Building Beautiful Firsts as a Family: Raghav’s New Zealand Trip with Thrillophilia
It was Raghav and his wife’s very first international holiday with their two year old daughter. They had a long break in January and wanted to use it wisely. Choosing the destination took time, but after several discussions, they finalised New Zealand. It felt right for a family friendly adventure filled with nature, calm cities, and beautiful landscapes.
They began searching for a reliable and affordable tour operator. That was when Thrillophilia appeared on their feed. Their packages looked convenient, and after going through a few itineraries, they booked the trip. The excitement doubled once the tickets and stays were confirmed. Their daughter would see mountains, lakes, and glowworm caves for the first time. It felt special to imagine the stories she would tell one day.
A scenic drive through Auckland
The first day began on a high note. Their first stop was the Sky Tower, where they took the lift to the observation deck to see Auckland from above. They reached just in time for the evening light, and the golden colours spread across the skyline. As the sun faded, the city slowly lit up, creating a beautiful contrast of warm and cool tones.
They spent longer than they realised, absorbed in the panoramic view. Soon their driver contacted them and gave them two options. They could visit the Sea Life Aquarium or have dinner in the tower itself. They chose the aquarium.
It turned out to be one of the best parts of the day. The tunnels, the colourful fish, and the giant stingrays made both parents pause in awe. Their daughter was full of energy, chasing the fish from window to window. She saw a large stingray gliding toward the glass and excitedly shouted "Ray Ray" while pointing at it. The parents could not stop laughing at her enthusiasm.
A walk through Rotorua and its wonders
The next day began with a short city tour before heading to Rotorua. Their guide was friendly and shared many facts about New Zealand, its culture, and its geothermal wonders.
On the way, they visited a small market known for local crafts and jade jewellery. Raghav’s wife took her time exploring the stores, comparing designs and admiring the intricate carvings made by local artisans.
They then continued to the geothermal valley. The steam rising from the earth, the bubbling pools, and the geysers created a surreal landscape. Their daughter looked amazed and covered her ears each time a geyser erupted, then giggled after the sound faded.
In the evening, they visited a Maori cultural village. The traditional performances, the storytelling, and the haka dance added a rich layer to their experience. The warmth of the people and the atmosphere made the night unforgettable.
Queenstown and the calm of nature
A few days later, they arrived in Queenstown. The endless lake, the snow covered peaks, and the peaceful air felt like a perfect family setting. Their most awaited experience was the scenic drive to Glenorchy. The winding roads beside Lake Wakatipu looked straight out of a storybook.
They clicked many photographs and spent time skipping stones on the shore. Their daughter insisted on building a tower of pebbles, and every time it fell, she would laugh louder than before.
Later in the evening, they joined a lakeside dinner cruise. The calm water and the glowing lights along the shore made it a soothing experience. The dinner included fresh salads, grilled vegetables, lamb dishes, and soft desserts. Their daughter enjoyed the pavlova the most.
Moments to treasure
Their last full day was kept at leisure. They decided to visit a quiet beach and enjoy a simple family day. They played near the water, built sand castles, and took short walks along the shore. The pace felt relaxed and comforting.
This trip became a milestone for them. It was their first international journey as a family and it gave them memories they would revisit for years. When they reached home, they sent a heartfelt message to their contact from Thrillophilia, thanking the team for planning everything with such care.
Thrillophilia wished them well and let them know they would be happy to welcome the family again whenever they chose to travel next.
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