Author Archives: IsthisSeat

Driving on the Right (but Left) Side of the Road in New Zealand

Tips for rental cars and road trips in NZ! New Zealand was my first experience renting a car where residents (and visitors -some of whom don’t know what they are doing!) drive on the left side of the road.  Here’s what I learned: It takes some getting used to. We booked a car on day […]

Packing List for a Summer New Zealand Trip

I packed a carry-on bag and backpack to New Zealand.  Below is what I brought and what I would leave at home if I had a time machine. 2 books because it was a long journey. 1 book would have been fine in retrospect.   The longer flights always have entertainment and it’s best to get some […]

The Best Souvenirs in New Zealand

If you’re visiting New Zealand, below are the most unique gifts or souvenirs to look for on the North and South Island. ROTORUA MUD Mud is perhaps the most basic of all the face masks, dating back to 1200 BC. This mud takes it up a notch. Although there is geothermal activity in several places […]

What to Eat in New Zealand

Food is not the reason to go to New Zealand. That being said, there are definitely some must try dishes when you are there: HAND PIES No forks allowed!  You’ll find these everywhere.  The most popular are mince pies and some variety of chicken.  I highly recommend the Steak and Cheese at Fergbaker or the […]

Epic Two Week New Zealand Itinerary

Total Days: 14 days not including 2+ travel days | Accommodations: Hotels/Hostels | Transportation: Rented a car | Traveled with: A girlfriend | Type of Trip: Focus on nature and scenery, with unique hiking or water-based activities | Highlights: Waiheke Island, Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Queenstown scene, Milford Sound overnight cruise, Rippon Vineyards, Hooker Valley […]

New Zealand South Island Itinerary

Total Days: 9 days on the South Island | Accommodations: Hotels/Hostels in central downtown Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka, Mount Cook, Tekapo and Christchurch, and one night on a Milford Sound Cruise | Traveled with: A girlfriend | Type of Trip: Focus on mountains, hiking and unique scenery  | Highlights: Queenstown scene, Milford Sound, Rippon Vineyard, […]

New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Total Days: 6 | Accommodations: Hotels/Hostels | Transportation: Aukland is walkable and rented a car for the rest of the trip| Traveled with: A girlfriend | Type of Trip: Focus on beaches and unique scenery  | Highlights: Waiheke Island, Tongariro Crossing Hike, beach walks and kayaking trips There are so many different routes you could […]

New Zealand Travel Tips and Fun Facts

Useful information and tidbits before traveling to NZ! Kiwis (the bird) are nocturnal so don’t expect to see them out and about! We spoke to life-long locals who had never seen a Kiwi in the wild. New Zealand is very clean.  Even the public restrooms are some of the nicest I’ve ever been in. The […]

Travel Bug

Where to Next? If you’re the person who always likes to have a trip planned, I sympathize with you.  It’s something to look forward to and motivation to get through some long days. When wanderlust kicks in, these are the steps I usually go through. Do you have friends in other states or abroad you […]

Keep Calm and Carry On

5 Reasons why its not worth overpacking & what you should always bring 1. You won’t have to pay for checked baggage.  This isn’t the case for all airlines, but most have a fee and it can add up fast.  It would be the equivalent of AT least two dinners. 2. If you bring a […]