New Zealand: How We Did It!

by Zac Hood | Mar 27, 2023 | Destinations, Member Success Stories
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Ah New Zealand. It was so great to be back. Wait? I’ve never been to New Zealand before. That’s right! This was my first time to New Zealand (my wife has been before), and it definitely did not disappoint. From the minute we got on our business class flight in LA, we were giddy the whole time.

In general, I love traveling to a new place and new culture where every single thing is new. I’ve read that our brain neurons are on fire (in a good way) when we experience new things. While you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to experience that, it was really fun to take such a long journey. And, I am not an obsessed Lord of the Rings fan, but I do love the movies. It was fun to feel the magic of such beautiful settings.

Our trip outline:

5 days on the North Island – Split time between Auckland and just outside Hamilton (near the Shire!).

4 days on the South Island – All in Christchurch with several day trips.

How we got there with points and miles

Like most international trips, the goal was lay-flat business class! That’s where we started our searching. Then we looked for great options to use Hyatt points and my Globalist status.

With business class flights, it’s always recommended to consider flexible dates and booking one-way tickets vs. roundtrip. It’s hard to find a killer deal on a roundtrip ticket with points and miles. But, it’s normally possible to find great options if you split up your search.

That’s what happened to us. We found flights using Alaska’s site and used Alaska Airlines miles to book our ticket from LAX to Auckland (via Tahiti). At the time of writing, Alaska currently has awesome offers on their personal and business cards. Two signup bonuses basically equal two business class flights. 

The “Alaska” flight was operated by one of their partners, Air Tahiti Nui, but the entire booking was done on Alaska’s site. Sometimes there’s a lot of research and work to find the best deal, and then you have to call and get on hold to book the flight. This booking was easy.

Two tickets for 140,000 miles + $148 in taxes

Retail price: $9,200

Searching for return flights, it was much more difficult to find a good deal. There were lots of good deals with economy, but we’ve been sitting on a lot of points and wanted to get a business class flight. Some business class seats on various airlines were up to 490,000 miles! No thanks! We settled on United Airlines’ Polaris for 200,000 points. We had a lot of Chase points built up that we could transfer to United in order to book. These points built up over the pandemic (we kept getting big bonuses) and due to our general lack of travel due to having a young family. I normally would not pay this much for an award flight, but it was by far the best deal for business class, and this was a very special trip for my wife and I to get away. Sometimes, it’s okay to get the flight you want even if it’s not the “best” redemption value.

Two tickets for 400,000 miles + $92 in taxes

Retail price: $13,400 + taxes

For hotels, we went beyond normal hotels and did a mix of fancy luxury hotel, the home of gracious friends, and Airbnb. Our goal was to get a feel for some neighborhoods, so the Airbnb stays were helpful. We even stayed in a few that we were considering for our longer trip. 

As a result, we only had one actual hotel stay. This was at the Park Hyatt Auckland. This was hands down one of my favorite hotels ever. The city is amazing itself, and the hotel is right in the middle of it. You have balconies looking out to the harbor, a small but beautiful spa area, and a restaurant for breakfast that spilled out to the marina and sunshine.

My globalist status definitely helped to get a good room and unlimited food for breakfast. Because we used points, there were no resort fees, taxes, or parking fees. It was a great way to kick off the trip. 

Two nights for 40,000 points + $0 fees for Park Hyatt

Retail price: $730 + taxes and fees

Car rental and Airbnb

We paid for our car rental and Airbnb, but we could have used Capital One Venture cards to book that travel and then use miles to reimburse ourselves for those purchases at a rate of 1 cent per point (i.e. 20,000 = $200). I used my Chase Sapphire card for the rental so we could waive the rental insurance coverage.

Why we went

Like most people, we took this trip for several reasons. First of all, it was an incredible opportunity to see a new part of the world and enjoy a long vacation away from our kids. We got to slow down and get away from the normal hectic pace of life. We got to remember that we were people apart from our kids. We got to see beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers, connect with friends, and eat amazing food. 

Another reason we went is because we are at the beginning of an adventurous year. Our plan is to come back to New Zealand (and Australia) for 9 months later in the year. We needed to do some recon with people, places, schools, etc. to figure out where we might want to live during that time. This was a unique component to the trip. We had to dial into the culture and areas in order to feel out what life would be like. It was really fun, but I’m very much a romantic and idealist. I had to get past that dream state to get a more realistic understanding of what normal life would be like on a day-to-day basis with our family. For example, when I’m traveling I don’t normally go to the grocery and see how much oat milk costs.

While these two purposes were on opposite ends of the spectrum, it was really fun to go deeper with a place and culture. Often on vacation, I’ll be like, “Gosh it would be so fun to live here.” This time, that was a very real question! So exciting, but so much pressure. I love options and possibilities. Choosing one place is going to be hard. 

Highlights – Getting there

It’s always fun to see my wife excited. It was so fun to see her face when we boarded our flight in business class. Despite doing it a few times, it’s still magical. I never thought I would fly in business class. I never thought I’d be going to so many epic places. All for next to nothing. So, it was an incredible start to the trip.

A man and woman seated in business class on an airplane, smiling at the camera. They have a phone on the armrest beside them. The cabin features spacious seating and large windows. Another passenger is visible further back.

Highlights – North Island

Our first stop was in Auckland. We used 20,000 points per night to stay at the Park Hyatt Auckland. It was awesome!

A person standing in a modern hotel room with floor-to-ceiling windows. The room features a bed, a sofa, and a table with chairs. Outside the window, a cityscape with tall buildings and a body of water is visible.

A modern hotel room with a large bed featuring white linens and two fluffy pillows. There are stylish wooden side tables with spherical lamps on both sides of the headboard. A mirror and glass partition lead to the bathroom area.

Modern bathroom with marble walls and floor, featuring a double sink vanity with mirrors, a freestanding bathtub, and a black chair. Robe hangs on the wall. Minimalist design with neutral tones and soft lighting.

Date night! American tourists being cheesy eating kiwi!

A smiling woman and man are holding small pieces of broccoli in front of a patterned, woven textile in red, gray, and black. The woman is wearing a patterned sleeveless top and the man is wearing a black shirt.

There aren’t many electric scooters in the suburbs back at home. Instead of Uber, we enjoyed the rides around such a cozy, fun downtown. It reminded me of my e-biking in Paris, but this was much less stressful without the Parisian traffic.

A person stands with an electric scooter on a brick pathway in an urban area. Skyscrapers loom in the background, adorned with festive string lights. Potted plants line the path under a clear sky.

Dinner that night at Orbit – a 360 degree moving restaurant that was a bit crazy because the room was moving and my wife is scared of heights

A person sits at a table by a large window in a restaurant, with a view of a cityscape and sunset. They are smiling, wearing a patterned shirt and light sweater. Other diners are visible in the background.

Free breakfast and unlimited cappuccinos the next morning at the Park Hyatt’s restaurant. Enjoying the view of the marina without kids!

People sit at tables inside a restaurant with large windows offering a view of a city skyline. The interior is modern, with wood floors and dark furniture. Outside, there is a balcony with additional seating. Buildings and bright sky are visible in the background.

A really cool fixed-menu experience at a restaurant called Culprit. From seafood “ice cream cones” to jelly airplanes to lime sherbert dust, it was all fun and tasty.

A modern restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, soft lighting, and large arched windows. Dried foliage hangs from the ceiling, and wall-mounted vertical lights create a warm ambiance. Few people are seated at the tables.

A platter with various appetizers: sliced fish with cilantro and grilled corn on a creamy sauce, two oyster shells with a yellow garnish, a jar with two mini cones on popcorn, and a red dish with crispy potato chips and spread.

For those with kids, you’ll appreciate how epic this playground is right on Takapuna Beach. This would be a sweet spot for families.

Children and adults enjoy a vibrant playground by the beach, featuring a tall slide tower, rope bridges, and swings. The sky is clear, and trees surround the area, creating a lively and scenic atmosphere.

The next day we went to a place called Blue Spring Putaruru, which was surreal! It felt like a South American jungle without the scary snakes or predators lurking. The water was crystal clear. And, I caught a few fish!

A person wearing a hat and outdoor clothing stands in a lush, green forest beside a vibrant turquoise stream. Tall ferns frame the scene, creating a tranquil, natural atmosphere.

We went to Waitomo where there are caves and blue glow worms. A very surreal experience that I’d recommend. The photos don’t do it justice, but you can see more here.

A group of people inside a dark cave are taking photos of a bright opening leading outside to a dock with a boat. The caves jagged ceiling contrasts with the outside light.

Our next stop on the North Island was to the middle part of the island where our friends lived. We visited a small beach town and took in some idyllic scenery, which was 45 minutes from the Shire!

A vast, scenic landscape featuring a lush green field under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds. Rolling hills and distant mountains are visible in the background, creating a serene and picturesque view.

Incredible black sand beach (with no kids!) outside of Raglan.

A man and woman wearing hats and sunglasses smile for a selfie on a sandy beach. The man wears a light blue shirt, and the woman has a backpack. The ocean and hills are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Of course I had to rep the Travel Freely banner!

A man stands on a grassy hill overlooking a scenic beach with waves crashing onto the shore. Hes holding an orange Travel Freely sign, wearing a light blue shirt. In the background, green hills meet the ocean under a partly cloudy blue sky.

New Zealand “real fruit ice cream” is a cool treat. They grind up fruit into ice cream right in front of you. It’s basically the best soft-serve ice cream I’ve ever had.

A hand holds a waffle cone with tall swirls of pink ice cream. The background shows a cafe interior with machines and large windows letting in natural light.

More relaxing near the Shire. This picture would have been a lot cooler without two chairs in the way. =(

A person peeks out of a bright green hammock on a wooden deck facing a vast landscape. There are two black chairs nearby, and the background features green fields, hills, and a cloudy sky with patches of blue.

Highlights – South Island

We took a short Air New Zealand flight to go from Auckland to Christchurch on the South Island. That was our home base to explore the city and take some day trips. The domestic part of the airport was so calm and easy. No stress like the normal flights.

Looking a little sleepy here.

A man in a green hoodie stands smiling at an airport, in front of an Air New Zealand check-in counter. There are people in line behind him and a sign with the airlines logo above.

Our first trip outside the city was to a nearby beach and a big overlook. Not a bad view to enjoy a cappuccino and scone! There are cafes at some epic hiking spots around New Zealand. This was just one of them called Sign of the Kiwi. As a coffee fan, it was incredible to be in New Zealand. Coffee seemed to be taken as seriously as bread in France. It was affordable and tasty. I loved that every place seemed to sprinkle cocoa powder on top of cappuccinos for an extra flavor burst.

Cozy cafe interior with stone walls and wooden ceiling. A sign reads Merry to Meet, Merry to Part. Large windows open to a scenic view of a hillside and parking lot. Tables with cushions and a Closed sign are visible. A green exit sign is overhead.

A view from the top.

Scenic view of a wide bay with calm blue waters, surrounded by hilly terrain under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Vegetation in the foreground adds depth, while distant hills enhance the serene landscape.

The South Island is known for its epic scenery. We took a day trip to Castle Hill where there were ancient limestone boulders to walk around. This was the most “Oh my I’m in Lord of the Rings” feeling I had the whole trip. As a kid, it would be the best hide and seek spot ever. I probably would have been tempted to put Airtags on my kids if they were with us.

A person stands in a grassy field wearing a brown coat and purple pants. They are in front of a metal fence with a background of rocky hills and a blue sky scattered with a few clouds.

Looking lost and trying to find Frodo.

A person wearing a hoodie and sunglasses stands in a grassy field, holding a hat. The scenic backdrop features rolling hills and a mountain range under a clear blue sky. Sunlight streams in from the left.

On our way back, I tried fishing in a lake as the sun went down. You can see how surprised I was to catch a huge fish!

Man in a vest and shorts stands in a lake, holding a fish and fishing rod. He wears sunglasses and a hoodie, smiling at the camera. Hills and a setting sun are in the background.

On the last full day, we split up so I could try my hand at some epic fly fishing. My wife went on an ATV tour into the countryside. While I saw some monster trout, I didn’t catch any. 

A person wearing a helmet and sunglasses sits on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on a grassy hillside. They are giving a thumbs-up. The backdrop features rolling green hills and a cloudy sky.

On our final morning, we made it to the famous New Regent Street in Christchurch with the colorful store fronts. The breakfast and coffee was amazing, and the trolley kept going by.

A lively street scene with outdoor seating, wooden tables, and umbrellas in front of colorful buildings. A tall, modern skyscraper contrasts with the historic architecture. A blue sky with clouds is above, and a wooden bench is in the foreground.

Flying back on United Polaris. Not too shabby to get $13,000 flights for $92 in taxes. =)

A man takes a selfie on an airplane, featuring a bright cabin with several rows of seats. Behind him, a woman smiling and waving, and others are seated, one appearing to be resting with closed eyes. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable.

Highlights – Points and Miles

Air Tahiti Business Class tickets to New Zealand – two for 140,000 miles + $148 in taxes
Retail price: $9,200

United Polaris Class tickets to United state – two for 400,000 miles + $92 in taxes
Retail price: $13,400

Park Hyatt Auckland – Two nights for 40,000 points ($0 taxes, fees, and free parking!)
Retail price: $740

In total, we paid $240 in taxes and received over $23,340 in free travel. That is a 98.9% discount. =)

For those who think there’s no point to points or miles and that cash back is king, consider this: you would have to spend $1.15 million on a 2% cash back card in order to equal the amount of free travel we got. Or, you could put $140,000 to earn enough cash back to sit in economy for 29+ hours. The points we earned came through a combination of signup bonuses using our regular monthly expenses. =)

In Summary

Would I go back to New Zealand? Absolutely! We are going back later in the year. =) We just scratched the surface of the epic adventures that are possible. You probably noticed that we didn’t make it to some of the more famous spots, like Milford Sound, Hobbiton, Lake Tekapo, and many more. This was to maximize our time where we were traveling with the knowledge that we would be back! If we were not returning, I would definitely recommend prioritizing those epic spots.

Now we have to make a decision about where to go and where to live. It’s down to the fine details of finding a place to stay and schools for our kids to attend. That is a daunting but exciting task.