Why we cancelled our Holland America Cruise + Auckland New Zealand Vlog

We made it to Auckland, New Zealand, but we cancelled our 50-night South Pacific cruise on Holland America after we arrived! Join us as we explore Auckland, visit Hobbiton, and explain how we scored a FREE replacement cruise. We were supposed to board the Holland America Noordam for a 50-night sailing from Auckland to Seattle. However, after a surprise offer from the cruise line, we decided to pivot! We are now moving to a March 6th sailing from Sydney to San Diego—meaning we got a full refund PLUS a free cruise. Follow along as we scramble to rebook flights and find 4 extra nights of adventure in Queenstown! In this Auckland travel vlog, we share our 27-hour travel day and our favorite spots in the city: Where we stayed: The Hotel Britomart (Best location in downtown Auckland!) Hobbiton Movie Set: A 3-hour tour through the Shire, including the new interior Hobbit Hole experience. Waitomo Glowworm Caves: A magical experience you have to see to believe. Auckland Food & Wine: Tasting menus at Culprit, wine tasting at Kumeu River, and the best ramen in the city. Sightseeing: Hiking Mount Eden, the Winter Gardens, and the Gannet colony at the black sand beaches. [Chapters/Timestamps] 0:00 Big News: We got a FREE Cruise with Holland America 1:49 Arriving in Auckland & Hotel Britomart 2:27 Auckland City Tour: Mt. Eden & St. Mary’s 3:38 Auckland Wine Country Tour with Lunch 4:34 Dinner at Culprit 4:58 The Hobbiton Movie Set Experience 6:31 Waitomo Glowworm Caves 6:51 Britomart Saturday Market 7:06 New Zealand Story at Ahi Restaurant 7:15 Exploring Devonport 7:25 Shucker Brothers Auckland 7:34 Where to next? Queenstown! [Hotel: The Hotel Britomart Dining: Culprit Auckland, Dr. Rudy’s, Shucker Brothers Cruise Line: Holland America Line #Auckland #NewZealand #TravelVlog #HollandAmerica #Hobbiton #CruiseLife #TravelTips #WaitomoCaves