Dreamy New Zealand, North and South Islands...Why Limit Yourself When You've Traveled so Far?

Fly into Auckland. I'll just say it, this is a hell of a flight. We flew from LAX into Sydney where we had a ten hour layover, so we were able to get out and stretch our legs (and see some of Sydney) and then it was another three hour flight. I don't think we had slept for about 2 days. We were knackered. We just stayed at a nearby airport hotel. There is a nice Holiday Inn right there. We were able to rest our (very) weary heads and the next day check into SO/Auckland. A five star hotel right in the heart of the city, complete with a rooftop bar and views of the harbor for days. Spend your days in Auckland touring downtown, check out the sky tower. Catch a ferry from downtown to Rangitoto Island for gorgeous views. I would plan 2–3 days in this area. And also plan on renting a car. You've got a lot to see!

You'll head south east, down for almost 3 hours, to the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga. This is a coastal town, with white sand beaches perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing. The guy beside us caught an octopus, so that was exciting for my boys. Trinity Wharf is the perfect spot for you to stay for the next 3–4 days. Right on the water. This area is full of hiking and waterfalls and a perfect homebase for a few day trips. If your a movie fan, this is where you can check out Hobbiton. You are less than an hour away. Book your ticket early. It is worth your time.

Drive over to Rotorua, let yourself indulge in a therapeutic hot pool or mud bath. Keep in mind, this area is full of thermal activity. The scent of sulfur is quite strong. This area is sacred to the Maori people and is a great place to soak in the pools or to wander around and admire the beautiful Kakahi Falls. Rotorua also has a great little downtown area, full of charming shops and restaurants. Grab an ice cream cone and wander around.

Back in the car, head into the center of the island toward Taupo. Stay at Hilton. Gorgeous views of the lake and the volcano. The town of Taupo is perfect for exploring. Huka Falls, and Maori rock carvings. Canoeing and kayaking, shopping. A perfect stop on your way to Wellington. Plan two nights here.

Keep heading south to Wellington. Check in at Sofitel Wellington. Just one night in Wellington, so use your time wisely. You actually only really have the evening here, so a quick drive up to Mount Victoria for a beautiful view and a nice dinner out. Wellington is a major foodie city, so make sure you head over to Cuba Street for the best eats. The next morning, you are dropping off your car at the airport and flying down to Queenstown on the south island.

Queenstown is your destination. The flight is cheap, but it can be a full day because of a layover in Christchurch. Pick up your car again at the airport, and you are probably starving. Make a quick stop at Love Chicken. This has been, to this day, the best chicken sandwich I have ever had. I hope you love it. Head towards the town of Te Anau. This is about two hours away. You will catch your day cruise from Te Anau here the next morning. There are not many places to stay. This is a small town. Some people stay in Queenstown and catch the tour from there. I would not recommend that. From Queenstown, it is a four hour bus ride to the port, which would result in you having a shorter cruise, and this cruise is really the crown jewel of the whole trip. So, yes it's a long day but it is worth it.

I would plan a few more days on the south island before catching a flight straight home from Queenstown. If you time the trip right, there is a real chance of seeing the southern lights off Stewart Island. Head down to Invercargill and walk to the beach at Toetoes Bay. One of the best parts of any holiday is leaving a few days with no agenda.