On 23 August 2012, I embarked on a solo journey to New Zealand with a working holiday visa. It was initially a 6 months trip but had turned into 6 years.

At that time, I worked on a farm in Blenheim and had a very simple lifestyle. Everything I owned fit in a backpack and I was living from hand to mouth.

Then, unexpectedly, I received a permanent job opportunity and so I started a new life in New Zealand. This was not part of my plan and my decision to stay has changed my life forever.

Since then, I love New Zealand more and more each day. In my opinion, everyone should visit New Zealand at least once in the lifetime! I hope you feel my love for New Zealand from the photos and words below.

 

Start with a few photos of me:

In New Zealand, I had long hair, short hair, and now long hair again. I still love travelling in New Zealand after living here for many years, because there is so much to see and explore.

This post lists down the highlights of some of my favourite places – I hope it can inspire anyone who is planning to visit New Zealand. 🙂

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Lake Tekapo

Why travel to Lake Tekapo?

• In my opinion, it is the most beautiful place in New Zealand. However, it is getting more touristy and crowded.
• Hike to Mt John and visit one of the best cafés in the world – Astro Café.
• Be surrounded by beautiful lupine flowers in summer. Be stunned by the romantic views in winter.
• Visit the lovely Church of Good Shepherd and make a promise to your love here.
• It has been ranked one of the best spots in the world for stargazing.
• Click here to read my blog about Lake Tekapo

 

Mt Cook

Why travel to Mt Cook?

• For the stunning and magnificent view. Just like a postcard!
• This is a perfect place for anyone who enjoys nature and hiking.
• There are many good walking tracks here. The popular ones are Hooker Valley Track and Tasman Valley Track.
• Riding a bike here is fun and relaxing.
• Click here to read my blog about Mt Cook

 

Tongariro National Park

Why travel to Tongariro National Park?

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best walks in New Zealand.
• If you have a chance, visit in both summer and winter – their views are totally different!
• The availability of hiking is highly dependent on the weather, so it is better to have a more flexible travel plan.
• Click here to read my blog about Tongariro National Park

 

Bay of Islands

Why travel to Bay of Islands?

• Come relax on a beautiful beach.
• Stay a night to get the best of it – the popular towns are Paihia and Russell.
• This is a good getaway from busy Auckland, or, a good stopover between Auckland and Cape Reinga.
• Click here to read my blog about Bay of Islands

 

Oamaru

Why travel to Oamaru?

• For the art. For the peace. For the fun.
• I love the buildings and decorations in this very small and lovely town – give me a feel of art.
• Click here to read my blog about Oamaru

 

Dunedin

Why travel to Dunedin?

• Visit the famous university – it is my dream to study at such a beautiful place.
• Visit the railway station – an excellent spot to take photos.
• Walk on the steepest street in the world – Baldwin Street.
• Click here to read my blog about Dunedin

 

Rotorua

Why travel to Rotorua?

• Rotorua is the place that I love the most on the north island.
• There are many geothermal areas – must visit one of them if you haven’t been there.
• Visit Redwood Forest and you will be amazed by the wonder of nature.
• Click here to read my blog about Rotorua

 

Taupo

Why travel to Taupo?

• Huka Falls is stunning – the colour of the water looks unreal and beautiful.
• Water rafting is exciting!
• Huka Fall Track is a good walk too.
• Click here to read my blog about Lake Taupo

 

Blenheim

Why travel to Blenheim?

• A popular place for backpackers on a working holiday visa as there are many seasonal jobs available here.
• Many people come here for the vineyards and wine tasting.
• Wither Hills Farm Park has a great view!
• Click here to read my blog about Blenheim

 

Fiordland National Park

Why travel to Fiordland National Park?

• The most popular fiords are Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
• Many people take the cruise from Te Anau.
• Doubtful Sound is more remote and beautiful but is more expensive to visit.
• The scenery along the way from Queenstown to Milford Sound/Doubtful Sound is amazing too!
• If you are interested in walking on the Milford Sound track, book it earlier as it is so popular and always fully booked.
• Click here to read my blog about Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound

 

White Island

Why travel to White Island?

• It is a lifetime experience to visit the most active volcano in New Zealand!
• Quite expensive but worth it, as it is a unique and mysterious place to visit.
• Click here to read my blog about White Island

Latest update: the White Island volcano erupted on 9 December 2019 and it is not safe to visit here anymore.
 

Cape Reinga

Why travel to Cape Reinga?

• Almost at the northest of New Zealand – how cool is that?
• A place where two oceans meet. It is so natural and romantic!
• See the iconic yellow signpost and lighthouse.
• If have time, visits 90-mile-beach and Giant Sand Dunes.
• Click here to read my blog about Cape Reinga

 

Queenstown

Why travel to Queenstown?

• A very touristy and commercial town. Might be the only place in NZ in which the shops open till late night every day.
• Popular place for skiing and adventurous activities.
• If you drive a car, consider visiting Glenorchy, Wanaka, Arrowtown and Cromwell as well
• Click to read my blog (Queenstown, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Cromwell, Arrowtown)

 

Franz Josef

Why travel to Franz Josef?

• See the glacier, or, walk on it.
• The most popular activity is the Heli Hike tour which is a short helicopter flight + guided walk on the glacier.
• Or, you can do the Franz Josef Glacier Walk to see the glacier from a distance.
• I like the beautiful Waiho river and waterfall along the walking track.
• Click here to read my blog about Franz Josef

 

Wellington

Why travel to Wellington?

• A lovely capital in New Zealand with a rich culture.
• Wandering around the city is enjoyable.
• Some famous attractions are Te Papa Museum, Lambton Quay, Botanical Garden, Mt Victoria, Weta Cave, etc.
• Consider other activities such as horse riding, berries picking or visiting a farmhouse (need access by car).
• Since I am living here, I have written many blog posts about Wellington – Click here to read them.

 

Other destinations in New Zealand: Auckland, Abel Tasman, Arrowtown, Christchurch, Cromwell, Nelson, Waiheke Island, Wanaka

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My Journey in New Zealand… ❤

These few years in New Zealand have made me a different person. I have so much memory that couldn’t be expressed in words. I have done many things that I would have never imagined in my home country, such as:

• I hiked in the forest and snow mountain and the volcano,
• I experienced starving, earthquake and leaving of friends,
• I was a happy-go-lucky farm girl and turned into a serious office lady in a week,
• I saw amazing sceneries that I will never forget in my lifetime,
• I met important friends who will stay in my heart forever,
• I found my soul mate who I can spend the rest of my life with,
• I created my blog here – Opposite Journey.

It was also the first time that I felt freedom which was incredibly amazing! New Zealand would be one of the most unforgettable adventures of my life. I felt so sad that I had to leave New Zealand… But anyway, I will continue my Opposite Journey in Australia and forever remember my passion for New Zealand.