🌏 10-Day Australia & New Zealand Adventure

✈️ Immigration Checkpoints (1) Sydney (via Xiamen from Hangzhou) – Handsome officer checked our declaration form (asked if medicine was for daily use → always declare properly!). Let us exit smoothly. ✅ (2) Queenstown – Checked by a super cute sniffer dog! No baggage inspection needed. 🐕 (3) Auckland – Smooth transit. 📍 Attractions 🏙️ Sydney Stayed in North Sydney CBD (weekend metro maintenance – boats were a lifesaver! ⛴️) Visited: Darling Harbour, Opera House, St Mary’s Cathedral, Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo. 🏔️ Queenstown Absolutely stunning! Mostly explored on foot, plus a day trip to Mount Cook: Fruit Town → Salmon Farm → Glasshouse → Mount Cook National Park (so many cows and sheep along the way! 🐄🐑) Also rode the Skyline Gondola & Luge (missed Jay Chou’s visit by just a few days 😢). 🌆 Auckland Explored North Shore, Mission Bay & University of Auckland. Note: Some homelessness in the CBD – best to avoid certain areas early. Countdown (Red) & New World (Green) supermarkets were surprisingly fun to browse! 🛒🤩 🍽️ Food Highlights 🇦🇺 Sydney Tajima Yakiniku (Wagyu beef) Kurtosh (Tiramisu) Khao Soi (Thai) & Mexican eats 🇳🇿 Queenstown Fergburger (iconic giant burger) Flame Bar & Grill (pork ribs) Food court: American beef & Italian pizza 🇳🇿 Auckland Tony's Original Steak & Seafood 🛍️ Shopping 🇦🇺 Sydney Lululemon (10% tax refund – great deal!) 🇳🇿 Queenstown Wool sweaters (merino + mink + silk blends) Patagonia at Outside & Kathmandu lightweight puffer 🚌 Transportation Used metro, ferries & buses throughout – convenient and scenic! ✨ Final Thoughts A truly relaxing and refreshing trip – loved every coastal park and slow moment by the sea. 🌊❤️ #WorldTravel #Sydney #Queenstown #Auckland #AustraliaNZTrip #TravelDiaries #CoastalEscapes