NEW ZEALAND VLOG! 🇳🇿 PART 1 • Exploring Auckland, Hobbiton Tour, Hotel Review & First Impressions 🌆

[@brogantatexo]

Welcome back guys! We had an AMAZING week in Auckland, exploring the city and beyond. This vlog features 5 days of activities, food, shopping and adventure, so grab your snacks and enjoy!! Brogan & Benji xx Ps. If the video ever looks ‘blurry’, check your settings by clicking the ‘clog’ in the corner > quality > higher 😊

[@modfus]

So great you two had such a nice time in Auckland. I'm happy to see the weather was good - Auckland can be a bit gloomy on cloudy days. Auckland is pleasant but it still lacks the 'vibe' of more densely populated cities. Its population is constantly growing so maybe one day it will offer a more exciting experience for visitors.

[@SarrParksxo]

Benji not wanting to admit he was the reason you threw your bike on the floor is everything😅 I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the whole vlog. I’m SO happy for you guys❤️

[@Shelljarps]

I love how benji takes all information like a sponge and relays it back to us 😊 I can't wait for this series of travel vlogs ! You guys are one of my new favourite youtubers and I'm so excited for you ❤

[@elsieberry5291]

Re watching this vlog, laughing so much when you asked to stop for an ice cream on the way back, but have to cycle to the beach and benji starts laughing. LOVE THIS VLOG, one of my favs ❤

[@CrystalJasmine22]

I'm actually so speechless. Love you guys so much and THANK YOU for taking us on this journey with you!

[@brogantatexo]

Thank YOU for watching!! ❤️

[@Lucy34277]

Omg hobbiton looks magical, If I went there I would be crying the whole tour

[@MarieChmotte]

I was there , I cry as soon as I see Peter jackson on the screen on the bus 😅

[@angelofmusic1026]

Same!

[@lifewithrhi]

I actually got really emotional watching this vlog! New Zealand is a place I’ve dreamed of visiting ever since I can remember, especially the Hobbiton set as the LOTR films are my favourite films of all time💚 Lovely seeing you explore Auckland and it’s definitely given me ideas of thing we can do when we eventually go🤞 Can’t wait to watch the next vlog! Thank you for sharing your holiday with us☺️

[@lizziwhite25]

This vlog is EVERYTHING. I'm going to NZ in Feb/Mar 2026 and it's already making me so excited to plan what we're gonna do! I loved going along with you every day and getting an idea of what a North Island break might be like

[@clairetruscott3263]

This vlog was amazing. I've been excited for this all day. Thank you. That bike ride Brogan 😅. You both had me in stitches bless you ❤ xx

[@brogantatexo]

It was a time 😂 thank you!! xx

[@TinnekeVDE]

Also Benji restores my hope in a younger generation also being interested in and respecting the history of things and places.

[@doodydoesitddi5717]

I cannot express how good this is! Please film everything you can. Love the food and yours and benjis conversations together. This honestly is FANTASTIC viewing!

[@melanie98d]

Wow...this was epic and it's only the beginning!!! Edited together so so well! Really felt like the vlog took us around with you each day. So good and can't wait for the next!❤

[@brogantatexo]

Thank you so much!! Xx

[@samarahleigh294]

Welcome to NZ! So nice to see you enjoying our beautiful country! xx

[@amys6099]

this brought back sooo many of my most treasured travel memories! NZ was my first trip overseas and we did that exact trip to the glowworm caves, i will never forget that experience! glad you loved it!

[@tiffanygriffin2019]

I just discovered this as we are planning a trip to Auckland in March. But I am 8 minutes in and already OBSESSED with you both!!! Congrats on your marriage and thank you for making such fun (and funny!) content!!!! -From Philadelphia (and Michigan)

[@catherinekayy]

Ong this trip already looks incredddible ❤❤❤😂😂😂 Dean was swooning over hobbiton 😮😮😮 🤣 It looks ammmmaaaaazing I didn’t realise how big they had made it! Like a proper mini theme park 🥹🥹🩷🩷🩷 what a wonderful start to the trip’ have the best time guys ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@modfus]

The noisy insects are native cicadas - they are the 'sound of summer' in NZ. You'll hear the sweet chirping of crickets at night time.🙂 Also, the "R2D2 Bird" is most likely a Tui.😉

[@crystaldavis6463]

I think this was one of your best videos yet! The excitement and happiness coming from you and Benji is palpable❤️

[@laurarobinson492]

This was so good. I’m so excited to follow along on your adventures. The bike ride had me laughing out loud, your face brogan when you had had your meltdown. Some real life snapshots. Fantastic. You two are just all the joy and excitement and it’s just the beginning. Upload when you can but no.1 enjoy and have the best time!!!!xxxxx

[@Heavenhunt-ds8dg]

Travel not only broadens your horizons but also deepens your appreciation for the diverse tapestry of our world. It's a journey that goes beyond miles, creating memories that last a lifetime."

[@AllisonInDetail13]

I love how you say “that’s the r2d2 bird again!”

[@katieedwards2520]

It’s really lovely to see you both so grateful for the little things! One of my dreams to travel to these places 😊

[@lizmartino]

This was such a fun vlog to watch. I was in New Zealand in July 2023, and we went to a lot of the same places! It was a great way to reminisce and hope you are having a wonderful trip so far!

[@kayethomas3375]

I'm sorry, this has to be said, you both take your vacation to the maximum and run with it. I love how you know what you are doing to the T when you wake up. You both rocked that bicycle ride by the way. Mine is hung up in the garage and now I feel that I need to dust it down for the summmer. Loved this New Zealand blog, especially Hobbiton. The Island, the valentines meal, general walkabout. Never been but would like to go now. Thank you so much for sharing, really brings a smile to my face as I love to travel and it makes me very excited for our holidays. I keep telling my hubby about your trips. Thank you

[@ballet286]

So glad you enjoyed Auckland as a Aucklander! Makes me appreciate the city more seeing how much you 2 loved it ❤

[@pamackerman5423]

I know I'm behind in your vlogs but just wanted to say I love you both, you visit so many cool places. I'm from the US so going to New Zealand, or the places you visited I so amazing. So, keep capturing those beautiful memories you share together. Love it! 😀

[@drkateburbery7872]

This makes me so homesick for NZ!! Im sure you know by now but the bird you are hearing is called a Tui, they make the most amazing sounds I used to love hearing them as a kid! Thanks for sharing 😍

[@Athomewiththewilliamsons]

Honestly. Benji anecdotes and quick comments have me HOWLING 😂😂😂

[@lindaboylan1465]

I’ve only recently started following you guys and I’m loving your trip to New Zealand. It looks absolutely amazing. The first blog I watched was your flights on emirates to get there. Also loved that one. Myself and my husband love cruising been on 10 Caribbean Bahamas and Europe. Love them. I’m so looking forward to following you along on your world cruise. Have an a wonderful time ❤️

[@angelofmusic1026]

So happy you are vlogging this EPIC journey! Thank you so much! My husband and I are massive LOTR fans so this trip is the top of our bucket list for sure!

[@lindakirk698]

Lovely vlog. Brings back memories from 1975 when we were there. Went all round Rotorua & managed to drive on all the unstable ground down in the lake edge after taking a wrong route. The heat from the ground was amazing - certainly heated our shoes up!!! We lived out there for a while as hubby was posted to the British High Commission in Wellington. So many changes in thst long time!

[@kaymaunders]

Wow I would love to do the Hobbiton Tour. Love Lord of the Rings. I’ve just discovered you guys on KZbin and now I can’t stop watching your vlogs. Such a lovely genuine couple. Benji makes me laugh 😂and Brogan you are a natural at vlogging 👍🏻😊

[@barbhawkinson659]

Hello from Orlando 😊 🌴🌺 You popped into my life yesterday and I'm so happy you did! I watched your travel day and subscribed immediately. I've never seen a vlog of Auckland so this was so fun to see. My brother would love seeing the Hobbits little village. Back in the day I was a Xena, Warrior Princess fan and it was filmed in New Zealand too. I would have loved to have seen some of their sets. You guys are awesome vloggers and I cant wait to see the rest of your grand adventure 😊 ✈🚲🛴🦧🦒🦏🦦

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

So so so so so good 😍 the bike ride made me laugh as it would be exactly the same with stu 😅 me romanticising it with the wind in my hair and him racing up the hills and not struggling at all while I’m collapsing the floor haha. Loved watching, can’t wait for the rest of your vlogs xxxx

[@rebeccaj]

Just amazing! So glad to be coming with you! Absolutely loved this! 🥰

[@Mary_Rees]

What a wonderful video. The zoo looked amazing. You two are such a beautiful couple. So glad I found your channel. ❤

[@nycbutterfly52]

New Zealand is gorgeous and amazing!!! 😍😍😍 Thank you so much for taking us along!!! You sent to do many cool places!!! And the next vlog is the beginning of your cruise!!! 🛳🛳🛳 How EXCITING!!! Continued love and health to you both from across the pond!!! 💜💜💜

[@gailcarsten7903]

I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for seeing Aukland through your eyes. I'm so happy for you both and have learned a ton and seen New Zealand. I almost feel like I'm there with you. My husband and I are older now and can't travel like we used to but through you, I am. The food looks amazing and you have planned a wonderful itinerary. The bike trip was hilarious. We've taken a lot of cruises and look forward to traveling with you on the next video. I love you guys! Happy travels from America!

[@shannonedmond5286]

Okay Benji talking about being on the Southern Hemisphere 🤣🤣 I thought he was going to say something so serious and then he comes out with “the blood constantly rushing to our heads”🤣🤣

[@helenwiles403]

Wow what an hour long, hilarious in places episode of Auckland! I have backed the videos up so I can slowly find time to sit and watch them! Xx❤

[@Sam4G0d]

LOLing at Benji's jokes throughout - what a fun first week you had! :)

[@alisonchristina5464]

I love trees too!!! ❤🌲🌳🌴🍁

[@hollyfowler_13]

I can’t believe this is only the first 5 days of the trip 😂 this content is absolutely spoiling us. I’m so excited for you both and to follow along.

[@Julieblake2909]

Wow I am exhausted and this is only the very beginning of your epic trip! Thank you both for these vlogs, I am living my dream life through you two gorgeous people x

[@scwp14]

Great vlog, can't wait for the other vlogs on this epic journey you guys are taking. Thank you for taking us along as well. Auckland/New Zealand looks beautiful, makes me wanna go and visit if myself. I hope you guys will have a great time during the rest of your trip.

[@svaracena]

I visited New Zealand’s North Island in 2016 and absolutely loved it. Now, after watching this video, I really want to go back! 🤩

[@pammysadventures]

Hi Brogan you are both having such a great time. Your beaming smile says it all. Thanks for sharing it with us. I want to go to Hobbiton now😊

[@hrb4801]

Saved this to brighten my day….lunchtime watching Brogan n Benji….bliss want to be back there…..won’t want to go back to training!!!

[@lindacarson5429]

This was such a great vlog. The bicycles, the map reading 😂. I really love how seriously you both take your food. It really is the trip of a lifetime isnt it? Looking forward to more!!

[@MorganBowmar]

So special seeing you explore my country, for sure made me appreciate being a kiwi ❤ safe travels and I can't wait to watch the rest of your adventures!

[@jessicanorris6214]

New Zealand looks so gorgeous! Hope you are having the best time! Honestly Brogan you are so real for your reaction to the hilly bike ride, I’d have been much stroppier😂🫶🏻

[@sallymurnaghan4254]

Me too 😂

[@gailleavey7169]

Benji is so lovely thank you for for your tour it amazing . 💖

[@alysbetsanjones1458]

THIS WAS AMAZING!! So lovely to see Auckland in the vlog and you are both glowing ❤can't wait to see the next ones xxx

[@staceyhackworthy6744]

LOVED watching this ❤ Brogan I really felt for you on that bike ride, so glad you keep it real and didn’t edit that out though! Such an easy, fun watch x

[@jackieparker7562]

Hi Brogan and Benji. I just watch your adventures in Auckland. you planned that perfectly. The trips you did would have been top of my list. I grew up on the north shore of Auckland. It's lovely city to visit. we are now living in the Waikato not far from the glow worm caves you visited. I'm looking forward to seeing your cruise. We have done a couple through the pacific Islands and thought cruising is an great way to travel. i hope you had a trip.

[@nicolahodgson2978]

Loved this vlog so much, especially Benji knowledge sharing, he should be a tour guide he’s ace

[@Wendy-xx4me]

41 years ago, I made a plan to backpack around NZ. Life prevented my trip, and so it was very special to watch your experiences around Auckland. Thank you :)

[@kendalethbridge7667]

So pleased Ive found this to follow, really enjoying your trip so far and how positive you both are. You made Auckland ( my home town) look so beautiful and completely agree how beautiful our zoo is. enjoy your trip, I am so looking forward to watching.

[@macyracle102]

eeeeek! im a crew member on cruise ships (currently a production singer with Princess Cruises) and I can't tell you how long I've waited for these vlogs! you two are for sure my comfort people when I'm away from home for like 9 months at a time!!! so excited to see what's next

[@stinajones9847]

And to think this is just the START of your journey. Amazing vlog & I'm so happy you seem to be having the best time. ❤🎉

[@courtneyoconnor5246]

Not even started yet and I can't wait to watch 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@shereeh1785]

As a Kiwi it was very interesting to see how you saw NZ. Good work on Waiheke, by the last time you said it, it sounded pretty normal. I believe it may have been a Tui that you heard (bit hard to hear). Beautiful birds that make a range of calls. Glad you enjoyed NZ, cant wait to carry on with your other videos 😊🥝

[@msjadelum]

I can see that you so excited it the beginning

[@mrsm4405]

I watched this purely to see my home country (I live in the uk now) - great seeing so much in this vlog, you guys packed in loads in a week, NZ has become really expensive, I was cringing at the 30 dollar breakfasts and 100 + for the ferry. Thanks for a great vlog and for taking me home, briefly. ❤

[@debadamsuksouthwales6766]

Your home country is amazing

[@Craftylisa69]

Loving coming along. You two are so enthusiastic and appreciative of this adventure. 🎉

[@cathieschmitgal5515]

Oh my gosh you two are so cute! I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying your adventures!

[@amycraddock291]

I’m so excited for you guys. Looks like a great start to your special trip. With the postcards, we did a similar thing when we travelled Australia and south east Asia. I would recommend collecting them but getting stamps and posting them home, it’s so lovely to read them all with your special memories from your trip when you get home, like reliving it. I have just laminated and hole punched mine to make a little postcard book :) xx

[@elizabethalecks-jones6918]

LOVED this vlog! I have never really thought about NZ as a place to visit but this vlog opened my eyes! Beautiful. Thank you x

[@l.1250]

Such a lovely couple and a great vlog and coverage of Auckland (I was going to apologise for the state of our inner city with all the road works for an underground rail). So impressed also how positive and appreciative you are throughout. Re: trees - you missed the flowering of our native Pohutakawa trees. We call them our Christmas trees as they come out in a stunning blaze of colour in summer. Happy travels and congrats for your upcoming wedding.

[@alancampbell9568]

Lovely first look around New Zealand. Great sights of Auckland skyline. Lovely fascinating tours. Nice restaurants especially breakfast. What a great zoo, the best fact for me being, “New Zealand is the only country that doesn’t have any animals that are harmful to humans”. Any place that doesn’t have deadly snakes, spiders or crocodiles 🐊 is immediately at the top of my wish list to visit. Onto the cruise now.

[@chillijules2300]

I loved this vlog. My son moved to Auckland 3 years ago and has just bought a house there, we have yet to go over ourselves to visit him. It was lovely seeing where he now lives and the coffee shops and restaurants he visits. Whilst watching the vlog I was also looking at people in the background just in case he happened to walk by lol. Looking forward to your next vlog you must be so excited that wedding day is creeping nearer. Much love to you both XX

[@hotpinkfairysparkle]

That was a lovely Vlog. I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand. Thanks guy ❤

[@ninaZ945]

Smiling almost the whole time, so excited to follow you guys along the coming months!! 🥰 you’re both just a pleasure to watch

[@ashleylevin167]

As a massive lord of the rings fan, I couldn’t help but get emotional when you guys were there,as if I was with there with you ❤️ thank you for stopping there and showing us this wonderful vlog. I cannot wait to see more ❤

[@clairesaunders1885]

Loved every second of that 😊

[@marjcameron312]

Brogan massive 👏 for biking on the island!

[@laurabuckley9952]

Thank you for sharing your epic journey into married life! What an amazing start, cannot wait to see what other adventures you experience! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@bronniepaterson4694]

Wow! Just WOW! Your certainly having a fantastic time… Thanks for thinking of everyone back home…. LOVING it all… Only 4 days ( 3 for you guys as your so far ahead) until the BIG day…eeek! 🥂👍🇬🇧

[@cameronmacilquham3340]

Absolutely love you guys

[@ladycrainbow]

Well that was a lovely trip back to where we lived for two years. Hobbiton was not even built then. Never went to the zoo or museum so it was nice to finally see them. Of course we were working so not too much time for trips. I was very emotional watching as really loved it there, living 35 clicks (miles) out of Auckland in Puni . Thank you for taking me along with you. Enjoy the next part of your adventure xx

[@HarveyMorton]

Ah you can’t beat that amazing feeling at the start of a holiday! Thank you so much for allowing us to follow your world cruise journey. I’m so excited for you both!

[@traceyhiggins-gt2fm]

My daughter has been out travelling in New Zealand since September. She got engaged on the 11th February. Her and her fiance are working on farms out there and doing some traveling. Looks so beautiful. She comes back on March 22nd xxx

[@annwilson4160]

All I can say is “ AMAZING “ what an experience you’re having, you are so professional and informative with your vlogs , I hope you enjoy your cruise and wedding , and a happy life ahead ❤❤

[@JessicaChelsey]

Ahh it's so fun watching you guys on such an adventure 😍🩷

[@angela2638]

So glad that Auckland and the weather was so good for you both.

[@toobydude41]

Absolutely fantastic and it's only the beginning! Like a magic carpet ride. Thank you so much. Incredible filming Brogan. One bit I won't forget in this one..among many...is that orangutan sliding across that rope like it's nobody's business!

[@giddy-up88]

What a wonderful start to your epic trip, this was a vacation in itself. Hobbiton was so cool, and that zoo and the animals were beautiful. Wow! Thanks for sharing the fun!

[@hufflepuffgeek1015]

Hi Brogan and Benji such a lovely vlog showing some of Auckland, New Zealand is definitely a place on my bucket list to travel and explore , I can't wait to see your cruise vlogs such an adventure ahead for you both ; safe travels have a lovely time 😀🥰

[@preservid]

Oh Brogan and Benj I am so thrilled that you are taking us along for this adventure!. What a trip of a lifetime!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you!

[@paulajackson7780]

Thank you both. That was a wonderful entertaining and educational vlog. 😊

[@jeanheaphy2222]

Love your logs can’t wait for the next one and your wedding.take care stay save.

[@historylover13]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I will be on Arcadia for the World Cruise 2025 so I'm picking up lots of great info!

[@laurablanton703]

I am so enjoying living vicariously through your travels from Colorado! You both look so happy and I'm thrilled to be able to see some of the amazing places I'll likely never be able to see.

[@moiraw1111]

Came across your channel when looking for world cruise packing videos. Now I'm hooked! You both have such great energy. I live in Brisbane but due to my original country of England, am doing a Dover back to Brisbane 1/2 world cruise in '26. Can't wait to see what you thought of Sydney and Brisbane as have lived in both :)

[@ElizabethH1231]

What a treat to get to see Auckland with you! It looks gorgeous and you did some really fun things. Benji is so knowledgeable and so funny - he should be a tour guide! Can't wait to see on board the ship!!

[@donnamodzelewski6923]

Great video! I liked when Benji said you were athletes. I'm happy to see him doing so well. He's more handsome than Prince Harry and funny. You guys get along so nicely. It's so nice to watch. I loved Hobbiton. Thanks for taking us along. I'm looking forward to more videos and your wedding!

[@christinamahoney9265]

Loving your trip ❤

[@cosmpirg]

Normally I'm a quiet viewer. But omg! Thank you for this video! It's been 10 years since I've been to NZ and seeing Auckland and Hobbiton made me cry for joy! I have to go back there as soon as possible, thanks for reminding me ❤️

[@kaylascammell9577]

I hope the weather keeps up for your stops in Aus ! 33° today 36° tomorrow ! I recommend at least watching the hobbit !!! Love it 🥰 can’t wait for the next leg of your trip !!

[@TheDogPooPro]

me and Sooz loved this vlog sssooooo much.......watched with massive grins on our faces x We love you guys. Like I've said before, you bring light to our dark days as we battle through Sooz's palliative care