I created this guide to answer a single question I get all the time: what will I actually pay for accommodation on a New Zealand trip? As the host behind Virtual Journeys NZ & Australia, I’ve stayed in dozens of places across both islands — from basic backpacker dorms to lakeside bed and breakfasts and boutique lodges — and in this article I’ll share realistic price ranges, timing...

  If you're planning to drive around this incredible country, knowing the true Cost Rental Car New Zealand is the single most important budgeting step you can take. I'm Michael from Virtual Journeys NZ & Australia, and in this guide I walk you through the real Cost Rental Car New Zealand — the 12 surprise char...

  If you watched my video on AI trip planning and ChatGPT, you know I walked through a practical two‑week North and South Island New Zealand itinerary and showed a step‑by‑step method that actually works. I’m the creator behind Virtual Journeys NZ & Australia, and in this article I’ll expand on the exact five‑step approach I used in the video so you can apply it to your own trip. Th...

I'm the creator at Virtual Journeys NZ & Australia and in this guide I'll walk you through my favourite 10-day South Island loop that pairs the iconic Tranzalpine train South Island journey with Milford Sound, glaciers, high passes and lake‑side stargazing. This itinerary balances train time, scenic driving and one‑day adventures so you don’t end up spending all ...

  Planning a New Zealand and Australia trip in just two weeks is one of the most exciting — and one of the most challenging — travel problems you can solve. I’m Michael from Virtual Journeys NZ & Australia, and over decades I’ve put together itineraries that balance time, experience, and logistics so you don’t waste a single day. In this post I’ll walk you through a practical, prove...