12.2📍 Just Back from NZ Group Tour – Sincere Advice for Future

The Kiwi’s been offline for a week—just wrapped up a guided South Island van tour. Based on real experiences from our group members, here are some tips for you! 🧳✨ Planning a trip to New Zealand? Don’t just go on a whim! Good prep doubles the fun. Here’s a lazy-friendly travel guide—friends planning to visit between December and February, read carefully! 👀 🌤 Recent Conditions & Weather Peak season coming: December kicks off the tourist rush → book flights & accommodation early! Attractions: South Island’s Milford Sound is at full water levels now Glacier hikes need advance booking Hobbiton in North Island has added sessions but still gets packed Weather: South Island: 5°C ~ 18°C in early Dec North Island: 12°C ~ 22°C Big day-night, South Island often sunny with occasional showers (double rainbows often appear after rain! 🌈🌈) 🗺 Recommended NZ Itinerary Order (Save Time & Follow the Route) ① Start with North Island (Direct Int’l Flights + Cultural Intro) Fly straight to Auckland → rest in the city on arrival → start North Island tours the next day relaxed. ✅ Must-visit 1: Hobbiton Movie Set (Book early! Afternoon tours have softer light, best for photos 📸) ✅ Must-visit 2: Waitomo Glowworm Caves (Constant temp inside, bring a jacket; no phone use in the dark) ✅ Must-visit 3: Rotorua Geothermal Parks (Steam & hot springs look magical at dusk ♨️) ② Then Explore South Island (Nature Highlights) Fly from North Island to Queenstown (many flights available) → next morning head to Milford Sound ✅ Must-visit 1: Lake Wanaka (Visit at sunrise/sunset for the "Lone Tree" – soft light & fewer people 🌅) ✅ Must-visit 2: Mount Cook National Park (Best to hike in the morning; less wind in the afternoon; stunning blue ice caves ❄️) ✅ Must-visit 3: Lake Tekapo (Stargazing at night by the Church of the Good Shepherd – clear Milky Way on a good night 🌌) 💡 Travel Tips NZ attractions are far apart → If uncomfortable driving, hire a private van with a local driver (safer, knows the roads well). SUNSCREEN! UV is intense — sunglasses & sun-protective clothing are musts 🕶️🧴 Some scenic areas have no signal → Download offline maps & e-tickets in advance 📱 Eco-strict: Don’t park randomly or step into protected natural zones 🚫🌿 #NewZealand #NZTravel #NZTravelGuide #SouthIslandNZ #NZPrivateTour #Queenstown #ExploreNZ