From Hobbiton to Fiordland: Ram's Thrillophilia Review of a New Zealand Trip

Ram and Yash’s dream trip to New Zealand had always been on the horizon, but planning it felt overwhelming. That was when they found Thrillophilia. Its ready-to-go itineraries made everything easy, with destinations from Hobbiton to Queenstown included.

And just like that, after a quick look at the reviews and a few clicks, they were all set to go.

Their First Day in New Zealand

As soon as they arrived in Auckland, they realized that they had stepped into a city that was a perfect blend of modern and natural. They landed in the morning, and both were instantly excited since they had been dreaming of this trip for months. They decided to head out to explore the city on their own, making the most of their first day of freedom.

The first stop was Albert Park. Ram didn’t expect to be so impressed by a simple park, but the lush greenery and old trees had a calming effect. They found a spot under a massive tree and sat there for a while, taking in the peaceful surroundings.

Yash, of course, wasn’t content with just relaxing. “Race you to the top of that hill!” he shouted, pointing to the War Memorial Museum in the distance. It was a challenge Ram couldn’t refuse. They dashed across the park like kids, laughing all the way.

Once they caught their breath, they made their way to the War Memorial Museum, which had many incredible exhibits about New Zealand’s history. It was amazing to learn about the country's rich and diverse past. But after a while, their stomachs started growling. Yash suggested that they head to the waterfront. “I’m starving! Let’s grab something by the harbour,” he said.

They walked along the Waitemata Harbour, and the views were stunning. After walking for a while, they found a small café, where they grabbed some fish and chips and sat there watching the boats go by. It felt like the perfect start to the trip relaxed, beautiful, and filled with simple pleasures.

Hobbits and Hot Springs

Day two was something Ram would never forget. They were heading to Rotorua, but first, they stopped at the Hobbiton Movie Set. As huge fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, both of them were literally jumping with excitement.

It felt magical, and every corner was as detailed as they had seen in the movies. The Hobbit Holes were all there, with their little round doors and perfectly kept gardens. They even got to visit The Mill and learn about the set’s history. For a while, they just wandered around in awe, as if they were hobbits themselves.

But they had to leave the magic of Hobbiton and head to Rotorua soon. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, so they didn’t waste any time heading to Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park. It was surreal walking through an area with bubbling mud pools and steamy vents.

After a tour of the geothermal wonders, they headed to Lake Rotorua for a leisurely walk. The calm ambience of the lake was a contrast to the geothermal park they had just visited. They wrapped up their day with a visit to the Rotorua Museum, where they learned more about the town’s fascinating history.

Fjords, Fun, and Memories

They spent the next couple of days in Queenstown. The whole region was surrounded by beautiful mountains and the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu.

“This is paradise, right?” Ram said to Yash, who was snapping pictures back to back. Yash looked up from his camera and replied, “If paradise is full of adventure, then yes.”

Without wasting any time, they took a boat cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. It was beautiful, peaceful, and surprisingly fun. They even got to feed some sheep, which was pretty entertaining. Yash, of course, had to ask the farmer, “So, do the sheep like tourists, or is that just a myth?” The farmer laughed and said, “Well, they’re used to the attention, but they’ll always prefer a snack over a selfie.”

Their favourite part about exploring Queenstown was the day trip to Fiordland National Park. They got a chance to experience the Milford Sound Cruise, and it was like nothing they had ever seen before. The fjords were massive, with towering cliffs and waterfalls cascading down. They had a great time watching seals relaxing on the rocks and dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Yash turned to Ram, smiling, “I don’t even know how to describe this. It’s just unreal.”

It felt as if they had entered a different dimension, surrounded by nature’s raw beauty. And as they made their way back to Queenstown, Ram couldn’t help but think about the unique experiences they had together. From the calm streets of Auckland and the lush green landscapes of Rotorua to the adventures in Queenstown, it was a journey they would always remember.

As they headed back to the hotel on their last night, Yash gave Ram a high-five. “Best trip ever,” he said. Ram couldn’t agree more.

If Thrillophilia were a person, they would have high-fived it as well. For now, they just expressed it in words: Thank you, Thrillophilia.

Read More: Thrillophilia New Zealand Reviews