Science Trails & Lifetime Memories: Ayush’s New Zealand Trip with Thrillophilia
I will never forget my trip to New Zealand for two reasons. First, I had the opportunity to experience it with my wife Ziya and it was special as it was our first international trip together. Second, I discovered that I could actually enjoy nature, despite always having preferred city life. New Zealand changed that for me. All thanks to the amazing team of Thrillophilia for making this trip more enjoyable and effortless.
Ziya and I spent nearly a month planning this trip, but we struggled to narrow down a proper plan. Thankfully, after discussing it with Thrillophilia’s destination experts, everything fell into place effortlessly. Even before the journey began, we found ourselves daydreaming about thrilling adventures, lively streets, and breathtaking views. Our excitement was like that of a child with a brand-new toy—we simply couldn’t wait to take off!
Revelling in Romance, Magic & Nature
We landed in Auckland and we couldn’t imagine a better beginning to our trip. Our first day in Auckland was chill and we explored the area near our hotel and spent a romantic dinner by the harbour, the city lights reflecting on the water as we enjoyed fresh seafood and fine wine. “Can we just freeze this moment?” Ziya whispered, and I smiled holding her hand as the cool breeze carried the cosy vibe of the city.
The next morning, we set off for Rotorua, eager to explore the Hobbiton Movie Set. Lord of the Rings was one of my favourite movies growing up and walking through the lush, rolling hills of the Shire, past charming Hobbit Holes and the rustic Mill, felt like stepping into my childhood dream. We even grabbed a drink at The Green Dragon Inn, soaking in the magic of Middle-earth. Later, we ventured into Ruakuri Cave, where a silent boat ride through a glowworm-lit cavern left us spellbound. It was truly a nature’s wonder!
The next day, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders awaited us and the Geothermal Valley bubbled and steamed. It was one of the most unique experiences we had on our trip. Our adventure ended high above the forest floor at the Redwoods Treewalk, where suspension bridges led us through a dreamy canopy of towering trees—pure magic from start to finish!
A Journey Through Dreamland
Queenstown, our next city, was an absolute dream! Our trip started with a visit to the Kiwi Birdlife Park, where we witnessed the kiwi bird up close, which is very difficult to catch in action or see. Watching these nocturnal birds in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience, and learning about conservation efforts made it even more special.
The next day, we ventured into the breathtaking Fiordland National Park. The highlight was undoubtedly the Milford Sound Cruise. As our boat glided through the scenic fjord, me and Ziya were left speechless seeing the magnificent Mitre Peak and the powerful Stirling Falls cascading into the water. We were lucky to witness the playful dolphins riding the waves, seals lounging on the rocks, and even a rare Fiordland-crested penguin along the way. Our guide told us that seeing the penguins was very rare!
We decided to make our final day in Queenstown fun and adventurous. We visited the Coronet Peak for paragliding. Ziya was pretty nervous but as soon as she went into the air and took in the views of Queenstown from the sky, she forgot all her nervousness. Then, at Skyline Queenstown, I decided to take another paragliding flight, this time launching from Bob’s Peak and gliding over the shimmering Lake Wakatipu. From the serene beauty of Milford Sound to the exhilarating adventures in the sky, Queenstown was everything we had imagined and more.
Glaciers, Glow Worms & Garden City
We were already in love with the beauty of New Zealand and the Glacier Region enhanced our love and we had an enchanting experience exploring the place. We started by exploring the Tatare Tunnels, wading through the dark passages to witness the mesmerizing glow worms, which made the tunnel feel almost magical. After a long day, we decided to unwind and went to the Glacier Hot Pools, surrounded by lush rainforest. The warm, mineral-rich waters were the perfect way to relax before our next adventure.
The highlight of our time in Glacier Region was the helicopter tour over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Flying above the blue ice, pointy peaks, and cascading waterfalls was absolutely breathtaking. Seeing the glaciers from such an incredible vantage point and with the love of my life Ziya, felt surreal and romantic!
After the Glacier Region, we headed to Christchurch, the beautiful Garden City. Our time in the Garden City was spent leisurely exploring Quake City and learning about the resilience of the city post-earthquake. We also wandered through Riccarton House, admiring its historic charm. We also decided to try out delicious local dishes, trying fresh seafood and traditional New Zealand lamb. A little shopping spree wrapped up our perfect day, taking home souvenirs of this unforgettable trip.
Our first international trip was truly unforgettable and on our way back, we decided to take some break from our jobs and travel for some time. New Zealand gave us lifetime memories and a newfound love for nature.
Read More: Thrillophilia New Zealand Reviews