We suggest that you allow at least a week or two to explore New Zealand and if you can, 4 weeks would be ideal. The country packs an awful lot into a small space, and though it might be tempting to try and see as much as possible in a short time as you can - New Zealand is best travelled at a slow pace, taking in the scenery and experiencing the culture. We suggest you start your journey in Aukland on the islands of the Hauraki Gulf and then head east to the Coromandel Peninsula and stop off at the sleepy beach towns of the Bay of Plenty before taking a dip in one of Rotorua’s astounding geothermal baths. Wine aficionados should sample the wines of Hawke’s Bay wine country, which surrounds the Art Deco city of Napier. The capital Wellington has a splendid harbour filled with yachts and chic harbour side restaurants, and the hills that surround the city are lush with trees and impressive villas. When you make your way to the south island, we suggest starting at either Marlborough or Nelson, before moving onwards to the Nelson Lakes National Park and to Christchurch and Queenstown.
There are plenty of festivals to take advantage of in New Zealand - for a little colour try the Festival of Flowers in Christchurch or for something a little more upbeat try the Deco Decanted Jazz Festival in Napier which takes place in June.
Auckland is situated at the tip of New Zealands North Island between the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours.
The people who live here call Auckland the City of Sails. When you see all the boats in the water you will understand why they call it that.
The sun shines on Auckland. It looks really beautiful. In the Māori language Auckland is called Tāmaki Makaurau, which means a place desired by many.
This name makes sense when you visit Auckland.
Best Time: Dec–Feb summer / Sep–Nov spring
Tailor-Made: 12–24 day North & South Island tours
Hotels: Luxury eco-lodges, boutique lakeside stays
Flexible: Self-drive motorhomes, private chauffeured tours, scenic rail
Extensions: Fiji, Cook Islands & Australia
Top Places: Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook
Best Season: Nov–Apr warm weather & outdoor activities
Scenic Routes: Milford Road, TranzAlpine Rail & Pacific Coast Highway
Highlights: Glowworm Caves (Waitomo), Hobbiton Movie Set, Geothermal Geysers
Extensions: Bay of Islands & Abel Tasman National Park
Best Activities: Milford Sound scenic cruising, geothermal hot springs, helicopter glacier landings
Best Time: Dec–Feb long daylight hours for active sightseeing
Stay Options: Waterfront apartments, remote luxury wilderness retreats
Interests: Fjords, glaciers, Maori culture, wildlife, adventure, wine tasting
Culture: Traditional Maori Hangi feasts, Haka performances, Marlborough wine tasting
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