Similar to my 'Aussie Life', '90 Irish Nights', and my general life bucket lists on this blog, my move to New Zealand in January 2017 wouldn't be complete without putting together a wish list of intended, expected, and hoped for highlights.

Since moving to Auckland, I have been busy working, exploring and learning about Kiwi history and culture. Below is my Bucket List along with pictures and little blurbs my adventures to date. If you see something missing, let me know and I'll update my list!

As always, thanks for following along and happy travels!

Kiwi Days 2017 Bucket List 

- See a kiwi bird - we'll halfheartedly cross this one off because I was convinced we saw one during our Milford Track hike, but it turned out to be a weka bird. Can you tell the difference? We couldn't...

 Note: there are two weka in this picture.

- Visit Hobbiton, the set of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies - We visited during our NZ road trip in January 2017

- Visit a New Zealand farm - our weekend in July visiting the Mangarara Station in Otane, Hawke's Bay was everything I was hoping for and more!

- Go sailing - we went sailing on Lake Taupo, January 2017.

- Crochet or knit a little surprise made with NZ sheep's wool - happening now...ish...

- Hike the Milford Track, Christmas 2017.

- Road trip both the North and South Islands - seems like we do this every month or so...Lucky us!

 Kiwi road sign near Franz Josef, South Island.

 The open road surrounded by the Southern Alps, outside Christchurch.

- Visit the regions of Marlborough and Otago for wine tastings and vineyard tours

- Learn about the Maori culture - Another item that never really ends! We enjoyed our day at the Herenga Waka Festival in Auckland in February 2017, and loved visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands in December 2017.

- Learn the geography of New Zealand - constantly working on this one...

- Attend an All Black rugby match. We went to the All Blacks-Samoa game. May or may not have been most excited for the haka dance before the game...

- Spend (at least) a long weekend in Wellington - we visited in June 2017. Take me back!

- Volunteer at the Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular (GABS) Festival in Auckland. Last year I volunteered at this event while living in Melbourne and has a blast. New year & location, still tons of fun!

- Hike at least one new trail each month...

January - Diamond Lake, Wanaka, South Island (pictured above)

February - Rangitoto Island, Auckland & Tongariro Alpine Crossing, North Island

March - Coast to Coast Walkway, Auckland, North Island

April - Tracks along the west coast in Raglan, North Island

May - Oneroa Track, Auckland, North Island

June - Tracks along the east coast in Napier, Hawkes Bay, North Island

July - Queenstown Hill Time Walk, Queenstown, South Island

August - Beach tracks on our holiday in Western Samoa

September - Hillary Trail outside of Piha, North Island

October - Not quite 'hiking' but lots of walks during my mom and aunt's trip here.

November - Swapped our hiking for gym classes in preparation for Milford Track.

December - Haruru Falls Walk in Paihia, North Island & Milford Track, South Island

- Go deep sea fishing - Bay of Islands, December 2017.

- Take a cooking class - we took 'Taste of India 2: Classic Flavours' at the amazing, local Sachie's Kitchen and a 'Fermentation Masterclass' from The Unbakery's genius founder and class instructor Megan May. Both classes were lots of fun!

- Read 5 New Zealand books - Fell pretty short on this one for 2017, but it's still on my mind.

The Penguin History of New Zealand by Michael King - I would highly recommend this to anyone interesting in learning more about New Zealand history and culture. It was incredibly enjoyable and helped to paint a comprehensive picture of this great country.

- Attend the Auckland Coffee Festival on March 4, 2017

- Go skiing in Queenstown - July 2017.

All in all, 2017 was one busy, adventurous, educational year in New Zealand!

Last updated on January 7, 2018.