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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.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, Maori rock art and a weka (or three).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
