This past holiday season, Michelle and I decided to break away from the familiar. Instead of the usual family gatherings in Bay Area, we packed our bags for New Zealand—a land of rugged beauty, epic adventures, and just enough unpredictability to keep us on our toes. Little did we know, this trip would push us out of our comfort zones and into the heart of an unforgettable adventure.
The Start of Something Big
We left San Diego with excitement buzzing in the air, cruising up to Los Angeles for a late-night flight. Parking was smooth- thankfully, I’d planned ahead- and soon we were boarding a 12-hour journey to the land of the long white cloud. As we flew across the Pacific, I kept imagining the landscapes ahead: towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, and surreal geothermal pools. Michelle, ever the planner, was busy double-checking our packed itinerary.
We touched down in Auckland mid-morning, and the adventure began right away. After grabbing a rental car and stocking up on snacks, we checked into the Hilton Auckland and spent the evening exploring the city’s vibrant waterfront. The energy was electric, the food incredible, and the skyline glittered in the night. But this was just the beginning.
Into the Glowworm Abyss
The next day, we left the city behind and drove south, winding through lush green hills toward Waitomo. I’d read about the famous glowworm caves, but nothing prepared me for the magic of floating in the dark while tiny lights shimmered above like a galaxy. It was eerie and beautiful, the kind of moment that makes you forget the world exists beyond what you’re experiencing.
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| Waitomo Glowworm Cave |
Afterward, we grabbed a quick bite and continued toward Tongariro National Park, where the landscape became more dramatic with every mile. Snow-capped peaks and barren volcanic fields loomed on the horizon- a sign of the challenges waiting for us.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Trial by Storm
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was meant to be the crown jewel of our trip, and it certainly delivered- just not in the way we’d envisioned. We set out early, laced up and ready for a brisk, clear hike, with the forecast calling for only a slight chance of rain. But on the day of the hike, Mother Nature had other plans.
By the time we hit the steep ascents, the weather had turned on us. Wind roared across the ridges, hammering us with freezing rain that seemed to come from every direction. The clouds closed in, cutting visibility to almost nothing. It felt like stepping into another world- a raw, untamed one that didn’t care whether we were prepared or not.
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| Go or no-go point |
The trail became a test of grit. Climbing steep volcanic ridges with the wind nearly knocking us off balance, I could feel the raw power of the terrain around us. The Emerald Lakes glimmered faintly through the fog, their colors dulled but no less surreal. At one point, we passed a steaming vent, the heat a welcome contrast to the biting cold. It was as if the mountain itself was alive, challenging us to push forward.
By the time we reached the descent, the winds had eased, and the rain softened into a mist. We were soaked, exhausted, and exhilarated. Michelle turned to me and said, “This wasn’t what I envisioned, definitely not Instagram-worthy”. Tongariro hadn’t given us what we wanted but it gave us something unforgettable.
From Middle-earth to Māori Legends
The next day, our aching muscles thanked us for the slower pace as we visited Hobbiton. Wandering through the Shire felt like stepping into a dream. We explored the lush hobbit holes and even enjoyed a drink at The Green Dragon.
From there, we made our way to Rotorua, where the landscape transformed into bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers.
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| Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa |
Rotorua brought its own adventure: a Māori cultural experience. Watching the haka performed up close, feeling the ground shake beneath the performers’ feet, was thrilling in its own way. That night, as we feasted on traditional food cooked in an earth oven, I realized this trip wasn’t just about the landscapes—it was about connecting with the spirit of this wild, beautiful country.
Conquering the South Island
Flying to the South Island felt like entering a different world. The drive to Mount Cook was one jaw-dropping view after another, with turquoise lakes and snow-draped peaks lining the route. At night, the stars above Mount Cook blazed brighter than I’d ever seen, a reminder of how far from civilization we were.
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| Lake Tekapo |
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| Mount Cook Peak |
We hiked the Hooker Valley Track the next day, crossing swing bridges and standing in awe of the towering glaciers. The cold wind carried the scent of ice and stone, a sharp contrast to the warmth of Rotorua.
Te Anau and Milford Sound were no less epic. Cruising through the fiords, with sheer cliffs rising on either side and waterfalls tumbling from impossible heights, felt like something out of a movie. It was humbling, a reminder of how small we are in the face of nature’s grandeur.
Ringing in the New Year
Queenstown was the perfect finale. New Year’s Eve saw us dining on exquisite Japanese cuisine and celebrating in the lively streets, surrounded by travelers and locals alike.
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| Tatsumi Modern Japanese Dining |
The next day, we cranked up the adrenaline with a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Speeding through narrow canyons, water spraying in every direction, was pure exhilaration.
Michelle and I also biked through vineyards, sipping wine and soaking in the sun. It was a perfect mix of adventure and indulgence—exactly what we needed after the physical challenges of the previous days.
Reflections on the Adventure
By the time we flew back to Auckland and eventually home, Michelle and I were filled with gratitude for every experience we had. New Zealand had pushed us in ways we never expected- stormy hikes that tested our strength, landscapes so serene they nourished our souls, cultural encounters that deepened our connection to the world, and thrills that reminded us of the vast potential life holds.
This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a transformative adventure that reignited our sense of wonder. It showed us the power of stepping beyond our comfort zones, embracing the unexpected, and being fully present in every moment. As we touched down in Los Angeles, I turned to Michelle, her eyes still alight with excitement, and asked, “Where to next?” Because after this adventure, we knew the world was full of endless possibilities.
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