A New Zealand road trip in 16 days

Both islands, one van and too many bakery stops.

I came to New Zealand with a loose plan and a long list. By the end, the list mattered less than the small moments in between — a conversation at a train station, a meal I didn't expect, a view I almost skipped.

The highlight for me was fjord cruises in the south. Go early if you can; the light is softer and the paths are quiet. After that, multi-day alpine treks made a perfect slow afternoon.

My route moved at the pace of one main sight a day, with a rest day roughly every five days. It sounds slow, but it never felt rushed — and I saw more because of it.

If you are planning your own trip, my advice is simple: give each place more time than you think you need. New Zealand is best in december to march for hiking, but every season has its own reasons to visit.

Pack light, carry a reusable water bottle, and leave space in the day for things you can't plan. That's where most of my favorite memories came from.