North Island Itinerary: Tiritiri Matangi Island

With one day left in Auckland, I was scouring the internet for things to do besides the Zoo or Museum of Transport and Technology, which I had already been to before. It seems to be a misconception that New Zealand's biggest city, Auckland, will have a lot to do for tourists -- it's the place for jobs and industry and such, but not so much tourism. However, there are several islands that you can get to via ferry from the downtown harbor, and I am so glad I stumbled across the overwhelmingly positive reviews online for Tiritiri Matangi Island and decided to check it out. It is a predator-free island that is home to many bird species, including several at-risk ones, and relies on volunteers to keep the conservation going.

It's a bit steep for a return ferry fare at $70 (ferry run by Fullers 360 Discovery Cruises) and then another $10 for a guided walk, but the reviews recommended it and it's worth the extra money (and funds go to conservation efforts). They drop passengers off in the morning and then pick them up in the early afternoon, giving a nice amount of time to enjoy and explore. We also were treated to seeing some dolphins and diving birds hunting for food on the way over.

Our guide led us on a gradual journey up one of the paths to the lighthouse on the top of the island (and then we took the other back by ourselves), and we stopped whenever there was birdsong and birds close by, and he identified them for us and gave us some info about them. You are enveloped by birdsong almost the whole time you are in the trees, which is just wonderful and something you don't often experience in the world anymore, at least not if you're a city dweller. I saw and heard plenty of my favorite bird, the tui, and there were several of them grouped at the feeders at the little store near the lighthouse. There were also three takahe (bigger cousin of the pukeko), one of which is a youngling - they are endangered. The top of the island has 360-degree views out to Auckland and the other islands. It was a great day out overall and I'd definitely go again.

dolphins and driving birds on the ferry over were an added treat

A random bridge in Auckland, seen on the way home

South Island Itinerary: Arrowtown and Queenstown

I only took a few photos in Arrowtown since I've been there before, but it was a little bit different having the snow on the mountain in the background. It's a cute little town, only a short drive from Queenstown, and we went through the museum there again. I was surprised by how much I had remembered from the last time - it's quite a good museum for the region.

Then we drove back to Queenstown and went on the touristy cable cars since we hadn't done them before. Definitely overpriced, but the views from the top overlooking Queenstown were amazing. It's just like the postcards! There's a Jelly Belly store up there and some jelly bean art on the walls which was fun. There was still some snow on the ground up there as well.

Handy guide to what you're looking at. 2,500 feet above sea level
and 1,496 feet above Queenstown

Crazy person bungy-jumping near the top

It's quite a steep ride up and down!

The view from our hotel in Queenstown was also quite beautiful. I definitely recommend getting a place with a view if you can find one. It was lovely in the morning with the sun rising and in the evening with pink skies and at night with the lights from the city.