New Zealand travelogue — Why this country made me cry
I had high expectations for New Zealand. But when we actually stood there—Max and I, in the middle of the Hooker Valley Track with Mount Cook in front of us—this country simply blew me away. The scale, the colors, the silence. New Zealand is like another world, and I don't mean that as a platitude.
In three weeks we explored the South and North Islands: We drove through fjords, slept under the clearest starry sky in the world, I did my first bungee jump (yes, really!), and we ate the best burger of our lives in Queenstown. Here's my complete travelogue — with everything you need to know for your own trip.
Our route — 3 weeks between volcanoes and fjords
Week 1 — North Island: Auckland → Mount Taranaki (the Rail Cart Experience at sunset was MAGICAL) → Rotorua (geothermal area, it smells of sulfur, but the hot springs are heavenly) → Lake Taupo → Wellington
Week 2 — South Island South: Queenstown → Milford Sound (a day trip is a must!) → Te Anau → Wanaka (the more relaxed Queenstown)
Week 3 — South Island Central: Mount Cook / Hooker Valley Track → Lake Pukaki (this turquoise color is NOT digitally enhanced!) → Lake Tekapo (starry skies!) → Christchurch → Kaikoura (whale watching)
Mount Cook — The most beautiful hiking trail I have ever hiked
The Hooker Valley Track is 10 kilometers long, flat, well-maintained — and yet one of the most impressive hiking trails in the world. You walk through a glacial valley, cross three suspension bridges, and at the end stand directly in front of the glacier tongue of New Zealand's highest mountain.
My tip: Be at the trailhead by 7 a.m. From 10 a.m. onwards, the tour buses arrive from Queenstown and it gets crowded. We practically had the track to ourselves and I took more photos than I've ever taken on a single hike.
Lake Pukaki, 30 minutes south, has a turquoise color that looks like it's been filtered on Instagram—but it isn't. The glacial flour in the water creates this unreal color. I sat there for an hour on a rock, just gazing.
Queenstown — Adrenaline, burgers and the best sunsets
Queenstown is tiny, but it packs more adventure into a day than most big cities do in a month. Max talked me into bungee jumping—134 meters above the Nevis River. I stood on the platform and my whole body screamed "NO!" But I jumped. And for three seconds, my mind was completely blank. Afterward, I couldn't stop grinning for three hours.
The restaurant highlight: Fergburger In the city center. It sounds touristy (and it is), but the burgers really are as good as everyone says. Order the "Sweet Bambi"—a venison burger with plum sauce. Follow it with a flat white at the Vudu Café. New Zealand has a surprisingly good coffee culture—better than most major European cities.
Culinary tip Queenstown: Josh Emett's "Rata" is a fine-dining experience—New Zealand lamb, venison, and seafood at a level I've rarely encountered in Europe. Reservations are essential.
Starry sky — Seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye
The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is the largest dark sky reserve on Earth. At Lake Tekapo, I saw the Milky Way so clearly for the first time that I could discern its structure with the naked eye. Max photographed the stars with his Sony camera—I simply looked up and felt small. In the best possible way.
Bring a warm jacket — even in November it gets quite cold at night (5-8°C). The Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake is THE photo spot, but very crowded at night. Drive 5 km further to Cowan's Hill Viewpoint — same sky, not a soul in sight.
Practical tips — costs, travel & best time to travel
Best time to travel
November to March. I was there in November — perfect spring weather, moderate tourist numbers, flowers everywhere. The lupins at Lake Tekapo bloom in purple and pink; it's absolutely photogenic.
Cost for 3 weeks (per person)
| Position |
Cost |
| Flight (via Singapore Airlines) |
1.100 € |
| Rental car (21 days) |
770 € |
| Accommodation (mix camping + hotel) |
900 € |
| Food & Restaurants |
650 € |
| Activities |
500 € |
| Total per person |
~3.920 € |
FAQ — Your questions about New Zealand
Is New Zealand safe for women to travel alone?
Yes, New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world. I never felt unsafe at any point. The Kiwis (that's what New Zealanders call themselves) are incredibly friendly and helpful.
Do I need a visa?
No — as a German you do not need a visa for up to 90 days, but you do need an NZeTA (23 NZD online) and the IVL tourism levy (35 NZD).
What is the best time to travel?
November to March (southern summer). November is my favorite — fewer tourists than in December/January, beautiful spring weather, cheaper prices.
My conclusion — New Zealand changes your perspective
New Zealand is expensive, far away, and the journey takes forever. But it's worth every hour on the plane and every euro. This country has done something to me—the silence, the vastness, the beauty. After visiting over 60 countries, I can say: New Zealand belongs in my top three.
Are you planning your own trip? Write to me on Instagram @janetsworld3 — I answer every message and am happy to share my favorite spots!
About the author
Janet Dannehl is one of Germany's most influential travel influencers with over 2.3 million Instagram followers. For over eight years, she has been traveling the world and sharing her adventures with a community that values her honest recommendations. janetsworld3.de/collaboration Brands and tourism boards can submit cooperation requests.
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