Discover My Honest Insights After 11 Days Exploring New Zealand’s Hidden Gems

Back from New Zealand for a week, I finally found the time to sort through the photos 📸. It was an incredibly comfortable and rejuvenating holiday that completely exceeded both my and my friend’s expectations ✌️— truly amazing! The total cost was 90k 💰, but it was absolutely worth every penny!

Initially, both of us were a bit nervous about our average English skills and the prospect of joining a tour group with a packed itinerary. We also have high standards for accommodation, so we anticipated some challenges. However, things took a surprising turn for the better. We discovered a local travel agency owner on xhs who not only tailored our trip but also introduced us to another couple.

The four of us traveled in a spacious Alphard car, which was incredibly comfortable and flexible, saving us both money and effort. It was absolutely perfect, and I can’t wait to book with her again for future trips; it’s just so convenient! 👍

Cost Overview: Total expenses 💰90k (including airfare for two, hotels, driver, and the Alphard car).

Highlights of the Trip:
– **Christchurch**: We stayed at the Hilton Hotel, which was incredibly comfortable. We dined at Bessie restaurant, where we savored a tomahawk steak and fresh oysters. The ingredients were top-notch, making every bite a delight.
– **Lake Tekapo**: We spent two nights here and were lucky enough to witness the stunning Milky Way.

The view from the mountain-top cafe overlooking Lake Tekapo was breathtaking. We also visited a salmon farm, where the sashimi was so fresh it melted in our mouths. We couldn’t resist ordering several plates, and the grilled fish head was equally delicious, still making my mouth water just thinking about it.

– **Mount Cook**: We hiked to the glacier lake, and the guy recommended several stunning spots. Every photo we took looked like a masterpiece, no filters needed—the natural beauty did all the work.
– **Queenstown**: We stayed for three nights. Although too scared to skydive, we went on a thrilling speedboat ride on the lake.

We also took a century-old steamship, enjoyed a sumptuous buffet, and watched sheepdogs herding sheep along the way, which was super fun!
– **Glenorchy, the Lord of the Rings town**: The scenery along the way was simply breathtaking, and we couldn’t stop taking photos. This place truly deserves to be called “the last paradise on earth.

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– **Shopping in Queenstown**: We bought many small gifts at the downtown mall and also got an alpaca blanket, which will keep us warm during the northeast winter ~
– **Wanaka**: We visited the famous lone tree 🌳, and the weather was perfect. We sat by the lake for a long time, enjoying the quiet and healing atmosphere, instantly relieving all our stress.

– **Oamaru**: The little blue penguins 🐧 were so adorable! They climbed ashore after dark, very timid, and reportedly weigh only up to 1kg. Seeing them return to their nests, my heart melted, and I really wanted to take one home!
– **Hidden Gem: A Century-Old Bakery**: The guy knew I love desserts and took us to this charming old bakery, a must-visit for any dessert lover.

The taste was superb, filling us with happiness.

Accommodation Arrangements: Apart from the Hilton Hotel in Christchurch, the guy arranged fantastic big houses for us in other places. Each one was luxurious and comfortable, with a touch of surprise.

If we had set out to find these treasures on our own, we might never have discovered them!
In short, the entire journey was not only breathtakingly beautiful but also filled with heartfelt service! The meticulous arrangements by the Chinese-speaking guide were truly exceptional, leaving us with nothing to worry about—just follow and savor every moment. We are already eagerly anticipating our next adventure, perhaps a 14-day in-depth tour 💖