Day 1 – Arrival
Today marked the beginning of something really special – the first leg of my A-Listers educational adventure with AATKings in New Zealand. Our Rockhampton store was awarded this trip for being one of their Top Achieving Teams, and I still can’t quite believe I’m here. This trip is extra special for me because it’s also my first time travelling overseas – and my very first chance to see real snow, which has always been on my bucket list.
This afternoon I set off from Brisbane with Air New Zealand, heading across the ditch to Auckland. The flight was nice and smooth, and I really enjoyed the meal: braised beef with vegetables and mash, a fresh bread roll, coleslaw, and the sweetest little white chocolate and apricot slice to finish it off. Comfort-wise, the seats were similar to what you’d find on a domestic flight, but with more head padding and complimentary entertainment, which made the time fly by.
From Auckland, I connected straight to Queenstown, where I’ll be spending the first couple of nights. That domestic hop wasn’t quite as impressive – no entertainment this time and simpler seating – but the cabin crew were so friendly, the snack was a nice touch, and the seats were still comfortable.
Once we landed in Queenstown, we were greeted by the AATKings collection service. I met a few of the group straight away, and we all headed off for dinner together. And what a dinner it was! We took the Skyline gondola up the mountain, where a beautiful buffet was waiting for us at the top. The views were spectacular, but the best part was the chance to sit together, laugh, and start getting to know everyone. After filling our plates (and our bellies!), we made our way back down the mountain – I learned that the only way up or down is either by walking or the Skyline itself, which makes it feel even more magical.
Tonight, I’m staying at the Millennium Hotel in Queenstown – such a beautiful place to call home for the next couple of nights. Tomorrow is shaping up to be an incredible day: we’re off on a Lord of the Rings tour, and I’ve been told there’s a chance it might snow. If it does, I’ll finally get to tick off one of my biggest bucket list moments. I can’t wait to see what the next few days bring – this adventure has only just begun, but already it feels unforgettable.
Day 2 – Lord of the Rings & Farm Life
I woke this morning feeling so excited for the first full day of my adventure, and the views from my room were absolutely spectacular. Looking out across the still lake towards the snowcapped mountains honestly felt like something out of a postcard. I ordered room service breakfast and made sure to leave myself about twenty minutes before heading to the meeting spot for our Lord of the Rings tour with Pure Glenorchy, just so I could wander down to the lake. Breathing in the crisp cold air while taking in that beautiful scene was such a peaceful way to start the day. One thing I hadn’t realised before arriving was just how hilly Queenstown actually is – it definitely surprised me.
We set off on our Lord of the Rings tour with our guide Solomon, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better host. He was brilliant and really made the tour special. Not only did he share fascinating facts about the filming, the sets, and the actors, but he also told stories about other movies filmed in the same places and sprinkled in cultural history and local legends too. As we drove from site to site, he even played the Lord of the Rings soundtrack quietly in the background, which made the whole experience feel even more magical. Towards the end of the tour we got to dress up as characters in the Uruk Hai forest, complete with authentic replica weapons. It was hilarious and so much fun to pose for photos in full costume. To top it off, Solomon, who is also a musician, played us his rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” to close out the day. It was the perfect ending to an already unforgettable experience.
I had to duck out for a doctor’s appointment and unfortunately missed lunch with the group, but I was so touched to come back and find that one of the AATKings guides had thought of me. They had bought me one of Queenstown’s famous Fergburgers and saved it for me to enjoy on the bus to our next activity. It was such a kind gesture and the burger definitely lived up to its reputation.
Next on the agenda was the KJet Queenstown jet boat ride. What an adventure! It was a lot of fun, twisting and turning at high speeds, but I won’t lie – the icy water and wind together were a little painful as they whipped against my face. I’d probably recommend this as more of a summer activity, but even with the cold it was still such a thrilling experience.
In the evening we caught the barge across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where we were treated to dinner and drinks. The setting was stunning, and the food was incredible. I was especially impressed by how accommodating the staff were with my dietary needs – they went so far above and beyond, bringing out delicious options that I couldn’t even finish because there was just so much. After eating to our hearts’ content, we waddled down to watch a sheep farming demonstration. The farmer and his dog, Kym, were such a joy to watch. Kym was completely smitten with her owner, bounding around the paddock with so much enthusiasm as she rounded up the sheep.
As a final surprise treat, we got to help feed the lambs before heading back on the barge to the mainland. By the time we returned, some of the younger ones in the group decided to keep the night going with a visit to the ice bar at 10pm. They said it was amazing, but I was more than ready for bed. I happily made my way back to my room at the Millennium, ready to sink into the cozy bedding and enjoy one of the best night’s sleeps I’ve had in a long time.
Day 3 – Arrowtown & River Safari
The next morning we packed our bags and, after another delicious breakfast, we all boarded our Inspiring Journeys coach to make our way to Franz Josef for the night, with a few stops planned along the way. From the very start Dylan, our driver, and Isobel, our tour guide, jokingly banned us from ever calling it a bus – it was a coach! And honestly, it felt like so much more than a bus anyway. The seats were pure comfort, reminding me of gold class cinema seats, complete with recline. Just a side note- our tour guide, Isobel, was the most amazing guide. She really made this journey something special, from personal stories, interesting cultural and historical facts and stories at all the different places we went, topped off with her quick wit and down to earth humour. I highly recommend requesting a tour with her if you’re able to do so! We set off in Dylan’s safe hands, with the most breathtaking scenery rolling past outside. Everywhere I looked there were crystal-clear blue streams, fresh shades of green in the trees, and snow-capped mountains standing tall in the distance. I could have happily sat there all day, just gazing out the window.
Our first stop was Arrowtown, a charming little historic gold mining town where time feels like it’s stood still. The streets were lined with heritage cottages, old horse tie-up posts, and a main street full of character. I couldn’t resist stepping into the lolly shop, which was overflowing with sweets, chocolates, and trays of fudge in every flavour you can imagine. I was over the moon to spot musk mini florals, which we can’t get in Australia anymore. They were one of Dad’s childhood favourites, though in New Zealand they call them Pink Smokers. I stocked up on four bags, and safe to say he was ecstatic when I brought them home.
I then went for a walk down the back of the little town to get a good look at the stream, which is where the famous Lord of the Rings scene was filmed where Arwen has Frodo on her horse and says to the Nazgul ‘if you want him, come and claim him’. It was surreal to stand in the same spot. For lunch, we stopped at a cosy spot right across from some deer farms. The staff were so welcoming and friendly, and the food was delicious – hearty, fresh, and exactly what we needed to refuel.
After lunch Dylan drove us to our drop off point for one of the day’s highlights: the Haast River Safari. We were greeted by our guide Wayne and his trusty Jack Russell, Loki. Wayne was such a character – full of knowledge about the land, history, and wildlife, but also so relaxed and down-to-earth. Loki completely stole the show though. He knew the route so well that he’d run out onto the deck when the river was straight and the wind could catch his ears, then duck back inside just before the sharp turns. The boat was enclosed, which meant no icy water whipping our faces this time, and the views from the water were nothing short of spectacular. Snow-dusted peaks, lush valleys, and sparkling blue water all around us. Wayne would pause now and then to share a story or give us time to capture some photos. At one point we even hopped off
to stand in the middle of it all and truly take in the moment. At the end of the ride Wayne checked in with the group if we would all be happy for a few exciting spins and did not disappoint when we all excitedly agreed. Dylan and Isobel had driven the coach around to meet us at the end point, and soon we were back on board for the final stretch to Franz Josef.
Our accommodation for the night was the Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, tucked away in lush green forest. The wooden features, carvings, and cultural touches throughout the property made it feel warm and welcoming. My room was lovely and spacious, and included a small private balcony that backed onto the luscious forestry. That evening we were treated to pre-dinner drinks followed by a four-course degustation. The food was incredible, but what made it even more special was Isobel, who went above and beyond to take us out, table by table, into the forest to see the glow-worms. Not something she had to do, but just a magical and interesting moment she wanted to share with us, which was not only beautiful, but so interesting (she told us all about the lifespan and activities of a glow worm- if you don’t know you should definitely google it). After such a big day, we were all more than ready to rest our heads. Tomorrow was set to be one of the most exciting adventures of the whole trip – a helicopter ride over the glaciers, and hopefully, if the weather played nice, a landing right on top of one.
Day 4 – Glaciers & Scenic Rail
We all woke early, packed our bags and enjoyed a magnificent buffet breakfast together before heading off to what we all hoped would be the highlight of the trip – our helicopter ride. The skies looked fairly clear at 7am and our ride wasn’t until 9, so we were feeling quite optimistic, though we had been warned that the pilots wouldn’t risk flying if the weather turned. By the time we were gathered outside The Helicopter Line at 8:45am the clouds had started to roll in, and we all waited anxiously while Isobel went in to discuss our chances. When she came back out with the news that we’d still be able to fly up and around the glaciers – though sadly not land on them – we all cheered with excitement. For me, this was bittersweet. Seeing and touching real snow has always been on my bucket list, and the chance to finally do so had been one of the things I was most looking forward to. Hearing that we wouldn’t be able to land was disappointing, but it didn’t take long for the anticipation of the helicopter ride itself to push those feelings aside.
We were split into groups of three to five, and my group was among the first to go up. After a quick safety briefing, we were led out to the helicopter. I am a nervous flyer and not a fan of heights, so I was scared that my fears would get in the way of me enjoying the ride, however our pilot was not only extremely experienced, but our helicopter ride was so much smoother than I ever imagined, from take off to landing. The views were nothing short of phenomenal. We soared over the lower glaciers, seeing them up close in all their stark beauty – white stretching out endlessly, with incredible shades of blue glowing from the deep crevasses.
Knowing that the only way to experience these glaciers now is by helicopter or a glacier hike made it all the more special. It was one of those bucket list moments I didn’t even realise I had until I was in it. Back on the ground, the whole group was buzzing. We couldn’t stop talking about how amazing it was and sharing our different perspectives from the flight. The excitement carried with us as we boarded the coach for another scenic journey on the way to Greymouth, where we would hop on the train for the Tranzalpine Scenic Plus experience.
On the way we stopped at a town called Hokitika, during which, Isobel had pre-organised with the owners of The Hokitika Sandwich Company (famous, award-winning sandwiches) to provide us with lunch. Not only did they come through and make us the most delicious sandwich I think I have ever had, but they actually came in on a day that their shop was closed, just to do so! How amazing is that?! Once we reached Greymouth it was all aboard! This train ride was another highlight of our journey, for me. Not only because of the delicious food and drink, wonderful customer service and the beautiful carriage, but mostly because of the astounding viewing carriage. We were able to stand out in the viewing carriages and see beautiful blue streams winding in and around huge canyons and mountainous forests, stunning snowcapped mountains and lush green picture-perfect farmlands. We also stopped at Arthurs Pass and learnt some interesting history and facts about the town, including about those who built the train tunnel. Eventually we reached our destination of Christchurch with very full bellys and were taken to our Awards night at Hotel Montreal. That night was the Awards evening, hosted at the beautiful Hotel Montreal. The venue had such a stylish, modern aesthetic – almost with a Peaky Blinders edge – and it made for a fantastic atmosphere to celebrate together. Afterwards, we moved to our final stay at the Distinction Hotel. The building had been rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquakes and now stands as a stunning, modern hotel. In the very early hours of the next morning, a small group of us were taken to the airport for our flight home with Air New Zealand. The journey back was as comfortable as the way over, with excellent entertainment and food that once again exceeded expectations.
This trip is one I will never forget. Every day has been packed with experiences that felt once-in-a-lifetime, from helicopter flights over glaciers to train rides through some of the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen. New Zealand has completely stolen my heart, and I can’t wait to return with my husband so he can experience it too – for longer, and with even more adventures.