I can’t order these, all feel equally amazing.
1. Piha - we ended up wanting to go to Piha because we’ve been inhaling audio book mysteries while driving and we just finished Nalini Singh’s Quiet in Her Bones. She describes Piha in the book as this moody black sand beach and we had to visit. What a phenomenal place. Jaw dropping. Just 30 minutes or so from Auckland but it’s a different world. 700 or so year-round residents. Because of the recent flooding in the area they’ve closed many of the roads to tourists, since we pre-booked the campground (morning of) we got through the checkpoints and spent the night in a pretty vacant and beautiful campground right next to the ocean.
2. Waikite Thermal Pools Campground - a Craig recommendation this was one of our favorite places to camp because with your $50 NZD ($30 USD) campsite you get access to the 6 thermal pools AND you get early morning access before they open them to the public. Sleeping on the ground is made infinitely better by a multi hour-long soak.
3. Kepler Track - one of the best hikes I’ve ever done. Maybe the best? (Also expensive. Our most expensive nights—besides one night in Queenstown—were spent in these huts at $124 USD for two bunks.)
4. Aoraki/Mt Cook/Mueller Hut - one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever done. But getting to the top and relaxing in the hut and watching the sun move across and behind the mountains before stargazing: perfection.
5. Indy’s Curry Pot - amazing food. Spicy as hell. So messy and delicious. The curry crab was so flavorful and the amount of coconut sambol Indy gave us was delish. You can read a little more about that adventure here.
6. Opito Bay - I think I’ll live here one day. Or maybe get a house for a few months, write a play, finish a book, swim in the bay every morning. Peaceful and lush water.
7. Museums! Both Te Papa in Wellington and Auckland Art Gallery - both free, both great. They also are super kid friendly and have interactive elements. Some of the best museums we’ve ever been to.
8. Tongoriro Crossing - tough at times, this hike pays off. 12 miles of different terrain, volcanoes, lakes carved from volcanoes, hot springs, trees, water falls. Very crowded but super worth it. Get transit to the trailhead from wherever you stay. We coordinated ours at the front desk of the campground.
9. Glacier Tour - we splurged on this! But we got to fly over and walk on a glacier. A once in a lifetime experience.
10. The Lost Spring - in Whitianga this spring and spa is hiding behind some houses. It’s all manmade but feels like an actual oasis. 2 hours soaking here makes a wet and cold morning memorable.
Prices in New Zealand 1983 vs 2023
~ Camping ranging between $7-$10 USD vs $18 (pit toilets, limited amenities)- $36 USD (kitchens, showers, tv rooms)
~ Milford Sound Boat tour $8 USD vs $74 USD