NEW ZEALAND
Kia ora, my beautiful people!
I’ve just returned from what can only be described as an absolute dream—performing in New Zealand. This place has completely stolen my heart. If I’m being real, I wasn’t sure what to expect before I arrived, but New Zealand… wow. It’s unlike any place I’ve ever been. It felt like stepping into a completely different world—one where the music flows through the mountains, the oceans, and even the stars above.
I’ve been on this world tour for months now, hopping from continent to continent, but New Zealand was the stop that truly made me pause. It was more than just another performance; it was an adventure, a journey, and a connection to something much bigger than myself. I’m so excited to share a little bit about my experience with you all.
The moment I arrived in Auckland, I was struck by how lush and green the landscape is here. New Zealand is wild in the best way possible. You can feel the untamed energy of the land in the air—it’s like nature is alive in a way that’s almost magical. From the rolling hills to the dramatic coastlines, everywhere you look, there’s something new to discover.
One of my favorite experiences was driving out to the countryside. The landscape is so pristine and untouched—it felt like I was in a painting. New Zealand is not a place where you rush. It forces you to slow down, breathe deeply, and just be. There’s a calmness here that’s hard to explain, but the kind of calm that makes you feel grounded in the moment.
I had a couple of days off between shows, and I used that time to explore a bit. I hiked through some of the most beautiful trails I’ve ever seen. One of the most memorable hikes was at the Tongariro National Park—walking through the volcanic landscape felt like stepping into another world. The colours of the earth were so rich and vibrant, and standing there, taking it all in, I realised just how small and yet how connected we all are to the world around us.
Now, let’s talk about the show. If you’ve ever heard someone talk about how “special” a crowd is, I can tell you now—it’s true. New Zealand has some of the most passionate, devoted, and warm audiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of performing for. From the second I hit the stage in Auckland, it was like I could feel the love radiating from the crowd. The energy was electric, but it wasn’t just loud or wild. There was something deeper—a quiet intensity that made me feel like I was sharing something sacred with them.
The crowd was so in tune with every note, every lyric, every beat. You could see it in their eyes—they were with me in that moment, fully present, fully connected. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, but it’s the kind of connection that makes all the late nights, the exhaustion, the miles of travel… worth it.
At one point during the show, I brought out a local musician to join me on stage, and the way the crowd responded to that—cheering and clapping as we collaborated—was so beautiful. New Zealand’s musical scene is vibrant, and there’s so much local talent and creativity here. It felt so special to share that with the audience, to introduce them to something new while also celebrating what they already love.
I can’t talk about New Zealand without mentioning the people. I’ve never been to a place where everyone was so genuinely kind. I’m not just talking about the friendly “hi, how are you” type of politeness you sometimes get in big cities. I’m talking about a deep-rooted kindness that flows through every interaction. Whether it was someone offering directions, sharing a laugh over coffee, or the way fans waited hours after the show just to say “thank you,” New Zealanders made me feel like I was more than just an artist—like I was family.
One of the most memorable experiences I had was at a small café in Wellington. I’d just finished a rehearsal, and I was feeling a bit worn out. I walked in, grabbed a seat by the window, and before I knew it, a stranger came up to me, smiled, and said, “You’re the artist performing tonight, right?” I nodded, and they said, “I just wanted to let you know that what you do matters. Your music is helping people, and it’s inspiring them.” I was speechless, not because it was a compliment (though it was), but because of the way it was said—with such warmth, like they genuinely believed in the power of music.
These moments, these small but deeply meaningful interactions, are what make New Zealand unforgettable. The people here are real, they’re not afraid to be vulnerable, and they understand the importance of connection.
As my time in New Zealand came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. It’s not often that a place feels this much like home so quickly. But that’s what New Zealand did for me—it made me feel at home in the most unexpected way. I will never forget the quiet beauty of the landscape, the deep energy of the fans, or the way the country made me feel grounded and alive.
I’m already planning my return. There’s so much more to see, so much more to learn, and so much more to experience. New Zealand gave me something I didn’t know I was missing—space to breathe, to dream, and to truly feel connected to the world and the people around me. And that’s what makes this place so special.
Thank you, New Zealand, for your warmth, your kindness, and your incredible spirit. I’ll carry you with me everywhere I go.
Until next time,
Lily x
P.S. If you ever have the chance to visit New Zealand, don’t just go for the tourist spots. Take the time to wander, to explore, and to really connect with the land and the people. There’s a magic here that you won’t find anywhere else. Trust me.