If your ideal trip pairs exhilarating adventures, immersive accommodations, world-class food and wine, and breathtaking vistas – look no further than New Zealand! This extraordinary country boasts 14 national parks, magnificent natural scenery, and a vibrant cultural heritage, making it an immensely popular destination for travelers without losing its pristine charm.
Located in a corner of the world, visiting New Zealand requires some planning. Tracy Hughes, a Certified Travel Consultant of Stellar Travel, recently spent 7 days traveling throughout the South Island of New Zealand, renowned for its mountains, lakes, rolling hills,
and glaciers. Read along as she shares her experiences, her favorite mode of transportation, and the scenery she’ll never forget!
How was the flight and travel from the United States to New Zealand? I flew from San Francisco to Nadi, Fiji, in business class on Fiji Airways, which offered a lay-flat bed. It was a real treat as the flight was nearly eleven hours long! From Nadi, I flew to Auckland in a standard business-class seat.
Once in New Zealand, we flew economy on Air New Zealand. Due to smaller airports and runways, all flights within New Zealand mainly only offer economy seating. I had a great experience with both airlines. It was refreshing that they were on time, and most importantly, I didn’t lose my bags.
Do you have any long-journey travel hacks?
When I travel, I always pack earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out any unwanted noise, especially during long flights or train rides. Additionally, I bring a reliable battery bank to ensure that I can recharge my phone to capture all the memorable moments. Staying hydrated is essential, so I opt for water over alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Finally, I always carry a waterproof day bag to protect my belongings, particularly on outdoor excursions where unexpected weather changes occur.
What was the weather like throughout the trip?
I have visited New Zealand at various times of the year. This time, I was on the South Island in June, their Fall season. The days were cold, with occasional drizzle. The weather can change rapidly, so I recommend dressing in layers and wearing a waterproof jacket and shoes.
What were your accommodations and transportation in New Zealand?
On the South Island, which is quite large, we utilized various modes of transportation, including driving and flying. To save time, we used several luxury helicopter rides to cover the distance between locations.
The accommodations were exceptional and varied, from the Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, a contemporary country lodge close to Kaikoura, South Island, with unique tree house accommodations, to the Pihopa Retreat, a boutique hotel that provides the perfect base for Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson adventures.
New Zealand has abundant natural wonders and incredible scenery. What stood out to you the most?
The most exciting experience was a helicopter ride to a 36,000-acre working sheep station called Flock Hill for lunch, hidden in Castle Hill Basin. Then, we went to Relais & Chateaux—Otahuna Lodge in Christchurch, where the owners, Hall Cannon and Miles Refo, waited for us on the lodge lawn. The scenery from Flock Hill through the mountains over the Rakaia River was breathtaking!
What type of traveler would you recommend traveling to New Zealand?
New Zealand is a fantastic place to visit and has something for everyone. The diversity of the climate, National Parks, and landscapes is especially appealing for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like snow skiing, hiking, bungy jumping, overnights in Milford Sound, jetboating, kayaking on the Dart River, visits to Glow Worm Caves, heli-hiking, Kia bird hunting, and trout fishing—just to name a few!
If you prefer a more laid-back experience, New Zealand’s unspoiled beaches and flourishing food and wine scene are ideal. The country’s climate and soil yield top-quality wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Bordeaux blends. New Zealand has many sought-after food spots like Queenstown and hosts various food and wine events, such as the Whitianga Oceans Festival in Coromandel.
What was the highlight of the trip?
Staying at luxurious hotels like the Rosewood Cape Kidnappers in Hawk’es Bay, perched on rolling hills with stunning ocean views, and traveling between destinations by helicopter were true highlights of my career. The helicopter rides gave me a totally different perspective of the land beneath me.
A particular moment I will never forget is flying in a helicopter over the Abel Tasman National Park with our colleagues in a separate fixed-wing aircraft just a few hundred feet from our helicopter. It was exhilarating, to say the least!
Ready to plan your trip to New Zealand? Contact us here or Tracy Hughes, CTC, directly at Tracy@stellartravel.com.