There are a lot of awards handed out these days. Most are for performances and craft made by human beings. That’s great, I’m all for that. People can often make trips special, and it goes without saying that that happened when I travelled through New Zealand. But there’s something rather magical about the country itself. The makers of the Lord of the Rings trilogy said that the Oscars they won really should have been awarded to the land the films were set in. So here I give awards to the most memorable moments and places from my time in New Zealand…

Best Sunrise – Tongariro

Best walk – Tongariro Crossing

Weirdest Place – Rotorua

Best Beach – Hot Water Beach (runner up: Kaiteriteri)

Best Meal – Fergburgers in Queenstown!

Best Day Trip – Glacier Hiking at Franz Josef

Best Water Experience – Black Water Rafting in Waitomo

Best Drive – West Coast of the South Island

Best City – Wellington

Best Hostel – River Valley Lodge

Best Day Out – Cardrona Snowboarding from Queenstown

Best Activity – Horse Riding in River Valley

Scariest Moment – Canyon Swing in Queenstown!

Biggest Letdown – Auckland

Most Pleasant Surprise – Tongariro