New Zealand In-stagram Review

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“It’s like Hawaii and Colorado had a baby” – that’s how my niece Lindsey described New Zealand, and that’s actually pretty damn accurate. I have been in a few places in the world with these beautiful turquoise waters, beaches, wildlife, and snowy mountain peaks.  A country where you can do it all, and we did.

We spent most of our time in the North Island driving through the middle and hitting the main sights.  Our little Intrepid Travel group of 15 people was a perfect way to experience the island, as we all had different backgrounds and interests, so even though we had a lot of time driving, it was always interesting.

We had an abundance of adventure and cultural activities available to us as we traversed the island.  After all, New Zealand is known for adventure, so you have to get out and get that adrenaline engaged – and we did!  Besides the adrenaline rush of our Bungee jumping day, my favorite thing to do here is to hike.  We did a short day hike one da,y surrounded by volcanoes, an amazing feeling to be among these natural wonders.

Making memories

However, the best part was that Lindsey was so fun to travel with. She was always upbeat, on time, and polite to everyone.  And most importantly, she made me laugh. The memories that are firmly implanted in my mind are not necessarily the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand.

My memories are of sharing earbuds and listening to her music or comedy shows together while eating her many bags of candy.  Or the time when she made dinner in the backpacker kitchen for us. Or when we got into a civilized conversation about politics. These are the memories that will last forever.

The 2 weeks of Niece Project 5.0 went really fast, too fast. I was sad to see Lindsey go home this New Year. But at least we have some great photos and videos for memories! Here are some of my favorite Instagram photos from our time on the Niece Project.

Instagram moments

Pier sunset colors. We took a walk out on this pier near the aquarium to catch the beautiful pastel skies of sunset over #Auckland! So nice to be in summer again with long days! #NieceProject is off to a great start! Thanks to @indietravel for welcoming us to their hometown and taking us to the best sunset spots!

To really experience New Zealand, you need to go slow and check out all of the details around you, like the ferns unfurling in the forest, or the mossy green trees. We took a short forest walk at Lake Rotoroa, enjoying the canopy of green that is #NewZealand! #NieceProject #exofficio

Beach hopping…my favorite way to spend Christmas week! We paddled all morning and then spent all afternoon resting like a big blob on the beach! I gotta send the niece home with a tan after all! #nieceproject #liveintrepid #NewZealand

Oh, Captain, my Captain. My niece is in charge today on the kayak and leading the way to the seals in Abel Tasman National Park #NewZealand! #NieceProject #liveintrepid

There she blows! The Pohutu Geyser is the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere, erupting 1 to 2 times an hour. This was the first time Lindsey had ever seen a geyser – totally mesmerizing…despite the smell! #nieceproject #liveintrepid

We did a Christmas Eve hike today to lower Tama Lake in Tongariro National Park, #New Zealand. That’s @lindseyanne23 hiking towards the active volcano, Mt. Ngauruhoe, aka Mt. Doom for you Lord of the Rings fans. I’d say this 8-mile hike earned us our Christmas dinner! #nieceproject #liveintrepid

Swingers! Crossing over the top of a temperate rain forest on a swing bridge during our zip line tour. #nieceproject #liveintrepid #NewZealand

Lake Rotorua on a stormy day. A black swan swims over to see if I have any food willing to share. Arrived in Rotorua today and will do some ziplining and rainforest walks. And tonight we are watching a haka – a type of ancient Māori war dance. Let’s dance! #nieceproject #liveintrepid

For the third year, the Niece Project is working with Intrepid Travel! Check out their great family travel opportunities. Family doesn’t always have to mean the conventional family—it is also for aunts and uncles! As always, all opinions expressed on the site are my own.

For the 3rd year the Niece Project is working with Intrepid Travel! Check out their great family travel opportunities. Family doesn’t always have to mean the conventional family, it is also for aunts and uncles!
I was a guest of Intrepid Travel on this tour However all opinions are my own.