2018 New Zealand Travel Goals

Welcome to my first post of the year!

I intended this post to be all of my 2018 travel goals, but as I began writing about New Zealand it was already so long that it turned into its very own post.

This year I am back in New Zealand after living away for three years. Since I started my travel blog while I was away, I am thrilled to now explore more of my own backyard and go to those places I've always wanted to go to.

New Zealand is such a desired travellers destination for so many reasons and I would love to focus on writing great content for visitors, taking amazing photos and soaking up all that is special about my country.

Places I would love to visit in 2018 include:

[North Island]

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

I can't believe that I have visited Tongariro National Park dozens of times (it's where I go skiing and snowboarding) and I have not yet done the famous crater lake hike.
The pictures look insanely beautiful and I am now living only a couple of hours drive away so I'm making it a top priority this year.

Castlepoint

Castlepoint is a small picturesque beachside town on the Wairarapa coast of the Wellington Region. The farthest down on the east-coast of the North Island I have been to is Napier, so I would love to venture further down to Castlepoint which is again only a two hour drive away. It's home to a lighthouse which stands near the top of the northern end of a reef.

Hobbiton

Yes, I have already been to Hobbiton - but that was five years ago now! It's been far too long in my opinion and I would love to go back and take new photos (with my better quality camera). I am keen to finally write up some Lord of the Rings in New Zealand hotspot posts this year - stay tuned!

Taranaki

Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of the North Island.
I would love to see what the city New Plymouth is like and see the beautiful volcano Mount Taranaki up close.

Taranaki is one of two regions left that I am yet to visit in the North Island. The other one is Gisborne but I think unless I have a reason to visit, I'll leave that one for another year.

[South Island]

There is so much I would love to do in the South Island but I will try to narrow my goals down to be semi-achievable for this year:

Hamner Springs

Hanmer Springs is a gorgeous resort town in the Canterbury region of the South Island. Best known for their natural mineral Thermal Pools and Spa and the beautiful surrounding mountains, it would be the ultimate winter getaway destination.

Akaroa

Also in Canterbury, Akaroa is a town on the Banks Peninsula, southeast of Christchurch. Akaroa Beach is where rare Hector’s dolphins swim and the town has French colonial history and beautiful heritage buildings I would love to see.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is an east-coast town in the South Island known for its wildlife and sperm whale population. There are beautiful walks to see clifftop views of the stunning surrounding mountains and the sea below. I have stopped by there briefly once before but this time I would love to do a whale watching tour and a hike.

Fox/Franz Josef Glacier

I'm not fussy on which one - but I would love to see a glacier up close! Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are New Zealand's most accessible glaciers and would be the ultimate adventure activity. Our country really does have it all.

Roy's Peak

Roy's Peak is a mountain standing between Wanaka and Glendhu Bay. It offers a full-day walk, with breathtaking panoramic views across Lake Wanaka and up to the peak of Mount Aspiring. Getting a picture here is a huuuge bucket list item for me!

Invercargill & Bluff

Last but not least, I would love to visit two of the southernmost places in New Zealand (apart from Stewart Island), Invercargill and down to Bluff. I've been right to the very top (Cape Reinga) so I would love to now go to the bottom-most point.

I'm so pumped for the new year and all the new travel adventures that come with it!
Aside from a booked trip to the United States and Canada in March/April, I can't wait to get cracking on my New Zealand goals.

Pin it :)

Have you ever visited any of these places? Let me know in the comments if you have any tips or if you're like me and would love to visit too! (If anyone wants to join me - hit me up).

Happy Travels,