We arrive in Auckland — the largest and most vibrant city in New Zealand.
A city set between two harbours, built on volcanic land and surrounded by the ocean. There is always light here — wind, space, and sun.

After the flight, we won’t rush. We’ll check into our hotel, exhale after the long journey, and ease gently into the trip.
We’ll take a walk along the waterfront, look out over the harbour filled with white sails, and feel the first touch of New Zealand summer. If we have the energy, we’ll climb one of the city’s volcanic hills, where panoramic views open up over the bays and islands.

Auckland isn’t about the rush of a мегаполис.
It’s about space, the ocean nearby, and a sense of ease. Cultures, cuisines, and rhythms blend here — European, Māori, and island influences. This is where we begin to get to know the country: calmly, without overload.

In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner.
We’ll go over the route, plans, and the mood of the journey. We’ll talk about how our trip across the islands will unfold, what places await us, and how we’ll experience these days — without rushing, but fully immersed.

The first evening is about feeling that we’re already here.
On the other side of the world.
And everything is just beginning.

In the morning, we leave Auckland — and almost immediately, the real New Zealand begins: rolling green hills, пастures, sheep, and roads you feel like driving forever.

Our first major stop is Hobbiton.
That very world from The Lord of the Rings — not just a film set, but a carefully preserved fairytale. Round doors, houses tucked into the hills, gardens, little bridges, and countless tiny details that make you feel warm inside. We’ll wander slowly, take it all in, photograph everything, and simply enjoy the fact that this place truly exists — and that we’re among the lucky ones who get to see it in real life.

After lunch at the Green Dragon Inn — and stepping back out into the world — we head toward the east coast of the North Island.
The road will be beautiful: green valleys gradually give way to ocean views, the air turns salty, and the mood becomes more coastal. It’s a different kind of landscape here — more wind, more space, wide beaches, and that feeling of being at the edge of the world. We’ll stop by the shore, walk, and breathe it all in. If we feel like it, we’ll stay for sunset by the water, stroll along the coastline, and fully feel the ocean — and that summer we came for in December.

Today is devoted to the element of earth.
This is where New Zealand reveals its true nature — hot, steaming, alive, and constantly active.

In the morning, we head to the Rotorua region — the geothermal heart of the North Island. Here, the air smells of sulfur, steam rises from the ground, and the landscapes feel almost otherworldly.

Our first stop is Waimangu Volcanic Valley — a geothermal valley where trails wind through lakes, steaming slopes, and горячие источники. Everything feels unusual and beautiful: soft colors, mist, влажный воздух, and the sense that the earth is breathing beneath your feet.

Next — Wai-O-Tapu.
One of the most vibrant geothermal parks in the country: acidic lakes, colorful terraces, bubbling pools, and surreal оттенки that make the whole place feel like an alien landscape.

After all this geothermal wonder, we shift to water — heading to Huka Falls.
Here, a powerful turquoise поток bursts through a narrow rocky channel — the roar, the spray, and the energy are something you feel with your whole body.

In the evening, we arrive at Lake Taupō — a vast, endless lake stretching to the horizon. We check in, have dinner, take a walk along the water, catch the sunset, and simply unwind after a насыщенный day.

Today is one of the most powerful days of the entire journey.

We head to Tongariro National Park — a place where New Zealand reveals its most raw and majestic side: volcanoes, lava fields, sudden gusts of wind, ring-shaped clouds like flying saucers, and a true sense of expedition.

This is where scenes of Mordor were filmed — so if you feel like getting rid of the Ring, today is the perfect day :) The land here is dark, the terrain dramatic, almost no trees around, and the horizon feels almost painted.

We’ll set out on one of the most beautiful hikes in the country.
Along the way, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro, black and red craters, steaming ground, the smell of sulfur — and those famous emerald lakes (if the weather is kind, they look absolutely unreal).

The weather here can be unpredictable even in summer, so we’ll prepare carefully. We’ll help everyone get ready, move at a comfortable pace, take breaks, and allow time to simply take it all in — and capture incredible photos.

Distance & difficulty (guidelines):
Route: Tongariro Alpine Crossing (classic route, weather permitting)
Distance: around twenty kilometers
Time: approximately seven to eight hours (with breaks for views and rest)
Elevation gain: about eight hundred meters
Difficulty: moderate

By evening, we return tired, happy, and a little changed.
Because Tongariro is not just a hike — it’s an experience. A place of power. And the kind of day that people remember first when they think of New Zealand.

After an active day among volcanoes, both body and mind ask for a slower, more relaxed rhythm.
Today, we head toward Napier and the Hawke’s Bay region — one of the country’s main wine-producing areas. The atmosphere here is easy and unhurried: warm air, vineyards, the океан nearby, and an abundance of light.

What makes this region special?
Hawke’s Bay is the oldest wine region in New Zealand and one of the sunniest. Its limestone and gravel soils — especially the famous Gimblett Gravels — give the wines depth, structure, and remarkable clarity of flavor.

What we’ll taste:
Sauvignon Blanc — fresh and vibrant, with citrus and herbal notes
Chardonnay — some of the best in New Zealand comes from here: complex, mineral, with a мягкая texture
Syrah — the pride of the region. More elegant than its Australian counterpart, with pepper, ягодные notes, and depth
Bordeaux blends (Cabernet Sauvignon + Merlot) — bold, structured wines not usually associated with New Zealand, but exceptionally well-crafted here

We’ll visit small wineries, walk among the vines, take in the rolling hills, and enjoy local wines at a relaxed pace.
No pressure — this isn’t a tasting marathon, but a beautiful day with a glass of wine, good conversation, sunshine, and that unmistakable feeling of summer.

Napier itself is also worth exploring — an oceanfront town known for its Art Deco charm. If we feel like it, we’ll stroll along the waterfront, breathe in the sea air, and watch the sunset.

A day about taste, warmth, and a slower rhythm.
New Zealand will reveal itself to us not only through nature, but also through a glass of great wine.

Today is a day of magic, ocean, and the open road.

In the morning, we head to the famous glowworm caves — the kind where darkness turns into a starry sky. You step into a cool grotto, and suddenly hundreds (sometimes it feels like thousands) of tiny lights appear above your head. It’s quiet, incredibly beautiful, and almost unreal — as if you’ve entered another universe, something reminiscent of the world of Avatar.

After the caves, we make our way to the west coast of the North Island.
The ocean here feels different — wilder, more powerful, with wind, waves, and long, open beaches. We’ll stop at the most scenic spots along the way, walk along the shore, breathe in the salty air, and feel that unmistakable New Zealand freedom.

By evening, we return to Auckland. After a full day on the road, it feels especially nice — a warm evening, light reflecting on the water, and a city that already feels familiar.

Overnight stay — in Auckland.
And tomorrow, we fly to another part of the country.

Today, we change the scenery — and you feel it instantly.
In the morning, we fly from Auckland to Queenstown — a town often called the adventure capital of the South Island. The landscapes shift from ocean to mountains, as this place lies in the heart of the Southern Alps.

After arrival and check-in, one of the most exciting experiences of the trip awaits us — a jet boat ride through a river canyon.
Jet boats are fast, highly maneuverable boats that skim across the water between rock walls, take sharp turns, spray water, and make your heart race. Around you — canyon cliffs, turquoise water, and an incredible sense of energy.

The second half of the day is for exploring Queenstown at a relaxed pace:
a walk along the waterfront, a coffee with a view over the lake, mountains all around, and that first real feeling of being on the South Island.

In the evening — dinner and rest.
Tomorrow, even more mountains await.

Today, we head to one of the most breathtaking places in all of New Zealand — Milford Sound.
A fjord often called the eighth wonder of the world. And once you’re there, you understand why. The scale is overwhelming: vertical cliffs, waterfalls, mist, and deep green forests. It reminds us of Norway — and maybe that’s why we love it so much.

The journey itself feels like a separate adventure.
We’ll drive through mountain passes, see lakes and valleys, and stop at the most beautiful viewpoints along the way.

In Milford Sound, we’ll have a few options depending on the weather:

— Fjord cruise
A peaceful journey among towering cliffs and waterfalls. You can often spot seals, dolphins, and sometimes rare birds. It’s a chance to truly feel the scale of the place — standing on deck, breathing in the влажный air, and looking up.

— Scenic flight
If conditions allow, we can see the fjord and the Southern Alps from above. Glaciers, mountain ranges, valleys, one of the famous waterfalls dropping from around five hundred meters, and the ocean — one of the most beautiful short flights in the world.

By evening, we return to Queenstown — tired from the beauty and slightly overwhelmed by the sheer scale of what we’ve seen.

Today will be a day of contrasts — in landscapes, in mood, even in weather — as we head deeper into New Zealand’s mountainous heart.

We’ll start the morning slowly and beautifully.
Our first stop is a lavender farm — in December, the fields are in full bloom: soft purple tones, mountains on the horizon, bees in the air, and that unmistakable scent of summer. We’ll walk through the rows of lavender, have a coffee, take in the mountain views, and simply allow ourselves to enjoy this calm, quiet moment of the journey.

Then we continue to Wānaka — a small lakeside town with a relaxed and stylish feel. This is a place that invites you to slow down: grab a coffee, walk along the water, and breathe in the crisp alpine air. And yes — we’ll see the famous That Wanaka Tree.
A solitary and incredibly photogenic willow growing прямо out of the lake, long since an icon of New Zealand. It’s not just “an Instagram spot” — it’s genuinely beautiful, with a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere.

Next, we head to Clay Cliffs — those striking yellow rock formations.
Unusual clay pinnacles that resemble a miniature canyon: sharp ridges, layered walls, golden hues, and the feeling that you’ve somehow ended up in Arizona — even though you’re still in New Zealand. We’ll walk along the trails, explore the formations, and watch how the light changes across the landscape.

By evening, we check in, have dinner, and rest — getting ready for another day in the mountains tomorrow.

Today we head to a place where New Zealand becomes truly alpine.
Aoraki / Mount Cook — the highest mountain in the country, and an entire world around it: glaciers, moraines, turquoise lakes, and peaks that rise into an endless sky.

In the morning, we drive along the shores of Lake Pukaki — one of the most scenic stretches of the journey. On a clear day, the mountains appear in the distance and slowly grow larger in the windshield. It’s the kind of moment when everyone naturally falls silent, lost in their thoughts.

Our main goal today is to explore the foothills of Mount Cook.
We’ll choose one of the most beautiful trails and walk toward glaciers and towering peaks — listening to the sound of water and watching how the light shifts across the mountains.

This is a day to move slowly.
Every turn feels like a postcard, and you constantly want to stop, take it in, and capture the beauty around you.

Distance & difficulty:
Hooker Valley Track — around ten kilometers round trip, three to four hours, easy to moderate (essentially a long scenic walk)

After the hike — rest, a hot tea or coffee, and time to simply admire the mountains.
This is the day when you truly understand why you traveled to the other side of the world.

Optional activities (highly recommended):
For those who want to see Mount Cook from above, this day offers the chance to add:

• A scenic flight in a small plane — mountain ridges, glaciers, and lakes below look like something out of a film. A beautiful way to feel the scale of the Southern Alps.
• A helicopter flight with a glacier landing — that unforgettable moment when you touch down прямо on the ice.

We’ll recommend the best options based on weather and timing — and everyone can decide for themselves, depending on their mood and желания.

Today begins with the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo.
The water looks as if someone had added milk and blue paint to it — and against the backdrop of the mountains, it is simply breathtaking.

We’ll walk along the shore, take incredible photos, and then continue on our way.
We are heading to the southeastern coast of the South Island — where the road runs along the ocean, waves crash against the rocks, and nature feels especially vivid and beautiful.

Today, we continue discovering New Zealand’s wildlife. We’ll begin with sea lions — looking for them along the shore, watching them from a safe distance, and catching those moments when they lie on the rocks, argue over space, lazily roll over in the sun, or simply gaze at the ocean as if they have nowhere to rush.

The southeast is also about beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, wind, salty air, and that feeling of being at the edge of the world. We’ll also stop at a beach with unusual round boulders, whose origin is surrounded by many legends.

Then we continue on to Dunedin — one of the most atmospheric cities on the South Island.
There is something distinctly European here, but with New Zealand freedom and the wind from the ocean. The city was founded by Scots, and you can feel it in everything: the architecture, university life, pubs, and even in the name itself (Dùn Èideann is the Gaelic name for Edinburgh).

Dunedin is also home to the street officially considered the steepest residential street in the world — Baldwin Street.
Its gradient reaches around thirty-five degrees, and when you stand at the bottom, it feels as though the road disappears straight into the sky.

We will definitely stop here — it is a short but memorable experience. The climb takes only a few minutes, but your breathing quickly becomes heavier, and your steps grow smaller and more careful. From the top, there are beautiful views over the city and the surrounding hills.

In the evening, another special experience awaits us: we’ll head to the coast to observe little blue penguins — the smallest penguins in the world. After sunset, they return from the ocean to their burrows: emerging from the water in small groups, calling to one another, waddling over the rocks, and disappearing into the grass. We will watch quietly and from a distance, without using bright lights, so as not to disturb them.

We have breakfast and set off toward a very scenic lighthouse, considered one of the most beautiful in New Zealand.
We’ll take in the ocean one more time, breathe the salty air, and enjoy the coastal views.

After that, we return to Queenstown.
Here, you’ll have free time to experience the city at your own pace:

• take a walk along the shores of Lake Wakatipu
• head up to a scenic viewpoint
• enjoy a glass of wine or a coffee with mountain views
• pick up some souvenirs
• or simply sit by the water and feel the closing moments of the journey

In the evening, we’ll gather for a final dinner — recalling the brightest moments, sharing emotions, and perhaps feeling a touch of sadness.

Almost two weeks of road, mountains, ocean, and light — and we’re back in Queenstown, but now with the feeling of a long and meaningful journey behind us.

In the morning — breakfast and a calm, unhurried packing.

Queenstown knows how to make a beautiful ending: even the drive to the airport takes you through mountains and along the lake, as if the journey doesn’t let go until the very last moment.

New Zealand stays somewhere on the other side of the world.
But a part of it will definitely travel with us.