Tucked deep in the heart of Alaska, Fairbanks is where wild beauty meets true adventure. Surrounded by endless forests, rivers, and snow-covered peaks, it’s one of the best places on Earth to witness the northern lights, soak in natural hot springs, and experience the magic of the midnight sun. Whether you're chasing auroras or exploring untouched wilderness, Fairbanks offers a raw, untamed glimpse of nature that’s both humbling and unforgettable. For deeper guidance, links and pricing, full travel plans, and even more hidden gems, purchase the complete Travel Guide! (coming soon)
FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
Know Before You Go
Strict Biosecurity – Bring Clean shoes or they will clean them for you
New Zealand takes biosecurity very seriously. Your hiking boots or trail runners must be clean and mud-free when entering the country. Customs will inspect them, and dirty shoes can be denied entry or cleaned on the spot (or even confiscated).No Tipping Culture
Tipping isn’t expected in most places. Service staff are paid fair wages, and a simple thank you goes a long way. You can tip if you feel it’s deserved, but it’s not a norm.
January - April
Considered the wet season, this time of the year you can expect yaddah yaddah yaddah
March: The annual Iditarod Sled Dog race!
Melatonin is Prescription-Only
In the U.S. and many other countries, melatonin is a common over-the-counter supplement taken to help fall asleep - particularly helpful when adjusting to new time zones! In New Zealand, however, it is a restricted substance. You can’t bring large amounts into the country, and you’ll need a prescription if you want to buy it there.No Dangerous Wildlife
Good news: no snakes, no poisonous spiders, and no large predators. You can hike and camp with ease - it’s one of the safest countries in the world for outdoor adventures!
When To Visit
January - April
Considered the wet season, this time of the year you can expect yaddah yaddah yaddah
March: The annual Iditarod Sled Dog race!
January - April
Considered the wet season, this time of the year you can expect yaddah yaddah yaddah
March: The annual Iditarod Sled Dog race!
Dog Sledding
The Iditarod is Alaska’s legendary long-distance sled dog race and is now a century-old tradition! Spanning roughly 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, the race follows part of a historic mail route and commemorates the heroic mushers and dogs who once delivered mail and life-saving medicine across the frozen frontier (The Serum Run of 1925). Fairbanks has served as one of the launch sites for the race and remains one of the best places to experience the spirit of mushing firsthand!
While the race itself should be left to the professionals, you can absolutely participate in dog sledding during your visit! There are several options to mush your way through the Alaskan wilderness, but the company I used was Black Spruce Dog Sledding. It is an absolutely WILD experience that should not be skipped!
Hobbiton
TOUR OPTIONS
Several guided tours are available, ranging from the standard walking tour to evening banquets lit by lanterns. The standard tour includes a two-hour guided walk through the set, finishing with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. For something extra special, consider booking the Evening Banquet Tour - it starts at dusk and includes a full feast!
BOOKING TIPS
Tours often sell out days or weeks in advance, especially in peak season. It’s best to book online through the official Hobbiton website. Prices vary depending on the tour type, with discounts available for children and families. If you're road-tripping, factor in the time it takes to get there. Many tours begin promptly and won't wait for late arrivals!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Hobbiton is stunning year-round, but the lush greenery peaks in spring and summer (October–March). The photos on this site are from early November. Mornings tend to be quieter, especially during the week. Aim for the earliest tour possible to enjoy the experience with fewer crowds and softer lighting (for the photographers!).
Rotorua
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
This geothermal wonderland is one of New Zealand’s most surreal landscapes and an absolute must-see while visiting Rotorua. It is a spectacular demonstration of Earth’s powerful and natural beauty! Stroll well-maintained paths past bubbling mud pools, steamy vents, and the vibrant Champagne Pool with its dramatic orange rim (or the neon green Devil’s Bath pictured above!).
Pro Tip:
There is a geyser, called the Lady Knox Geyser, that erupts daily at 10:15 am, soaring a dramatic jet of boiling water up to 20 m high. While it’s an impressive sight, I was surprised to learn that the eruption is manually triggered by a ranger using a powder mixture. Knowing it’s not a naturally timed geothermal event made the experience feel more staged rather than a spontaneous phenomenon... Something to keep in mind when deciding whether to include it in your visit!
Spellbound Glowworm &
Cave Tours
Seeing the glowworms light up a completely dark cave like the night sky is true, natural beauty worth experiencing. You may be familiar with the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours, and it would be comparable to Spellbound. However, Spellbound keeps their tour groups small (12 people max) and the majority of the time is spent in the water - this is unlike popular Waitomo, where most of the time is spent walking through the cave(s) and their group size can be up to 23 people.
Mitai Maori Village Culture Experience
Immerse yourself in Rotorua’s living Māori heritage! Over a three-hour evening, this family-owned venue offers a warm welcome ceremony, a thrilling war canoe display on the Wai-o-Whiro stream, and one hell of a cultural performance! You’ll enjoy a hearty traditional buffet, slow-cooked underground and infused with earthy, smoky flavors. Mitai is an amazing opportunity to learn about and experience authentic Māori culture!
Rotorua is home of the original downhill ball rolling experience, ZORB! Climb inside a giant inflatable ball and roll down grassy hills. It’s wild, different, and an absolute blast for all ages!
Redwoods Tree Walk
Walking high above the forest floor, surrounded by towering redwoods, is a wild perspective you must consider! The Redwoods Treewalk offers a beautiful stroll through the lush Rotorua redwood forest via suspended bridges. During the day, the experience is peaceful and scenic, giving you a closer look at the natural beauty and scale of these majestic trees. At night, the entire forest canopy becomes illuminated by a magical light display! It feels more like walking through a dream than a forest. The glow of the lanterns, the hush of the forest, and the gentle sway of the walkway create a surreal, unforgettable atmosphere that’s hard to describe
Pro Tip: If you only go once, go at night!
Float Plane Experience
You won’t truly see Rotorua unless you view it from the sky - that’s my humble opinion! Fly over its geothermal valleys, crater lakes, and volcanic landscapes in a floatplane that takes off right from Lake Rotorua. The ride feels smooth and the scenery is breathtaking. It’s a splurge, but one of those rare experiences that sticks with you long after you’re back on the ground.
Pro Tip: There is also a helicopter option where you land on the volcano, Mt. Tarawera!
Skyline Rotorua
At Skyline Rotorua, most visitors come for the luge - a gravity-powered ride that winds down the mountainside with sweeping views of Lake Rotorua - but they quickly discover there’s much more to explore. With multiple tracks of varying speed and difficulty, the luge is fun for both first-timers and thrill-seekers. What makes Skyline stand out is how it bundles excitement with scenery: you start with a scenic gondola ride to the top, and from there, you can choose between ziplining, mountain biking, or relaxing with a drink at the Stratosfare Restaurant or Volcanic Hills Winery. The vibe is laid-back, family-friendly, and versatile for just about everyone!
Rotorua Night Market
Every Thursday evening, just off Eat Streat, the Rotorua Night Market brings the heart of the city to life! It’s a lively and laid-back spot where locals and visitors from all over mingle amongst street food, handmade crafts, and live music. You’ll find everything from dumplings and churros to locally made art, jewelry, and clothing. It’s such a wonderful hang out and a great way to get a very real taste of the culture.
Pro Tip:
Check out their Facebook page for announcements about cancellations, updates, and other helpful info about the market.