I know, I know. It seems like I just got back from Europe. And really, it’s true. After less than three weeks at home, it’s back across an ocean. But this time, it’s the Pacific.
Unlike some trips, this one is mainly a “people” trip. Namely, both A and I have family in New Zealand we are traveling to see. Hers is just outside Auckland while mine is in Wellington. So that’s the basic reason for the trip.
As you might recall from the early days of The Royal Tour, I was in New Zealand for about five days, split between Auckland and Bay of Islands. I had found a mistake flight fare for $300 which United shockingly decided to honor (I doubt that would happen today), and went mostly on a whim, connecting with a Maori leader in Bay of Islands who walked me through the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. (Click here to read my interview with him.) But to say I felt like I’ve seen the country would be totally wrong.
And even now, this trip will be limited to two metro areas, both on the North Island, and some of the pretty countryside outside of Auckland. It’s not exactly a full reckoning of what New Zealand means, and will for sure necessitate some return trips.
So why Fiji? Well, a few reasons. First off, some of the cheapest airfares to New Zealand from Los Angeles are on Fiji Airways, which allows long stopovers for those connecting. Second, after late fall in New Zealand, some sun will be in order. And finally, I had more than a million points in a certain US hotel chain’s program, and burning some of those for a beachside resort seemed like a good use.
Below is the basic itinerary for the trip. The places are all well locked in – disaster notwithstanding – but some of what I might actually do is still to be determined as of this writing. So while I’ll attempt to give you some ideas of what to expect future articles from the trip to entail, please don’t hold me to those. Things always go awry during travel.
Day One – Los Angeles to Wellington
It’s actually a two day process, both from the layovers in Fiji and Auckland standpoint and from the crossing of the International Date Line. I think I get in two days and change after I leave, losing an entire day mid-air.
Days Two through Eight – Wellington
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital, although it’s a relatively small city. Obviously, the most important part of my time will be getting to know my cousins better, but I’ll also be doing some stuff to write about.
I’ve already arranged my tour of Parliament, so that is happening. Te Papa, the national museum, will be on the itinerary. I’d love to get some hiking in, weather permitting, or to tour Weta, which is responsible for so many of the special effects we all love from Lord of the Rings and more. If weather really holds, the cable car to the Wellington Botanical Garden seems awesome.
Day Nine – Wellington to Outside Auckland
It’s a quick flight up to Auckland and then a transfer to A’s family’s farm outside the city. Because it’s in a small rural area, I’m not giving the name of the actual town. I hope you understand.
Days Ten through Fourteen – Outside Auckland
New Zealand’s rural countryside is stunningly beautiful, and I’ll be enjoying that both on the farm and in the surrounding area, especially the rugged coastlines. And, of course, getting to know A’s family.
Day Fifteen – Outside Auckland to Auckland
It’s a fairly quick transfer into the city and to our apartment downtown for the week. I’m guessing we will also need some groceries.
Days Sixteen through Twenty-One – Auckland
Thanks to an amazing partnership with Auckland Unlimited, the official tourism bureau for the city, I have a ton planned! There will be a rugby experience. There will be foraging and cooking with local Maori. There will be learning the Hakka. There will be museums. There will be a look at what modern Auckland means.
Basically, it’s going to be a packed week of awesome stuff to write about.
Day Twenty-Two – Auckland to Nadi
The flight is not so long, and I trade likely gray for likely blue as I head to my beach resort.
Days Twenty-Three through Twenty-Seven – Nadi
Mostly this will be a week of relaxation. Part of that is it will be needed. Part of it is because Nadi, on the western side of Fiji, is mainly just a resort area, with the population center of Suva all the way to the east and out of range for a quick day trip. I will try to do something to get a feel for Fijian culture, but it might just be a single glimpse.
Day Twenty-Eight – Nadi to Los Angeles
And now the upside of the International Date Line, as we arrive back in California before we left Fiji (on the clock, obviously). It’s the closest thing to time travel currently possible and it makes me smile.
So yeah, it should be a fun month in the South Pacific. Fiji is a totally new country for me, so I’m stoked for that, and a return to New Zealand has been in the making for a while. I hope you all are excited about the articles to come from the trip, since I’m excited to write them.
As they won’t come out for months still, the best way to follow along day to day is via my Bluesky profile. And just a quick plug: Bluesky is like Twitter without the fascism and death threats. It’s a good place and you should join.
If you like maps, the trip map is below. The top pin is Fiji, with the two New Zealand ones being Auckland to the north and Wellington to the south, but still on North Island.
