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This trip began with…

Kloy: Hey, let's meet up at your place around 3:30 pm, okay? (It takes about an hour to get to Suvarnabhumi Airport from Nan's house.)

Nan: Sure, we should be able to make it. Our flight doesn't leave until 8pm.

3:45 PM, Nan left home.

Kloy: Uh, are we going too fast?

Nan: Right?

... A friend called later asking where we were, what time the flight was departing, and what time we would arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KL). They also asked how long it would take to get from KL to Auckland.

Kloy: Not sure, let me check the Booking app... Oh no, Nannnn! What should I do? The flight leaves at five o'clock (it was four in the afternoon then).

Nan: Really!!! Dad, please drive a little faster! The flight departs at 5 pm. (Normally, the boarding gate closes 10 minutes before the flight's departure time, and the check-in baggage must be at the counter 60 minutes before the flight's departure time, which means there is almost no time left.)

Dad: Oh! Why didn't you check carefully? There are two people here. Will we be on time? Dad will hurry up and drive!


Just getting started and I'm already excited! Will I get to go to my beloved New Zealand?


4:40 PM We arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Kloy: Hey, let's split up. I'll go check in at the Malaysia Airlines counter first, and you grab our bags.

Due to the inaccurate signage at Suvarnabhumi Airport, we were unable to locate the counter. When we inquired with an employee, they responded with uncertainty, suggesting we try looking elsewhere. However, the counter was not located in the area indicated by the employee. This caused us significant anxiety, as we were concerned about missing our flight. Fortunately, after searching extensively, we finally found the counter.

Kloy: Excuse me, here's my passport. I'm checking in for a flight to Kuala Lumpur. *panting* And then from KL, I'm going on to Auckland. *panting* I looked at the wrong boarding time. *panting heavily*

The previously relaxed demeanor of the counter staff instantly transformed into a state of hurried urgency.

Staff: Passengers, do you have any checked baggage? If so, please place it on the conveyor belt immediately!

Kloy: (Calling Nan) Hello, where are you? Did you find it?

Nann: On my way.

Kloy: Please wait a moment. I'll go help my friend first.

Upon arrival, Nan's luggage was loaded, and the staff provided her with an exit card to complete.

Employee: Passengers, please hurry to the gate as it is about to close! Run!

My friends and I ran frantically, and the gate was incredibly far away. That day was the most tiring I've felt in years. I had planned to shop at Duty Free, but I had to give up on that idea.

We arrived at the gate at exactly 5:00 PM. The airline was making boarding announcements, so we had a little time to sit down and catch our breath. Once we found our seats (on the floor), the first thing I did was call my mother to let her know that we had arrived at the gate and that she didn't need to pick us up. (My mother chuckled softly.)


From now on, the two of us will be going to New Zealand! Let's travel together!


A Kiwi Adventure: Exploring Waiheke Island

Upon arriving in New Zealand, our first stop was the Vodafone store conveniently located near the airport exit to purchase a local SIM card. From there, we boarded the SkyBus ($16 one-way) to Queen's Wharf, the final stop, to catch a ferry to Waiheke Island. While the island itself may not offer a plethora of attractions, we were drawn to the allure of experiencing its renowned vineyards, rumored to provide a tranquil and scenic escape. Despite our limited time of less than 24 hours, we were eager to immerse ourselves in the island's charm.

Nicknamed "Wine Island," this island boasts an impressive 30 wineries.

Ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island

The ferry ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island takes only 30 minutes. [Fullers round-trip fare: $36] During the journey, you can enjoy stunning views, including the Sky Tower. The weather is usually pleasant, with a refreshing breeze. It's recommended to sit outside for the best experience, but don't forget to bring sunglasses!

The sea is full of sailboats.

This person is very chill, I've been secretly watching them since we boarded the ship.

Upon arriving at Waiheke Island, we wasted no time in hopping on a bus to the vicinity of the cabin we had booked through Airbnb. We got a bit lost along the way, but the detour allowed us to admire the abundance of charming wildflowers lining the roadside.

And here we are at our cozy little cabin! It's adorable, with two floors and everything we need, even though it's not very big. I'm sure they have international plugs now, since we forgot ours (oops!). We didn't want to bother Gilian (the owner) to send them, so please make the most of the plugs if you stay here!

Our room was on the second floor and there was a Nespresso machine with yoghurt, milk and granola bars for snacks. After we unpacked and freshened up, we couldn't wait to explore the island. Of course, we had to start with the vineyards. At first, we were planning to go to Cable Bay vineyard, but when we asked Gilian (our host), she said she liked Mudbrick vineyard the most. We had to trust the locals, right? Besides, she said she would drive us there, so we didn't hesitate to agree. Every little bit saved helps, right?


Upon arriving at Mudbrick Vineyard, we were immediately struck by its grandeur. A helicopter was taking off as we arrived. Wow, is this how everyone enjoys wine these days?

Upon arrival, we couldn't resist strolling through the vineyard, which, while not expansive, offered breathtaking million-dollar views. As we savored our meals and sipped wine, we were treated to panoramic vistas of lavender fields, vineyards, rolling hills, and the distant sea, as depicted in the cover image above. Moreover, during the evening hours, we were fortunate enough to witness stunning sunsets, making for an unforgettable experience.

So fragrant ❤

After finishing the walk, we sat down to order something to eat. A little wine. Luckily, the weather that day was perfect, not too cold, not too cool.

Before leaving, I took a stroll to browse souvenirs. This place has everything from cute trinkets to serious books about Mudbrick.

We agreed with Nan to try walking back to find something to eat in town and then take the bus back to our accommodation. But the view while walking was so beautiful that we couldn't help but stop to take pictures.

Green grass, golden sunlight

It's very beautiful to us.


Upon arriving in town, we discovered that many shops were already closed. We decided to take the bus back to our accommodation and order pizza (walking was out of the question, it was too humid). Gilian claimed this pizza place served the best pizza on the island, and it truly lived up to the hype. The crust was thin and crispy, the cheese was gooey, and the Parma ham was generous and not too thin. Mmm, it was perfect!

Stefanos Italian Pizza & Pasta

At night, the sky was filled with stars, it was so beautiful. It's a pity I couldn't capture it in a photo. Haha.



Note: As there is no text provided in the original language, I am unable to translate it. Please provide the text you would like translated, and I will be happy to assist you.

We need to hurry this morning because we have to return to Auckland to pick up the car.

Before leaving, we wanted to try some ice cream, and luckily for us, Gilian was free to take us. They kindly let us try the ice cream and then dropped us off at the pier. They were so kind! Thank you so much, Gilian!

Those interested in staying with Gilian can follow this link: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4948088?sug=50

The ice cream was incredibly delicious! We chose the Waiheke Honey Comb flavor, while Nan chose Cherry & Macadamia. The beautiful saleswoman told us that we both chose her two favorite flavors. 555+ yummyyyy!

Let's go! Let's get on the boat! When the boat arrived at Queen's Warf, we had to stop by to explore the food, as usual.


We then called an Uber to pick up our car at Ace Car Rental. We had booked the car in advance through rentalcars.com to drive to Cathedral Cove, which is about 215 km from Auckland city. It's quite a distance, but the views of the valleys and trees along the way were better than expected. You have to try it yourself to see how relaxing it is. It's so relaxing that you forget how tired you are from driving.

About halfway through our journey, we stopped at Tairua Beach. The town is a charming and relaxing getaway for locals.

May I have a small space to remain a child?

After a refreshing break and a leisurely stroll along Tairua Beach, we were ready to continue our journey. However, a slight detour awaited us. Our dear friend Nan accidentally set the GPS off course, leading us on an unexpected 30-kilometer detour. But no worries, we still had time to spare! Finally, we arrived at the breathtaking Cathedral Cove.

The atmosphere before the descent was already relaxed, but what we didn't know was that it would be quite a long walk, about 40 minutes. However, the path was good, so there was no need to worry about the terrain. As we walked, we were overtaken by several foreigners, some of whom were older than us. They were clearly very fit! We continued walking and taking photos along the way, as is our style.

Ultimately, it has to be Cathedral Cove. Let me tell you, it's amazing. It's much more beautiful in person than in pictures.

And of course, we had another funny incident in true [our] style. After taking a picture in Tree Pose, the shoes I had placed next to the rock disappeared into the sea! T_T Luckily, the waves brought them back, so I still had shoes to walk back in. 555+ Otherwise, I would have had to walk barefoot for 40 minutes. I don't even want to think about it! ><

Today's Accommodation and Delicious Dinner

We spent the night at the YHA Whitianga hostel, located approximately 20-30 minutes from Cathedral Cove. After settling in, we headed out for dinner and opted for Tapas & Taco Bar. Our choice proved to be an excellent one, as the food was truly delicious. I savored the Fish Taco, featuring incredibly fresh fish, while Nan opted for the Pulled Pork Taco, which was equally delightful. We both agreed that this meal was a highlight of our trip, although it may have contributed to some potential weight gain!

The next day, Nan and I were practically zombies. We had barely slept.



The next day, we started very early (5 am - I don't even wake up this early for work!) because we were afraid of not making it to the Hobbiton Movie Set.

The saying goes that "an army marches on its stomach," and the same applies to cars: they need fuel to run. In Thailand, you'll need to fill up your car yourself. Open the fuel tank cap, insert the nozzle, and press the "FILL" button. Once the tank is full, pay at the counter in the Minimart, providing the pump number. Most stations accept debit/credit cards for convenience.

After filling up the car, we refueled ourselves with breakfast at the Out of the Blue cafe. We ordered the spinach, pesto, sundried tomato & brie panini, which was absolutely delicious. The flavors complemented each other perfectly.

After a satisfying meal, we headed to the Hobbiton Movie Set. We had booked tickets online the previous night, but the online system showed that the morning tour was fully booked. We called Hobbiton beforehand and were informed that if we arrived early and there were available spaces, they could move us to an earlier tour. Upon arrival, we were fortunate to find that there were enough spaces available. We only had to wait for about ten minutes. The ticket price was $79 per person, which included one drink at the end of the tour. You can book tickets here: http://www.hobbitontours.com/OurTours/tabid/99/Default.aspx

We drove ourselves and chose to park at The Shire's Rest Cafe. We opted for a tour that started from there. Entry to the Hobbiton Movie Set is restricted and requires a guided tour. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, which we felt was a bit rushed, but understandable given the high volume of visitors. The tour guides manage the pace to accommodate the large crowds.

Our guide, Rene, made everything sound exciting. She explained that the Hobbiton Movie Set is located on the Alexander family farm. Originally a farm, Sir Peter Jackson (director of The Lord of the Ring) discovered the farm in September 1998. Construction of the Hobbit village began in March 1999. Rene mentioned that there are 39 Hobbit houses in total.

Personally, I prefer this door. It's cute and has garlic hanging in front of it.

Rene explained that only a few houses have interiors, while the rest are just empty spaces behind the doors. Each Hobbit house reflects the profession of the Hobbit who lives there. One house has bread for sale in front, and a cart with bags of flour, indicating that it is the Baker's house. Another house has cheese displayed in front, signifying that it is a Hobbit who sells cheese. It is delightful to see how the creators paid attention to such minute details.

Our beautiful guide went on to explain that the opening scene featuring a party was a real party. The director allowed the lead actors to bring their relatives to the event. Since alcoholic drinks could not be served due to filming requirements, the production team created a special beer for the occasion with minimal alcohol content. We will have the opportunity to taste it at the end.

As we continued our tour, we reached the most significant point of the Movie Set: Frodo and Bilbo's house. Rene informed us that the tree behind it wasn't real; the crew had to fabricate it, and it wasn't a small tree by any means. Inside Frodo's house, if you recall, there's a scene where Gandalf bumps his head on a lamp. Rene revealed that this wasn't scripted; it was pure improvisation. Ouch, that must have hurt!

The Homes of Frodo and Bilbo

This phrase refers to the residences of two iconic characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel, The Lord of the Rings.

  • Frodo: The protagonist of the story, who inherits the One Ring and embarks on a perilous journey to destroy it. His home is the quaint hobbit-hole of Bag End in the Shire.
  • Bilbo: Frodo's uncle and the previous ring-bearer. He resides in a luxurious hobbit-hole named Bagshot Row, also located in the Shire.

Both homes play significant roles in the narrative, serving as starting points for the hobbits' adventures and havens of comfort and familiarity amidst their perilous journeys.


After a pleasant walk, we arrived at the designated area to relax and enjoy some refreshing beers.

Before leaving, we learned that the vegetable and fruit gardens in the Hobbiton Movie Set are real, and the team that grows them is allowed to take them home to eat as they please.

Before leaving, Rene took us to take a picture at the spot we call with Nan, the "Dried Fish Corner," which we think is one of the most beautiful spots.


After finishing the Hobbiton Movie Set tour, we couldn't miss trying the special Parfait only available here from New Zealand Natural called Hobbit Crunch. I wish everyone could try it, it's soooo good! I love that it has Pods candy from Mars in it, it's amazing! All snack lovers who get to go should try it!

From the Hobbiton Movie Set, we headed straight to Wai-O-Tapu (the gushing hot springs), which is located near Rotorua. Due to the long distance, we only visited two places today.

Upon arriving at Wai-O-Tapu, we eagerly purchased tickets for entry. Be forewarned, the area possesses a somewhat unpleasant odor, akin to rotten eggs.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: A 30-Minute Exploration

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland offers three walking trails, as indicated on the map. Due to fatigue from a long day and the approaching closing time, we opted for the 30-minute Walk 1.

Not all those who wander are lost. — J.R.R. Tolkien


The most captivating spot is undoubtedly the Artist's Palette, as depicted in the image. Its breathtaking beauty is characterized by naturally occurring, multi-hued, and terraced terrain.


Our walk ended just as the place was closing. Before returning to our accommodation, we stopped by a supermarket in Rotorua and took a stroll around Lake Rotorua. We stayed at the YHA Rotorua.

This evening, the two of us made a cold dish ourselves. Let's call it Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Salmon with Greek Salad. The appearance and taste are quite good, haha. But we made a lot, and we were afraid of getting tired, so we had to have some Sparkling White Wine to cut the greasiness.

I ended the day with a long sleep. I was very tired, but it was also very beautiful.



We continued our "armies march on their stomachs" concept this morning, grabbing breakfast at a simple eatery near our hostel. The place was packed, so if you're driving, you might want to arrive early to secure parking. The restaurant, Fat Dog Cafe & Bar, is conveniently located in the heart of the city, just a stone's throw from the Visitor Centre.

After our bellies were full, we went to Kuirau Park to take some pictures. Kuirau Park has many hot springs with steam rising from them. In fact, almost the entire city of Rotorua has hot springs like this scattered around its nooks and crannies.

In addition to the hot springs, there are also colorful autumn leaves to admire. The weather today is quite cold. After taking enough photos, we quickly got back on the bus.

The morning was deserted, the park was ours from the garden. We then visited the Visitor Centre and then St. Faith's Anglican Church. This church is decorated in a charming blend of Maori (indigenous tribe) and European styles. Today was also Sunday, so there were many Maori Christians. The Rotorua Museum is also decorated in a similar style.

Today is Sunday. There is a flea market here, so we went for a walk. After we finished our tour of Rotorua, we headed to Taupo. Today is a bit gloomy.

Along the way, we encountered a plethora of cows, goats, and sheep, resembling a visit to a zoo.

Wolf in sheep's clothing

Sheep in front of the house

Red Forest



Before entering Taupo city, we stopped by Huka Falls. This waterfall originates from the Waitako River and can discharge up to 220,000 liters of water per second. The waterfall has a beautiful blue color. If you want to take a boat ride closer to the waterfall, you can contact Huka Falls Jet.

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than they seek. — John Muir


The vibrant foliage along the way was simply irresistible, prompting us to capture its beauty in photographs.

Upon arriving in Taupo, we couldn't resist stopping by the local supermarket for some snacks. We decided to check out Pak n Save, which felt quite similar to Makro back home, as it primarily sells goods in bulk. However, they also offer individual items for purchase.

After finishing our snack shopping, we neatly put our belongings away at our accommodation. Tonight, we are staying at Haka Lodge, which we really like because it is very quiet and tidy. Each bed even has its own curtain!



For dinner tonight, we're eating at The Bistro, which is ranked highly on TripAdvisor as one of the top restaurants in this city. The restaurant's menu features European-style cuisine. Given the exceptional freshness of New Zealand's meat and vegetables, both dishes we ordered were incredibly delicious. The restaurant's menu changes seasonally.

For reservations at The Bistro, please call +64 7–377 3111.

The next day, we were both fully prepared, our hearts pounding with anticipation. We had come so far, and there weren't many activities in this town. If we missed this day, we probably wouldn't be able to jump again. But everything fell into place. The weather was perfect, and we were incredibly lucky.

Upon arrival at the establishment, the staff inquired about our preferred language for the video presentation. They also informed us of the availability of lockers for storing our belongings. Subsequently, a video on skydiving was played, with a particular emphasis on safety aspects.

The feeling of jumping down was amazing. We could see 360-degree views of mountains, volcanoes, lakes, pine forests, and the city, with cool wind and fresh air. It was definitely the highlight of the trip. It was so beautiful that we forgot about being nervous.

After a while, the person who jumped with us opened their parachute and we enjoyed the view together. The person who jumped with me was an Englishman who was tired of his office job and wanted to try something new. So, he practiced skydiving until he got this job. I told him that he was very lucky to see such beautiful views every day. He replied, "Yes, I'm really lucky." I was a little jealous because seeing this every day must be amazing.

After descending, the staff called us to choose our shirts and asked us to wait in a room. A short while later, they showed us a video of our skydive that had been edited together. We laughed, and my cheeks were shaking as I plummeted down. It was hilarious! Before leaving, we received a USB drive containing the video and photos. We returned to our accommodation in the same limousine. Upon arrival, we quickly packed our belongings and headed to Lake Taupo to enjoy the final moments of the city before returning to Auckland.

Auckland Adventure: Traffic Jams and Delicious Ice Cream

The journey back to Auckland was heavily congested due to an accident on the highway. Consequently, we arrived much later than anticipated, leaving us with limited time to explore the city. Despite the setback, we managed to squeeze in a visit to Giapo, a renowned ice cream parlor.

Giapo's unique approach to ice cream presentation involves concealing the flavors behind closed cabinets. Customers are encouraged to describe their desired taste preferences, allowing the staff to curate a personalized ice cream experience. The toppings are also a delightful surprise, as the staff carefully selects and arranges them based on individual dietary restrictions.

The resulting ice cream creation is a visual and gustatory delight. The flavors are rich, intense, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and creaminess. Giapo's innovative approach and exceptional taste make it a must-visit destination for any Auckland visitor.

The final day of our trip arrived, and we eagerly woke up early to visit Mt. Eden, an extinct volcanic crater. From Mt. Eden, we could see panoramic views of Auckland. The early morning hours meant that there were very few people around, giving us ample time to capture the perfect photos.

My beautiful one.

We then had brunch at RAD Café near Mt. Eden. The reason we chose to visit Mt. Eden on our last day was because it is located close to the airport.

RAD Cafe

RAD Café: A Culinary Delight in Bangkok

RAD Café boasts a diverse menu, offering a variety of delectable options. We opted for the So Frenchy, So Toast, a delightful combination of french toast, vanilla ice cream, caramelized bananas, and bacon. The Salmon on Herb, a waffle topped with smoked salmon, proved equally satisfying. Both dishes were expertly prepared and showcased the restaurant's culinary prowess. While I cannot personally comment on the coffee, as I am not an avid coffee drinker, the aroma was undeniably enticing. Upon mentioning our visit to a friend from New Zealand, they enthusiastically confirmed the restaurant's reputation for excellence, much to our amusement. When it comes to dining, we prioritize thorough research, often relying on TripAdvisor for reliable recommendations. In this instance, the platform proved invaluable in guiding us towards a truly memorable culinary experience.



After finishing our meal, it was time to catch our flight. We returned the car to the rental agency near the airport, filling the tank with gas as before. The gas station was conveniently located near the rental agency. After returning the car, the agency provided a shuttle to the airport. It was very convenient! If you're looking to rent a car, consider ACE Rental Cars.

After returning the car, it was time to check in and say goodbye to New Zealand, the land of paradise. I really didn't want to go back...

See you on the next trip!




The sun, the sky, and a little smile :)

Facebook: Fig tree pockets by gloygloygloy

Hi, I'm Gloy from Thailand. I enjoy simple things, plants (especially cacti and succulents), eggs with toast, green tea, folk songs, and flea markets. ♥

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