New Zealand's South Island

Queenstown Food, Flying Foxes & Fine Views

I kicked things off in Queenstown, which honestly feels like someone dropped a luxury resort into the middle of a postcard. It’s surrounded by mountains and wrapped around a lake, and the whole place buzzes with energy.

The gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak was the perfect intro unreal views over the Remarkable, . And then came the ziplining soaring through the trees with a massive grin on my face. Terrifying at first, addictive by the second run.

One of the highlights? Dinner at Te Hau — a stunning, intimate food experience that celebrates M?ori ingredients and stories. Every bite had a backstory; every dish told a tale. Easily one of the best meals of the trip.

Fiordland Magic – Glow Worms & Milford Sound

From Te Hau, I made my way into Fiordland, and things got even more magical.

First up: the glow worm caves near Te Anau. I didn’t expect it to be so moving — drifting through pitch-dark caverns as thousands of tiny lights twinkled overhead like stars. It was surreal, peaceful, and a bit otherworldly.

Then came the big one Milford Sound. I’ve seen the photos, but cruising through it in person. It’s next level. Towering cliffs, waterfalls crashing down around us, dolphins leaping beside the boat. And the kayaking… wow. Gliding past sheer rock faces and into hidden inlets was pure magic. I barely spoke the whole time just soaked it all in.

Wanaka – Jet Boats & Alpine Calm

Next stop was Wanaka, which has a more laid-back vibe than Queenstown but just as much beauty.

One morning I jumped on a jet boat that whipped through narrow river channels at speeds I didn’t know boats could do pure adrenaline, with scenery that made it feel like a movie chase scene.

Afternoons were for lakeside walks, great coffee, and soaking up those big sky views. Wanaka is the kind of place you could lose a week without even noticing.

Franz Josef  Ice, Helicopters & Hot Pools

Just when I thought the scenery couldn’t get more dramatic, I arrived in Franz Josef.

The heli-hike was honestly one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. The chopper ride itself was wild soaring over snow-capped peaks and ancient glaciers  but landing on the ice and stepping out into that frozen world? Unreal.

We hiked across blue crevasses and ice tunnels, the guides carving a path through the ever-changing terrain. I felt like I was on another planet. Cold, crisp, quiet and completely exhilarating.

Afterwards, I soaked in the Spa surrounded by Mountains , rainforest and birdsong. The contrast of hot steam and icy memory pure heaven.

Nelson  E-Bikes & Wine

Then it was up to Nelson, and the switch from mountains to vineyards felt like a holiday within a holiday.

One of my favourite days was spent e-biking between wineries a relaxed ride through rolling hills, stopping for tastings at boutique cellar doors. The wines were fresh, vibrant, and the views? Let’s just say it was hard to leave.

There’s something about cruising through vineyards under the sun with no real schedule that feels like proper luxury.

Abel Tasman  Where Land Meets Sea

From Nelson, I headed into the Abel Tasman National Park, and it’s safe to say this is one of the most beautiful corners of the planet.

I took a cruise along the coast, passing golden beaches, turquoise bays, and little hidden coves that looked straight out of a travel magazine. Then came the kayaking paddling alongside seals and beneath tree-covered cliffs.

But the best part? The coastal walk forest paths opening onto perfect beaches, birdsong in the trees, and barely another soul around. It felt untouched, peaceful, and just incredibly special.