Our recent trip to New Zealand, planned by Mi...

New Zealand | Dec 25 - Jan 2, 2025

Our recent trip to New Zealand, planned by Michelle from KimKim, was an incredible journey filled with stunning landscapes, unique experiences, and some memorable accommodations. While most of the trip met and/or exceeded our expectations, there were a few areas for improvement. Here's a detailed review:

Christchurch – The Mayfair Hotel
The Mayfair Hotel was a perfect start to our adventure. The modern and stylish rooms were a delight, and the on-site restaurant stood out with its creative breakfast menu and delicious smoothies. Its central location made it easy to explore Christchurch, and we truly appreciated the thoughtfulness behind this choice of accommodation.

Matai Peak
Staying at Matai Peak was an absolute highlight. Perched on a remote summit, this quirky and rugged accommodation offered spectacular views of the mountains and the sea. The outdoor bathroom with its breathtaking views was unlike anything we’ve experienced before. Our host was wonderful, providing thoughtful provisions that made our stay comfortable and enjoyable. Matai Peak was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds were stunning, and hiking through the area was an adventure we’ll never forget. That said, the hike we undertook was much longer than we expected, and we felt rushed to reach the pickup point on time. We would have appreciated more detailed information about the hike’s length and difficulty. In hindsight, an overnight stay along the track would have allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Sounds and return to Picton more comfortably.

Wellington
We absolutely loved Wellington and wished we had spent more time there! The vibrant city offered a wonderful mix of culture, food, and scenic views. In retrospect, we would have preferred to allocate more time here, or enjoy an overnight on Lake Taupo instead of spending two nights in Rotorua, which, while interesting, didn’t leave as strong an impression on us.

Rotorua and Hobbiton
Rotorua was enjoyable, but the highlight in this region was undoubtedly Hobbiton. The tour through the movie set was magical and a must-visit for any fan of The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. It’s beautifully maintained, and the experience truly brought the fantasy world to life - and we had not even seen the movies (but will do so now).

Castaways Resort
Unfortunately, the last accommodation of our trip at Castaways Resort was disappointing. While the property was very clean and overlooked a beach and the ocean, neither was truly accessible. Additionally, there was little to do in the area, making it an underwhelming end to an otherwise spectacular trip. We wouldn’t recommend ending a trip here. Staying in downtown Auckland would have been a far better choice, offering more activities, dining, and a livelier atmosphere to wrap up the adventure on a high note.

Final Thoughts
Overall, this trip was an extraordinary experience, with many standout moments like Matai Peak, Marlborough Sounds, and Wellington. While there were some missteps in the itinerary, such as the super long drive from Wellington to Rotorua and the accommodation at Castaways Resort or the rushed hike in the Marlborough Sounds, the majority of the trip was well-planned and thoughtfully tailored to our preferences.