New Zealand map & itineraries
New Zealand is reminiscent of an unmade single bed, covered in folds and peaks. South Island is divided lengthways by the snow-covered Southern Alps and contains a succession of glaciers the longest of which stretches for almost 30km. Although North Island is a little less undulating its geothermal nature provides a prime example of NZ's inclusion within the Pacific Ring of Fire with active volcanoes Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu providing a breathtaking panorama. Making the three-hour crossing over Cook Strait allows travelers to skip between both islands with remote rivers, vast farmsteads and stunning coastal scenery adding to an exciting and varied itinerary.
Our New Zealand Vacations
New Zealand 12 day small group tour
Kiwi 12 Day Small Group Tour of New Zealand
From
NZ $6790
12 days
ex flights
New Zealand vacation, land and sea tour
Visit towering volcanic cones to broad sandy beaches
From
US $6752
19 days
ex flights
New Zealand small group tour, 23 days
Small Group Tour - North and South Island of New Zealand
From
£6090
23 days
ex flights
New Zealand self drive vacations
Spectacular scenery and dynamic culture
From
US $7855
19 days
ex flights
New Zealand small group tour, 16 days
Kakariki 16 Day Small Group Tour of New Zealand
From
NZ $8290
16 days
ex flights
New Zealands Subantarctic Islands cruise
Wildlife voyage to the Subantarctic inc Macquarie Island
From
US $8450
12 days
ex flights
New Zealand adventure vacation
An active adventure exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud
From
US $9279
18 days
ex flights
New Zealand 21 day small group tour
Kakapo 21 Day Small Group Tour of New Zealand
From
NZ $10590
21 days
ex flights
New Zealand 17 day small group tour
Kaka 17 Day Small Group Tour of New Zealand
From
NZ $8490
17 days
ex flights
New Zealand self drive tour, 23 days
The grand tour of New Zealand’s North & South Islands by car
From
£3395
23 days
ex flights
New Zealand culture & trekking self drive tour
North Island Wilderness & Volcano Adventure Trekking Tour
From
£1175
9 days
ex flights
North Island self drive tour in New Zealand
8 day self-drive tour of the North Island
From
£1950
8 days
ex flights
South Island self drive tour in New Zealand
Self-drive to the tip of the South Island’s Fjordlands
From
£1840
10 days
ex flights
New Zealand South Island self drive tour, Lakes & Alps
Freedom to explore South Island's glaciers & lakes by road
From
£1750
9 days
ex flights
New Zealand cultural vacation
Experience the scenery and culture of New Zealand.
From
US $7464
20 days
ex flights
New Zealand conservation volunteering
Enjoy helping with conservation in beautiful New Zealand
From
£699
7 days
ex flights
Nature tour in New Zealand
Journey through the heart of New Zealand
From
US $8660
21 days
ex flights
New Zealand South Island self drive tour
Discover New Zealand's off the beaten track destinations
From
US $7417
18 days
ex flights
New Zealand North and South Island tour
Explore Nz's stunning islands, high peaks, and deep fjords
From
US $4395
10 days
ex flights
Complete tour of New Zealand
32 Day North & South Island New Zealand Vacation.
From
£4210
4 weeks
ex flights
New Zealand hiking & adventure vacation
Hike into New Zealand's stunning south island landscapes
From
US $3795
10 days
ex flights
Cycle the whole of New Zealand
Cycle New Zealand north to south fully supported
From
NZ $13800
6 weeks
ex flights
New Zealand North Island tour, 4 days
Kotare 4 Day Small Group Tour of New Zealand North Island
From
NZ $1990
4 days
ex flights
Honeymoon in New Zealand
Romantic scenery, intimate moments & wild outdoor adventures
From
£9000
11 days
ex flights
New Zealand two week vacation, South Island
Jaw-dropping scenery in New Zealand's South Island
From
£3930
14 days
ex flights
New Zealand Lord of the Rings tour
Natural wonders & Lord of the Rings filming locations
From
£10900
19 days
ex flights
Tailor made tour of New Zealand
27 day North and South Island vacation in New Zealand
From
£3795
27 days
ex flights
Best of New Zealand private vacation
All the highlights of New Zealand in 24 Days
From
£3250 to £3695
24 days
ex flights
New Zealand cycling vacation, Cape to Cape
1050km cycle route East Cape to Cape Egmont
From
NZ $6750
16 days
ex flights
1.
Abel Tasman National Park
2. Bay of Islands
3. Christchurch
4. Coromandel peninsula
5. Fiordland National Park
6. Mount Cook National Park
7. Queenstown
8. Rotorua
9. Rugby culture
10. Tongariro National Park
11. Waitomo caves
12. Whale watching in Kaikoura
2. Bay of Islands
3. Christchurch
4. Coromandel peninsula
5. Fiordland National Park
6. Mount Cook National Park
7. Queenstown
8. Rotorua
9. Rugby culture
10. Tongariro National Park
11. Waitomo caves
12. Whale watching in Kaikoura
Abel Tasman National Park
1. Abel Tasman National Park
Although the smallest of New Zealand’s national parks, Abel Tasman, doesn’t pack any less of a punch with forest covered hillsides and the Takaka and Riwaka rivers leading to the sublime shallows of Golden Bay. The Coast Track, which can be walked and partially kayaked, is considered one of the world’s best with beaches, such as Onetahuti, Kaiteriteri and Bark, totally deserve the leg and paddle work.
Bay of Islands
2. Bay of Islands
Head north of Auckland, about three hours, and you’ll reach the historic towns of Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri all of which provide an ideal base from where to explore the Bay of Islands. Thanks to sub-tropical sea temperatures this area is heaven for divers with groupers, rays, kingfish and shipwrecks, including the Rainbow Warrior, providing some of New Zealand’s best underwater experiences.
Christchurch
3. Christchurch
Browsing at the Re-Start, strolling through Hagley Park or punting on the River Avon, Christchurch will kind of remind you of England but then kind of not. Maybe it’s due to the memories of the 2011 earthquake or just the distant backdrop of the Southern Alps, but whatever it is, forget about the old country - this is Christchurch so get out there and enjoy Garden City.
Coromandel peninsula
4. Coromandel peninsula
There’s a semi-mysterious phenomenon happening on the Coromandel Peninsula so grab some Scooby snacks and head on over to Hot Water Beach in Mercury Bay for a day you’ll never forget. Underground hot springs at low tide present a great chance to dig your own geothermal hot pool; however, be advised that the rip currents here are severe so stay beachside to stay safe.
Fiordland National Park
5. Fiordland National Park
New Zealand’s largest national park is the result of some glorious glacial grinding with fjords, such as Milford Sound, providing perfect panoramas to accompany hiking tracks, like Routeburn and Milford. The carving process has created offshore islands, glacial lakes and waterfalls – the tallest of which are Sutherland and Browne – and the chance to view via helicopter is just out of this world.
Mount Cook National Park
6. Mount Cook National Park
As New Zealand’s longest glacier (the Tasman, 27km), and practically all of its tallest peaks (Aoraki/Cook, Hicks and Tasman - all well over 3,000m), are situated in Mount Cook National Park, this is South Island’s mountaineering and hiking hot spot. Boat trips and scenic drives are ideal ways to get closer to the scenery with Hooker Valley providing a popular trekking trail to add to an infinite list.
Queenstown
7. Queenstown
3, 2, 1... Queenstown! Boasting well over 200 adventure activities, including white water rafting, mountain biking and paragliding, Queenstown is New Zealand’s undeniable extreme sports capital. Aside from jet-boating on the Dart River or bungee jumping off Kawarau Bridge, Lake Wakatipu and Bob’s Peak also make perfect settings to take your breath away.
Rotorua
8. Rotorua
Throw aside the prescribed clothes peg on nose and embrace the eggy whiff of Rotorua as this is geothermal central and definitely worth investigating if you’re into hiking around lakes and mountain biking through forests. The Whakarewarewa area, especially, is packed full of hot springs and geysers with Pohutu, aka ‘Big Splash’, erupting almost hourly to heights of 30 metres.
Rugby culture
9. Rugby culture
One way English settlers found to ‘bond’ with local New Zealanders was through sport. Fortunately, indigenous Maoris were already playing something akin to rugby; however, if the English thought these chaps were going to be pushovers they had another thing coming. The Blues, the Hurricanes, the Chiefs, and the All Blacks, if you get the chance to watch a live match, grab it like the late, great Jonah Lomu.
Tongariro National Park
10. Tongariro National Park
This is New Zealand’s oldest national park and recognised by UNESCO for its unique mix of cultural and natural sites. Volcanoes Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro are of great significance to Maoris and Tongariro National Park was created, in part, to keep them safe. The park is also a haven for hikers with the 20km Tongariro Alpine Crossing considered one of the best in the business.
Waitomo caves
11. Waitomo caves
The glow worms of Waitomo can be found within a limestone cave system about two hours south of Auckland and are certainly worth investigating even if you’re just heading down for the acoustics. Along with having your way lit by glowing bugs, the caves are also accessible for extreme sports enthusiasts and open up narrow crawl ways and cavernous holes to further invigorate the descent.
Whale watching in Kaikoura
12. Whale watching in Kaikoura
Alongside seals, dolphins and New Zealand’s largest concentration of seabirds, including petrels, shearwaters and 12 different kinds of albatross, Kaikoura is all about the whales. Giant sperm whales, humpbacks, blues and minkes have all been seen off the Kaikoura coast and observing these creatures from land or sea makes their still threatened existence all the more unfathomable.
Our top New Zealand Vacation
New Zealand 12 day small group tour
Kiwi 12 Day Small Group Tour of New Zealand
From
NZ $6790
12 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2022: 10 Oct, 22 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov, 14 Nov, 21 Nov, 12 Dec, 19 Dec
2023: 2 Jan, 9 Jan, 16 Jan, 23 Jan, 30 Jan, 6 Feb, 17 Feb, 20 Feb, 24 Feb, 27 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 3 Apr, 10 Apr
2022: 10 Oct, 22 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov, 14 Nov, 21 Nov, 12 Dec, 19 Dec
2023: 2 Jan, 9 Jan, 16 Jan, 23 Jan, 30 Jan, 6 Feb, 17 Feb, 20 Feb, 24 Feb, 27 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 3 Apr, 10 Apr
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about New Zealand or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
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new Zealand sample itineraries
New Zealand highlights (18 days):
Auckland > Coromandel Peninsula > Bay of Plenty > Rotorua > Wellington > Kaikoura >Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park > Lake Tekapo > Queenstown > Lake Wakatipu and Remarkables > Milford Sound > Franz Josef > Okarito Lagoon > Punakaiki > Arthur's Pass > Christchurch
Auckland > Coromandel Peninsula > Bay of Plenty > Rotorua > Wellington > Kaikoura >Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park > Lake Tekapo > Queenstown > Lake Wakatipu and Remarkables > Milford Sound > Franz Josef > Okarito Lagoon > Punakaiki > Arthur's Pass > Christchurch
South Island highlights (10 days):
Christchurch Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park > Queenstown > Milford Sound > Cardrona Valley > Lake Wanaka > Franz Josef > Punakaiki > Arthur's Pass > Christchurch
Christchurch Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park > Queenstown > Milford Sound > Cardrona Valley > Lake Wanaka > Franz Josef > Punakaiki > Arthur's Pass > Christchurch
North Island highlights (10 days):
Auckland > Coromandel Peninsula > Bay of Plenty > Rotorua > Hawke Bay > Napier > Tongariro National Park > Lake Taupo > Waitomo Glowworm Caves > Auckland
Auckland > Coromandel Peninsula > Bay of Plenty > Rotorua > Hawke Bay > Napier > Tongariro National Park > Lake Taupo > Waitomo Glowworm Caves > Auckland
travel times in new zealand
The following times give you a rough idea of the travel times between the main attractions in New Zealand.
Napier to Wellington: 5-7hrs by train
Wellington to Picton: 3hrs 30mins by public ferry
Wellington to Nelson: 6hrs 30 mins by ferry and bus, or 2hrs by plane
Nelson to Arthur’s Pass: 5hrs 15 mins by car
Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch: 2hrs by train
Christchurch to Dunedin – 6hrs by bus
Dunedin to Queenstown – 3hrs 30 mins by car
Queenstown to Milford Sound – 6hrs by bus
More about New Zealand
Our temperature & rainfall chart will prove useful when choosing the best time to go to New Zealand, and this page also contains some handy advice on festivals and events.
If you’re looking for your next vacation destination then read our New Zealand travel guide before you consider any other options. We’ve compiled tips and advice for what we think is one of the world’s most exciting vacation destinations right now.
New Zealand activities are simply amazing and, as keeping excitement levels in check can be a difficult proposition, we suggest you just let go and scream 'kia ora'.
If you've got plans to go traveling in New Zealand with kids then right here is what we recommend in terms of activities for families in New Zealand and what to do with little ones.
Maori mythology ascribes New Zealand’s fiords to a giant stonemason, but these deep valleys were actually carved by glaciers over millions of years.
From enormous whales to miniscule glow worms, the wildlife in New Zealand is like nowhere else on Earth – literally - many species, such as the Hector’s dolphin, are found here and here only.
New Zealand walks are some of the finest in the world, taking you through such astonishingly diverse and awe inspiring scenery you may be tempted to just keep going, and going.
As appealing as they may be, you can find mountains, dolphins and bungee jumps in many countries - no, what makes New Zealand truly unique is its Maori culture.
You may not be planning on doing any bungee jumping, but that aside, New Zealand is a very accessible country for travelers with special requirements.
This should always be the first page you come to when looking for New Zealand vacations advice as we've asked for tips from our friends in New Zealand, including Miles Clark, Linzi Bird and Caroline Stafford.
Our guide to responsible tourism in New Zealand is a worthwhile read, with sections on Maori culture, dolphin watching and Easter bunny hunts all helping you travel right.
Small group vacations are the perfect option for any age whether you’re vacationing solo, as a couple or a group of friends, and they're especially good for less confident travelers.
Our top eight adventure activities in New Zealand range from ‘softer’ experiences such as trekking and kayaking to more extreme.
