New Zealand holidays

What can you find in New Zealand that you can’t find elsewhere?

Made up of two main islands sitting in the Pacific Ocean – New Zealand is a wild wonderland that takes pride in its great outdoors. In the north, you'll find mighty volcanoes and the country's oldest national park - Tongariro - while the south groans beneath the weight of subtropical forests, snowy peaks and the awe-inspiring Abel Tasman National Park. Add to this magical setting the endlessly fascinating culture of the Maori people and you have a holiday that provides an unbeatable blend of nature and culture to thrill every traveller. Head to the country's cities - Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown - where you'll feel like a local in no time (the Kiwis are wonderfully welcoming) and don't miss a trip to Marlborough Sounds on the South Island for a taste of its fabulously fresh seafood washed down with a glass (or bottle...you're on holiday after all) of wonderful wine.

Who is New Zealand best for?

Lovers of wide-open spaces, sports fans, cultural connoisseurs desperate for an encounter with the Maori people and those who want to walk in the footsteps of James Cook will all fall head over heels for an adventure in New Zealand. For those really wanting to go the extra mile on their New Zealand holidays (quite literally) rent a motorhome and hit the open road to discover the wealth of riches this wild country has to offer. One thing you won't discover is many people, because while New Zealand is comparable in size to the UK, it has a population of only four million, making this one of the world's least crowded countries, even after the huge increase in tourism since that thinly-disguised tourist board promotion known to some people as The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. The country's spectacularly beautiful landscapes - mountain ranges, huge lakes, active volcanoes, glacier-carved fjords, sweeping coastlines and pristine forests - were the perfect backdrop to the action in the movies, and often stole the show completely from acting that was sometimes more wooden than the scenery. Sorry, Orlando. With more than a third of the country protected by National Parks, New Zealand is also a playground for action men and women (and elves), and we can recommend and organise the best outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, abseiling, rafting, sailing, skiing and climbing.

The best ways to discover New Zealand

Pick a side – North Island or South Island? Or instead, refuse to compromise and opt for a tailor-made tour that takes in all of New Zealand. Cross the whole country at your own pace behind the wheel of a mega motorhome or in a smaller and more manageable camper made to tackle those mountain roads. Travelling by camper gives you the freedom to sleep directly in nature and wake up to the scenic wonders of each national park you pass through. Fantasy and film fans may also be drawn to the original journey that takes you into the heart of Middle Earth. Delve into the imagination of director Peter Jackson and plunge into the worlds that Tolkien created. For those travelling with children, New Zealand boasts a brilliant balance of planned adventures and pure moments of freedom. Duck down into the caves to see the famous glow worms, hike the Abel Tasman Park or cruise and kayak along the magical Milford Sound. Boost your adventure to New Zealand to a whole new level with a trip to the neighbouring Cook Islands or a fleeting visit to Fiji.

Unique experiences in New Zealand

You don’t need to be a geologist to be fascinated by the bubbling baths, boiling mud, and fumaroles of Rotorua. This spa town is the heart of Maori culture - where sharing music, traditional dances, local cuisine and rare rituals deepen your experience of this captivating country. New Zealanders are incredibly warm and welcoming, not to mention very proud of their country and heritage. It is therefore an integral part of any luxury New Zealand holiday to visit a 'marae' (traditional Maori meeting house), to fully appreciate the beauty of this country and its people. Beyond, the surrounding area is rich in volcanic activity and aboard a seaplane or helicopter you'll be truly blown away by the magical landscapes.