We started our adventure in Auckland where we picked up the campervan to head to our first stop: Hobbiton. To be honest, our expectations were not very high, but once there, it was spectacular. Before heading to the spectacular Rotorua geothermal area, we made a stop at Waitomo Caves. In these caves, the fireflies illuminate the ceiling as if it were the Milky Way. Once in Rotorua, we visited several geothermal parks; the colors were spectacular (along with the strong sulfur smell).

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The second great area to discover on the North Island was the Tongariro National Park. After a challenging 21 km walk, we couldn't see the spectacular view from the top due to the bad weather, but it was still a great experience in a high mountain area. From here, we traveled south, where we tasted some excellent wines in Martinborough before crossing by ferry to the South Island from Wellington.

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If on the North Island we couldn't stop seeing cows and sheep, on the South Island it was even more spectacular. Although not at our first stop: Kaikoura. A spectacular black sand beach with snow-capped mountains in the background makes you fall in love upon arrival. We were able to see seals and fly over the peninsula in a small plane to see a group of around 200 dolphins. From there, we crossed to the western part of the island to be dazzled by its beautiful coast. But the first main highlight was the glaciers—how wonderful! We had never seen one before, and apart from seeing it from the ground, we were able to fly over it in a helicopter. It is undoubtedly one of the experiences that we will never forget.

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Very close to the glaciers are the towns of Wanaka and Queenstown. In Wanaka, we went trekking with wonderful views, and in Queenstown, we regained our strength by eating a hamburger at Fergburger. From here, we reached Milford Sound, where, apart from the spectacular drive, we took a day cruise along the fjord (we even saw penguins!).

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Heading north, we stopped at the spectacular lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki. In Tekapo, the excursion to see Mount Cook is one of the best day trips that anyone can do, and in Pukaki, the views with the lupin flowers leave you breathless. The waters are the most electric blue I have ever seen.

The last stop in New Zealand was Banks Peninsula (very close to Christchurch). What a wonderful and peaceful place. The peninsula was an ancient crater and is full of marine life. Seeing Hector's dolphins (endemic to New Zealand) was amazing.

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We spent the last 5 days in the Cook Islands, an archipelago in the middle of the Pacific, 4 hours by plane from New Zealand. The beaches are heavenly, especially those of Aitutaki. But in Rarotonga, where we had the hotel, they were also beautiful. We will never forget the nights at the Muri Market, eating prawns with rice and coconut sauce. Nor can we forget the sunsets, the underwater life, the color of the water, and the tranquility of the island.