OVERVIEW
New Zealand compromises of two islands in the Pacific Ocean – both of which offer an abundance of breathtaking natural landscapes due to the number of volcanoes and glaciers that stretch across the country, which makes this destination a playground for travellers looking for a sense of adventure.
Whether it’s your first time visiting New Zealand or you’re looking to back to explore the places you haven’t yet seen, we can tailor make your New Zealand holiday exactly how you’ve imagined it, based on your personal interests, how long you want to be there and your budget type. New Zealand is a destination that can be explored as a self-drive holiday, part of a cruise itinerary or as a multi-centre holiday where you can hop around to different parts of New Zealand as well as the option to combine with another country.
New Zealand multi-centre holidays allow you to explore a multitude of destinations for one epic adventure. Combine New Zealand with the likes of Los Angeles, Cook Islands, Australia and Fiji. Get in touch with us today about your New Zealand holiday package for a tailor made quote.
Read more to find out where is best to visit in the North Island and South Island.
Places to visit on the North Island
Wellington
On New Zealand’s North Island you will find Wellington, the country’s capital with a waterfront promenade lined with eateries, sandy beaches, museums, and rolling hills. Make sure to take the Wellington Cable Car to see the city’s skyline as well as reaching the summit to enjoy a stroll around the botanical gardens. Whilst on the South Island, you will find breathtaking Fiordlands and lakes as well as the famous Middle Earth, which is known around the world for being the film location for Lord of The Rings.
Auckland
A popular city to include on your tailor made holiday package to New Zealand is a few nights in Auckland, which has 2 large harbours lined with bars cafes and restaurants to spend your days in between visiting museums and strolling through Auckland’s oldest park, which is based around an extinct volcano!
Waitomo
A visit to New Zealand mustn’t pass a visit to see the incredible underground cave systems in Waitomo where thousands of glow-worms light up the caves. Waitomo can be reached by car in 2 hours and 25 minutes from Auckland.
Bay of Islands
Water sports enthusiasts will love time spent on the Bay of Islands, situated just 3 hours by car or a 35 minute flight from Auckland on the country’s North Island. Offering every watersport under the sun that you can think of, from parasailing, jetskiing, diving, surfing and kayaking – just to name a few. There are 144 islands in the Bay, surrounded by crystal clear waters and offering a range of incredible boat tours, such as dolphin cruises and cliffs and caves cruises to explore the wonders of this natural collection of islands. You can visit the Bay of Island for just a day, or spend extra time there to really explore at a slower pace with a range of hotels to choose from.
Places to visit on the South Island
Queenstown
Travellers looking for an adventurous holiday in New Zealand will love all that Queenstown has to offer. With the dramatic Southern Alps as your backdrop, for summer hikes and winter skiing trips, there’s just so much to explore. The region’s vineyards will have you sipping world-class wines for a relaxing time to slow things down a little after the many adventuresome experiences you can get up to. From bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, jet-boating on Shotover and Dart river, high mountain hiking into Fiordland’s glacier landscapes and helicopter rides to witness Queenstown’s panoramic scenery.
Christchurch
For a taste of England, include a visit to Christchurch, which is recognised for its English heritage. The picturesque Aon River flows through the heart of the city where you can enjoy bike rides along the banks in between taking in some of the city’s sights, from botanical gardens to wildlife reserves. Christchurch is a popular city to stopover for a night or two and serves as your gateway to make your way over to Akaroa Harbour, which is around an hour and a half drive away to spot dolphins in the banks and ski mount Hutt.
Wanaka
Breathtaking natural scenery is what to expect when planning your New Zealand holiday in Wanaka. Located on the southern end of Wanaka Lake, this resort town is your route to uncover Alpine resorts, luscious lakes and sprawling parks.
Dunedin
Dunedin is a coastal city, with Scottish and Maori heritage and home to Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Spend your holiday hiking and cycling to get a real sense of this city’s magnificent landscapes – from grassy cliff tops that reveal sandy coves to sweeping countryside. Discover everything about this city in the Otago Musem, then spend some time shopping on and around George Street, before taking a trip to the Larnach Castle, situated on the Otago Peninsula, which can be reached by train or car.
Milford Sound
A new Zealand holiday package wouldn’t be complete without seeing the spectacular fjords – and Milford sound is one of the most breathtaking sights to behold. As well as majestic towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and enchanting rainforests, you’ll be treated to sightings of fur seals, penguins and dolphins on a boat tour you can’t afford to miss out on.
How long should I spend in New Zealand?
To really explore New Zealand’s incredible destinations, we recommend 14 days to give you enough time to see both the North and South Islands.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
Mid December to February is the peak time to visit New Zealand, while June to August is excellent for ski holidays. The North Island has a subtropical climate, which has more heavy rainfall in spring and winter. In February/March Wellington has its International Art Festival as well as Waitangi Day Celebrations in February.
How long is a flight from the UK to New Zealand?
Flight time from the UK to New Zealand is 23 hours and 48 minutes.
What language is spoken in New Zealand?
English.
What currency is used in New Zealand?
New Zealand dollar.
What is the time difference in New Zealand?
New Zealand is 11 hours ahead of the UK.
Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
You can visit New Zealand for up to 6 months as a visitor without needing a visa. You will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority before travelling. For all travel advice to New Zealand visit this FCO website link.
Planning a trip to the New Zealand is a thrilling chance to dive into the wonders and unique qualities that make that place so special to you. Whether it's a peaceful beach, a vibrant city, a tranquil countryside, or a stunning mountain range, New Zealand has its own charm and invites you to uncover its hidden gems.
Perhaps it's the vibrant energy of the New Zealand that draws you in, offering endless possibilities for exploration. Or maybe you're drawn to the tranquility of nature, seeking solace in the peaceful embrace of mountains, forests, or beaches. So pack your bags, set out on your journey, and let the magic of New Zealand unfold before you.
Ultimately, exploring holidays at New Zealand is about more than just sightseeing—it's about connecting with a place on a deeper level, creating lasting memories, and nourishing your soul with experiences that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
Immerse yourself in the cultural wonders that New Zealand has to offer. There's no shortage of experiences to deepen your connection to the rich tapestry of traditions and heritage that make New Zealand special. Engaging with local communities will further enrich your appreciation for the unique history and charm of the area.
