New Zealand
Discover New Zealand's wonders, where the Māori people's unique culture and incredible wildlife, like the iconic kiwi bird, blend with breathtaking landscapes. From glaciers and fjords to pristine beaches and lush rainforests, these South Pacific islands offer endless natural beauty. Whether you're up for an adrenaline-pumping bungee jump, a serene wine-tasting tour, or exploring picturesque hiking trails, there’s an adventure for everyone. Marvel at the majestic Southern Alps, famous as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings, or visit the geothermal marvels of Rotorua to witness nature’s power up close.
Highlights
- Natural Scenery
New Zealand’s natural scenery is a breathtaking showcase of diverse landscapes. Fiordland National Park captivates with its dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and pristine waterfalls, particularly in the renowned Milford Sound. Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak, rises majestically in a sea of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes, offering stunning alpine vistas. Rotorua's geothermal wonders bubble and steam, with vibrant geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools amidst lush forests. Along the coast, golden beaches and rugged shorelines stretch for miles, from the tranquil bays of the North Island to the wild, untamed beauty of the South Island’s west coast.
- Adventure Sports & Outdoor Activities
New Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise, offering a thrilling array of outdoor activities set against some of the world’s most spectacular backdrops. Adrenaline seekers can take a heart-pounding jet boat ride through narrow river gorges, skimming past cliffs and racing over rapids at high speed. Helicopter rides offer a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of glaciers, soaring over shimmering ice fields before landing for an up-close exploration of these frozen wonders. For the ultimate thrill, bungee jumping takes center stage, with iconic locations like Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge offering daring leaps into the abyss, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine lakes.
- Māori Culture
Māori culture is an integral part of the nation’s identity, offering visitors a deep connection to its history and traditions. A traditional Hāngi feast, cooked underground using heated stones, is a communal experience that showcases the rich flavors of Māori cuisine, with tender meats and vegetables infused with smoky earth aromas. Māori performances bring ancient stories to life through captivating haka (war dances), poi (dance with rhythmic balls), and soulful waiata (songs), sharing the spirit of the culture through movement and music. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds hold great historical significance, as the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, marking the partnership between Māori chiefs and the British Crown. Visitors to the grounds can explore the history, see traditional waka (canoes), and walk through the iconic Treaty House, gaining insight into New Zealand’s foundation and the enduring legacy of its indigenous people.
- Wildlife
New Zealand’s wildlife is as unique as its landscapes, offering unforgettable encounters with rare species in their natural habitats. The yellow-eyed penguin, one of the world’s rarest penguins, can be spotted along the rugged coastlines, shyly waddling ashore after a day of fishing. Playful fur seals bask on rocky outcrops, while majestic albatrosses with their impressive wingspans soar gracefully above. An Eco Wildlife Tour provides the perfect opportunity to observe these creatures, along with the vibrant birdlife that thrives in the forests and wetlands, such as tui and kererū. The waters around New Zealand are teeming with marine life, where dolphins leap alongside boats, and whale watching reveals the awe-inspiring presence of these ocean giants.
- Cities
New Zealand’s cities each blend urban energy with natural beauty. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, offering a thrilling mix of outdoor activities and a lively nightlife. Christchurch, the “Garden City,” combines historic charm with modern innovation, featuring beautiful parks, art galleries, and a resilient spirit that has shaped its ongoing urban renewal. Auckland, the country’s largest city, boasts a stunning harbor dotted with sailboats, world-class shopping, and diverse dining, all within reach of picturesque beaches and nearby islands. Wellington, New Zealand’s creative heart, is a bustling capital where culture thrives, with its buzzing café scene, art galleries, and the iconic Te Papa Museum celebrating the country’s rich history and Maori heritage.
New Zealand’s natural scenery is a breathtaking showcase of diverse landscapes. Fiordland National Park captivates with its dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and pristine waterfalls, particularly in the renowned Milford Sound. Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak, rises majestically in a sea of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes, offering stunning alpine vistas. Rotorua's geothermal wonders bubble and steam, with vibrant geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools amidst lush forests. Along the coast, golden beaches and rugged shorelines stretch for miles, from the tranquil bays of the North Island to the wild, untamed beauty of the South Island’s west coast.
New Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise, offering a thrilling array of outdoor activities set against some of the world’s most spectacular backdrops. Adrenaline seekers can take a heart-pounding jet boat ride through narrow river gorges, skimming past cliffs and racing over rapids at high speed. Helicopter rides offer a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of glaciers, soaring over shimmering ice fields before landing for an up-close exploration of these frozen wonders. For the ultimate thrill, bungee jumping takes center stage, with iconic locations like Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge offering daring leaps into the abyss, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine lakes. 
Māori culture is an integral part of the nation’s identity, offering visitors a deep connection to its history and traditions. A traditional Hāngi feast, cooked underground using heated stones, is a communal experience that showcases the rich flavors of Māori cuisine, with tender meats and vegetables infused with smoky earth aromas. Māori performances bring ancient stories to life through captivating haka (war dances), poi (dance with rhythmic balls), and soulful waiata (songs), sharing the spirit of the culture through movement and music. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds hold great historical significance, as the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, marking the partnership between Māori chiefs and the British Crown. Visitors to the grounds can explore the history, see traditional waka (canoes), and walk through the iconic Treaty House, gaining insight into New Zealand’s foundation and the enduring legacy of its indigenous people.
New Zealand’s wildlife is as unique as its landscapes, offering unforgettable encounters with rare species in their natural habitats. The yellow-eyed penguin, one of the world’s rarest penguins, can be spotted along the rugged coastlines, shyly waddling ashore after a day of fishing. Playful fur seals bask on rocky outcrops, while majestic albatrosses with their impressive wingspans soar gracefully above. An Eco Wildlife Tour provides the perfect opportunity to observe these creatures, along with the vibrant birdlife that thrives in the forests and wetlands, such as tui and kererū. The waters around New Zealand are teeming with marine life, where dolphins leap alongside boats, and whale watching reveals the awe-inspiring presence of these ocean giants.
New Zealand’s cities each blend urban energy with natural beauty. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, offering a thrilling mix of outdoor activities and a lively nightlife. Christchurch, the “Garden City,” combines historic charm with modern innovation, featuring beautiful parks, art galleries, and a resilient spirit that has shaped its ongoing urban renewal. Auckland, the country’s largest city, boasts a stunning harbor dotted with sailboats, world-class shopping, and diverse dining, all within reach of picturesque beaches and nearby islands. Wellington, New Zealand’s creative heart, is a bustling capital where culture thrives, with its buzzing café scene, art galleries, and the iconic Te Papa Museum celebrating the country’s rich history and Maori heritage.Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to New Zealand? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Wellington |
| Entry requirements | Please see our Entry Requirements page. |
| Staying Healthy | The sun is the biggest health concern in New Zealand, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen. Don't forget the bug repellent! |
| Weather | Remember that New Zealand's seasons are opposite those in regions north of the equator. July is the coldest month and January is the warmest. The climate in New Zealand is quite mild with extremes only in the high mountains. Temperatures range from 60 F in the northern regions of North Island, and 50 degrees F near the bottom of the South Island. Take a sweater and umbrella no matter when you visit. September and October, flowers and trees are in bloom, and pose a beautiful site for any traveler. |
| Money & Credit Cards | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | Shop in local markets and stop for off-the-beaten-path artist studios for wonderful surprises. Also shop for paua-shell jewelry, Maori items such as carvings and music, rugs, sweaters, fleece jackets, greenstone jewelry and ornaments, jams, and wine. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 230 volts. Plug I. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Tours & Packages
- Destinations: New Zealand
- including closed packages
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