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, nevertheless it’s not probably the most inexpensive or the best to get to.
So, on this article, we’ll stroll you thru our full New Zealand itinerary and offer you 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 Type, and declared any of the chance objects 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 sweets with us so we breezed via the Customs. The Immigration Officer on the counter was additionally the friendliest Immigration Officer I had encountered wherever on this planet. In order that was a reasonably 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 quite a lot of it as a result of New Zealand is usually cashless. Simply exterior the terminal, we regarded for Bus Cease E, the place we’d 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 once you get out of the terminal constructing, it ought to be to your left. In accordance with Google Maps, the Sky Drive bus takes 25-45 minutes to achieve downtown, relying on site visitors circumstances. However as a result of it was fairly early, our bus made in simply 20 minutes. The fare is NZD 20 (P678).
- Test in at our lodge. The lodge we booked was SkyCity Resort Auckland, simply subsequent to the enduring Sky Tower. Once we reserved our room, the speed was NZD 170 (USD 102, PHP 5763) per evening. As a result of we arrived hours forward of the usual check-in time, our room was not prepared but, however they saved our luggage whereas we spend the subsequent hours exploring town.
Auckland Foreshore Heritage Strolling Path
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest metropolis, nevertheless it’s not as bustling or as overwhelming as different huge cities in different international locations. It nonetheless retains a reasonably laidback environment. For now, we determined to go sightseeing by following a bit of Auckland’s foreshore heritage strolling path.
The town’s shoreline has modified loads after a sequence of reclamations beginning within the nineteenth century. Right now’s seaboard is sort of unrecognizable, however you possibly can nonetheless hint the unique shoreline by following this strolling path, punctuated with 25 factors of curiosity from Level Erin within the west all the way in which to Parnell Baths within the east. A few of these stops embody heritage buildings and streets. Don’t fear — these websites are marked with data plaques so you possibly can higher admire their historical past and significance. The entire path takes at the least three hours.
Settle In and Recharge
We had a fast lunch earlier than heading again to the lodge to verify in. Our room was spacious and clear. We didn’t have a great view, nevertheless it was geared up with the same old full-service inns 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 type of a honeymoon journey, however with a few mates. We’ll have a extra correct honeymoon later this yr.
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 way in which, should you additionally wish to e book this lodge, you possibly can Test Charges & Availability Right here! ✅
- If you happen to e book with AGODA, use our promo code AGODATPT for 10% low cost.
- If you happen to desire 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 greatest to only go to thepoortraveler.web/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 a listing of all of the inns 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 all over the world.
Reconnect and Chill
At round 4PM, we obtained up and ready to exit. Our unique plan was to climb to the commentary deck of the Sky Tower, however our Auckland-based pal Jerwin invited us to a rooftop cocktail bar, and naturally, we selected photographs over sights.
However should you intend to go to the Sky Tower, the doorway payment is NZD 45 should you purchase on-line or NZD 47 for walk-in company. If you happen to desire to order your ticket through Klook, we discovered this one.
Sky Tower Auckland
Tackle: Victoria Avenue 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 fulfill 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 evening with a spherical of beer on the iconic Shakespeare Resort, 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 constructed from darkish malt and had scrumptious bitter notes of espresso. We then known as it an evening and headed again to the lodge.
Shakespeare Brewery
Tackle: Shakespeare Resort, 61 Albert Avenue, 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 obtained was at 11AM. It was the one slot obtainable after we booked. Hobbiton is 2 hours from Auckland, and we had but to safe a automobile rental, so we had been up as early as 6AM simply to be on the protected aspect.
The automobile we rented was good for 5 passengers, together with the driving force and 4 suitcases, which was good as a result of Jax didn’t deliver 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 company 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 principle highway. Jax and Vins shared a pie, whereas I had meat on skewers.
After a fast photograph op with the Hobbiton signage, we boarded the bus to the film set. On the way in which there, the TV display contained in the bus confirmed mini-documentaries concerning the web site. By 11:45 AM, we had been on the entrance to the set.
The one approach to discover the location is by becoming a member of a guided tour, and you need to stick with your group on a regular basis. Alongside the way in which, the information could be sharing attention-grabbing 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 instances, so we had been past thrilled to stroll on the identical floor as Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam.
The location was used for exterior photographs solely. On the time of filming, all inside scenes had been shot in a studio elsewhere. Right now, 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 films.
Probably the most fascinating bit was that the extremely cinematic big oak tree above was utterly pretend. The trunk and branches had been fabricated from fiberglass whereas the leaves silk. There was additionally a snack cease in the midst of the tour, the place we loved a complimentary drink. This is usually 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 typical jump-off level to Hobbiton. Additionally they had a memento store on web site.
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 possibly can try packages from Klook! You’ll be able to select in order for you ticket solely or with transfers from Auckland or Rotorua. You may as well add a Waitomo Glow Worm Caves cease.
Tackle: 501 Buckland Street, Hinuera, Matamata 3472, New Zealand
Tour Fee: NZD 120 (PHP 4070)
Rotorua Hostel Test-In
After parting methods with Jax, we then drove to our hostel in Rotorua known 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 mostly comparatively delicate, even in the summertime.
We paid PHP 5466 per evening, 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 possibly can Test Charges & Availability Right here! ✅
Redwoods Treewalk
After dropping our luggage and freshening up a bit, it was time to go 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 need to observe the trail and also you solely get one spherical. You’ll be able to take pleasure in it within the daytime or at evening, 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. Underneath the daylight and simply earlier than sundown, it had this enchanting environment. It was like communing with nature with a bit of pleasure. However at evening, when the illuminations had been on, it gave off a extra otherworldly really feel.
And oh, don’t miss the ice cream bought on web site for NZD 12.15. It was soooo good!
You’ll be able to e book your Redwoods Treewalk expertise prematurely on Klook! This package deal contains Altitude, Treewalk Day Tour, and Treewalk Night time Tour with Quick Move entry.
✅ BOOK REDWOODS COMBO TOUR HERE!
Tackle: 1 Lengthy Mile Street, Tītokorangi Drive entry off Tarawera Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Entrance Charge: Day or Night time 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 evening earlier than, we agreed to ditch this plan as a result of Krisa, our designated captain of the automobile, was not snug driving for 2 and a half hours to the caves. We additionally took this chance to lastly get some respectable sleep. Though this was solely our third day in New Zealand, should you 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 huge 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.
Tackle: Tutanekai Avenue, 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 points of interest. Wai-O-Tapu, which implies “Sacred Waters” in Māori, is a volcanic park well-known for its effervescent mud swimming pools, steaming craters, and the enduring Champagne Pool. Subsequent to it’s the Artist’s Palette, a rainbow-colored terrace that appears like somebody spilled watercolors in every single place.
It’s not simply fairly, although — it smells like sulfur (suppose rotten eggs), so come ready with a powerful nostril or a humorousness.
Tackle: 201 Waiotapu Loop Street, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Entrance Charge: NZD 45 (PHP 1526)
Rotorua Lakefront Boardwalk
After taking good care of 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.
Tackle: Lakefront Drive, Ohinemutu, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Dinnertime
We selected to dine at Atticus Finch this time round. However the actual spotlight right here was the ice cream at Woman Janes. Every of us had double scoop, price NZD 10.80. The fig and manuka honey taste was unbelievable!
Atticus Finch
Tackle: 3010/1106 Eat Streat, Tutanekai Avenue, Rotorua 3010, New ZealandWoman Janes
Tackle: 1092 Eat Streat, Tutanekai Avenue, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Worth: Double Scoop, NZD 10.80 (PHP 366)
DAY 4: ROTORUA TO CHRISTCHURCH
Christchurch Airport to Metropolis Middle
Though Rotorua has its personal airport, flights to Christchurch from listed below are considerably pricier than from Auckland, so we headed again to the large metropolis.
We stopped at a gasoline station, returned the rental automobile at Europcar worldwide web site, 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 exterior the airport, we boarded the bus (Bus #8 or #29) to town middle which set us again NZD 4 (PHP 136) per particular person.
Christchurch Guesthouse Test-In
Right here in Christchurch, we’d be spending two nights at Haka Home, a nineteenth century constructing reworked 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 evening 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, this can be a viable possibility. You’ll be able to Test Charges & Availability Right here! ✅
Riverside Market
We mainly simply dropped off our luggage and instantly went out for dinner at Riverside Market, which is a improbable, various 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 happy to skip it since you could find it in every single place.
At this level we had solely been in Christchurch for just a few hours however we had been already liking the vibe. Even at evening, we may inform that it was filled with appeal and character.
Tackle: 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, a neighborhood 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 web site to a different, appreciating heritage buildings, and getting impressed by how town constructed itself up after the catastrophic 2011 earthquake.
For sure, 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 varieties of curries, rice and naan bread for less than NZD 18 (P612).
Christchurch Strolling Tour Charge: NZD 25 (PHP 848) per particular person
Christchurch Gondola
After the strolling tour, we actually wished to only chill and take a break from all that galloping, so we set our sights on the Christchurch Gondola. You’ll be able to take the bus for NZD 4 (or NZD 2 in case you have their native card), however since we had been a gaggle of 4, hailing an Uber wasn’t that unhealthy, which price us NZD 26 or NZD 6.5 per particular person.
The Christchurch Gondola’s admission ticket is NZD 42 per particular person. We hopped right into a cable automobile and loved the 10-minute, 1000-meter journey to the highest of Mount Cavendish. At 445 meters above sea degree, the highest station affords breathtaking panoramic views of town, the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and even the Pacific Ocean.
The constructing can be residence to Crimson Rock Café. All of us determined to get espresso to maintain our spirits up. I obtained 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 automobile all the way down to the bottom and boarded Bus #8 again to town middle.
Tackle: 10 Bridle Path Street, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entrance Charge: NZD 42 (PHP 1427)
Botanic Gardens
This time, we had been to discover the Botanic Gardens. You’ll be able to be part of a guided tour onboard a caterpillar shuttle. However we determined to discover it on foot and on our personal as a substitute.
Tackle: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central Metropolis, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Day by day, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
New Regent Avenue
For dinner, we opted to return to New Regent Avenue. We handed via the world throughout 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’, a neighborhood favourite. I had a scoop of Biscoff the Charts and Hokey Tokey Pokey.
Rollickin’
Tackle: 35 New Regent Avenue, Christchurch Central Metropolis, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Gelato Worth: Single Scoop, NZD 7.20 (PHP 244); Double Scoop, NZD 10.50 (PHP 356)
DAY 6: LAKE TEKAPO & MOUNT COOK
Christchurch-Queenstown One-Method Tour
It’s time to go to Queenstown. However as a substitute of flying or taking a direct bus, we opted to be part of a one-way tour as a substitute.
While you e book 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 way in which. 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 automobile additionally had a trailer for baggage. Packed lunch can be included. The journey often 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 obtained to achieve the bridge due to the restricted time, however we nonetheless had a blast.
In case you’re questioning, sure — this tour is out there on Klook!
Queenstown Hostel Test-In
They dropped us off at our lodge, the Black Sheep Backpackers Hostel, the place we’d be spending the subsequent 4 nights at round NZD 215 (USD 128, PHP 7293) per evening. 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’ll be able to Test Charges & Availability Right here! ✅
Fergburger
After checking in and dropping our luggage within the room, we instantly went out for dinner. Essentially 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 advised, to me, the signature burger was simply alright, however the pork stomach one was completely scrumptious. Servings had been humongous, too.
Tackle: 42 Shotover Avenue, 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 aircraft on our seventh day. Sure, I went skydiving in New Zealand! There have been three primary the reason why I made a decision to lastly do it right here in Queenstown. First, my pal Krisa actually wished to do it and he or she wanted a companion. Each Ivan and Vins gained’t ever do it even should you put a gun to their heads.
Second, as a result of it’s comparatively inexpensive right here. Emphasis on comparatively. Skydiving is mostly costly. In Siquijor and in Cebu, you’ll be shelling out PHP 24,500 per particular person, 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 may possibly set you again AED 2199 (PHP 33,300), together with video.
Right here in Queenstown, probably the most budget-friendly possibility is 9000-ft, which prices NZD 345 (PHP 11,400). If you happen to’re simply after the expertise, you possibly can completely go for simply that. If you wish to seize the expertise, their photograph 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’ll be able to reserve your skydiving slot through Klook!
And the third cause, I believed 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 web site — 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 ft (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 fingers.
It was wonderful! I don’t suppose I’ll be doing it once more within the close to or distant future, nevertheless 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 gained me over was its dulce de leche.
Tackle: 2 Rees Avenue, 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 trip a cable automobile to a lookout which affords superior views of town, Lake Wakatipu, and the encompassing areas.
This wasn’t our first luge trip. We’d tried it in Singapore and at Misibis Bay, however this was undoubtedly probably the most scenic and exhilarating. The view alone as you zoom down the slope and negotiate the curves was phenomenal! We did it thrice, however we felt like we should always have booked the six-ride package deal as a substitute.
We boarded the gondola again down, and alongside the way in which, 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 Climbing Path.
Tackle: 53 Brecon Avenue, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Gondola + Three-Trip Luge: Grownup, NZD 89 (PHP 3010); Youngster, NZD 62 (PHP 2097)
Flame Bar and Grill
Again on the Steamer Wharf, after trying out memento retailers and making an attempt to get a desk on the metropolis’s prime eating places (most of which had been absolutely booked that evening), 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 Blended Grill platter. It was composed of signature ribs, sirloin steak, rotisserie peri-peri rooster and selfmade Boerewors sausage.
Now, it was marked nearly as good for one particular person, 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 a substitute, and the workers mentioned 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. But it surely was our greatest meal in New Zealand. Each single factor on the desk, even Krisa’s Mozambique prawns, was delectable.
Tackle: Steamer Wharf Avenue Stage/88 Seaside Avenue, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Costs: Flame Blended 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 quite a lot of time on the bus, however with a number of stops alongside the way in which, 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 Middle 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 obtained 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 start out 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 interior alleys. We had kimchi fried rice, honey soy rooster, and rabokki. Every thing was for sharing, so we break up the invoice.
Tackle: 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 right this moment it’s simply Vins and I. Krisa and Ivan had flown out earlier this morning. Our itinerary was extra laidback right this moment.
We realized, after 9 days, we nonetheless had not seen any kiwi, which is probably New Zealand’s greatest icon. This morning, our primary attraction is the Kiwi Park, which is simply beside the Skyline Gondola Station. In case you have fewer days, you possibly can 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 huge followers of animal points of interest. 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 reworked 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 images was prohibited, so we didn’t have any pics or footage. Among the birds had been saved in enclosures, so should you don’t like animals in captivity, this may not be for you. However the place was informative and insightful.
Tackle: 51 Brecon Avenue, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Day by day, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Charge: NZD 60 (PHP 2030)
Queenstown Mall
We then spent the remainder of the day strolling across the Queenstown Mall, purchasing for souvenirs, and pigging out on the Yum Hub, which is a group of parked meals vans serving various worldwide plates. We tried FOGO (a Brazilian BBQ spot), Yonder (a well-liked café and restaurant), Cookie Time (a snack bar well-known for its, effectively, cookies and scorching chocolate).
We additionally returned to Patagonia to attempt one other taste of their well-known ice cream.
Tackle: Rees Avenue and Camp Avenue, 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 verify 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 most likely observed that it’s actually costly in New Zealand. I anticipated the price of journey to be excessive, however I used to be nonetheless shocked as a result of I didn’t suppose it could be this excessive.
For this itinerary, we spent a complete of round P172,000 per particular person, inclusive of flights, inns, 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.
Nearly P50,000 went to flights or airfares, and almost P30,000 went to inns. Once more, that is per particular person. So, for inns, we booked rooms for 2 after which break up the associated fee between Vins and me.
In the meantime, our pal Ivan had a unique computation and ended up spending extra as a result of there have been inns 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, then again, 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 in the future longer.
By the way in which, the conversions we’re exhibiting 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 generally on my GCash. No matter conversion charge we had been charged, that’s what we recorded. Once we couldn’t discover the trade charge, we used 33.7 to transform.
We additionally didn’t embody souvenirs and alcoholic drinks within the computation. Hahaha! In case you are a drinker, you then may wish to add extra to your price range.
You may need observed too that we ate out actually because there have been quite a lot of eating places we wished to attempt. If you happen to’re on a price range, you possibly can 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 inns we booked and suggest are compiled within the TPT Masterlist in your straightforward reference. Simply go to www.thepoortraveler.web/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 may 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, think about PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You’ll be able to GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive charge.
2025 8 15 – First uploaded