Cover Miguel and Audrey Zubiri with children Adriana, Juanmi and Santi explore New Zealand (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Miguel and Audrey Zubiri with children Adriana, Juanmi and Santi explore New Zealand (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
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Our trip to New Zealand wasn’t just another vacation. It was a rare opportunity to pause, reconnect and be reminded of what truly matters
There are places in the world so breathtaking that they seem untouched by time and civilisation—where every view looks like a painting, every breeze whispers serenity and every moment feels like a gift. New Zealand, especially Queenstown, is one such place. Nestled on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, it’s a haven not just for adventurers but for families seeking meaningful time together, away from the noise of everyday life.
We travelled as a family—myself, my husband Miguel and our three children, Adriana, Juanmi and Santi, together with five other families who have become like our extended family over the years. With no pressing schedules, no obligations and no digital distractions, the days unfolded gently, filled with laughter, experiences and a deep sense of togetherness.
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Above The author and Clarisse Tiu enjoying a special day out (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Above The young ones enjoying the simple art of stone skipping on a mountaintop lake (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
The author and Clarisse Tiu enjoying a special day out (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
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We initially stayed in a beautiful cabin in Wānaka, New Zealand, where mornings began with the sun slowly spilling over the mountains and the air carried a crisp scent of freshness. Each day felt like a blank canvas ready to be filled with new memories. In Wānaka, our mornings were slow and cosy—pyjamas over coffee and hot chocolate, the older ones swapping stories while the younger ones played noisily amongst themselves. The evenings were just as delightfully relaxed, filled with sunset cocktails and long dinner conversations that would last well into the wee hours of the night.
Some of the moments which stood out in Wānaka include an unexpected visit to a lavender field, which we chanced upon while driving around. It was not quite in season yet, but the air was already thick with the relaxing scent of lavender, and we took our time walking through rows of purple sprigs. We were also curious to see the town’s landmark called “Wānaka Tree”, a solitary willow tree growing by itself in the middle of Lake Wānaka, and made sure to pay a visit to this symbol of resilience.
Above The Wānaka Tree (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Above Purple doors and dreams at the Wānaka Lavender Fields (Photo: Honey Corro)
The Wānaka Tree (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
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After a few days, we packed our suitcases and heeded the call of adventure! It was time for our main destination, Queenstown. The magic of Queenstown begins the moment you arrive. The landscape greets you like a grand welcoming party—towering snow-capped peaks mirrored on the glassy lake, lush green hills rolling into the distance and skies so blue they seem unreal. For our children, it felt like entering the world of their favourite fantasy films. For us adults, it was the kind of scenery that made us pause, take a breath and quietly give thanks.
In contrast to our first few days of peace and quiet, our days in Queenstown were packed with adventure, each one more memorable than the last! We all gamely braved the thrill of jet boating, our excited shrieks echoing across the river as we skimmed the water at lightning speed. Our expert jet boat drivers narrowly avoided the mountains and rocks while finding ways to get everyone splashed with the cool water for added fun and excitement.
Above Juanmi, Adriana and Santi Zubiri getting ready to release snowballs (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Above Dr Judee Go-See and the author (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Juanmi, Adriana and Santi Zubiri getting ready to release snowballs (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
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Another day saw us taking the gondola ride up Bob’s Peak. As we rose above Queenstown, the town gradually shrank beneath us, giving way to sprawling vistas of lake and mountains. After enjoying the view from the top, my sons and I eagerly raced down the mountain on the gravity-fuelled luge ride, which we repeated several times over, in order to find out who the fastest racer truly was. Spoiler alert, it was not me.
Meanwhile, Adriana and Miguel were scheduled to go skydiving on two separate occasions. Alas, both instances were cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions. While they were understandably disappointed, we were all grateful for the uncompromising standards of safety that New Zealand implemented for its thrill activities and tourists.
However, the most unforgettable experience and main highlight of our visit was the helicopter tour over Queenstown’s dramatic alpine landscape. From above, the view was nothing short of spectacular. I cannot emphasise enough the beauty of the views, and how stunning they are, especially when viewed up close. As we flew to our destination, we passed various mountainscapes—some filled with lush greenery, others dry and rocky, almost side by side with snow and glacier-capped peaks. It was as if we were going through the four seasons.
Above Snow and smiles (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Above First glimpse of a secret lake hidden among the majestic mountains (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Snow and smiles (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
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Our first landing spot was the breathtaking Earnslaw Burn with its dramatic glacier-topped mountains, cascading waterfalls and rivers running in all directions. As if on cue, snow began to gently fall as we arrived, sparkling in the sunlight. We thought nothing could possibly top the experience of the view until the scent of fresh meat on a barbeque grill began to spread, and we realised there was a way after all. We found ways to make ourselves comfortable as we enjoyed the hot, freshly cooked meals in the midst of the chill and wonder, delighting in the company of our family and dear friends in one of the most unexpected and beautiful sights we could ask for.
Read more: 10 unique restaurants to try in Wellington, New Zealand
After lunch, we continued to explore the place, even trying to drink the fresh water from the falls! Truly, our stop at Earnslaw Burn was one that grounded us in the present and served as the highlight of our Queenstown experience. We took countless photos, but no camera could quite capture the feeling of being suspended between earth and sky, surrounded by loved ones.
We could have stayed all afternoon, but soon it was time to move on. As we left, we flew close to the river and even followed it as it dropped down into a deep waterfall! For a minute, I felt like I was on a roller coaster until the pilot smoothly and deftly brought us back up again. Our next stop was a calm and quiet lake, nestled between mountaintops. We took in the panorama while the children tried skipping rocks on top of the lake. Family photos were taken and core memories created.
Above Breathtaking views at Earnslaw Burn (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Above Santi showing off his catch and our lunch for the day (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Breathtaking views at Earnslaw Burn (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
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Above Freshly cooked lunch on-site (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Above Clarisse Tiu, Judee Go-See, Honey Corro, Audrey and Adriana Zubiri, Tammy and Olivia Tuason (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
Freshly cooked lunch on-site (Photo: courtesy of Audrey Tan Zubiri)
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Before heading back home, we had our final parting dinner with all the families present. There is something sacred about breaking bread with the people who know your story, who laugh at your quirks and love you just the same.
What made New Zealand unforgettable wasn’t just the scenery, though it was spectacular. It was the way the place brought us closer. Without the usual distractions, we rediscovered the rhythm of being together—listening without hurry, laughing without restraint, being fully present with each other. We watched sunsets in silence, held hands during walks and fell asleep each night with full hearts.
Looking back, the trip felt like a pause button on life. In the midst of nature’s grandeur, we found clarity. In the stillness of the mountains and the rhythm of the lake, we found renewal. And in the company of family and friends, we were reminded of life’s simplest, most enduring treasures: love, connection and time well spent.
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