New Zealand

According to STA Travel, going to New Zealand without booking the Kiwi Experience was a terrible plan, so before we left, two tickets for the Zephyr Pass were paid for. The 'experience' gave you travel for both islands, similar to the hop-on/hop-off buses seen in cities, although this ticket lasted a month, and you spent nights in places as opposed to hours. Kiwi Experience website. Due to the vast amounts we saw during our month in New Zealand, I have decided to discuss my three personal favourite experiences from the trip.

Our first destination on the Zephyr pass was the famed city of Auckland, where we played the stereotypical tourists and ventured on a day bus tour. Auckland Harbour Bridge was included on our whistle stop tour, so we decided to take part with the Bridge climb. Luckily for my nerves we were buckled to the bridge, so there was no chance I could go tumbling into the sea!

Auckland

When we first thought about visiting New Zealand, I had fields and sheep in mind, however, our second stop soon made me see differently. Paihia in the Bay of Islands can be found at the top of the north island, surrounded by white beaches and stunning views. It’s a popular destination, so much so a cruise ship was docked in the waters. Our time was spent sunbathing, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of our Pipi Patch hostel. 

Paihia Bay

According to friends and other travellers, visiting New Zealand without taking part in some form of adrenaline activity is a travesty. A mid-day stop included a visit to The Kawarau Bungee Centre, situated just outside the city of Queenstown. Our driver asked us whether anyone would like to experience the bridge bungee jump, as I knew my nerves would not be able to sustain the 134 metre Nevis jump Bungee Jump; I thought I would take the opportunity and jump the 43 metres off the Kawarau Bridge. The jump was the most terrifying, yet exhilarating experience, and the fact that your reason for survival is Velcro, makes your nerves significantly more apparent. Kawarau Bridge Bungee website

Kawarau Bridge Bungee

Travelling to a different city every day for month was nothing short of exciting, if not very tiring, but our bus ticket had ended, and we were to fly onto Fiji!