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

Our dream trip to New Zealand was always on the horizon, but planning it felt overwhelming. That's when we found Thrillophilia. Their ready-to-go itineraries made it easy, with everything from Hobbiton to Queenstown included. 

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

Our First Day in New Zealand

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

The first stop was Albert Park. I didn’t expect to be so impressed by a simple park, but the lush greenery and the old trees had a calming effect. We found a spot under a massive tree and just 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 I couldn’t refuse. We dashed across the park like kids, laughing all the way.

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

We walked along the Waitemata Harbour - and the views were just stunning. After walking for a while, we found a small café, where we grabbed some fish and chips, and just 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 I’ll never forget. We were heading to Rotorua, but first, we stopped at the Hobbiton Movie Set. Now, as huge fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, Yash and I were literally jumping with excitement. 

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

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

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

Fjords, Fun, and Memories

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

Without wasting any time, we took a boat cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. It was beautiful, peaceful, and surprisingly fun. We 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.”

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

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

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

If Thrillophilia were a person, we'd have high-fived it as well. For now, we'd just express it in words - Thank you Thrillophilia!

Read More: Thrillophilia New Zealand Reviews