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Maori carving against Volcano Taranaki

New Zealand travel guides

Though dwarfed by its closest neighbor, New Zealand packs an awful lot of experiences into its two moderately sized islands and our travel guides can help you decide which to include in your own trip.

Blessed with some of the world’s most iconic scenery, there are a number of ways to explore. Walking is a national pastime, while the more adventurous traveler will be spoiled for choice with white water rafting, heli-hiking and bungee jumping all readily available. Well maintained roads with little traffic run through spectacular terrain, meaning self-drive vacations in New Zealand are a real pleasure. Alternatively, two wheels provide an invigorating way to discover areas inaccessible by car.

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who's been there

Audley Travel specialist Rebecca

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists

Ideas for how to explore New Zealand

Our travel guides share our specialists’ passion and knowledge for New Zealand. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.

  • River near Milford Sound, Fiordland

    Southern Lakes

    Clear air, crystal waters, imposing peaks and ancient forests: these are the elements that make up the majority of the scenery in the Southern Lakes.

  • Travelling by campervan, New Zealand

    Exploring New Zealand by campervan: an all-you-need-to-know guide

    If you have ever fancied roaming New Zealand by campervan, read on. Audley specialist James shares his do’s and don’ts for campervan vacations in this most outdoorsy of countries, including the most scenic (and often little-known) pitches and campsites.

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  • Jet boat on the Dart River

    What to do in New Zealand: our highlights guide

    Enjoy New Zealand’s north and south islands with this travel guide that looks at cruising the Bay of Islands and Doubtful Sound, Rotarua’s thermal springs, the Coromandel Peninsula, whale spotting in Kaikoura, and Mount Cook and Abel Tasman national parks.

  • Wellington tram

    Wellington & Wairarapa

    Home to New Zealand’s capital city and the rolling vineyards of the Wairarapa, the region of Wellington and Wairarapa is a delight.

  • Lake Wanaka - Wanaka Tree

    Honeymoons in New Zealand

    Looking for New Zealand honeymoon ideas? Audley specialist Lucy explains why the country makes for a fulfilling honeymoon destination. She cherry-picks the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that New Zealand does so well, from glacier trekking to scenic flights and Doubtful Sound cruises.

  • Rotorua, Rotorua

    The Thermal Plateau

    Covering Rotorua, Taupo and Tongariro National Park, the Thermal Plateau is both geologically fascinating and culturally exciting.

  • Sperm whale, Kaikoura

    Family vacations in New Zealand

    New Zealand specialist James gives his tried-and-tested advice on what makes a family trip to New Zealand fulfilling. He shares his ground rules for travel as a family in this country, and offers suggestions on child-friendly activities across both islands.

  • The Catlins coast, New Zealand

    Coastal Otago & Southland

    Whether it is birdwatching on Stewart Island, traversing through the wild wetlands of the south, monitoring marine life on the Otago Peninsula or indulging in the local fare served in Dunedin’s fine restaurants, this region presents a host of contrasting experiences.

  • Dolphins in The Bay of Islands, New Zealand

    Cruising in New Zealand

    There’s a lot to love about day cruises in New Zealand, says specialist Ophelia. She shares her pick of the best from across the North and South Islands. Expect dolpins, hot springs, Maori rock art and a weka (or three).

  • Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula

    Coromandel & Pacific Coast

    Stretching out into the Pacific both to the north and to the east, the sprawling Coromandel and Pacific Coast is where Aucklanders flock to enjoy the sun, surf and sand, and to relax into the region’s laid-back lifestyle.

  • Christchurch, Christchurch

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Stretching out like a patchwork quilt, the Canterbury Plains cradle the South Island’s largest city, Christchurch. Discover the diversity of the region by visiting Waipara, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura and Mount Cook National Park.

  • Vineyard in the Marlborough region, New Zealand

    Nelson & Marlborough

    The Marlborough region, sitting at the topmost point of the South Island, is the home to fine wines, quality hikes, and a network of navigable waterways.

  • Bridge to Nowhere, Whanganui National Park

    Western North Island

    Known for its black sand, wide beaches and annual festivals, the most defining feature of the Western North Island is Mount Taranaki.

  • Tranz Alpine Train

    New Zealand railway journeys

    New Zealand has a triumvirate of great rail journeys across North and South Islands. They’re windows onto the country’s scenic splendor, but they’re also civil engineering masterpieces, says Audley New Zealand specialist (and train aficionado) Joe.

  • Lake Matheson, West Coast

    New Zealand's West Coast

    With surreal rock formations at Punakaiki, creeping glaciers at Fox and Franz Josef and the immaculate reflection of Mount Cook on the crystal waters of Lake Matheson, the West Coast leaves a firm imprint on any traveler’s mind.

  • Queenstown, Queenstown

    Driving vacations in New Zealand: 3 great routes

    Audley country specialist John explains why, for him, self-drive is the best way to explore New Zealand. He recommends three very different routes, from mountain passes in the South Island to forest roads in the North Island.

  • Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

    Luxury vacations in New Zealand

    If you're planning a luxury vacation to New Zealand we have a huge choice of accommodations available, from luxury hotels and lodges to beach houses and country estates offering top class accommodation.

  • Beach, Queen Charlotte Sound

    Hidden New Zealand

    Audley specialists Holly, James and Lindsay recommend things to do in New Zealand that won’t be on most visitors’ radars. They include kiwi-spotting on Stewart Island, going behind the scenes at the nation’s most prestigious museum, and lesser-known winery stays.

  • Auckland from the Sky Tower

    Auckland & Northland

    Known as the ‘winter-less north’, Northland has a lot to offer, including the historical Bay of Islands and the cosmopolitan city of Auckland.

  • Hone Mihaka, Maori guide, Northland

    Experiencing New Zealand through Maori eyes

    Maori culture is multi-layered and an indelible part of New Zealand’s fabric. Here, Audley’s country specialists share their recommendations for the best Maori experiences to include in your New Zealand tour, ranging from intimate family dinners to guided forest walks.

  • Kawarau River Valley, Queenstown

    Combining Australia and New Zealand: questions to ask yourself

    Trip duration, timing, your appetite for flying — these are some of the things to think about if you’re planning a joint Australia-New Zealand trip. But Audley specialist James says it really comes down to what kind of experiences you’re after.