Great post Sean! As a Kiwi living outside of NZ, this brought back so many memories… what I would also add, and what seems to escape most travellers coming to NZ, is to visit the top of the North Island, beyond Auckland… it is truly stunning and has some of the most amazing beaches you’ll ever find. I’d also highly recommend the east coast of the North Island as well, some truly amazing rock climbing can be found here. A trip to Taupo is also a must, with one of the largest crater lakes in the world, it is breathtaking and completely surrounded by mountains.

I’m glad you enjoyed our beautiful country!