Campervan Road Trip in South New Zealand: Must-go-Places in Queenstown, Southern Light, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Arrowtown (Part 1)

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!


Heineken® @ Celebrations Are Best When Your Phones Take a Rest

December is finally here, and the excitement of the season is in the air! 
It's a special time filled with warmth, joy, and new beginnings as we approach the year’s end.
Are you making any plans for year-end celebrations? Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a big New Year’s party, or a quiet moment of reflection, this season offers endless opportunities to create lasting memories.
This time of year has always been my favorite. 
I love the magic of Christmas; the twinkling lights, the cozy atmosphere, and the festive cheer, and it's the perfect way to cap off a year of hard work. 
There's something fulfilling about taking a step back to relax, recharge, and celebrate. 
December truly feels like a grand celebration, bringing people together and adding to the fun and joy of it all!
Speaking of the holiday season fast approaching, Heineken® has just launched a new initiative that I find incredibly fitting for this time of year. 
As we get closer to the festivities, Heineken® is encouraging everyone to step away from their screens and embrace genuine, meaningful moments. In a world where we're often glued to our phones and social media, this message comes at just the right time.
With their message, "Celebrations Are Best When Your Phones Take a Rest", Heineken® is inviting us all to put our phones down and truly engage with the people around us, whether they’re friends, family, or even new acquaintances. It’s all about making memories and fully experiencing the present moment without the distractions that technology often brings. 
In a way, it’s a reminder to prioritize real connections over virtual ones, to be present, and to celebrate the joy of being together.
So, as we prepare for the holidays, let’s take Heineken®’s advice to heart: let’s make this season all about creating memories that will last, enjoying every moment, and making sure our celebrations are filled with genuine connections.
After all, it’s the people around us who make this time of year truly magical.