New Zealand Adventures: Love, Lakes, and Left-Side Driving!

Cooks Straight Ferry

Hey, everyone! It’s been a little while, but I promise this story was worth the wait. Between a full home remodel (which was as exhausting as it sounds) and just trying to keep life together, I finally have a chance to share one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever taken. Buckle up, because this adventure has it all—stunning landscapes, unexpected twists, and even a surprise proposal!

Back in February, my girlfriend and I decided to cross New Zealand off our bucket list. We flew straight into Queenstown, a place that feels like it’s been plucked from a postcard. We stayed in a cozy house just outside of town, perched on a hill with a breathtaking view of Lake Wakatipu. Every morning, we woke up to those incredible mountains reflecting on the lake—it was pure magic.

Queenstown is famous for its adventure sports, but we kicked things off with something a little more chill: a visit to the Ice Bar. Imagine sipping cocktails surrounded by walls of ice—it was as cool (literally!) as it sounds. But things quickly heated up when we joined the local rugby fans at a Highlanders match. The energy in that stadium was off the charts!

Stadium/field for a local match

Now, here’s where things get interesting. We booked a helicopter tour—because why not?—and found ourselves whisked away to a remote mountaintop. Picture this: just the two of us, the sky above, the world below, and…a ring! Yep, I popped the question right there in one of the most beautiful places on earth. And the best part? She said yes! Suddenly, this wasn’t just a trip—it was the beginning of a whole new adventure together.

With our engagement officially kicked off, we kept the momentum going. We visited the famous Wanaka Tree (seriously, Google it—this tree has its own fan base), and then made our way to Pancake Rocks, where the sea has carved limestone into crazy cool formations. It’s like nature’s way of showing off.

Now, one of the best parts about New Zealand? The road trips. Driving on the left side was a bit of an adventure in itself, but it’s hands down the best way to see the country. We took the scenic route from Queenstown all the way to Auckland, with plenty of stops along the way to soak in the stunning landscapes.

Nelson was one of those stops that turned out to be a hidden gem. This little town has a vibrant craft beer scene, and we spent an afternoon sampling some seriously good brews. But the highlight? Visiting the Moutere Inn, New Zealand’s oldest pub. This place has been around since 1850, and you can feel the history in every sip.

Next up was Wellington, where we dove into the incredible exhibits at Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. We were lucky enough to visit when it was still free, though I’ve heard they’re now charging foreign travelers NZD 35. Even with the fee, it’s well worth the visit—the museum offers a deep dive into New Zealand’s history and culture.

Our adventure continued with a trip to Mount Taranaki, a majestic volcanic peak that looks like it was drawn by an artist. The views were simply stunning. From there, we headed to Rotorua, where we explored geothermal wonders and immersed ourselves in Māori culture at Whakarewarewa, the living Māori village. Watching a traditional haka was a powerful experience that gave us a deep appreciation for the Māori people and their traditions.

We wrapped up our journey at Mount Maunganui, where we finally had a chance to relax by the sea. After all the excitement, a few days of sun, sand, and surf were just what we needed to wind down and reflect on everything we’d experienced.

So, there you have it—our New Zealand adventure in all its glory. This trip was more than just sightseeing; it was about creating unforgettable memories and taking the first step in our next chapter together. And trust me, it was all worth the wait.