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Māori carving against Volcano Taranaki

New Zealand travel guides

Māori carving against Volcano Taranaki

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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Audley specialist Haley

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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.

  • Top 8 trips to New Zealand
    Kaikoura, New Zealand

    Top 8 trips to New Zealand

    Top 8 trips to New Zealand

    Hiking across blue-tinted glaciers, sipping wine at world-renowned vineyards, or searching for elusive kiwis under the stars — how would you like to spend your trip to New Zealand? We share our specialists’ top tour ideas to help you decide.

    11 min read

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  • Combining Australia and New Zealand: questions to ask yourself
    Kawarau River Valley, Queenstown

    Combining Australia and New Zealand: questions to ask yourself

    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.

    2 min read

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  • Driving vacations in New Zealand: 3 great routes
    Queenstown, Queenstown

    Driving vacations in New Zealand: 3 great routes

    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.

    10 min read

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  • What to do in New Zealand: our highlights guide
    Jet boat on the Dart River

    What to do in New Zealand: our highlights guide

    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, Rotorua’s thermal springs, the Coromandel Peninsula, whale spotting in Kaikoura, and Mount Cook and Abel Tasman national parks.

    7 min read

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  • Honeymoons in New Zealand
    Wanaka Tree, Lake Wanaka

    Honeymoons in New Zealand

    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.

    10 min read

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  • New Zealand railway journeys
    View from the TranzAlpine train, South Island

    New Zealand railway journeys

    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.

    6 min read

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  • 7 experiences to try on your outdoor activity vacation in New Zealand
    Fox Glacier, New Zealand

    7 experiences to try on your outdoor activity vacation in New Zealand

    7 experiences to try on your outdoor activity vacation 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.

    7 min read

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  • Luxury stays in New Zealand: four of the best luxury lodges
    Main bedroom in the owner's cottage. Rosewood Kauri Cliffs

    Luxury stays in New Zealand: four of the best luxury lodges

    Luxury stays in New Zealand: four of the best luxury lodges

    Paul from our New Zealand team picks his preferred luxury 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.

    8 min read

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

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

    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 dos and don’ts for campervan vacations in this most outdoorsy of countries, including the most scenic (and often little-known) pitches and campsites.

    11 min read

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  • Luxury vacations in New Zealand
    Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

    Luxury vacations in New Zealand

    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.

    1 min read

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  • Ask the experts: where to go walking and trekking in New Zealand
    Walking through the forest, Ulva Island

    Ask the experts: where to go walking and trekking in New Zealand

    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.

    11 min read

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  • Cruising in New Zealand
    Dolphins in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

    Cruising in 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 dolphins, hot springs, Māori rock art and a weka (or three).

    7 min read

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  • A guide to New Zealand’s glaciers: tours, hikes and scenic flights
    Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier

    A guide to New Zealand’s glaciers: tours, hikes and scenic flights

    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.

    6 min read

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  • Observing New Zealand’s wildlife by land, sea and starlight
    Dolphin pod, Kaikoura

    Observing New Zealand’s wildlife by land, sea and starlight

    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.

    9 min read

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  • Where to go cycling in New Zealand (and why you’d want to)
    View of Lake Wanaka

    Where to go cycling in New Zealand (and why you’d want to)

    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.

    7 min read

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  • Antipodean indulgence: why stay in a luxury private home in New Zealand?
    Forty Two Villa Dining and Lounge Area

    Antipodean indulgence: why stay in a luxury private home in New Zealand?

    Antipodean indulgence: why stay in a luxury private home in New Zealand?

    Location, location, location ― plus a private concierge ― are just some of the reasons we’re fans of staying in a private home in New Zealand. Audley specialist Grace explains these properties’ allure, choosing her preferred options across both islands.

    7 min read

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  • Family vacations in New Zealand
    Sperm whale, Kaikoura

    Family vacations in New Zealand

    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.

    8 min read

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  • Experiencing New Zealand through Māori eyes
    Hone Mihaka, Maori guide, Northland

    Experiencing New Zealand through Māori eyes

    Experiencing New Zealand through Māori eyes

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

    10 min read

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  • Hidden highlights of New Zealand
    Beach, Queen Charlotte Sound

    Hidden highlights of New Zealand

    Hidden highlights of New Zealand

    Want an even richer, more meaningful trip to New Zealand? Consider exploring beyond the obvious places and activities, says New Zealand specialist Amy, and you’ll discover more authentic Māori cultural experiences, even better wildlife viewing, and landscapes emptied of touring crowds.

    13 min read

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