Travel Blog
New Zealand: A wonderland of culture, landscapes and culinary delights
Are you looking for a holiday that offers a blend of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and exciting challenges, all within easy reach? Look no further than New Zealand.
Ask any New Zealander and they will tell you it is God's own country and the "Paradise of the Pacific". In many ways, New Zealand truly deserves this description. However, the most common mistake travellers make is not allowing sufficient time to explore this magnificent country thoroughly. If you're after an affordable, relaxing holiday with a touch of adventure, New Zealand should be your destination. Here are some highlights:
DOC Nature
Remember those school camps where you huddled in basic cabins, shared ghost stories, and braved long-drop toilets? Relive those memories with family and friends at a DOC hut, located along the Department of Conservation’s tramping tracks. Get back to basics and enjoy the peace and quiet without TV or mobile phones.
Dine Among the Vines
New Zealand is renowned for its wine, and its Pacific Rim-style cuisine is equally impressive. Savour both at a winery restaurant, where an expert sommelier will recommend exquisite wines to complement every dish. Dining alfresco among the vines is a a treat well worth a weekend escape to one of New Zealand’s fabulous wine regions.
Beer Hops and Brewery Crawls
While New Zealand wine often steals the spotlight, their locally brewed beers are equally noteworthy. Breweries are scattered across the country, from quiet rural brewpubs to bustling inner-city boutique breweries. Each offers a unique style, including organic Pilsners, Belgian beer, decadent chocolate beer, and dark lagers with strong hops are just some of the brews on offer.
Experience Māori Magic
In the Māori language, the word Māori means “normal” or “ordinary.” Yet, Māori culture is far from ordinary – it is special and unique to New Zealand. Numerous Māori experiences across the country allow you to learn about their intriguing culture, experience their warm hospitality, and be inspired by traditions passed down through generations.
Island Hop
We all know that New Zealand consists of two main islands, but did you know that over 60 smaller islands also make up the country? Stewart Island and Waiheke Island are great places to relax on a beach. For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, explore the Poor Knights Islands (Tutukaka), Kapiti Island (Paraparaumu), and White Island, an active marine volcano just off the coast of Whakatane.
Great Tracks and Trails
Thousands of tracks and trails wind through both the North and South Islands. Deciding which track to tackle first can be challenging! The Department of Conservation has compiled a list of Great Walks, featuring New Zealand’s premier walking tracks that will test your endurance and leave you in awe of the stunning landscapes.
No matter what type of holiday you're after, there is something for everyone in New Zealand. Don't believe us? Why not check it out for yourself!
Talk to our Travel Advisors
And discover the wonderland of New Zealand.