I took the trip of a lifetime to New Zealand, and nearly half a year later, I can't stop thinking about 7 things that impressed me

Monica HumphriesFeb 5, 2023, 17:12 IST

From the food to unique accommodations, Insider's author is still dreaming about a trip to New Zealand six months later.Monica Humphries/Insider

In June, I boarded a long-haul flight to New Zealand.
For nine days, I explored Auckland, New Zealand, and Queenstown, New Zealand.

I can still remember the feeling when the Boeing Dreamliner landed in Auckland, New Zealand, last summer. It marked the start of a nine-day trip across the country. Nearly seven months later, I'm still dreaming about a return.

A view of the Auckland skyline.Monica Humphries/Insider

I can still remember the feeling when the Boeing Dreamliner landed in Auckland, New Zealand, last summer. It marked the start of a nine-day trip across the country. Nearly seven months later, I'm still dreaming about a return.

I can't stop thinking about the diverse landscapes that fill every corner of the country.

A view of the sunset from the tiny house.Monica Humphries/Insider

Within those striking terrains are many unusual and one-of-a-kind accommodations I'd love to book.

A view of the dome illuminated from the inside.Monica Humphries/Insider

I am still craving foods that I can't get back at home, like pāua croquettes and hokey pokey ice cream.

A plate of pāua croquettes.Monica Humphries/Insider

I only tasted a few sips of the country's wine, which left me wanting more.

A glass of pinot noir from Akarua Wines and Kitchen.Monica Humphries/Insider

I'm already missing the friendly Kiwis I met along my journey.

Two people on a beach in Waiheke Island, New Zealand.Monica Humphries/Insider

Everywhere I looked, it seemed like people celebrated Māori culture.

Signs on a beach are written in two languages.Monica Humphries/Insider

I'm itching for another adrenaline rush in the adventure capital of the world.

I jumped into the valley where I free-fell for 8.5 seconds.Monica Humphries/Insider

I haven't forgotten the fresh pasta I had in Auckland or the whiplash from bungee jumping in Queenstown. I'm eager to return to New Zealand to do it all again.

The author in Auckland, New Zealand.Monica Humphries/Insider

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I took the trip of a lifetime to New Zealand, and nearly half a year later, I can't stop thinking about 7 things that impressed me

I can still remember the feeling when the Boeing Dreamliner landed in Auckland, New Zealand, last summer. It marked the start of a nine-day trip across the country. Nearly seven months later, I'm still dreaming about a return.

I can't stop thinking about the diverse landscapes that fill every corner of the country.

Within those striking terrains are many unusual and one-of-a-kind accommodations I'd love to book.

I am still craving foods that I can't get back at home, like pāua croquettes and hokey pokey ice cream.

I only tasted a few sips of the country's wine, which left me wanting more.

I'm already missing the friendly Kiwis I met along my journey.

Everywhere I looked, it seemed like people celebrated Māori culture.

I'm itching for another adrenaline rush in the adventure capital of the world.

I haven't forgotten the fresh pasta I had in Auckland or the whiplash from bungee jumping in Queenstown. I'm eager to return to New Zealand to do it all again.