Kia ora! Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to have the MOST incredible family trip to New Zealand’s South Island, and I’m excited to share all the incredible adventures that we had along the way. Over the last few blog posts, I have delved into everything you absolutely must have on your New Zealand bucket list. Read the previous blog post here. For a bit of context: my brother lives in NZ, so my mum and I travelled over for a family holiday with him. It was packed with hikes, swims, and endless mountain views. This trip marked my second time in this stunning country (after exploring the North Island in December 2022 with my Mum and Dad and brother), and I was beyond excited to come back. Trust me, there’s so much to see and do in New Zealand, I hope this blog helps inspire anyone looking to plan their own trip.

The last adventure of our January 2025 New Zealand trip was a kayaking journey across the stunning waters of Lake Taupō. For our final outing, we paddled out to Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay to visit the iconic Māori Rock Carvings.

It was great to have a day that didn’t involve the legs after feeling a little sore and stiff from completing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing the day before.

We visited Lake Taupō in 2022, and I was just as amazed by it then. I find it fascinating that it’s not only massive and beautiful but also alive with geothermal activity such as hot springs. Ultimately, it’s a beautiful lake that actually fills the caldera of an active Supervolcano. In fact, it’s said to be about 800 years overdue for its next eruption. The natural/geological tension and power add an eerie kind of magic to it for me: calm on the surface, but with a powerful force simmering just beneath, a bit like the stillness before a thunderstorm.

On this occasion, we launched our kayaks from Okuta Bay and paddled around the headland to Acacia Bay, covering roughly 10 kilometers in total. The scenery along the way was spectacular, with clear blue skies and the lake sparkling under the summer sun.

Accessible only by water, these impressive contemporary carvings tower 14 meters high and are carved directly into the cliff face. Seeing them up close was awesome!

Getting out on the water was so peaceful, especially when we were just floating in the warm lake, admiring the carvings. The weather was treating us well, so I took full advantage of it with a couple of refreshing swims during the journey… admittedly, one swim was because I tried and failed to solo get back into my kayak and so I decided just to swim the final stretch back into the bay.

A family kayak was the perfect way to wrap up our time in New Zealand.

From here, we had one final night with Rich before making our way back home to England.

It truly was an unforgettable trip. From breathtaking landscapes to the joy of creating new memories together, every adventure felt special. I am so grateful to have had the chance to share such quality and adventure time as a family.

To Mum and Rich if you are reading this: Thank you for the memories. I love you lots!