New Zealand Tours

Home to 14 national parks that can be found throughout the North and South islands, New Zealand isn’t short of natural beauty. Tongariro National Park is the oldest in the country and plays host to three active volcanoes and mud pools and you’ll also find indigenous wildlife such as the brown kiwi and the blue duck. If its mountains that pique your interest, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park boasts the tallest peaks as well as the longest glaciers. Alternatively, visit Abel Tasman, New Zealand’s smallest national park, to see the coastal wildlife, including seals, bottlenose dolphins and blue penguins.

New Zealand’s vibrant capital, Wellington is a cultural hub home to the National Museum, botanic gardens and lively nightlife – it’s definitely one for the bucket list! Although it’s been dubbed the ‘coolest little capital in the world’, it packs a punch with its wealth of bars and restaurants, galleries and gorgeous views. For the best views, head along the Mount Kaukau trail or stroll down to the coast and harbour. There’s a real buzz and bohemian vibe about the city and the locals are extremely friendly and welcoming.

New Zealand is a hotspot for geothermal landscapes and throughout several areas you can see hot springs, geysers and mud pools. Journey between Rotorua and Taupo, known as the Thermal Explorer Highway, which has the highest concentration of active geothermal landscapes in the country. As you walk between the geothermal parks, you’ll see otherworldly scenery made up of orange hot pools, neon green lakes and simmering geysers that erupt metres into the air. Waiotapu Thermal Reserve is also home to volcanic craters, geysers and sinter terraces made from limestone deposits.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered a moderately difficult hike. The 19.4km trail traverses through diverse terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, loose scree and slippery sections. The most challenging part of the hike is the ascent to the Red Crater, which involves a steep climb and requires a reasonable level of fitness. Additionally, weather conditions can change rapidly at higher altitudes, with strong winds and unpredictable weather. It’s crucial to be well-prepared, wearing appropriate clothing and taking into account the length and challenging sections of the trail.

The number of days that are enough to explore New Zealand depends on various factors, such as your interests and the specific places you want to visit. However, for a comprehensive trip to New Zealand we’d recommend spending at least two to three weeks there.

A minimum of 7-10 days would give you the opportunity to see some of the key highlights. This might include the South Island, such as Milford Sound, Queenstown, Mount Cook, and the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. On the North Island, you might visit cities like Auckland and Wellington, geothermal wonders in Rotorua, and the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Typical New Zealand cuisine is influenced by Maori, British, Pacific Island and Asian cultures. One iconic dish is the Hangi, where meat and vegetables are slow cooked in the oven. Another popular meal is the Kiwi Burger which is made with a beef patty, beetroot, eggs, cheese, and various sauces. Seafood lovers can indulge in green-lipped mussels, paua (abalone), and fresh fish like snapper and hoki. For those with a sweet tooth, Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fruit. New Zealand is also known for its rich creamy cheeses and creamy ice creams.

For your first time in New Zealand, it’s hard to go wrong with the picturesque town of Queenstown on the South Island. Here, you’ll find a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure activities, and a vibrant culture. Visit the iconic Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains or explore the nearby Fiordland National Park, home to the stunning Milford Sound, with its cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs. Wellington, Fox Glacier and Mount Cook National Park are also incredible places to visit on trips to New Zealand.