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Campervan Road Trip in New Zealand: 22 Days of Adventure in South & North Islands (Part 1: Day 1 - 5 Itinerary)

Hey there! Welcome back to my travel blog! Can you believe it’s already November? We’ve got less than two months left to say goodbye to 2024!
The fourth quarter is always a whirlwind for me because I love taking time off to travel. 
At the end of October, I took a week off to visit Shenzhen with my family for a short getaway filled with food hunting and shopping. It was a fun trip, especially since I had the chance to show my parents around places I’m familiar with, and of course, treat them to some delicious food and great shopping. I think they really enjoyed the week and had a wonderful time.
Before I shared my Shenzhen trip, I thought it would be the perfect time to kick off my first post about my incredible 3-weeks New Zealand adventure from May. I’ve been promising to update you all on my New Zealand itinerary for months, and I’m finally ready to share it with you!
We spent 15 unforgettable days traveling New Zealand's South Island in a campervan, starting in Queenstown and ending in Christchurch. Along the way, we discovered towering mountaions, peaceful lakes and charming towns, each stop prividing its own distint experiences. Afterward, we spent 4 days in Christchurch, exploring the city and its surroundings by car. And finally, we flew to Auckland to begin our North Island adventure, discovced its cultural sites and unique experiences. 
For me, this journey was about fulfilling a dream: taking my parents to New Zealand. While they’ve traveled to many places in Europe, the U.S., China and Australia, New Zealand was the one major destination they hadn’t visited, so checking this off my bucket list was truly a special moment.
Of course, the trip wasn’t without its challenges. Traveling with my parents, both of whom are 80 years old and hadn’t traveled in over 4 years, required a lot of planning. A long journey could be tough for them, and driving around in a campervan added some extra challenges. Still, we were excited to make this dream trip a reality.
The month we spent together created memories I’ll always treasure. It was a blessing to see my parents enjoying the breathtaking sights of New Zealand, and I feel so fortunate to have shared those special moments with them. This adventure not only brought us closer but also gave us memories that will last a lifetime.
I’ll be sharing the itinerary in four parts, each highlighting the key destinations and memorable experiences along the way. Be sure to stay tuned for all the details about our campervan adventure!


OFF&RELAX; Soothing Scalp Care Innovation from Japan, Exclusively at AlproスギPharmacy!

It’s been a while since I attended a fun event, and I really miss it.
Being in a room full of people, sharing laughs and stories, always made for a wonderful experience.
Reflecting on those times reminds me how much I long for the energy of being with others.
So, I was excited to receive an invitation from AlproスギPharmacy for its exclusive in-store distributorship of OFF&RELAX in Malaysia.
This event not only introduced its premium Japanese haircare line to the local market but also provided the perfect opportunity to reconnect with that vibrant atmosphere I’ve been missing.
Thanks for having me! I really appreciate the warm welcome and the opportunity to be part of such an exciting event!
I previously blogged about AlproスギPharmacy when they opened their first location at the Starling Mall in 2023, highlighting their exclusive products and services all the way from Japan. 
If you’re interested, feel free to check it out at HERE.
In my second post today about AlproスギPharmacy, I’d like to share their OFF&RELAX hair product series, featuring soothing fragrances inspired by nature.
This new hair care series not only features a variety of botanical ingredients that address different hair concerns, but it also offers delightful scents.
Each fragrance is thoughtfully crafted to boost your mood, leaving you feeling refreshed, uplifted, and ready to tackle the day with a positive outlook.
Continue reading if you’re on the lookout for new hair products that can elevate your hair care routine and bring a refreshing touch to your day. :)


Six Days of Autumn in Melbourne

Having wrapped up my lengthy post on Guangzhou from June, I’m excited to begin writing my one-week holiday in Melbourne—a city that truly feels like a second home.
Melbourne holds a special place in our hearts, thanks to Lik’s aunty and cousins who make every visit so memorable. 
We cherish our annual trips to Melbourne not just for the family connections but for the city’s irresistible Aussie lifestyle, which always leaves us feeling refreshed and recharged.
This time is particularly special because it’s our first visit in several years, and we’re excited to experience the city’s vibrant energy once again and also meet up with our family in the city. 
Our trip has a dual purpose: attending a wedding, which promises to be a beautiful celebration, and then using Melbourne as a relaxing stopover before heading to New Zealand for a three-week adventure. 
By breaking up the long journey, we hope to make the flight to New Zealand more comfortable for our parents and give them a chance to enjoy a leisurely week in Melbourne.
I've been getting a ton of DMs about our New Zealand itinerary—sorry for the delay and thanks for your patience. 
I promise that once I wrap up our Melbourne adventures, I'll share all the details about our Campervan trip in New Zealand. 
Now, without further ado, let’s kick off our one-week holiday in Melbourne!

5D4N in Guangzhou 广州: Hotel Review, Delicious Food, Places to Go, Fang Jiong Bin 方泂镔 Concert

Hello, blog! Haven't been here for months.
I actually haven’t been very active on my blog in 2024.
Work is busy, and most of the time, after I come back from work, I just love sinking into the sofa and chilling out with Netflix.
It's become my go-to way to de-stress and recharge after a long day.
I spoke with an old friend a few weeks ago when we ran into each other at an event.
We both had to admit that blogging isn’t as easy as it once was.
With the rise of social media and its more immediate and interactive formats, maintaining a blog now requires a greater investment of time and effort—writing detailed posts, editing pictures, and organizing content all demand a lot more work than simply sharing quick updates on social platforms.
We both miss how excited and committed we used to be about blogging and miss for those simpler times.
However, even with these challenges, I’m not giving up on my blog.
I want to keep the spirit of my blog alive and continue sharing my experiences, even if it means putting in extra effort.
So, from this month onwards, I’m going to work harder on my travel posts.
Speaking of travel, if you follow me on IG @mizhippo, you probably noticed that I took a month off in May to travel to Melbourne and New Zealand, and then a weekend trip to Guangzhou at the end of June.
I’m excited to document everything here and share it with all of you. 
I hope that by capturing these travel experiences, I’ll be able to preserve these memories and make them accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Before starting my month-long getaway to Melbourne and New Zealand, I’ll start with a recap of my Guangzhou trip first.


GKB Tiger Milk Mushroom @ For Respiratory Health and Immune System

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, health has taken center stage in the lives of many, including my own family.
The past few years have been a journey of heightened health consciousness, particularly since both my parents contracted the virus.
While they have recovered, their health hasn't been the same as before.
This experience has made me more vigilant about seeking out effective supplements to bolster their immune systems and prioritize their overall well-being, with a special focus on respiratory health.
I stumbled upon GKB Tiger Milk Mushroom, a fungus health supplement developed by GK Bio International Sdn Bhd, a company specializes in probiotics and fungus health products with certifications including GMP, MeSTI, ISO 9001, ISO 22000 and HACCP to guarantee highest product safety, quality and manufacturing standards.
If you've been following my previous posts, click HERE, you might recall that I've shared insights about GKB products before.
GKB Tiger Milk Mushroom specifically aims at relieving cough, cold and sinusitis; a good thing to have now, because a lot of people are worried about breathing problems in the current climate.