This was our first time to New Zealand. We started in Auckland, then to Matamata/Rotorua, took a plane to Wellington and Queenstown and ended back in Auckland on our nearly 2-week trip. During our time there we saw hobbit holes, stayed quiet for the kiwis, encountered an aggressive kaka, ate Best Ugly bagels, rode a cable car, experienced Quinn’s Post Trench, awed at the majesty of the plane descent over Queenstown, flew over glaciers, glided across the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers and dined at an intimate (six-seat), award-winning restaurant — per recommendation from a friend. It is such a beautiful and friendly place and would definitely go back.
Hello, Auckland. Cloudy Bay.
The experience was like having an ice cream concierge. Or ice cream sommelier.
Friday Night Market.
Hobbiton (Rotorua)
It was majestical.
Fun fact: Around 40% of visitors have never seen the LOTR movies.
The grounds/landscaping were immaculate and well-kept.
Bilbo/Frodo’s house. Bag End. The Shire.
Sonny (left), our guide, snapping photos for guests posing in the doorway.
I could honestly live there.
Tasty eats at Atticus Finch.
Rainbow Springs Nature Park. This is a kaka. It didn’t mind me getting close and taking photos.
Here you can see it sizing up Harry.
“Charging” toward Harry with nape feathers puffed.
(Taken with iPhone and what looks like horrible flash. But is the only evidence documented of the kaka “attacking” Harry.)
Cable car museum. Wellington.
Walk down from the cable car towards the botanical garden.
Check out that crazy root system! (right)
My brain was freaking out at the size and realism of the sculptures. Seriously trippy.
At the Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown
Harry’s first helicopter ride
The snow was a lot deeper than we expected. Quadriptych of Harry now realizing the snow’s attempt at taking his shoe away from him.
Frank’s Corner: cute little café that wasn’t open when we were wandering
We had to check out at least one winery
The infamous Fergburger
Can’t miss a cat café opportunity (Barista Cat Café)
Bryan, one of the blind kitties
Such a great recommendation from Stacy on Pasture
