New Zealand continues to remain one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Those prepared to travel half way around the world are rewarded with the most sumptuous platter travel can offer.
Here you will find excellent hotels of character, some on the doorstep of the ocean; you can sample internationally acclaimed wines and indulge in the freshest of sea food.
With vibrant cities and the sincere and generous Kiwi hospitality, you are sure to have an experience with a sweet and lasting taste.
New Zealand's landscapes
Yet all of this aside, what New Zealand is most famous for is its sublime landscapes. This is ‘God’s Own’ as the locals know it. With the most dramatic and awe-inspiring vistas at every turn, even the finest photographers struggle to capture such significant beauty; seeing it with your own eyes is the only option.
So diverse is the landscape that you can expect to start a day dwarfed by rumbling volcanic peaks, journey through dense ancient forests, traverse rich fertile plains and skirt shimmering lakes, before ending it on a long stretch of empty golden sand.
Culture and heritage
With Polynesian culture and Maori heritage weaving through the land, you can expect an holistic travel experience: innovation, scenery, culture, food and people, New Zealand has it all.
Food & wine
This small nation has established a name for fabulous wineries, many internationally acclaimed. Whilst most will point connoisseurs to the Marlborough region for the finest vintages, Hawkes Bay and Martinborough should not be ignored. A trip here would not be complete without trying the local 'fush 'n' chups' or traditional Maori fare either.
Landscapes
For a small country, New Zealand incorporates landscapes as diverse as they come. Mountains, volcanoes, beaches, lakes, fiords, valleys and caves - to the everyday traveller these remarkable sights are other-worldly. Both the North and South islands share many common features, but are also wonderfully contrasting.
Light adventure
It's not necessary to throw yourself off a suspended platform in order to fully experience New Zealand. Alternative options include air safaris over White Island, heli-hiking the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers and wilderness cruises in Milford and Doubful Sounds.
Maori culture
New Zealanders are proud of their Maori roots. Maori song, dance and mythology are prevalent, towns are adorned with carvings and rooms are dressed in flax weavings. Most physical locations also have Maori names with literal translations such as Waimakariri River (Cold water river).
Outdoors & coastal living
The 'outdoors' perception of New Zealanders is not something consciously cultivated; with such a plentitude of mountains, beaches, fiords lakes and forests on their doorstep it is simply a way of life.
Self-drive
New Zealand has wonderful roads - scenic, safe and, especially on the South Island, largely empty. They even drive on the left and some of the most scenic routes are waymarked. There are car hire stations at all of New Zealand's airports.
Walking & trekking
There are so many excellent hikes - or 'tramps' as the locals call them - in New Zealand that it is sometimes difficult to know which one to select. We feature several of the country's 'great walks' which can easily be incorportated into any itinerary.
