So, when Ceci and I traveled to New Zealand, which has consistently been #1 on my list of places to visit, I was a bit nervous that we would be underwhelmed - expectations being so high and all. So, I preemptively chose the window seat on the plane (usually, Ceci takes the window seat) and took in the beautiful landscape as we landed on the South Island; I immediately knew there was nothing to worry about. Instead, it significantly exceeded my expectations. The place completely blew us away. Every place we visited was magical, but here are some of the highlights.
Queenstown. Queenstown was the first stop on our trip to New Zealand. What a way to kick off a great trip! Queenstown is a resort town filled with primarily well-to-do tourists and probably doesn’t reflect much of New Zealand, but jeez, it is gorgeous. Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, this charming village boasts some of the most stunning natural scenery you will ever see. The mountains surrounding Queenstown are majestic and awe-inspiring, with snow-capped peaks that stretch towards the sky. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu reflect the mountains, creating a beautiful mirroring effect that is truly breathtaking.
If you love the outdoors, Queenstown is the perfect destination. Countless hiking trails and bike paths wind through the mountains and forests, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can also take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak, with panoramic views of the village and the surrounding mountains. For those who love adventure, Queenstown is the ultimate playground. You can go bungee jumping, skydiving, or take a thrilling jet boat ride through narrow canyons and past towering waterfalls. There are also plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing during winter.
To commemorate our adventure in Queenstown, we designed the perfect travel hoodie—this Queenstown, New Zealand Athletic Travel Hoodie. It’s warm, comfortable, and a great reminder of the stunning landscapes we explored.
Our first stop was Devil's Staircase Lookout, which offered stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. The lookout is on State Highway 6, just a short drive from Queenstown. From there, we continued to Eglington Valley, where lush forests and rolling hills greeted us. The Eglington Valley is a picturesque glacial valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dotted with crystal-clear streams. It's a popular spot for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, with opportunities to see native birds, deer, and other animals. We spent some time exploring the valley, marveling at the natural beauty of the area. Next, we made our way to the charming town of Te Anau, located on the shores of Lake Te Anau. This picturesque town is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, and it's a popular stop for visitors. We spent some time exploring the town, enjoying a leisurely lunch at a local cafe, and stocking up on supplies for the rest of our journey. After leaving Te Anau, we headed towards Mirror Lakes, a series of small lakes that reflect the surrounding mountains and trees. The lakes are located just off State Highway 94, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for a short walk or picnic.
Our final stop before reaching Milford Sound was Monkey Creek, a small stream that runs through the forested hills of Fiordland National Park. The area is home to various native birds, and we enjoyed listening to their calls as we strolled along the creek.
Milford Sound. Finally, we arrived at Milford Sound, where we were met with one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. The natural beauty of this fjord is spectacular, and the boat tour allowed us to appreciate the stunning landscape fully. We began our tour in the town of Milford Sound, where we boarded a vessel and set off to explore the fjord. As we navigated through the Sound, we were surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters. It was like something out of a postcard.
One of the tour's highlights was when the boat captain brought us up close to one of the waterfalls, allowing us to feel the power of the water as it cascaded down around us. It was a surreal and unforgettable experience that left us in awe of the beauty of Milford Sound. We also had the opportunity to see some wildlife, including playful dolphins and lounging seals. It was incredible to witness these animals in their natural habitat. Overall, our boat tour of Milford Sound was an unforgettable experience. We left feeling grateful for the opportunity to witness such natural beauty and will cherish the memories for years to come.
As we made our way back to Queenstown, we reflected on our journey to Milford Sound and all the incredible sights we had seen along the way. From Devil's Staircase Lookout to Eglington Valley, each stop offered a unique perspective on the beauty and majesty of the South Island of New Zealand. We highly recommend this journey to anyone exploring the natural wonders of this stunning part of the world.
I wanted a way to bring home the beauty of Milford Sound, and this New Zealand Milford Sound Travel Art Print was the perfect find. It captures the dramatic cliffs and serene waters of the fjord, a stunning reminder of our time there.
Glenorchy. Ceci and I took an unforgettable excursion from Queenstown to Glenorchy the following day. It was a journey that took us through some of the most stunning landscapes New Zealand has to offer. Our first stop was Wilson Bay, a serene spot with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu. As we walked along the shore, the crisp mountain air filled our lungs, energizing us for the rest of the journey. Bennetts Bluff was the next stop on our itinerary, and It was likely the epic scenery that we witnessed during our excursion.
The lookout point offered a sweeping panorama of the Dart River valley below, and we spent several minutes simply gazing out at the landscape in awe. We then journeyed through the picturesque town of Glenorchy, where we stopped at the Trading Post for a delicious breakfast sandwich. During breakfast, we spoke to one of the servers at the Trading Post and asked her if we should keep going past Glenorchy as this was intended to be our final stop. She highly recommended that we go to Kinloch - only a 15-mile drive from Glenorchy. Little did we know that most of the trip was on a bumpy, unpaved road. And the other thing we realized after the fact, is that Glenorchy and Kinloch are only 1 mile apart as the crow flies; but, where’s a crow when you need one.
That said, the drive was well worth it. The scenery was absolutely stunning, and we couldn't resist capturing the beauty of the area through our lenses. Along the way, we passed the Isengard Lookout, which was a must-visit for me as a lifelong fan of The Lord of the Rings. The view of the Misty Mountains in the distance, framed by the towering pillars of the lookout, was a sight that will stay with me forever.
By the end of the trip, I knew I had to bring home something that captured the essence of our travels. This New Zealand Graphic Print Vacation T-Shirt does just that—it's a stylish and wearable memory of an unforgettable adventure, but also captures the symbols of New Zealand's focus on natural beauty and its environment.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand was everything I had hoped for and more. From the adrenaline-filled activities in Queenstown to the serene beauty of Milford Sound and the breathtaking landscapes of Glenorchy, every moment felt like a dream. If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t hesitate—this is a place that will stay with you forever.
And if you’re looking for a way to bring a little piece of New Zealand home, check out these travel-inspired pieces from Vacation Art Boutique. Whether it’s a cozy hoodie, a stunning travel print, or a stylish t-shirt, they make the perfect memento of an unforgettable journey.
Until the next adventure! ✈️
