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.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our New Zealand specialists at 1-844-250-3440
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Thermal Plateau
Covering Rotorua, Taupo and Tongariro National Park, the Thermal Plateau is both geologically fascinating and culturally exciting.
Family vacations in New Zealand
Tailor-made family vacations in New Zealand. Realistically the only aspect of travel to New Zealand which is not family-friendly is the long flight. Clean and safe, New Zealand is a stress-free destination perfect for families.
Ask the experts: where to go walking and trekking in New Zealand
A Q&A with Holly and Sarah-Jane from our New Zealand team, who are experts in walking in New Zealand. They cover the scenery you’ll experience on New Zealand’s walking trails, where to stay en route, and what to consider when planning your trip.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Activity vacations in New Zealand
There is such a vast range of activities available on a tailor-made trip to New Zealand. We'll ensure your vacation is exactly what you want it to be by including activities you know you will enjoy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A guide to New Zealand’s glaciers: tours, hikes and scenic flights
New Zealand’s glaciers stand tall for their settings and sense of remoteness, says our specialist Emily. She contrasts the big three — Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman — and shares her tips for how to experience them.
Observing New Zealand’s wildlife by land, sea and starlight
Yes, you can increase your chances of seeing a wild kiwi, and no, you don’t necessarily need to get on a boat to go whale-watching. Specialists Holly and Lucy share the how, why, what and where of New Zealand’s wildlife highlights.
Where to go cycling in New Zealand (and why you’d want to)
Audley specialist Chris found that New Zealand rekindled his love of cycling. He shares the best places to explore on two wheels, from arty cycle tours around Nelson to glacial lakes and New Zealand’s best multi-day cycle trail.
Luxury stays in New Zealand: four of the best luxury wilderness lodges
Paul from our New Zealand team picks his preferred luxury wilderness lodges across both North and South Islands. How can they enhance your trip? For him, it’s about their remote locations and the experiences you can tap into.