These flowers were so beautiful in Auckland
I had no expectations when planning my trip to New Zealand. I went with an open mind and wanted to experience New Zealand for myself. Just like Fiji, I researched New Zealand heavily and realized there were many popular cities and with so many things to do and see.
What I wanted to really focus on and see in New Zealand, was the greenery. Whenever I think about New Zealand I think about green hills with sheep and beautiful mountains. I was totally right… BUT… I also wanted experience the city life with great food and drinks.
What I wanted to really focus on and see in New Zealand, was the greenery. Whenever I think about New Zealand I think about green hills with sheep and beautiful mountains. I was totally right… BUT… I also wanted experience the city life with great food and drinks.
How to Get to New Zealand
On our way to the Purepods in Kaikoura Hills
I flew into New Zealand after Fiji. It was my second stop on my South Pacific journey. I stayed in New Zealand for a week. New Zealand has a North Island ( colder) and a South Island (warmer). MUST KNOW. Like Fiji, you have to know where you are going and staying in New Zealand to really maximize your trip and make your travel plans close to perfect.
I stayed in Auckland ( North Island), Christchurch and Kaikoura Hills ( both on the South Island). What an adventure! I intitally flew into Auckland from Fiji, stayed there for 4 days and then took a flight to Christchurch. I then drove 3 hours to Kaikoura Hills (EKK), all because I wanted to experience both islands and the different terrains in New Zealand.
I stayed in Auckland ( North Island), Christchurch and Kaikoura Hills ( both on the South Island). What an adventure! I intitally flew into Auckland from Fiji, stayed there for 4 days and then took a flight to Christchurch. I then drove 3 hours to Kaikoura Hills (EKK), all because I wanted to experience both islands and the different terrains in New Zealand.
After visiting both islands, over 7 days here is my list of the Top 5 Things To Do in New Zealand.
Top 5 Things to Do in New Zealand
1. Enjoy a Fine Dining Experience
The Grove Restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand Source: The Grove Restaurant.
I love to eat. Food is always a major part of my travel plans. I like trying local cuisines and checking out the restaurant scene in each city I visit. In Auckland I wanted to enjoy the fine dining offerings. Fine dining in Auckland was relatively inexpensive with raving reviews.
We went to The Grove for a fine dining experience. I wanted to go here but there were no reservations. Then I got the call that there was a spot open. I threw on a kimono, hopped in an Uber and I was there. We enjoyed a 7 course dejustation of small plates and a true food performance. The servers were so diligent with each course of the meal. They presented each with a full explanation and a history of the ingredients. It was a food theatrical experience.
We went to The Grove for a fine dining experience. I wanted to go here but there were no reservations. Then I got the call that there was a spot open. I threw on a kimono, hopped in an Uber and I was there. We enjoyed a 7 course dejustation of small plates and a true food performance. The servers were so diligent with each course of the meal. They presented each with a full explanation and a history of the ingredients. It was a food theatrical experience.
2. Stay in a Glass House Overnight
Even the floors are glass.
Imagine waking up in a glass house
Kaikoura Hills is literally like the Sound of Music. Rolling green hills, chirping birds and endless sheep. Driving to Kaikoura Hills was nerve racking. With the winding streets, sheep everywhere, I felt like my SUV was a rickety racing car on the hills. The cliffs were scary but swerving around them was worth it to get to our destination.
Once we got to our location, we had to hike 20 minutes to get our Purepod, also known as a glass house.
Once we got to our location, we had to hike 20 minutes to get our Purepod, also known as a glass house.
Purepods are small, one bedroom suites entirely made of glass. Even the floors are glass. Check it out on my VLOG to see the bathrooms Ekk!. A Purepod is literally in the middle of nowhere. Situated in the hills of Kaikoura, Purepods are powered by solar panels, have no wifi or traditional electricity. Don’t worry you will not starve. Ha! We ordered the food package which included one snack plate, a steak dinner and a breakfast meal. So we didn’t have to hike with our food, only our bags and extra water. We cooked our dinner on the BBQ provided.
In the morning we could see the sheep and heard the birds. I thought I was dreaming with the hills and snow capped mountains. You will love Kaikoura Hills and the Purepods.The scenery was very romantic and I got my Sound Music fix. I think the greenery inspired me to live a healthier and more environmentally friendly life.
3. Enjoy the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Ever
I am not a grill cheese fan. So when my husband suggested we try this out, I was not overjoyed. He said it was the best Grilled Cheese sandwich in Auckland. HE WAS RIGHT. This was the best grilled cheese sandwich EVA! I posted a photo on my Instagram and everyone asked where it was from. For the best grilled cheese ever in life, head to The Kapiti Store in Auckland. They offer a wide variety of grilled cheese sandwiches and you have to get the caramelized onions they add so much flavor and contrast nicely with the sharp cheddar.
SO. GOOD!
SO. GOOD!
4. Take the Tram in Christchurch
Christchurch is located in the south island of New Zealand. They are rebuilding the city as they experienced earthquakes recently. The people of Christchurch are so strong and even despite the disaster in their city, they were so welcoming, positive and kind.
Christchurch is a small dainty city. It is pretty walkable and has cafes on every corner. While walking around I kept seeing tracks. The tracks were for the local tram. I was so excited to hop on and enjoy the ride around the city. You can take the tram to go shopping, head to your local café and see all the city has to offer. To see more of the tram, head to my YouTube and watch my NZ VLOG.
Christchurch is a small dainty city. It is pretty walkable and has cafes on every corner. While walking around I kept seeing tracks. The tracks were for the local tram. I was so excited to hop on and enjoy the ride around the city. You can take the tram to go shopping, head to your local café and see all the city has to offer. To see more of the tram, head to my YouTube and watch my NZ VLOG.
5. Visit the Toi o Tāmaki Art Gallery in Auckland
Art is a major part of my life. In the last couple of years I have gotten my husband onto the art train. The Toi o Tāmaki Art Gallery in Auckland was a must stop. When I visited, there were exhibit about women’s independence and the struggle for women’s rights. Totally me. See live footage on YouTube. Oh and the Toi o Tāmaki Art Z Gallery is the perfect Instagrammable spot. Check this photo I took of my husband below.
Best part of the Toi o Tāmaki, it’s free. Well, the majority of it. There are other special paid exhibits. But there are many gorgeous free exhibits to enjoy. Take them all in… for free.
Would I go back to New Zealand again. Oh YEAH! I wish I had a Kapiti grilled cheese sandwich right now. *drools* If you do these 5 things, your trip to New Zealand will be totally enjoyable. If you go to any of these spots, let me know.
Questions? Hit me up via email.
Who wants to come to New Zealand with me again this year?
-MsChurchDress
My husband wants to go to New Zealand. I definitely want to do Australia so hoping to get both in. The glass house looks cool and that grilled sandwich looks delicious!