The Magic of New Zealand from The Remarkables to Rainbows



I found the magic of New Zealand, in Queenstown.  This fabulous city located on the South Island of New Zealand left me wanting more.  Every turn in the road reveals the raw breathtaking beauty of this country down under.




                                                                                                                                                                  Massive mystical peaks, lakes, streams, and literally thousands of waterfalls 
lay among the greenest landscape you can imagine.  Milford Sound is a about a 3 hour drive from Queenstown.  The motorcoach ride on the way stops several times and provides you with a great opportunity to see the spectacular landscape.  My suggestion for my clients is to take the tour that fly's you back to Queenstown via helicopter after your day at Milford Sound.
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Now mix magic with adventure!  Start with a thrill seeking Shotover Jet ride or take a leap of faith if bungee jumping is your thing!






Take in a wonderful cozy riverboat ride on the TSS Earnslaw while enjoying homemade pastries to Walters Peak and meet Billy, who takes his job of herding sheep seriously.  


Walters Peak High Country Farm also offers a wonderful BBQ lunch.  You can spend several hours here exploring, watching the sheep shearing demonstration, and enjoying the grounds.






I really enjoyed the 4x4 Off Road Safari into the remote forest areas visiting some of the Lord of the Rings filming sites.  It's amazing how you can drive and see no other humans for an hour!  The peacefulness is amazing. Let's just say it was so impressive  I watched all of the movies on the flight home courtesy of Air New Zealand!



Auckland, located on the North Island definitely lives up to its name, City of Sails.  The beautiful waterfront adjacent to downtown is filled with activity including America's Cup Boats. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Sky City Center Tower.  I have to say when standing on the ground looking up I had no intention of stepping out on the small ledge at the top.
Well with a little peer pressure I gave in sooner than I would have expected to experience the Sky Walk.  The ledge appeared to be only about 12" wide, but 
I'm sure it was wider than it looked to me!  
Six of us geared up and made the journey.  Hanging from the edge of a skyscraper wasn't on my agenda and it was totally out of my comfort zone, but what great memories! 






Waiheke Island was an unexpected jewel in my trip.  It sounded like a lovely day on the tour description, A Taste of Waiheke.  When I'm enjoying food and wine I'm always happy.  But I didn't realize how memorizing this beautiful little island would be.  Approximately 10,000 full time residents populate the island and over 40 wineries.  
In the peak season many locals move out of their homes to rent to tourists to help provide accommodations.  Many of the wineries have also incorporate olive trees and oil pressing into their businesses, and foodies enjoy the tasty restaurants on site.  Only a 35 minute ferry ride  The ferry is so accessible and walking distance from most downtown hotels.


The culture of New Zealand is filled with amazing, enriching opportunities just waiting to be experienced.  Fantastic food, lovely people, breathless landscape, and unlimited adventures.  Visit once and you'll understand why a return trip in on the agenda before the the flight home leaves the ground.




As a certified ANZ Specialist, I'd love to help you plan your journey.  Allow a minimum of ten days for your New Zealand Adventure, more if you have it.  Air New Zealand offers several non stop flights from the states, making is easy!  






Mellanie.ingle@cruiseplanners.com
(714) 585-2797
www.allthebestcruises.com

#NewZealand #Queenstown  #MilfordSound
#Auckland  #waihekeisland

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