Discover New Zealand: Gastronomic Delights & Adventure Escapades

The North Island of New Zealand is brimming with diverse experiences, from vibrant cities to stunning natural wonders. Here are my top 5 recommendations:

1. Visit Hobbiton: Immerse yourself in the magical world of Middle-earth with a tour of Hobbiton, the famous film set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" movies. Splurge on the dinner banquet and tour for the ultimate LoTR experience. 3 month advance booking recommended.

2. Relax in Rotorua: Unwind in this geothermal wonderland, where you can soak in natural hot springs, witness bubbling mud pools and experience traditional Maori healing therapies.

3. Marvel at Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Glide through underground caverns illuminated by thousands of bioluminescent glowworms, creating a magical starry sky-like effect. I highly recommend the Black Labyrinth Water Rafting, but if you're short on time, opt for the 45min tour or seeing glowworms in Te Anau on the way to Milford Sound.

4. Discover Bay of Islands: Sail through picturesque islands, swim with dolphins, and explore historic sites like Russell and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in this coastal paradise.

5. Wine Tasting in Waiheke island: Sample award-winning wines amid stunning vineyard landscapes, complemented by gourmet food experiences in New Zealand's premier wine region. I recommend 2 days overnight in Waiheke. Single travelers on a budget should consider the Auckland Transport day pass for $84/day that includes ferry transport. I suggest going to Wild Estate, Stonyridge Vineyard, Te Motu Vineyard, Tantalus Estate, Postage Stamp, and The Heke to maximize your wine tour on this route. Single travelers looking to meet other travelers for wine tasting should consider Fuller's Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus starting at $89/day that includes ferry transport, or $122 for 2 days. I suggest going to Wild Estate, the Heke, Batch Winery, and Mudbrick on this route as it goes a bit further than Auckland Transportation buses. Group travelers should consider renting a car for the best value and allows you to reach vineyards further out not accessible by bus. I suggest going to Man O'War, Waiheke Distilling Co, Passage Rock Wines & Bistro, Poderi Crisci Restaurant and Vineyard, The Heke, and Mudbrick for the most elevated experiences.

The South Island of New Zealand is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting spectacular landscapes and thrilling adventures. Here are the top 4 must-do activities in New Zealand's South Island:

1. Fiordland National Park: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound on a scenic cruise, where you'll encounter towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. I highly recommend the overnight Doubtful Sound cruise. Hiking enthusiasts should hike the Milford Track to Giant Gate Falls, a 3-hour round trip hike.

2. Queenstown Adventure: Experience the adrenaline rush in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Try bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating or skiing, depending on the season, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.

3. Te Anau Glowworm Caves: If you missed Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you can embark on a magical journey through the underground world of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Marvel at the breathtaking limestone formations and glide silently through the darkness on a boat ride, while thousands of glowworms illuminate the caverns like stars in the night sky.

4. Gibson Valley Winery: Located about a 20-30 minute drive from Queenstown, Gibbston Valley is one of the most famous wineries in the region. It offers guided tours of its vineyard, wine cave, and wine tasting experiences, allowing visitors to sample a range of award-winning wines, particularly Pinot Noir.

In Auckland, definitely dine at Tempero on Karangahape Rd. Commercial Bay food court also boasts a wide variety of foods, from the acclaimed fine-dining Ahi, to fast casual eats like the TripAdvisor award-winning Eden Noodles. Bars worth your time are Deadshot, Caretaker, and Hyatt's Captain's Bar, depending on where you're staying.

In Waiheke, depending on your transportation route, these wineries are my favorites: Casita Miro Vineyard, Passage Rock Wines, Waiheke Distilling Co, Man O'War Vineyards, The Heke, Wild Estate, Poderi Crisci Restaurant, and Mudbrick. In town, make a reservation to the Oyster Inn, grab gelato at Island Gelato and enjoy evening bites and music at Aperitivo.

In Queenstown, Bella Cucina Restaurant hand-makes fresh pasta daily. And drink at The Bunker, a bar dedicated to James Bond.

In Te Anau, absolutely treat yourself to Redcliff Cafe.