Returning from New Zealand: Tips to Avoid Travel Pitfalls and Share Unforgettable Moments with Your Partner

Let me share my travel adventure. My boyfriend and I embarked on an 8-day journey to New Zealand, a land of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. After poring over countless travel guides on Xiaohongshu, we discovered that many of New Zealand’s attractions are scattered far and wide. Neither of us enjoys the nitty-gritty of detailed planning, nor do we want to juggle booking tickets and hotels. With safety in mind, we decided to seek out a professional guide.

After carefully comparing several options, we opted for a local Chinese tour guide who offered a semi-independent small group tour. The entire process was smooth and professional, and while the cost wasn’t cheap, it was certainly reasonable. We felt we got great value for our money, and the itinerary perfectly matched our expectations. (If you’re still on the fence, consider these points.)

✅ Itinerary: Excluding the flight, we spent 8 glorious days exploring New Zealand. Our journey took us through the charming city of Christchurch, where we strolled through its picturesque streets. We then headed to Lake Tekapo for a magical night of stargazing, followed by marveling at the stunning milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki.

In Oamaru, we witnessed the adorable penguins returning to their nests, and in Queenstown, we enjoyed some free time, taking a cable car ride for a panoramic view of the city. We visited most of the must-see attractions, and what I loved most was the flexibility. If we didn’t fancy a boat tour in Milford Sound, we could opt for Glenorchy instead, and they would refund the difference.

I highly recommend visiting the fjord on a rainy day; on a sunny day, it resembles the Three Gorges, and the drive can be quite tiring.

✅ Food and Accommodation: We were free to choose our own lunch and dinner, which was a huge plus. Group meals often leave much to be desired, and this arrangement allowed us to savor the local cuisine. The accommodations were generally up to four-star standards, and I particularly adored the hotel in Queenstown, which provided pillows labeled “hard” or “soft” for guests to choose from—a thoughtful touch!

In Tekapo, we stayed at a lakeside resort perched on a hill, offering a breathtaking view of the lake and mountains. After dinner, we took a leisurely walk and were even treated to a rainbow and a spectacular sunset!

✅ Group Tour Experience: Our small group consisted of just four people, making the experience incredibly flexible. Joining a tour solved all our language and transportation concerns, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy the trip. Everything was fantastic and well worth it. It was a purely enjoyable experience with no hidden costs. My boyfriend and I never argued about the itinerary, which was a major plus. It felt like a self-guided trip, but with someone else handling all the logistics.

Additionally, our driver and guide were exceptional. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the area, recommending local delicacies, explaining the culture and customs, and never pushing sales. Even when I was considering a purchase, I appreciated not being pressured. He also pointed us to places with good deals and maintained a laid-back attitude, never rushing us, which made the trip wonderfully comfortable.

These are my current reflections. Personally, I found this trip to New Zealand absolutely delightful, and joining a small group tour truly made the experience hassle-free. If your budget permits, I wholeheartedly recommend it! The convenience and the shared experiences with fellow travelers added so much to our journey. I genuinely hope that everyone who dreams of visiting New Zealand has an equally fantastic time!