Wonders of Aotearoa New Zealand - April 2026 - Hostess Round Up - Donna McDonald

After arriving in Auckland and settling into the elegant boutique Fable Auckland, we enjoyed a fabulous Welcome Dinner at Cooke's Restaurant before beginning our New Zealand adventure.

Our journey north to the beautiful Bay of Islands included a fascinating stop at the Hundertwasser Art Centre, where we discovered the remarkable creativity, individuality and vision of an artist who was truly ahead of his time.

The Bay of Islands, often described as New Zealand's answer to the Whitsundays, certainly did not disappoint. Blessed with beautiful weather, we cruised through the islands to the famous Hole in the Rock and enjoyed time on Urupukapuka Island. Whether swimming, hiking or simply relaxing in the sunshine with new friends, it was a wonderful day before returning to the historic township of Russell for lunch, free time and an informative local tour.

Heading south towards Rotorua, with another stay at the Fable Auckland, we stopped at the delightful Makana Confections, where plenty of chocolate sampling and shopping took place. We also visited the historic Kemp House and Stone Store before enjoying a stroll through the magnificent Parry Kauri Park.

Our time in and around Rotorua was filled with unforgettable experiences. We explored the magical Ruakuri Cave and its glow worms, walked through the spectacular Waimangu Volcanic Valley to learn about geothermal activity and native flora, and enjoyed a relaxing cruise on Lake Rotomahana. A highlight for many was our evening at Te Pā Tū, where we feasted on traditional cuisine, learned about Māori culture and even tried our hand at some traditional games and dances.

We were honoured to attend the ANZAC Dawn Service in Rotorua, a moving and memorable experience shared together in the crisp morning air.

Another enjoyable highlight was a leisurely lunch at Le Gra Vineyard and Winery, where we sampled local wines and delicious homemade platters from this family-run vineyard.

Crossing to the South Island by ferry, we travelled along the stunning Kaikōura Coast to Christchurch. Here, we enjoyed free time to explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens, stroll along the Avon River and browse the city's shops. One of the highlights was dinner aboard the iconic Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, combining fine dining with a unique nighttime sightseeing experience through the city.

Leaving Christchurch, we were warmly welcomed by Stan and Angie at their beautiful home overlooking Lake Tekapo. Angie generously shared her secrets for creating the perfect pavlova — and thankfully, we got to sample the results! We also visited the spectacular Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and enjoyed an evening learning about constellations, star clusters and the moon at the Pukaki Observatory.

Our final days were spent in and around the adventure capital of Queenstown. Highlights included a breathtaking cruise through Milford Sound, an exhilarating wilderness experience on the Dart River, a sightseeing tour showcasing Queenstown's spectacular scenery and a visit to the charming historic village of Arrowtown. Some ladies ventured to famous filming locations from The Lord of the Rings, while others enjoyed a cocktail at the famous ice bar.

We were incredibly fortunate to enjoy perfect weather throughout our journey. Most importantly, we returned home with wonderful memories, countless laughs and new friendships — which is exactly what Sisterhood Women's Travel is all about. ��