New Zealand

Experiences

Great Walks

Hike the many walking tracks throughout the country. New Zealand is home to the Nine Great Walks that take you to some of the most iconic locations in the country. Hike the Tongariro Northern Circuit and marvel at magnificent volcanic landscapes. The Tangariro Alpine Crossing is New Zealand’s best known day hike. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Ngauruhoe and Lake Taupo. Explore the world-renowned Routeburn Track with its diverse scenery, and see pristine beaches and impressive rock formations on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Geothermal Rotorua

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet in this unique area of New Zealand. Admire the geothermal wonders in and around the Rotorua region. Marvel at volcanic crater lakes, spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and sulphur rocks at the various thermal parks such as Te Whakarewarewa. Hailed for their healing properties, soak and relax in the natural mineral hot springs at Polynesian Spa, located on the shores of Lake Rotorua. The southern hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall, Kakahi Falls is located within the geothermal reserve, Hell’s Gate.

Adventure

New Zealand is full of adrenaline pumping activities and is the perfect destination for thrill seekers. Take a high-speed jet boat ride on Auckland Harbour, at Huka Falls in Taupo or on the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers in Queenstown. Hold on tight as you navigate the river rapids on a white water rafting trip in Rotorua or Lake Taupo. New Zealand is the home of bungy jumping, so take the leap at the original Kawarau Bungy site in Queenstown or from the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Experience the thrill of skydiving, either tandem or solo, in Queenstown.

Scenic Drives

Explore New Zealand’s diverse driving routes as you take in the breath-taking scenery. Journey along Milford Road, from Te Anau to the Fiordland National Park. This windy road is one of the most beautiful routes in New Zealand. Arthur’s Pass is the country’s highest and most well-known mountain pass and is home to deep gorges, wide rivers and rocky slopes. In Queenstown, make sure you travel to Glenorchy as the road connecting the two towns is well worth the drive. Stop at the many lookouts along the way for spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu.

Wine Country

New Zealand is world famous for its cool-climate wines including chardonnay, Riesling, sauvignon blanc, and pinot noir. Travel to Marlborough, the country’s premier wine region, and taste award winning wines from more than 30 cellar doors. Just a 35 minute ferry ride from Auckland, try a cabernet blend or pinot gris at the picturesque Waiheke Island. The warmer temperatures around Northland and Bay of Islands make it the perfect spot to experience spicy shiraz and merlot blends.

Maori Cultural Experiences

Learn about the fascinating Maori culture and history. Hear stories that shaped New Zealand and watch an authentic kapa haka performance at the historical Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. Visit the country’s national and innovative museum, Te Papa in Wellington, known for its Maori cultural treasures. In Rotorua, experience the unique Maori way of life at the Mitai Maori Village, Te Puia and Tamaki Village. Watch performers in traditional costumes sing and dance, see authentic weaponry and hear Maori storytelling.

Middle-Earth Movie Magic

Discover the ‘Home of Middle-Earth’, there are more than 150 locations throughout New Zealand where the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed. Visit the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set at Matamata near Waitako. See where the Hobbit adventures began at Bag End, visit The Green Dragon Inn and learn how this unique movie set was created. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Weta Studios in Wellington, search for goblins in the Waitomo Caves and see the location for Laketown in Lake Pukaki.

New Zealand’s Pristine Lakes

Your holiday to New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without visiting the country’s pristine lakes. Lake Wanaka is a favourite with the locals due to the many watersports, hiking and cycling trails available. One of the country’s most photographed destinations, Lake Tekapo, with its turquoise water and colourful flowers. Travel to New Zealand’s largest lake, Taupo, on the North Island. Admire the fascinating Maori rock carvings, only accessible by water, and try your luck at trout fishing. 

Fiordland National Park

Marvel at the extraordinary beauty and World Heritage Site of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. Discover the 14 fiords that span 215 kilometres along the west coastline. Be in awe of the natural wonders of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Enjoy a boat cruise, take a scenic flight or hike the many tracks throughout the area. Visit the glow worm caves in Te Anau, a picturesque town and the perfect base from which to explore Milford Sound. In Manapouri, discover Lake Manapouri by kayak or hike the remote Dusky Track.

Wildlife Encounters

Get up close and personal with New Zealand’s wildlife. See Sperm whales, sea lions and Fur seats at Kaikoura, you may even spot Orcas from December to March and Humpbacks in June and July. Find playful Hector’s dolphins off the coast of Akaroa and Bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands. On land you may be lucky enough to see a kiwi in the wild. Alternatively, observe them at one of many native zoos or sanctuaries. Travel to the Otago Peninsula for glimpses of New Zealand’s unique wildlife such a penguins and albatrosses.