About My Queenstown Diary
And the adventure-lover behind this blog.
Kia ora! I’m Bailey
A big fan of mountain adventures, craft beer, and all things New Zealand!
I created this blog out of a deep love for exploring New Zealand. I know firsthand how tricky it can be to plan the perfect trip here, which is why I’ve packed this space with detailed guides, helpful tips, and my own tried-and-true suggestions to make your experience smoother.
My goal?
To help you enjoy New Zealand to the fullest—without the stress.
Whether you’re chasing breathtaking hikes, planning an unforgettable road trip, or searching for a cozy hotel with mountain views, I’ve done it all—and shared it here. My recommendations come straight from years spent traveling around and living in this incredible country.
Here, you’ll discover genuine travel advice, detailed itineraries, reviews of top hotels and tours, and insider tips that come from real experience exploring New Zealand. Having lived here for many years, I bring a level of local knowledge that few others can offer.
So, if you’re picturing yourself hiking through dramatic alpine landscapes, soaking in natural hot springs, or cruising through fiords surrounded by towering peaks — you’re in the right place. I’m here to take the hassle out of planning so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the magic of New Zealand!
Ready to plan your adventure?
My Story
My journey started in my early 20s when I caught the travel bug, and I haven’t stopped exploring since. Originally from Canada, I’ve now visited over 40 countries, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Australia, Colombia, France, and Chile. What began as a passion quickly turned into a lifestyle—and eventually, a job (thanks to this website, and a couple of others I run.)
One winter, I came to Queenstown for a ski season. I figured I’d stay a year, enjoy the mountains, and move on. But Queenstown had other plans.
That “one year” turned into many, and the longer I stayed, the more I fell in love with its incredible scenery and adventurous spirit. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to explore every corner of New Zealand—and to share what I’ve learned with you.
From month-long road trips to short stints living in Auckland, hiking the South Island’s rugged trails, and beach-hopping in the North, I’ve done it all. And I’m still going.
This blog is where I combine my two greatest loves: travel and helping others. Everything I write is based on real experience, shared with honesty and care. I often feel like I’m helping you plan the trip of a lifetime, and I take that very seriously.
So, whether you’re skiing or surfing (or doing both in one day), I’m here to help make your New Zealand adventure unforgettable!
I’m the kind of person who’s always planning the next adventure—even while I’m in the middle of one. If I’m not out hiking a trail around Queenstown, I’m probably cruising down a back road on a spontaneous road trip or tucked into a cozy café, laptop open, latte in hand.
I love the big, exciting stuff—ski trips, beach days, mountain views—but I also live for the quiet moments: watching the clouds roll over Lake Wakatipu or sipping wine at a local vineyard on a sunny afternoon.
Although I’m from Canada, I didn’t actually learn to ski until I came to New Zealand. (Go ahead and judge—I would too!) And while I absolutely adore this country, I could do without the sheep traffic jams. Yes, they’re real!
What I love most, though, is how wildly diverse New Zealand is. Within just a few hours, you can go from alpine peaks to lush rainforests to golden beaches. It’s a dream for someone like me who wants to see everything.
I genuinely love helping people plan amazing trips, and I spend a lot of time replying to emails—so don’t be afraid to reach out or post in my Facebook group.
And if you want to stay in the loop with my latest posts and exclusive discounts, make sure to sign up for my newsletter!
I may run a travel blog, but I’m definitely not a big-shot influencer—I’m actually pretty shy. If you say hi in person, there’s a 50/50 chance I’ll freeze awkwardly. But I’m always up for a beer!
Curious what my absolute favorite activity in all of New Zealand is?
