants, and a gorgeous waterfront view. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an entire evening just eating, chatting, and people-watching.
One of the most unique things I did in Auckland was visit Drury Hills Winery, which specializes in fruit wine. It was such a fun and different tasting experience, I’d never tried anything like it before. The atmosphere was lovely and so were the owners, I left with a few bottles (because obviously).
For beach days, Maraetai Beach was a dream. The water was crystal clear, and it was quiet enough to feel like a hidden gem. I could’ve spent hours there, just reading, listening to music, and soaking in the view.
And if you’re a market girl like me, weekends in Auckland are heaven. I visited a few, but the Clevedon Village Farmers Market was definitely my favourite; think small-town charm, fresh local produce, amazing handmade goods, and food stalls that had me going back for seconds. (The Karaka Market was also super cute!)
A completely random but iconic highlight? I got to see Harry Styles live in Auckland! The energy, the crowd, the outfits, it was everything. Seeing him in New Zealand made it feel even more special, like this little unexpected crossover moment.
Also… shoutout to my tattoo artists in Auckland and Wellington: @keithlintattoo and @snake_eyes.tt. If you’re thinking of getting inked while you’re there, these two are insanely talented and so lovely to work with. Tattoos are such a perfect souvenir, if you’re into that.
Hobbiton
This one deserves its own paragraph because… bucket list moment unlocked. As a longtime fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, visiting Hobbiton was a literal dream come true. Every inch of the set is ridiculously detailed and well-preserved, you really do feel like you’ve stepped right into Middle-earth.
We toured the iconic Hobbit holes, strolled through the gardens, and ended the visit at the Green Dragon Inn, which proudly holds the title of the busiest pub in all of New Zealand. (And yes, I had a pint of cider and yes, it was amazing.)
Fun fact I learned: they brought in a special breed of sheep just for the movies to make everything look extra magical. That’s the kind of detail that makes this place feel truly special. If you’re thinking of going, I highly recommend renting a car or booking transportation ahead of time, it’s a bit off the beaten path but absolutely worth it.
Rotorua
Next up: Rotorua, aka the land of steam, mud pools, and hot springs. It smells like sulfur but looks like a dream. I stayed at Rock Solid Backpackers and had such a great experience, clean rooms, central location, and the kind of travellers you actually want to chat with in the common areas.
One of the most relaxing and memorable experiences during my time in Rotorua was visiting the Polynesian Spa. I opted for the private hot pools and it was absolutely incredible; peaceful, calming, and the perfect way to unwind after a few busy travel days. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, I’d highly recommend carving out time for a spa day while you’re in Rotorua. It’s the ultimate treat-yourself moment and truly a must-do in the area.
One of the more unexpected things I did? I pet a lion cub at Paradise Valley Springs. Wild, right? It was one of those surreal travel moments that sticks with you forever.
Then there was the Skyline Luge, which I can only describe as Mario Kart come to life. You hop into a tiny cart and speed down a mountain track with curves, views, and a whole lot of adrenaline. It was chaotic, slightly terrifying, and so much fun.
To top it off, I happened to be in town during a Red Bull event, which added this extra buzz to Skyline. Live bike races, cool installations, and a crowd that brought the energy, it felt like the perfect end to my adrenaline moment in Rotorua.
This is just the beginning of my New Zealand story, but it already feels like one of the most unforgettable chapters of my life. I’ve barely scratched the surface, and I can’t wait to share more from the North Island and beyond in Part 2. Stay tuned!
Halfway to Somewhere 