Posts in NEW ZEALAND

NEW ZEALAND'S BAY OF ISLANDS: THE COMPLETE GUIDE

If you’re dreaming of emerald islands, secluded beaches, dolphin encounters, and a little luxury in the mix—the Bay of Islands is a destination you don’t want to miss on your New Zealand itinerary. This subtropical paradise in the far north offers a stunning blend of nature, culture, and adventure, with a laid-back vibe that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.

Whether you’re sailing through turquoise waters, exploring historic Maori sites, or checking into a luxury lodge with ocean views, the Bay of Islands delivers.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect stay.

3-4 NIGHTS

----

BEST TIME TO VISIT – November–March (New Zealand’s summer) is ideal for beach days, boat trips, and warm temps.
April–May offers fewer crowds and pleasant weather.

Where is the Bay of Islands?

The Bay of Islands is in the Northland Region of New Zealand, about a 3-hour scenic drive or a quick flight from Auckland. The area includes charming towns like Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri, with ferries connecting them for easy exploration.

Where to Stay in the Bay of Islands

Here are my top picks—whether you're looking for romantic seclusion or full-service luxury. And yes, when you book through me, you’ll unlock VIP perks like breakfast for two, spa credits, and potential upgrades.

Rosewood at Kauri Cliffs

Ultra-luxury lodge set on a private coastal estate
Golf course, spa, and private beach picnics
A member of Rosewood Elite (perks available!)

Paihia Beach Resort & Spa

Boutique beachfront property in the heart of Paihia
Incredible spa + walkable to restaurants and the wharf

Eagles Nest

Exclusive villas with panoramic ocean views
Some villas come with private chefs + infinity pools
Best for honeymooners or a luxe group retreat

Top Things To Do in the Bay of Islands

Whether you're into outdoor adventure, cultural history, or just chilling by the sea—there’s something here for you.

Hole in the Rock Cruise

The most iconic experience in the Bay!
Cruise or sail through crystal-clear waters to a massive natural rock arch

Dolphin Watching + Sailing

Spot dolphins and other marine life on a scenic catamaran cruise
Private yacht charters also available for a splurge-worthy day

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Learn about New Zealand’s history and Māori culture
Beautifully preserved site with interactive experiences

Canyoning Adventure

A high-adrenaline activity for the adventurous!
Rappel down waterfalls and scramble through hidden gorges

Beach-Hopping + Kayaking

Hop between secluded coves and golden beaches
My tip: ask about guided sea kayak tours at sunset!

Dining & Wine

While this isn’t a huge foodie region, there are some hidden gems.

Omata Estate

Boutique vineyard near Russell with ocean views and woodfired pizzas

Charlotte’s Kitchen (Paihia)

Trendy, waterfront spot for seafood and cocktails

How to Get There

From Auckland:

Drive (~3 hours) or
Fly to Kerikeri and transfer (~30 min)

By Ferry:

Regular ferry service connects Paihia and Russell

Lauren’s Luxury Travel Tips:

Stay at least 3 nights to fully enjoy the region
Pack reef-safe sunscreen + water shoes for adventure days
Let me handle the bookings so you can enjoy VIP perks at top properties
Ask about combining this with Waiheke Island or other North Island gems!

Planning a New Zealand Escape?

As a luxury travel advisor, I’ll help you build a custom itinerary that includes the Bay of Islands plus other must-see spots like Queenstown, Franz Josef, and more. And when you book through me, you'll get access to exclusive perks at luxury hotels and lodges across the country.

📍 Schedule your consult

BEACH, CANYONING, HOLIDAYS, ITINERARY, LUXURY, NEW ZEALAND, TRAVELLauren BaileyJuly 7, 2025NEW ZEANLAND, Bay of Islands, Adven, ADVENTURE TRAVEL, canyoning, New Zealand, south pacific

The Ultimate 15-Day New Zealand Luxury Itinerary: Queenstown to Bay of Islands

HOW TO SPEND 15 DAYS IN NEW ZEALAND-NEW ZEALAND-QUEENSTOWN-AUCKLAND-CHRISTCHURCH-FRANZ JOSEPH GLACIER-ROTORUA-MILFORD SOUND-MILFORD TREK-HIKING-KITY KITY FALLS-CANYONING-SCUBA DIVING-ACTIVE TRAVEL-ADVENTURE TRAVEL-COUPLES TRAVEL-TRAVEL ADVISOR-SOUTH…

OUR 15 DAY/14 NIGHT ITINERARY

Here’s what our 15 day New Zealand itinerary looked like:

Queenstown (5 nights)

Franz Joseph (2 nights)

Christchurch (1 night)

Tongariro National Park (2 nights)

Auckland (1 night)

Bay of Islands (3 nights)

—

Total days: 15

QUEENSTOWN

Where to stay:
We stayed at Scenic Suites Queenstown — a great mid-range option just a short walk from downtown with spacious rooms and a full kitchen. Perfect for easy breakfasts before active days!

Other great options:
• Platinum Queenstown Villas – ideal for families or groups with roomy apartment-style accommodations.
• Lakeridge Queenstown – beautiful lake views and walking distance to town.

If you're looking for a luxury stay, here are a few top options I can book with exclusive perks like daily breakfast, resort credits, and room upgrades when available:
• Eichardt’s Private Hotel – Lakefront luxury with a boutique feel
• Matakauri Lodge – An elegant retreat just minutes from town, with stunning lake and mountain views
• The Rees Hotel – Five-star waterfront property with exceptional service and cuisine

What to do:

The adventure capital of New Zealand has no shortage of things to do! You could easily spend 10+ days here. I created a separate 5-day Queenstown guide with all the details, but here are a few musts:
• Day trip to Milford Sound (by coach or scenic flight)
• Bungee jumping or paragliding for thrill-seekers
• White-water rafting or jet boating
• Hike part of the Routeburn or Milford Track
• Relax at Onsen Hot Pools with a glass of wine
• Explore Arrowtown for a charming half-day trip

FRANZ JOSEPH

Where to stay:
We stayed at a local motel-style lodge that offered easy access to the glacier tour center. For something a little more special, I’d recommend:
• Rainforest Retreat – Treehouse vibes, hot tubs, and right in the middle of town
• Te Waonui Forest Retreat – A luxury eco-hotel nestled in the rainforest

What to do:

The Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike is the main event here—and for good reason! It’s a surreal experience to land on the glacier and hike through shimmering blue ice formations.

However, due to weather, our tour was canceled the first day. Instead, we spent the day kayaking on Lake Mapourika, surrounded by mountains and native forest. Absolutely stunning and peaceful.

We were lucky that the next morning was clear and we could do the heli-hike before driving to Christchurch. It was a long but scenic 5-hour drive through Arthur’s Pass.

CHRISTCHURCH

Where to stay:
We stayed one night in the heart of the city.
• The George – A boutique luxury hotel known for personalized service.
• Fable Christchurch – Stylish and centrally located.
VIP bookings here can include complimentary breakfast, late checkout, and more.

What to do:
Christchurch is a city in transformation. Depending on your time and interests:
• Wander the Botanic Gardens and Avon River
• Check out the Riverside Market
• Visit the Canterbury Museum or take a punting tour
• For something quirky, explore the Cardboard Cathedral

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

Where to stay:
• Chateau Tongariro Hotel – A historic hotel with mountain views and old-world charm
• Local lodges in National Park Village also offer cozy, no-fuss options

What to do:
Home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best day hikes in the world.
You’ll walk past volcanic peaks, emerald lakes, and steaming vents – it’s like stepping onto another planet.
Other activities:
• Short hikes like Taranaki Falls Track
• Visit the filming sites of Mount Doom (yes, Lord of the Rings fans!)
Pro tip: Weather can be unpredictable—pack layers and check track conditions in advance.

AUCKLAND

Where to stay:
• Hotel Britomart – Sleek, sustainable, and in a great location
• SO/ Auckland – Chic hotel with skyline views and a rooftop bar
• Park Hyatt Auckland – A modern waterfront escape with resort-level service
As a preferred partner with many luxury brands, I can often include breakfast for two, upgrades, and early check-in/late checkout when available.

What to do:
With just one night, we kept it low-key. A few highlights if you have time:
• Take a harbor cruise or ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting
• Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum
• Dine at the Viaduct Harbour or Britomart district

BAY OF ISLANDS

Where to stay:
• The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs – Ultra-luxury with stunning ocean views
• Paihia Beach Resort & Spa – Beachfront, stylish, and walkable to town
Booking luxury properties like Kauri Cliffs through me can include resort credits, spa treatments, and special amenities you won’t find online.

What to do:
• Canyoning in the waterfalls and canyons of the area – adrenaline and nature wrapped into one
• Hole in the Rock boat tour
• Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about NZ’s history
• Go sailing or dolphin watching
• Relax on the beach or paddleboard in the bay

FAQS

What time of year is best to visit New Zealand?
The best time is December to March (their summer). Great weather and longer daylight hours, especially for hiking and outdoor adventures.

What was your favorite city in New Zealand?
Queenstown – hands down! It's packed with adventure, incredible views, and great restaurants.

How long do I need for a trip to New Zealand?
I recommend at least 14–15 days to explore both the North and South Islands without rushing. If you can do 3 weeks, even better!

What’s the best way to get around in New Zealand?
Self-driving is ideal. The roads are scenic and well-maintained, and it gives you the flexibility to stop at lookouts or small towns along the way. Just remember—they drive on the left!

READY TO PLAN YOUR OWN NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE?

If this itinerary has you dreaming of glaciers, glow worms, and luxury lodges, I’d love to help you plan your own tailor-made journey. From adventure-packed itineraries to romantic escapes, I’ll take care of all the details — and make sure you get VIP perks every step of the way.

Let’s start planning!
✨ Ask me about complimentary breakfast, resort credits, and room upgrades at top-tier hotels and lodges.

Contact

Need help planning and booking your own New Zealand Adventure?

CITY LIFE, TRAVEL, NEW ZEALANDLauren BaileyJune 30, 2025HOW TO SPEND 15 DAYS IN NEW ZEALAND-NEW ZEALAND-QUEENSTOWN-AUCKLAND-CHRISTCHURCH-FRANZ JOSEPH GLACIER-ROTORUA-MILFORD SOUND-MILFORD TREK-HIKING-KITY KITY FALLS-CANYONING-SCUBA DIVING-ACTIVE TRAVEL-ADVENTURE TRAVEL-COUPLES TRAVEL-TRAVEL ADVISOR-SOUTH PACIFIC-SOUTH PACIFIC ADVENTURE-TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING-HIKE-BAY OF ISLANDS-TRAVELING-LOVE OF TRAVEL-ADVENTURE-ITINERARYNEW ZEALAND ITINERARYComment

HIKING THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING IN NEW ZEALAND: COMPLETE GUIDE

In order to give this hike an appropriate introduction, I have to tell you first about the weather conditions that we endured during this trek. We went to New Zealand in April, which is supposed to be their fall. This April, however, was unusually cold, windy, and rainy, which made for a lot of cancelled excursions. The day that we had set aside to do this trek was no different.

While checking into our hotel, which I swear was haunted (another story..), we noticed a sign at the check-in counter that described the conditions for the following day for the Tongariro Trek. The sign stated a -3˚C windchill with up to 70 mph winds. I know! Crazy, right??

Despite these horrible weather conditions, we layered up and decided to attempt this hike. We headed out from the hotel early that morning with our guide to the Mangatepopo car park.

TIPS BEFORE YOU START:

Schedule a shuttle to/from your hotel - Parking at the Mangatepopo car park is limited to 4 hours for people that are doing shorter walks. If you are completing the entire trek, then you need to schedule a shuttle.
Check the weather. Check the weather. Check the weather!
Dress in layers.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE:

Distance: 19.4 km (12 miles) point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 765 meters elevation gain and 1125 meters elevation loss if you hike from Mangatepopo car park to Ketetahi car park
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours
Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island of New Zealand

ESSENTIALS FOR THE TREK:

Tongariro National Park can be subject to unpredictable weather, and conditions can change quickly. It is important that all walkers carry the essentials for their journey across.

Take:

Food and plenty of fluid, especially in the summer months. If you are planning on completing any of the summit tracks, ensure you have additional water supplies.
Waterproof and wind-proof raincoat and trousers
Strong, sturdy boots (you will be trekking over uneven volcanic terrain)
Warm clothing layers: woolen or polypropylene thermals and fleece
Hat and gloves
Hot Hands
Sunscreen and sunglasses
First Aid Kit
Map
Cellphone

Due to the rugged and alpine environment, the weather in the car park at the beginning of the track can differ greatly from conditions 1000 meters higher further up the track. Be prepared to change your plans and turn back especially when visibility is poor or strong winds prevail. [C/O Tongariro Crossing]

Map C/O New Zealand Department of Conservation

Mangatepopo Car Park to Soda Springs (~1-1.5 hours)

When you leave the carpark, you will start off walking through the scrubby grassland, toward the Mangatepopo Valley. The trail is well-maintained and an easy walk starting off as boardwalks have been build to help protect the fragile environment. Views of Mount Ruapehu will be to the left, and as you round the corner, ominously in the distance, Mount Ngauruhoe comes into view.

Like so many other locations in New Zealand, Tongariro National Park was used during filming of Lord of the Rings. You might remember it as Mordor, where, during the entire trilogy, Frodo and Sam try to get to Mount Doom, aka Mount Ngauruhoe, so they can destroy the infamous ring. Unfortunately, as I stated earlier, the weather was terrible so Mount Doom was not visible during our trek. The next day, however, the weather cleared and there was a beautiful view of Mount Doom in the distance.

Soda Springs to South Crater (~1 hour)

This area of the trek is known as the “Devil’s Staircase” because it is super steep. If you have a clear day, then I’ve heard that view is beautiful. Even on an overcast day, the view looking out over the valley is still breathtaking.

This is a huge contrast from the leisurely boardwalk walk at the start of the trek. By the time you reach the top, you will be breathless!

Devil's Staircase Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand

Remember those layers that I recommended..yes this hike was done on the same day. I think I had enough clothes to change my full outfit like 3 times haha!

SOUTH CRATER TO RED CRATER (~1 HOUR)

After climbing up Devil’s Staircase, you will continue along a long flat trail that looks like a lunar landscape that you would find on Mars. I don’t have any photos from here as this is where the weather took a turn for the worse.

These are the photos from the official Tongariro Alpine Crossing site. As you can see, the area is gorgeous on a clear day, even in the winter!

At the top of south crater, there are the emerald pools.

Emerald pools at the top of south crater

RED CRATER TO BLUE LAKE (~30 MINUTES)

Once you reach red crater, you are on an exposed ridge. Once we reached this point, it was -3 degrees C with winds up to 45 mph. It was literally insane. Due to the loose rock and sand, we were crawling at one point up this ridge with the volcanic crater to our right and a dropoff to our left. We could not see more than 2 ft in front of us. It was a very scary situation.

BLUE LAKE TO KETETAHI SHELTER (~1 HOUR)

KETETAHI SHELTER TO KETETAHI CAR PARK (~2 HOURS)

PACKING GUIDE FOR THIS TREK:

Disclaimer: This list contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees but support me to keep this site running!

The packing list below are the necessities for a trek on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The weather is unpredictable and can change quickly, so I recommend to pack in layers to be most comfortable.

CLOTHING

Thermals (Base layer) - I like Thermotech or Hot Chilly’s
Waterproof Jacket and Pants (I like this Northface Gor-Tex but Frogtoggs are the cheapest, most economical option.)
Mid-layers
- Fleece Pullover
- Hot Chilly’s Half-Zip Pullover
Outer-layers
- Warm Vest
- Jacket
- Hat (Preferably fleece-lined) and gloves
Hiking Pants (I like these Columbia ones or these Eddie Bauer ones)
Hiking Socks (My absolute favorite! They are double-layered to prevent blisters.)
Hiking shoes (Great resource for hiking boot reviews here)
- Timberland Women’s Mt Maddsen Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boot
- Merrell Moab 2 WP Low Hiking Shoes - These are my personal favorites, although, they are very heavy.
Sunglasses
Refillable Water Bottle - This one is nice because it has a clip to clip to your bag and also it compresses so packs down easily.
Coola Sunscreen - My fav!
Waterproof phone case
Headlamp
Camera
Go-Pro
DJI Mavic Pro
Extra SD Cards

HIKING, ITINERARY, NEW ZEALAND, PACKING GUIDES, TRAVELLauren BaileyFebruary 3, 2025

CANYONING IN PIHA, NEW ZEALAND

Piha Beach is located about 40 km from Auckland on the west coast of New Zealand and is know as New Zealand’s most famous surf beach. This laid back surf town has more than just surfing up it’s sleeve however. During our trip to New Zealand, we took a day trip from Auckland to Piha Beach for a Canyoning excursion in Piha Canyon.

The Piha Canyon is set in the hills behind the beautiful Piha beach in a steep-sided volcanic rock valley, with a series of thundering waterfalls that cascade their way down the valley towards the ocean – providing a spectacular setting for adventure.

Once you get used to the freezing cold water (not to worry! - your wet suit will keep you warm), you’re in for an enjoyable day! After a short hike, the adventure begins by rappelling down a waterfall into a canyon.

At the bottom of the canyon we jumped into a pool of water and then climbed over several rocks and logs. Once on the other side, you swim through more water and then go through a rock tunnel to where you will do some cliff jumping!

There are two spots that you can cliff jump from. It was seriously so fun - and I’m scared of heights!

On the way back to Piha Beach, we walked past Daniel Radcliffe. Our friends ran back and asked him if he found a go-pro haha!

If you’ve never been canyoning, then I highly recommend it! If you’ve ever tried it, leave me a comment below about your favorite part!

Have you ever been to New Zealand? What was your favorite part of the trip?

DAY 1:

Welcome to New Zealand, where your adventure begins in Queenstown! After a long flight, grab your bags and head to your hotel for the next 4 nights.

After checking into the hotel, make your way to the Skyline Gondola + Luge for an adventurous downhill ride with stunning 220-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range beyond.

If you’re feeling extra daring, you can also sign up for bungee jumping at AJ Hackett ledge jump or swing!

Grab some dinner at The Bunker or if you’re looking for something quicker to eat, try Smith’s Craft Beer House.

DAY 2:

This morning is an early start, but for an amazing reason! Head to Queenstown airport to catch your short flight to Milford Sound with Milford Sound Scenic Flights, where you fly over Wakatipu Basin and into Fiordland, sweeping the length of Milford Sound where you can take in unparalleled views of world famous fiord.

Once landing in Milford Sound, you will take a short boat ride over to Sandfly Point to begin your guided walk on the famous Milford Track. This is a three and a half hour walk taking you along a well formed track to the half way point, Giant Gate waterfall.

After the walk, transfer to the boat terminal where you’ll board a Mitre Peak Cruise through Milford Sound where you will see scenic highlights along the way, such as the Bowen Falls, snow-capped Mount Pembroke, and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself, towering 1692 meters from the ocean floor.

The flight back is breathtaking as you first spot 548 meter Sutherland Falls. This scenic flight will allow you to take in magnificent views of the mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests of the Fiordland national Park on your way back to Queenstown.

After your busy day, grab dinner at The Cow. This is seriously the coolest restaurant. The ambiance is awesome and they have a roaring fire for cold, dreary days. This was one of my favorite restaurant experiences in Queenstown.

TIP: If you end up like us and have bad weather, take this opportunity to explore downtown Queenstown or plan a trip on the Shotover River Extreme Jet Boats.

DAY 3:

Since you have some time this morning, I highly recommend grabbing breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen before your excursions for the day.

After breakfast, head to your thrilling Tandem Paragliding excursion.

Grab a quick burger at Fergburger for lunch or head back to your hotel and make a quick lunch if you got the suite with a kitchen.

Next up, canyoning! This was probably one of my favorite things that we did while in New Zealand. If you’ve never done it, then I highly recommend this excursion! This adventure you will go down natural water slides, zip lines, pool jumps, abseils (rappelling), swimming and scrambling. I have a major fear of heights, but I would do this again and again!

Suprisingly, New Zealand has some of the best Thai food that I have ever eaten! Check out @Thai for some delicious Thai green curry.

*Bespoke Kitchen, Queenstown. Picture / Guy Coombes*

DAY 4:

The beautiful Routeburn Track is located in Mount Aspiring National Park and is our plan for today. It is a hike that begins with a gradual ascent, through 130 million year old magical world of ferns, mosses, lichens and beech forest. During this trek, you will explore forgotten paths of the Maori, finding enchantment around each corner. This walk is often described as, being “far better than the Milford Track”.

Just 2.5 hours down the track, the woodlands part to reveal the rich grassland of the Routeburn Flats, overlooked on all sides by cloud-scraping mountains, some so high they have permafrost. The Flats is a pristine site to stop for lunch. After a delicious Kiwi style picnic lunch, turn and enjoy the valley in reverse.

DAY 5:

Being from Tennessee, I have been whitewater rafting numerous times. That being said, whitewater rafting on the Shotover River after tons of rain making normal class 4 rapids become class 5 rapids was a whole other level!

This was the coolest experience! Due to weather, it was almost cancelled. Thankfully, at the last minute, they decided to run the excursion.

The Shotover River runs through Skippers Canyon and was one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. Start the journey from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, head towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower canyon. The adrenaline pumps as you paddle Rock Garden, After Shock, Sharks Fin, and Pinball to name but a few of the rapids. Raft the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel before shooting Cascade Rapid to complete your adventure.

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Here are three hotels that I would recommend. We stayed in the Scenic Suites. It was really nice because it was walking distance to downtown and it had a kitchen so that we could cook breakfast in the mornings before heading out on our busy day.

PLATINUM QUEENSTOWN

LAKERIDGE QUEENSTOWN

SCENIC SUITES QUEENSTOWN

Have you ever been to New Zealand or Queenstown? If so, leave me a comment below and tell me your favorite experience of your trip!

If you need any help booking a trip to New Zealand, I would love to help!

ABOUT ME:

—

Follow me: @thatblondetravels