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!
Halfway to Somewhere 