Discovering the Magic of New Zealand: A Journey of Connection and Adventure

​As I sit here reflecting on my week in New Zealand, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences, the people, and the unforgettable memories I've made. From navigating Auckland's hills to a surprise reunion with an old friend in Wellington, this trip has been everything I hoped for—and so much more.

Sheyla Paz - Hobbiton Movie Set

Auckland: Where It All Began
​I landed in Auckland on December 3rd, greeted by a vibrant city full of life and charm. My stay at the boutique Mercure Auckland Queen Street set the tone for the trip. Perched at the top of a hill leading downtown, the hotel was lovely, and my room had a gorgeous view of the city. Let's just say hiking up and down that hill three times in three days became my unintended workout routine!
Dining at the hotel's Lone Star restaurant was a fun and futuristic experience—dinner was brought to my table by a robot! That was a first for me. 😄
The next day, I was up bright and early for a half-day city tour with Sean, an incredible guide whose passion for Auckland brought the city to life. Our group of five included two couples—one from Australia and another from Hawaii—and we instantly clicked. Later, we reunited for dinner at The Occidental, strolled to the Sky City Tower, and even sang along to Christmas carols performed by a street musician. It was a magical evening, capped off by mojitos and lots of laughs.

​A Hobbiton Dream Come True

On December 5th, I checked a huge bucket list item off my list: a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set! My day began at 6:30 AM with a two-hour scenic drive through lush countryside. Walking through the iconic Shire was like stepping into Middle-earth itself. Every detail was meticulously preserved, from the quaint hobbit holes to the lush greenery. Hearing stories about the set's creation, like how the crew built the set from scratch and the challenges they faced, made me appreciate it even more.
That evening, I capped off the day with a delicious dinner at Ortolana, an Italian-inspired restaurant near the luxurious Britomart Hotel, where I'd done a site inspection earlier. The restaurant's menu was a delightful mix of local produce and Italian flavors, and the ambiance was perfect for a relaxing evening. Meeting new people and sharing meals added a personal touch to this adventure.

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Wellington: A Reunion and a Weekend of Joy
​On December 6th, I flew to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, with no plans except for meeting a dear friend, Lina. What started as a casual lunch turned into a full weekend reunion! Lina, who moved to New Zealand in 2014, became my personal tour guide and gracious host.

Staying at the QT Wellington was an unforgettable experience in itself. This is hands-down the most artsy hotel I've ever stayed at. Its bold, creative design immediately caught my eye, and its location—directly across from the Te Papa Museum—made it a perfect base to explore the city. My room was beautiful, the bed was incredibly comfortable, and the hotel staff made my stay so seamless. Although I arrived too early to check in, the concierge stored my luggage, and by the time I returned with Lina, it was already waiting for me in my room. Every morning, I enjoyed a delightful breakfast with views of Wellington Bay—a peaceful way to start the day.

We explored Petone, enjoyed lunch by the sea, and wandered through Wellington's vibrant streets. We marveled at the views from the cable car ride to the botanical garden on Saturday. Then, we headed to the eastern coast for the most authentic fish and chips experience by the surf in Rongotai. The sunny weather brought out locals sunbathing and surf in Rongotai. The sunny weather brought out locals sunbathing and surfing—it was the perfect Kiwi day!
Today, on my last full day in Wellington, Lina took me to Mount Victoria, where we were met with stunning 360-degree views and mighty winds. (Picture us holding on to a pole to stay grounded!) We laughed until we cried over calamari and a "Sweet 16" mocktail at a rooftop bar. The 'Sweet 16' was a refreshing blend of local fruits and flavors, and the rooftop bar was a popular spot for locals to unwind and enjoy the city views, soaking in every last moment of our time together.

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The Highlights and the Heart

From Auckland's urban buzz to Wellington's coastal charm, New Zealand is a land of contrasts and connections. What stood out most wasn't just the landscapes, attractions, and people I met along the way. Whether it was fellow travelers, my excellent guides, or my wonderful friend Lina, every interaction made this journey very special.
I'll fly back to Auckland tomorrow before heading to my next destination--Tahiti. But a part of my heart will remain here, in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
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Ready to Explore New Zealand? 
New Zealand is calling your name if you dream of a journey filled with natural beauty, rich culture, and warm connections. From hiking city hills to sipping mojitos at the Sky Tower, this country offers something for every traveler.
Have you been to New Zealand? Share your favorite moments in the comments below!

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