New Zealand – Halfway to Somewhere

After falling in love with Auckland, Hobbiton, and Rotorua, it was time to explore more of New Zealand’s North Island. From lakeside views to late-night chats in hostels, here’s a look at the next chapter of my trip:

Taupo

Taupo was such a refreshing stop. I stayed at Based by the Lake:a great hostel with an unbeatable location, very walkable and close to the main street. The rooms were comfortable, clean, and best of all, the bathrooms were ensuite. (If you’ve backpacked, you know what a luxury that is!)

One of the highlights was seeing the famous Hole-in-One Challenge on the lake, it looks very challenging, but so fun. For food, I need to shout out Pauly’s Diner. Hands down the best burger I’ve ever had. No exaggeration. If you’re into milkshakes, the strawberry is also a must try!

Another fun stop? The McDonald’s that’s inside a real airplane, super quirky and cool. Taupo also had plenty of great swim spots to relax and cool down.

Napier

Next up was Napier, which felt like stepping into a different world. The art deco buildings and seaside vibe were a dream. I visited the National Aquarium of New Zealand, which was so fun and beautifully done. Overall, Napier had such a cool aesthetic and energy, it felt creative and peaceful all at once.

Hastings

In Hastings, I had a totally different kind of experience, fruit picking! I worked picking kiwis and grapes while staying at Eco Lodge Pakowhai. The hostel had a really welcoming atmosphere with amazing people. But heads up: I’d definitely recommend having a car if you stay here. Public transportation isn’t great, and a car gives you more freedom.

Wellington

Wellington was my final stop before heading back up to Auckland, and I loved it. The waterfront is gorgeous, and there’s no shortage of cute cafes, shops, and places to explore. The vibes were just great, definitely one of my favourite cities.

Some highlights:

Wētā Workshop: A must-see for movie buffs. So cool to see behind the scenes of some of the biggest films made in NZ.
City Gallery Wellington: I’m always up for a bit of art and culture.
Wellington Zoo: Such a fun afternoon, its on a very steep hill beware lol…

I also got tattooed by a local artist here, a perfect souvenir that will last forever. Shout out to @snake_eyes.tt at Cuba Street Tattoo.

The Northern Explorer Train

Taking the Northern Explorer train from Wellington to Auckland was one of the most scenic journeys I’ve ever been on. It’s long but worth it, rolling hills, mountains, tiny towns, and wide open landscapes made the whole ride feel like a film. It is defiantly a once in a lifetime experience and I can’t recommend it enough.

Travelling with a Friend

Most of my New Zealand trip was done with one of my best friends, and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. Traveling with someone you trust brings such a sense of comfort. It felt like a safety net, someone to split snacks with, laugh with, and hype you up before every adventure. We made so many amazing memories together and that shared experience only brought us closer. I felt braver, more open to trying new things, and just genuinely happier with someone by my side.

Travelling Solo

But there were solo moments too. And as an introvert, they pushed me in the best ways. I won’t lie, I was scared. Like, really scared. But solo travel teaches you things nothing else can. You learn to trust yourself. You make your own decisions. You discover who you are when no one else is around.

There were moments of loneliness, sure. But also moments of real clarity and joy. I explored new cities, met new people, and had experiences that are now some of my proudest memories. If you’re thinking of doing a solo trip, even just a short one, do it. You’ll come back stronger.

A Love Letter to New Zealand

While my time in NZ didn’t end the way I planned (I got really sick, more on that in Part 3), it remains one of the most beautiful, soul-refreshing experiences of my life. The people are kind (maybe even kinder than Canadians, yep, I said it), the views are unmatched, and the lifestyle is so peaceful and grounded.

I’ll definitely be back to explore the South Island and revisit some of my favourite North Island spots. New Zealand has left a mark on me I’ll never forget, and there’s so much more to come.

Stay tuned for Part 3!

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!