Once we first posted on Instagram that we had been in New Zealand, two of the primary messages we acquired had been “How a lot ought to we spend?” and “What’s your itinerary?” And no shock there, actually. New Zealand could also be one of many dreamiest and cinematic locations on earth, however it’s not essentially the most inexpensive or the simplest to get to.
So, on this article, we’ll stroll you thru our full New Zealand itinerary and provide you with a breakdown of all our precise bills — from transportation and lodging to meals, actions, and the occasional “deal with your self” second.
DAY 1: AUCKLAND
Arrival
- Undergo the airport arrival course of. First issues first. Earlier than our flight, we made certain to perform the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Kind, and declared any of the chance gadgets we had been bringing in. We flew in from Melbourne with JetStar, and landed at Auckland Worldwide Airport at round 5:30 AM. And to be sincere, we solely had candies with us so we breezed by means of the Customs. The Immigration Officer on the counter was additionally the friendliest Immigration Officer I had encountered anyplace on this planet. In order that was a fairly pleasant begin of our New Zealand journey.
- Journey to town middle. Upon rising on the Arrival Corridor, I withdrew some backup money, though we didn’t get to make use of loads of it as a result of New Zealand is usually cashless. Simply outdoors the terminal, we appeared for Bus Cease E, the place we might catch the Sky Drive Airport Bus, which might take us straight to town middle. We struggled to search out it at first, however know that if you get out of the terminal constructing, it ought to be to your left. Based on Google Maps, the Sky Drive bus takes 25-45 minutes to succeed in downtown, relying on visitors circumstances. However as a result of it was fairly early, our bus made in simply 20 minutes. The fare is NZD 20 (P678).
- Verify in at our lodge. The lodge we booked was SkyCity Lodge Auckland, simply subsequent to the long-lasting Sky Tower. Once we reserved our room, the speed was NZD 170 (USD 102, PHP 5763) per night time. As a result of we arrived hours forward of the usual check-in time, our room was not prepared but, however they saved our baggage whereas we spend the subsequent hours exploring town.
Auckland Foreshore Heritage Strolling Path
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest metropolis, however it’s not as bustling or as overwhelming as different massive cities in different nations. It nonetheless retains a fairly laidback ambiance. For now, we determined to go sightseeing by following a bit of Auckland’s foreshore heritage strolling path.
The town’s shoreline has modified so much after a collection of reclamations beginning within the nineteenth century. At the moment’s seaboard is nearly unrecognizable, however you’ll be able to nonetheless hint the unique shoreline by following this strolling path, punctuated with 25 factors of curiosity from Level Erin within the west all the best way to Parnell Baths within the east. A few of these stops embrace heritage buildings and streets. Don’t fear — these websites are marked with data plaques so you’ll be able to higher recognize their historical past and significance. The entire path takes a minimum of three hours.
Settle In and Recharge
We had a fast lunch earlier than heading again to the lodge to test in. Our room was spacious and clear. We didn’t have view, however it was geared up with the standard full-service resorts staples — TV, mini-fridge, heater, air-con, working desk, toiletries, and whatnot.
As a result of we barely had any sleep, we determined to take a nap. Context: We flew in from Melbourne, the place we had our week-long marriage ceremony journey and toured our households and mates. So sure, that is kind of a honeymoon journey, however with a few mates. We’ll have a extra correct honeymoon later this 12 months.
With all the marriage preparations and organizing the excursions, we had been exhausted at this level. So we actually must get some sleep.
By the best way, for those who additionally need to ebook this lodge, you’ll be able to Verify Charges & Availability Right here! ✅
- In case you ebook with AGODA, use our promo code AGODATPT for 10% low cost.
- In case you choose Klook, please use our promo code THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK for as much as P300 OFF or TPTKLOOK5 for as much as P500 OFF. These codes may change sooner or later, so finest to simply go to thepoortraveler.internet/klook to redeem up to date low cost codes!
Don’t fear, you don’t must memorize all these codes and hyperlinks. We compiled all of the NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS together with an inventory of all of the resorts and hostels we tried within the TPT Masterlist. Simply go to and scroll till you see the part about New Zealand. We even have a compilation for different locations world wide.
Reconnect and Chill
At round 4PM, we received up and ready to exit. Our unique plan was to climb to the statement deck of the Sky Tower, however our Auckland-based pal Jerwin invited us to a rooftop cocktail bar, and naturally, we selected pictures over sights.
However for those who intend to go to the Sky Tower, the doorway payment is NZD 45 for those who purchase on-line or NZD 47 for walk-in friends. In case you choose to order your ticket through Klook, we discovered this one.
Sky Tower Auckland
Deal with: Victoria Road West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
On-line Ticket: NZD 45 (P1526)
On-site Ticket: NZD 47 (P1594)
After hours of catching up with Jerwin, it was time to satisfy up with our different mates who shall be becoming a member of us on this journey throughout New Zealand: Jax, Ivan, and Krisa. We ended the night time with a spherical of beer on the iconic Shakespeare Lodge, which homes Auckland’s oldest microbrewery pub.
Vins downed a glass of the crisp and clear pilsner nicknamed the Jester, whereas I, as at all times, opted with one thing darker — the Gravedigger, which is a porter beer produced from darkish malt and had scrumptious bitter notes of espresso. We then referred to as it an evening and headed again to the lodge.
Shakespeare Brewery
Deal with: Shakespeare Lodge, 61 Albert Road, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Shakespeare Beer on Faucet: Per Glass, NZD 14.58 (PHP 495)
DAY 2: HOBBITON & REDWOODS
Auckland to Matamata iSite
We began our second day early. Like, actually early. That’s as a result of the Hobbiton Film Set Tour schedule that we received was at 11AM. It was the one slot out there once we booked. Hobbiton is 2 hours from Auckland, and we had but to safe a automotive rental, so we had been up as early as 6AM simply to be on the secure aspect.
The automotive we rented was good for 5 passengers, together with the motive force and 4 suitcases, which was excellent as a result of Jax didn’t carry baggage as he would return to Auckland after our Hobbiton tour, whereas the remainder of us would head straight to Rotorua.
Europcar Rental
Per Day: NZD 318.87 (PHP 10,816)
Most Capability: Good for five pax
Hobbiton Film Set Tour
The tour that we booked could be choosing up friends on the Matamata iSite. iSite is the time period used for official vacationer data facilities right here in New Zealand. As a result of we arrived early, we determined to seize breakfast from the various meals spots alongside the primary highway. Jax and Vins shared a pie, whereas I had meat on skewers.
After a fast picture op with the Hobbiton signage, we boarded the bus to the film set. On the best way there, the TV display contained in the bus confirmed mini-documentaries in regards to the website. By 11:45 AM, we had been on the entrance to the set.
The one option to discover the location is by becoming a member of a guided tour, and you could stick with your group on a regular basis. Alongside the best way, the information could be sharing fascinating details about how the location was chosen and constructed, and the way the movies had been made. Vins and I had seen each the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies a number of occasions, so we had been past thrilled to stroll on the identical floor as Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam.
The positioning was used for exterior pictures solely. On the time of filming, all inside scenes had been shot in a studio elsewhere. At the moment, nevertheless, there are two hobbit homes that guests can enter and discover. Consider it as a mini-museum. However these weren’t used within the motion pictures.
Some of the fascinating bit was that the extremely cinematic big oak tree above was utterly faux. The trunk and branches had been manufactured from fiberglass whereas the leaves silk. There was additionally a snack cease in the course of the tour, the place we loved a complimentary drink. This could be a stout, amber ale, apple cider or ginger beer.
After the tour, the bus took us to the Shire’s Relaxation Café, which was the extra traditional jump-off level to Hobbiton. Additionally they had a memento store on website.
We then boarded one other bus again to Matamata iSite. The tour itself lasted two hours. Together with the bus transfers from Matamata iSite and the cease at Shire’s Relaxation, permit round 4 hours in your itinerary. No less than six hours, if together with transfers to and from Auckland or Rotorua.
If you wish to safe your slot forward of time, you’ll be able to take a look at packages from Klook! You may select in order for you ticket solely or with transfers from Auckland or Rotorua. You may also add a Waitomo Glow Worm Caves cease.
Deal with: 501 Buckland Highway, Hinuera, Matamata 3472, New Zealand
Tour Fee: NZD 120 (PHP 4070)
Rotorua Hostel Verify-In
After parting methods with Jax, we then drove to our hostel in Rotorua referred to as Rock Strong Backpackers. It was a no-frills hostel, however we had within the room a desk, mini-fridge, and an ensuite rest room and bathtub. It was a fan room, which wasn’t an issue since New Zealand’s local weather is usually comparatively delicate, even in the summertime.
We paid PHP 5466 per night time, and we’re staying for 2 nights. Sure, for a fan room. That’s how costly rooms are right here. For the up to date costs, you’ll be able to Verify Charges & Availability Right here! ✅
Redwoods Treewalk
After dropping our baggage and freshening up a bit, it was time to move to the Whakarewarewa Forest for an elevated hike, actually. That is the Redwoods Treewalk, a group of 28 suspension bridges spanning 700 meters, making it the longest dwelling tree stroll on this planet. You could observe the trail and also you solely get one spherical. You may take pleasure in it within the daytime or at night time, every requiring a separate ticket at NZD 40, except you avail of the combo ticket which prices NZD 60, providing you with a 20-dollar low cost.
We bought the combo ticket. Below the daylight and simply earlier than sundown, it had this enchanting ambiance. It was like communing with nature with a bit of pleasure. However at night time, when the illuminations had been on, it gave off a extra otherworldly really feel.
And oh, don’t miss the ice cream offered on website for NZD 12.15. It was soooo good!
You may ebook your Redwoods Treewalk expertise prematurely on Klook! This package deal contains Altitude, Treewalk Day Tour, and Treewalk Evening Tour with Quick Move entry.
✅ BOOK REDWOODS COMBO TOUR HERE!
Deal with: 1 Lengthy Mile Highway, Tītokorangi Drive entry off Tarawera Highway, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Entrance Payment: Day or Evening Ticket, NZD 40 (PHP 1357); Combo Ticket, NZD 60 (PHP 2035)
Redwoods Ice Cream: NZD 12.15 (PHP 412)
DAY 3: ROTORUA TOUR
Eat Streat
For the third day, our unique plan was to be amazed by the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. However the night time earlier than, we agreed to ditch this plan as a result of Krisa, our designated captain of the automotive, was not snug driving for 2 and a half hours to the caves. We additionally took this chance to lastly get some first rate sleep. Though this was solely our third day in New Zealand, for those who rely our keep in Australia, this was already our Day 10 and previous to this, we had by no means gotten any sleep longer than 4 hours. And we actually took benefit of it.
The gang met up for lunch at Eat Streat, a group of town’s hottest eating places. Vins and I shared cuts of lamb chops (NZD 34) and BBQ bourbon pork ribs (NZD 32). New Zealand is known for its massive inhabitants of sheep, so lamb was a no brainer for us. We additionally ordered pork, simply in case the lamb was too gamey for our personal style.
Deal with: Tutanekai Road, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland
Then, we drove to Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, certainly one of New Zealand’s most colourful and surreal pure sights. Wai-O-Tapu, which suggests “Sacred Waters” in Māori, is a volcanic park well-known for its effervescent mud swimming pools, steaming craters, and the long-lasting Champagne Pool. Subsequent to it’s the Artist’s Palette, a rainbow-colored terrace that appears like somebody spilled watercolors all over the place.
It’s not simply fairly, although — it smells like sulfur (assume rotten eggs), so come ready with a powerful nostril or a humorousness.
Deal with: 201 Waiotapu Loop Highway, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Entrance Payment: NZD 45 (PHP 1526)
Rotorua Lakefront Boardwalk
After caring for one thing on the Rotorua Airport, we then drove to Rotorua Lakefront Boardwalk on the coast of Lake Rotorua. We spent over an hour right here, simply stress-free and absorbing the environment, earlier than returning to Eat Streat for dinner.
Deal with: Lakefront Drive, Ohinemutu, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Dinnertime
We selected to dine at Atticus Finch this time round. However the true spotlight right here was the ice cream at Girl Janes. Every of us had double scoop, price NZD 10.80. The fig and manuka honey taste was unimaginable!
Atticus Finch
Deal with: 3010/1106 Eat Streat, Tutanekai Road, Rotorua 3010, New ZealandGirl Janes
Deal with: 1092 Eat Streat, Tutanekai Road, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Value: Double Scoop, NZD 10.80 (PHP 366)
DAY 4: ROTORUA TO CHRISTCHURCH
Christchurch Airport to Metropolis Heart
Though Rotorua has its personal airport, flights to Christchurch from listed below are considerably pricier than from Auckland, so we headed again to the massive metropolis.
We stopped at a fuel station, returned the rental automotive at Europcar worldwide website, after which walked 1.2 km to the home terminal. We grabbed lunch, after which flew to Christchurch.
We arrived in New Zealand’s Backyard Metropolis at round 5:30 PM. Simply outdoors the airport, we boarded the bus (Bus #8 or #29) to town middle which set us again NZD 4 (PHP 136) per individual.
Christchurch Guesthouse Verify-In
Right here in Christchurch, we’d be spending two nights at Haka Home, a nineteenth century constructing remodeled right into a guesthouse. It’s newly renovated so it felt extra like a boutique lodge than a hostel. We shelled out PHP 5895 per night time for a non-public room with ensuite rest room and bathtub. They’d no elevator although, so it may be difficult in case you have heavy baggage.
If you’d like a lodge that’s near most factors of curiosity together with the Botanical Backyard and Riverside Market, it is a viable choice. You may Verify Charges & Availability Right here! ✅
Riverside Market
We mainly simply dropped off our baggage and instantly went out for dinner at Riverside Market, which is a improbable, numerous meals corridor. Class is worldwide delicacies. Vins had Thai, whereas I had Malaysian.
We additionally had Ben and Jerry Ice Cream right here to remind ourselves of the style of non-New Zealand ice cream, however be at liberty to skip it since you could find it all over the place.
At this level we had solely been in Christchurch for a number of hours however we had been already liking the vibe. Even at night time, we may inform that it was stuffed with allure and character.
Deal with: 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central Metropolis, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
DAY 5: CHRISTCHURCH TOUR
Christchurch Strolling Tour
Our fifth day was all about Christchurch. At 10AM, we had been already on the Christchurch Arts Centre, the place to begin of town strolling tour. Our information was Craig, an area and a prolific traveler himself, and for the subsequent three hours, he confirmed us round his hometown.
Sure, three hours of strolling, hopping from one notable website to a different, appreciating heritage buildings, and getting impressed by how town constructed itself up after the catastrophic 2011 earthquake.
Evidently, we had been exhausted by the top of it. Good factor, the tour ended on the Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial, which was only a block away from the Riverside Market, the place we had lunch. This time, Vins went Mexican and I selected this Indian lunch platter from Dosa Kitchen with two sorts of curries, rice and naan bread for less than NZD 18 (P612).
Christchurch Strolling Tour Payment: NZD 25 (PHP 848) per individual
Christchurch Gondola
After the strolling tour, we actually wished to simply chill and take a break from all that galloping, so we set our sights on the Christchurch Gondola. You may take the bus for NZD 4 (or NZD 2 in case you have their native card), however since we had been a bunch of 4, hailing an Uber wasn’t that unhealthy, which price us NZD 26 or NZD 6.5 per individual.
The Christchurch Gondola’s admission ticket is NZD 42 per individual. We hopped right into a cable automotive and loved the 10-minute, 1000-meter journey to the highest of Mount Cavendish. At 445 meters above sea degree, the highest station presents breathtaking panoramic views of town, the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and even the Pacific Ocean.
The constructing can also be dwelling to Crimson Rock Café. All of us determined to get espresso to maintain our spirits up. I received myself a flat white for NZD 6.5. And since we had not had dessert but, Vins and I shared a cookie for NZD 6.
After a few hours, we rode the cable automotive all the way down to the bottom and boarded Bus #8 again to town middle.
Deal with: 10 Bridle Path Highway, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entrance Payment: NZD 42 (PHP 1427)
Botanic Gardens
This time, we had been to discover the Botanic Gardens. You may be a part of a guided tour onboard a caterpillar shuttle. However we determined to discover it on foot and on our personal as an alternative.
Deal with: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central Metropolis, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
New Regent Road
For dinner, we opted to return to New Regent Road. We handed by means of the realm in the course of the strolling tour and we wished to burn extra time right here. We additionally had one other dose of ice cream, this time from Rollickin’, an area favourite. I had a scoop of Biscoff the Charts and Hokey Tokey Pokey.
Rollickin’
Deal with: 35 New Regent Road, Christchurch Central Metropolis, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Gelato Value: Single Scoop, NZD 7.20 (PHP 244); Double Scoop, NZD 10.50 (PHP 356)
DAY 6: LAKE TEKAPO & MOUNT COOK
Christchurch-Queenstown One-Approach Tour
It’s time to move to Queenstown. However as an alternative of flying or taking a direct bus, we opted to be a part of a one-way tour as an alternative.
Once you ebook a one-way tour, the shuttle will choose you up in a single metropolis and the tour will finish in one other, making stops alongside the best way. In our case, we had been picked up in Christchurch at 6:30 AM, toured the Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook dinner areas, after which dropped us off in Queenstown. It’s like tour and switch in a single. The car additionally had a trailer for baggage. Packed lunch can also be included. The journey normally takes 13-14 hours.
We stopped at Geraldine for espresso and breakfast, admired the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd standing subsequent to Lake Tekapo, sampled salmon dishes at Excessive Nation Salmon and fruit ice cream at Jackson Orchards, and marveled at gorgeous roadside views of Lindis Move, took loads of images at Lake Pukaki, and hiked alongside the Hooker Valley Path. We solely received to succeed in the bridge due to the restricted time, however we nonetheless had a blast.
In case you’re questioning, sure — this tour is offered on Klook!
Queenstown Hostel Verify-In
They dropped us off at our lodge, the Black Sheep Backpackers Hostel, the place we might be spending the subsequent 4 nights at round NZD 215 (USD 128, PHP 7293) per night time. And that’s for a non-public fan room with out its personal rest room and bathtub. However this was the most affordable lodging we discovered on the time. You may Verify Charges & Availability Right here! ✅
Fergburger
After checking in and dropping our baggage within the room, we instantly went out for dinner. Probably the most well-known meals spot right here might be Fergburger. We ordered its signature burger with beef patty and one thing extra offbeat — a pork stomach burger. And fact be informed, to me, the signature burger was simply alright, however the pork stomach one was completely scrumptious. Servings had been humongous, too.
Deal with: 42 Shotover Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Costs: Signature Burger, NZD 16.50; Chief Wiggum (Pork stomach burger), NZD 19.90
DAY 7: QUEENSTOWN ADVENTURES
Skydiving
I wouldn’t name myself a daredevil and I don’t actually describe myself as adventurous. However we’re leaping off a airplane on our seventh day. Sure, I went skydiving in New Zealand! There have been three fundamental the explanation why I made a decision to lastly do it right here in Queenstown. First, my pal Krisa actually wished to do it and she or he wanted a companion. Each Ivan and Vins received’t ever do it even for those who put a gun to their heads.
Second, as a result of it’s comparatively inexpensive right here. Emphasis on comparatively. Skydiving is usually costly. In Siquijor and in Cebu, you’ll be shelling out PHP 24,500 per individual, together with images and movies. In Switzerland, the most affordable we discovered was CHF 450 (PHP 30,200). In Namibia, it’s NAD 4700 (PHP 14,200), excluding video documentation. In Cape City, it’s ZAR 3950 (PHP 12,200) with out video. In Australia, it’s AUD 389 (PHP 13,950) with out video. In Dubai, it will possibly set you again AED 2199 (PHP 33,300), together with video.
Right here in Queenstown, essentially the most budget-friendly choice is 9000-ft, which prices NZD 345 (PHP 11,400). In case you’re simply after the expertise, you’ll be able to completely go for simply that. If you wish to seize the expertise, their picture and video package deal prices NZD 209 (PHP 6890). In order that’s a complete of NZD 554 (PHP 18,290). Nonetheless cheaper than most choices on the market.
You may reserve your skydiving slot through Klook!
And the third motive, I assumed it was fairly becoming to go skydiving in a vacation spot that many regard because the “Journey Capital of the World”. It’s a nickname that town has earned and deserved. First, that is the place you’ll discover the world’s first everlasting industrial bungee leaping website — at Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge. And through the years, it grew to become a venue for increasingly excessive sports activities.
Anyway, the meetup place was on the NZONE workplace within the metropolis middle, simply inside strolling distance of our hostel. On the final minute, Krisa and I made a decision to improve to 12,000 toes (NZD 430; PHP 14,200).
After a quick briefing, we had been then transferred to the drop zone, the place I stepped right into a jumpsuit and met Elliot, who could be diving with me. For the subsequent a number of minutes, my life was in his arms.
It was superb! I don’t assume I’ll be doing it once more within the close to or distant future, however it was a hell lot of enjoyable.
Patagonia Ice Creamery and Chocolaterie
After lunch, we had dessert on the well-known Patagonia Ice Creamery and Chocolaterie, the place I had its signature and award-winning hazelnut cremino, however the taste that actually received me over was its dulce de leche.
Deal with: 2 Rees Road, Nook of the Mall, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Costs: Single Scoop, NZD 7.50 (P254); Double Scoop, NZD 11 (P372)
Skyline Queenstown
We then walked to Skyline Queenstown to experience a cable automotive to a lookout which affords superior views of town, Lake Wakatipu, and the encompassing areas.
This wasn’t our first luge experience. We’d tried it in Singapore and at Misibis Bay, however this was undoubtedly essentially the most scenic and exhilarating. The view alone as you zoom down the slope and negotiate the curves was phenomenal! We did it 3 times, however we felt like we should always have booked the six-ride package deal as an alternative.
We boarded the gondola again down, and alongside the best way, we handed by a cemetery. I like cemeteries so I satisfied Ivan to test it out and discover with me. Apparently, this additionally marked the beginning of the favored Tiki Mountaineering Path.
Deal with: 53 Brecon Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Gondola + Three-Experience Luge: Grownup, NZD 89 (PHP 3010); Little one, NZD 62 (PHP 2097)
Flame Bar and Grill
Again on the Steamer Wharf, after trying out memento outlets and attempting to get a desk on the metropolis’s high eating places (most of which had been absolutely booked that night time), we ended up right here at Flame Bar and Grill, which serves native New Zealand and in addition South African dishes. Its bestseller is the sticky ribs.
We ordered its Flame Combined Grill platter. It was composed of signature ribs, sirloin steak, rotisserie peri-peri hen and do-it-yourself Boerewors sausage.
Now, it was marked pretty much as good for one individual, however I had a sense it was an excessive amount of for a single soul. So even when this restaurant had a one-meal-per-person coverage, we requested if Vins and I may simply share as an alternative, and the workers stated OK since I additionally added a small bowl of New Zealand’s native green-lipped mussels as appetizer.
At this level we had gotten used to the massive serving sizes right here in New Zealand, however we weren’t ready for this one. It was a feast! Vins and I shared, proper? However we nonetheless struggled to complete all of it. We did end, however the battle was actual. Nevertheless it was our greatest meal in New Zealand. Each single factor on the desk, even Krisa’s Mozambique prawns, was delectable.
Deal with: Steamer Wharf Road Degree/88 Seashore Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Costs: Flame Combined Grill Platter, NZD 67 (PHP 2266); Native Inexperienced-Lipped Mussels, NZD 25 (PHP 846)
DAY 8: MILFORD SOUND
Milford Sound Day Tour
This was the day we’d all been ready for! Milford Sound might be South Island’s most talked-about attraction, and we had been actually excited to lastly see it. We joined a group tour which used a bus with glass ceiling for full appreciation of the surroundings.
Milford Sound is a part of the Fiordland Nationwide Park and is roughly 4 hours away from Queenstown. So sure, we spent loads of time on the bus, however with a number of stops alongside the best way, together with Tutoko Suspension Bridge, with a view of Mount Tutoko. However I believe my favourite was the Hundred Falls on the Milford Valley Lookout. It was my first time to be surrounded by numerous cascades throughout. It was so surreal and magical.
Well past midday, we lastly arrived on the Customer Heart by the pier, the place we boarded a ship and started our cruise alongside the fjord, bombarding us with waterfall after waterfall after waterfall. At first we stayed on the highest deck for the view, however when issues received splashy, we determined to climb all the way down to the cafeteria, the place we had lunch, which was included within the package deal.
The entire cruise lasted nearly two hours, from boarding to disembarkation. As quickly as we hit land once more, we had been herded again to the bus to begin our journey again to Queenstown.
We booked this on Klook. Beneath is the precise tour we booked.
✅ BOOK MILFORD SOUND DAY TOUR HERE!
Mapo88 Korean Eating Bar
It took us a while to discover a dinner place as a result of most eating places had been packed, however we ended up right here at Mapo 88, a Korean restaurant tucked in one of many inside alleys. We had kimchi fried rice, honey soy hen, and rabokki. All the pieces was for sharing, so we break up the invoice.
Deal with: 3 Searle Lane, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Costs: Spam Kimchi Fried Rice, NZD 26 (P880); Honey Soy Hen, NZD 28 (P947); Rose Rabokki, NZD 24 (PHP 812)
DAY 9: QUEENSTOWN FOOD TRIP
Kiwi Park
It’s our final full day in Queenstown, and at the moment it’s simply Vins and I. Krisa and Ivan had flown out earlier this morning. Our itinerary was extra laidback at the moment.
We realized, after 9 days, we nonetheless had not seen any kiwi, which is maybe New Zealand’s largest icon. This morning, our fundamental attraction is the Kiwi Park, which is simply beside the Skyline Gondola Station. In case you have fewer days, you’ll be able to go to each Kiwi Park and Skyline throughout the similar day. We didn’t do it that manner as a result of we had been a bit hesitant as we’re not massive followers of animal sights. However ultimately, we determined to nonetheless test it out.
Kiwi Park is a family-owned wildlife middle. Established in 1986 on what was as soon as an unofficial garbage tip, the park has been remodeled right into a lush, five-acre haven. In accordance the workers, the middle is devoted to the conservation of New Zealand’s distinctive native species, together with, however not restricted to, the kiwi.
There was a 30-minute conservation present, introducing a few of its resident birds. However the kiwis had been sheltered in a blacked-out constructing the place pictures was prohibited, so we didn’t have any pics or footage. A few of the birds had been saved in enclosures, so for those who don’t like animals in captivity, this won’t be for you. However the place was informative and insightful.
Deal with: 51 Brecon Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Every day, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Payment: NZD 60 (PHP 2030)
Queenstown Mall
We then spent the remainder of the day strolling across the Queenstown Mall, searching for souvenirs, and pigging out on the Yum Hub, which is a group of parked meals vans serving numerous worldwide plates. We tried FOGO (a Brazilian BBQ spot), Yonder (a preferred café and restaurant), Cookie Time (a snack bar well-known for its, properly, cookies and sizzling chocolate).
We additionally returned to Patagonia to strive one other taste of their well-known ice cream.
Deal with: Rees Road and Camp Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
Our flight out of New Zealand was scheduled at 7:00 AM, so we had been up and about as early as 3AM. The airport terminal didn’t open till 4:00 AM, so we needed to wait a bit earlier than we may enter. The entire test in, immigration, and boarding processes had been all so easy and uneventful.
NEW ZEALAND BUDGET BREAKDOWN
So, how a lot did we spend? By this time, you’ve in all probability observed that it’s actually costly in New Zealand. I anticipated the price of journey to be excessive, however I used to be nonetheless stunned as a result of I didn’t assume it will be this excessive.
For this itinerary, we spent a complete of round P172,000 per individual, inclusive of flights, resorts, excursions, meals, and transfers. This was for 10 days, protecting 4 cities and three extra day journeys to different locations. So, it was fairly a packed schedule.
Virtually P50,000 went to flights or airfares, and practically P30,000 went to resorts. Once more, that is per individual. So, for resorts, we booked rooms for 2 after which break up the associated fee between Vins and me.
In the meantime, our pal Ivan had a distinct computation and ended up spending extra as a result of there have been resorts the place he didn’t have anybody to separate the associated fee with. Additionally, we had totally different flights — his was MANILA-NEW ZEALAND-MANILA, which price round P75,000. Ours, however, was MELBOURNE-NEW ZEALAND-MANILA since this journey was a part of a better Australia-New Zealand journey itinerary, so our flights solely price P49,000. But when we had taken the identical route and flights as Ivan, our complete would have been round P198,000, which is dearer as a result of our keep was additionally sooner or later longer.
By the best way, the conversions we’re displaying you differ as a result of we used totally different playing cards for our bills — some had been on Vin’s bank card, some on mine, and typically on my GCash. No matter conversion fee we had been charged, that’s what we recorded. Once we couldn’t discover the trade fee, we used 33.7 to transform.
We additionally didn’t embrace souvenirs and alcoholic drinks within the computation. Hahaha! In case you are a drinker, then you definately may need to add extra to your price range.
You may need observed too that we ate out actually because there have been loads of eating places we wished to strive. In case you’re on a price range, you’ll be able to nonetheless lower prices by sticking to cheaper eating choices, shopping for meals from the supermarkets, or grabbing fast eats from comfort shops.
Once more, all of the excursions and resorts we booked and suggest are compiled within the TPT Masterlist on your simple reference. Simply go to www.thepoortraveler.internet/masterlist.
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is optionally available, however we extremely suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey might be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive fee.
2025 8 15 – First uploaded
