New Zealand December 2024
The North Island of New Zealand, is characterized by a blend of active volcanic regions, stunning coastlines, and rolling green hills. It's home to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, and major urban areas like Auckland. The North Island's landscape is diverse, with geothermal areas, hot springs, and geysers, showcasing its active volcanic history.
My first stop was to “Middle‑earth” with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Truth be told I’ve never watched the Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit films, but I knew enough about the Hobbits to make sure I visited the 1,250 acre sheep farm that became the home for Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. "In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort." - J.R.R Tolkien.
Then to #thatwanakatree , the willow tree is the most photographed in New Zealand, currently 79.5K posts of the tree on Instagram, plus 1 more now!
From Hobbit holes to geysers at Waiotapu to a Kaikoura sunrise dusky dolphin tour to seal sightings in the turquoise waters of Kaikora.
Cruising through Milford Sound at Fiordland National Park, surrounded by towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Lady Bowen Falls. Along the way, scenes with seals and other jaw dropping scenery.
Apparently, it rains 200 days a year in Queenstown, but not on my day trip to Milford Sound fjord when I happened to splurge for a flight resulting in an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking aerial views of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and the rugged fjords. Certainly one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.
