I took a week-long journey through New Zealand’s North Island, with a group of fellow millennials. We started in Auckland and hit all the major towns -- encountering glowworms, drag queens and Hobbits along the way.
I joined a Contiki tour for young travellers, and it turned out to be an easy and enjoyable way to travel all around the island, with ample time for my own explorations. We had a free day in Auckland, so I browsed the local fashion in Britomart, and wandered to gritty K Road for a drag queen cabaret.
The trip took us to Paihia, where I kayaked through mangrove forests and waterfalls. I saw the mysterious glowing blue worms of Waitomo’s caves, and experienced a Maori dance and feast in Rotorua.
As a Lord of the Rings fan, I couldn’t leave New Zealand without visiting Hobbiton movie set. Perhaps I had a bit too much fun dressing in a cloak, and pretending I was calling on Frodo at his little house!
Disclaimer: La Carmina and her photographer were guests of Contiki Asia.
See more of La Carmina’s New Zealand stories on her travel blog.
I confess I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy a bus tour, but Contiki delivered everything I wanted out of a week-long trip in New Zealand. I saw sights all over the island and took part in activities geared to travelers my age, without worrying about logistics.
I celebrated my first night in Auckland at Caluzzi Cabaret, a wonderfully inclusive drag queen extravaganza. The ladies put on glittering costumes, and entertained the crowd with witty banter and flamboyant dancing.
Click here to learn more about Caluzzi Cabaret.
I was impressed by the fashion at Britomart, a former industrial area that is now home to boutiques. Many of these New Zealand designers focus on locally sourced, eco-friendly fabrics in modern styles.
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