Would not rush back to New Zealand — very expensive was a real issue

I wanted to love New Zealand more than I did. The positives exist: Hobbiton is genuinely impressive, Rotorua has moments of real charm, and manuka honey is as good as people say.

But very expensive was a persistent problem throughout the trip and dragged the experience down. I've heard others say it's improved, but during my 8-day visit it was a constant friction point. Maybe I'll give it another chance in a few years. For now I'm directing my travel budget elsewhere.