New Zealand - Northern island
Bay of Islands , Kerikeri e Tane Mahuta
After saying goodbye to Queenstown and the South Island, it was time for a new adventure. In early March, we caught a flight to the North Island, heading to Kerikeri, a town nestled in the lush greenery of the Bay of Islands, where nature reigns supreme and the climate turns more tropical.
Here, surrounded by endless fields of kiwi, avocado, orange, and fig trees, we discovered a fresh fruit paradise… and, of course, we indulged without hesitation! If you're planning a trip in the summer, get ready for hot and humid days, perfect to cool off with a natural smoothie or a dip in the bay’s crystal-clear waters. 🌿☀️
Even from above, the change in landscape is clear: from the golden valleys of the South Island to the emerald-green hills of the North. Which island is more fascinating? Hard to say, we still cannot figure it out!
Here, we began our second Workaway experience. It wasn’t as special as the first, but it gave us something just as valuable: new friendships, shared evenings, and the confirmation that, even while traveling, people make the difference.
Our days were filled with gardening, shared dinners, card games, and honey-lime infusions carefully prepared with fresh ingredients. We picked ripe figs, tended to the massive garden, and planted kumara (New Zealand’s delicious sweet potatoes, you absolutely have to try them!). We even helped build a small patio and, in our free time, treated ourselves to long walks and refreshing swims in the ocean.
Northland is also famous for its ancient Kauri forests, where trees seem to whisper stories from centuries past. If you love hiking in untamed nature, this is the perfect place for you.
With a bit of luck, you might even spot a kiwi (New Zealand’s iconic bird) and listen to the songs of incredible creatures: bellbirds, with their melodic calls, or tuis, which might even try to mimic the sound of your voice. 🌿🐦✨
Small tip: Before entering a nature reserve, stop by the sanitation stations to carefully clean your shoes. It’s a simple gesture, but essential to protect the Kauri trees, majestic giants that can live for over 2,000 years!
The oldest one, Tāne Mahuta, is located in the Waipoua Forest, and its 50-meter height will leave you speechless, a true giant of nature. 🌳✨
Kerikeri is the perfect place to immerse yourself in local life: wander through the town’s streets, stop by the Old Packhouse Market, and let your curiosity guide you. Every corner has something special to offer, and nature is always ready to surprise you.
Oh, and if you're worried about encountering dangerous animals... relax! New Zealand is the only country in the world with no land predators. That means no snakes, no venomous spiders, no fierce beasts. Juust you, nature, and an endless desire to explore. 🏕️🌿
Auckland, Waiheke Island and our third Workaway
Returning to city life after weeks spent in nature is never easy, and our brief stop in Auckland was proof of that. After saying goodbye to the Bay of Islands and our new friends, we made a quick stop in New Zealand’s largest city, just enough time to reorganize before setting off again.
The journey from Kerikeri to Auckland is simple: just hop on an InterCity bus (tickets available at intercity.co.nz), and in about five hours, you’ll be there. Our experience in the city? Less than 24 hours! Not because Auckland has nothing to offer, but because we were eager to explore other places. However, if you plan to stay a little longer, here are some activities you might enjoy:
🎢 Love adrenaline? Take a leap from the Sky Tower with a 192-meter bungee jump right in the heart of Auckland!
🗿 More into culture? The Auckland Museum is the perfect place to dive into Māori history and traditions.
⛵ Looking for relaxation? Auckland is also a great base to explore the surrounding islands and enjoy nature away from the crowds.
Our real destination, however, was Waiheke Island, a stunning island famous for its vineyards and breathtaking views. It’s the perfect getaway for those looking for peace and quiet without venturing too far from the city! Getting there is super easy: from Auckland’s port, a 40-minute ferry ride will take you straight to the island. Ideally, having a car would give you more freedom to explore, but if you enjoy walking, you can easily get around on foot and by public transport.
Three days might be enough to visit it, but we fell in love with the island and ended up staying for almost two weeks! We were lucky enough to be hosted by an elderly painter, and since the work required was minimal, we spent our days exploring the island, swimming in the ocean, and trying to spot Kororā, the world’s smallest penguins. Spoiler alert: we didn’t see a single one! 😅 But the island’s wild nature and its incredible variety of birds still made for an unforgettable experience.
If you visit Waiheke, don’t miss a coastal walk and a swim at the stunning Onetangi Beach, our favorite spot on the island. But be warned: Waiheke can be quite expensive, so eating out might take a toll on your budget. A great alternative? The Ostend Market, a community market held every Saturday, perfect for buying fresh produce, discovering local crafts, and immersing yourself in the true spirit of the island.
Our days in Waiheke flew by in an instant, and after a period of pure relaxation, it was time to hit the road again and continue our journey through the North Island.
Unfortunately, the damage left by Cyclone Gabrielle forced us to rethink our plans, we had to skip some stops and find alternative routes along the way. So, if you notice any inconsistencies or last-minute changes in our stories… now you know why! 😉
Unexpected events are part of the adventure, and more often than not, they lead to amazing discoveries. 🚐🌍✨
Off to Matamata - markets, beers and hospitality
If you've been traveling without a car, it's time to rent one! 🚗💨 The road trip begins with the first stop at a dream destination for all The Lord of the Rings fans, Matamata. But before reaching it, we made a few stops along the way:
Clevedon Village Farmers Market: a Sunday market where you can find incredibly fresh produce, from fruit to eggs, and even the legendary Manuka honey—a local delicacy. All of this is accompanied by live music and a laid-back atmosphere. The perfect place to fuel up before hitting the road! 🍯🍊🎶
Tauranga in the stunning Bay of Plenty : it’s a coastal city famous for its beaches and Mount Maunganui, one of the most scenic hikes in the region. On clear days, you can even spot the Coromandel Peninsula (which, unfortunately, we had to skip).
Tauranga welcomed us with pouring rain and closed shops. But it’s on the less-than-perfect days that the most authentic experiences happen. We took shelter in a rustic brewery, where two musicians were playing to raise funds to rebuild the cyclone’s damages. As soon as they saw us walk, they invited us to sit with them. 🎶💙
We sang together, chatted, and for a few hours, we felt like part of a strong, united community and those moments will stay in our hearts forever.
After this special stop, we headed to our accommodation in Lower Kaimai, a rural area 35 minutes from Matamata. A peaceful haven to get some rest, before officially stepping into the world of the Middle-earth. 🏡
And now… ready to discover Hobbiton? 🍃👣
Welcome to Hobbiton
Anyone who has seen The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit has dreamed, at least once, of strolling through the rolling hills of the Shire and sipping a beer at the Green Dragon. The first time we saw the sign "Welcome to Hobbiton," it was an incredible feeling, especially for Giorgio, who had been waiting for this moment forever (pictures prove it). 😍
To visit the set, it's essential to book your ticket in advance at hobbitontours.com, as Hobbiton is one of New Zealand's most popular attractions. For budget reasons, we chose the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, but if you're looking for a more immersive experience, there are also options like the dinner tour or the legendary Second Breakfast (which we would have loved to do, but this time, we settled for a walk among the Hobbit holes!). 🍺🥞
The landscape surrounding Hobbiton is pure magic, lush green hills, sheep and nature that feels straight out of a fairy tale. As you stroll among the iconic Hobbit holes, you can truly appreciate the care and attention to detail that went into creating the set. The guides are passionate and engaging, sharing fun anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories that make the experience even more special.
The tour ends at the Green Dragon, where you can enjoy a drink and snap a few last photos. 📸🍻
Yes, visiting Hobbiton can be expensive, especially if you're traveling on a budget, but it’s an experience worth every penny. A dream coming true, step by step, through the rolling hills of Middle-earth. 🌿✨
Rotorua and Waimangu
Leaving Matamata was truly bittersweet, but our time in New Zealand was coming to an end and it was time to head to one of the last stops of our journey. After about an hour's drive, we arrived in Rotorua. 🚗💨
For budget reasons, we slept in our car at a lovely campground. However, we wouldn’t really recommend this option if you want to be well-rested for the next day. We had a sleepless night because Giulia was convinced there was a suspicious man lurking around the campervans. If you also tend to imagine shadows in the night, the advice is clear: rent a camper or book a room, there are plenty of accommodation options in the area. 🛏️🌙
However, our time in Rotorua was enjoyable. This town, located in the heart of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is famous for its geothermal activity. And as a first impression, the smell of sulfur (or rather, rotten eggs) is pretty much unavoidable! 💨🤢
But don’t let this bad smell scares you away, Rotorua has so much to offer! We highly recommend visiting Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a place that feels like another world, with geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs, and an almost surreal landscape. You can book tours on the official website, choosing between a walking tour or one that also includes a boat ride. We did both, but honestly, we’d recommend just the walking tour, it’s more than enough to take in everything this volcanic valley has to offer. 🚶♂️🌋
So, even though our camping experience wasn’t exactly idyllic, Rotorua is a destination that definitely doesn’t disappoint!
Rotorua is not only a hotspot for geothermal activity, but also a perfect place to immerse yourself in Māori culture. If you want to discover the ancient traditions, dances, and songs of this people, we highly recommend booking an experience that will take you on a journey into a fascinating world, complete with a delicious traditional dinner prepared by them.
For us, it was a truly special moment. We listened to stories, legends, and ancient tales. The power of their gazes, the intensity of their voices, and the strength of their songs and dances left a deep impression on us.
It was an emotional and unforgettable encounter that we absolutely recommend! 🌿🎶
In Rotorua, however, there's more than just Māori culture! If you're a nature lover, you can't miss the Redwoods Forest, a stunning woodland filled with towering California redwoods that reach up to 75 meters in height. You can take a walk along the marked trails or embark on an adventure high above the ground, crossing suspension bridges and platforms that make you feel like you're flying. For an extra touch of magic, consider booking a night experience, where glowing lanterns and artistic light installations illuminate the forest, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. 🌲✨
Even though we only stayed in Rotorua for two days, the area has so much more to offer. You can take advantage of natural hot springs and thermal spas for a relaxing soak after a day of exploring. If you have more time, it's definitely worth it! 🛁
Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Waitomo Caves
Unfortunately, our next stop had to be canceled due to bad weather, but we hope you'll get the chance to experience it! We're talking about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the most spectacular hikes in all of New Zealand. This 20 km trekking through Tongariro National Park offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable adventure. Be sure to check the weather conditions in advance and come well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable hike. 🌄💨
Finally, before heading back to Auckland for our next journey, we couldn't miss the Waitomo Caves. Located about three hours from the capital, these caves are one of New Zealand’s most mesmerizing natural attractions. It’s essential to book your ticket in advance, as they often sell out very fast.
We were incredibly lucky! We ended up on a private tour, that allows us to explore the caves in-depth. The most magical moment was stepping onto the boat and being instantly surrounded by the glow of thousands of tiny luminescent worms lighting up the cave ceiling like a starry sky. It was a sight unlike anything we've ever seen before, leaving us completely speechless. A true natural wonder! 🌟🚣
Our conclusions
If we had to sum up what New Zealand meant to us in just one word, it would be: change.
This journey led us through profound growth, day after day. The experiences we lived enriched us in ways we never could have imagined, and for that, we will be forever grateful.
On this journey, we learned the importance of adapting to every situation, trusting people, and working together for a common good. We discovered the true value of respecting nature and appreciating its beauty and grandeur. But most of all, we had the privilege of meeting incredible people who welcomed us like family, making us feel at home even when we were miles away. 🌿
We learned to live in the present, to understand the value of community, and to realize what it truly means to belong to something greater than ourselves. Being far from home also taught us the meaning of longing, but it showed us that distance does not mean being alone, that family and friends can be found anywhere, even thousands of kilometers away.
This journey was an invaluable gift, a life lesson that we hope you, too, can experience at least once. Don’t wait, don’t put it off. Book that ticket, board that flight, and let this extraordinary land turn your trip into an experience that will stay in your heart forever. Embrace everything New Zealand has to offer, because, in the end, it will be New Zealand that’ll do the rest. 🌍✈️
Safe travels and happy self-discovery!