Though dwarfed by its closest neighbour, New Zealand packs an awful lot of experiences into its two moderately sized islands and our travel guides can help you decide which to include in your own trip.
Blessed with some of the world’s most iconic scenery, there are a number of ways to explore. Walking is a national pastime, while the more adventurous traveller will be spoilt for choice with white-water rafting, heli-hiking and bungee jumping all readily available. Well maintained roads with little traffic run through spectacular terrain, meaning self-drive holidays in New Zealand are a real pleasure. Alternatively, two wheels provide an invigorating way to discover areas inaccessible by car.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists
Our travel guides share our specialists' passion and knowledge for New Zealand. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.
Top 8 trips to New Zealand
Hiking across blue-tinted glaciers, sipping wine at world-renowned vineyards, or searching for elusive kiwis under the stars — how would you like to spend your trip to New Zealand? We share our specialists’ top tour ideas to help you decide.
Combining Australia and New Zealand: questions to ask yourself
Trip duration, timing, your appetite for flying — these are some of the things to think about if you’re planning a joint Australia-New Zealand trip. But Audley specialist James says it really comes down to what kind of experiences you’re after.
New Zealand self-drive holidays: 3 great routes
Audley country specialist John explains why, for him, self-drive is the best way to explore New Zealand. He recommends three very different routes, from mountain passes in the South Island to forest roads in the North Island.
Exploring New Zealand by campervan: an all-you-need-to-know guide
If you have ever fancied roaming New Zealand by campervan, read on. Audley specialist James shares his dos and don’ts for campervan holidays in this most outdoorsy of countries, including the most scenic (and often little-known) pitches and campsites.
Best railway journeys in New Zealand: three classic long-distance routes
New Zealand has a triumvirate of great rail journeys across North and South Islands. They’re windows onto the country’s scenic splendour, but they’re also civil engineering masterpieces, says Audley New Zealand specialist (and train aficionado) Joe.
Luxury holidays in New Zealand
If you're planning a luxury holiday to New Zealand we have a huge choice of accommodation available, from luxury hotels and lodges to beach houses and country estates offering top-class accommodation.
Luxury stays in New Zealand: four of the best luxury lodges
Paul from our New Zealand team picks his preferred luxury lodges across both North and South Islands. How can they enhance your trip? For him, it’s about their remote locations and the experiences you can tap into.
7 experiences to try on your outdoor activity holiday in New Zealand
New Zealand is one huge adventure playground, but what exactly should you do, and where should you go? Our specialists share their recommendations for fishing, golf, sea kayaking, heli-hiking, heli-biking, caving and white-water rafting.
Hidden highlights of New Zealand
Want an even richer, more meaningful trip to New Zealand? Consider exploring beyond the obvious places and activities, says New Zealand specialist Amy, and you’ll discover more authentic Māori cultural experiences, even better wildlife viewing, and landscapes emptied of touring crowds.
Experiencing New Zealand through Māori eyes
Māori culture is multi-layered and an indelible part of New Zealand’s fabric. Here, Audley’s country specialists share their recommendations for the best Māori experiences to include in your New Zealand tour, ranging from intimate family dinners to guided forest walks.
Antipodean indulgence: why stay in a luxury private home in New Zealand?
Location, location, location ― plus a private concierge ― are just some of the reasons we’re fans of staying in a private home in New Zealand. Audley specialist Grace explains these properties’ allure, choosing her preferred options across both islands.
Cruising in New Zealand
There’s a lot to love about day cruises in New Zealand, says specialist Ophelia. She shares her pick of the best from across the North and South Islands. Expect dolphins, hot springs, Māori rock art and a weka (or three).
Observing New Zealand’s wildlife by land, sea and starlight
Yes, you can increase your chances of seeing a wild kiwi, and no, you don’t necessarily need to get on a boat to go whale watching. Specialists Holly and Lucy share the how, why, what and where of New Zealand’s wildlife highlights.
What to do in New Zealand: our highlights guide
Enjoy New Zealand’s north and south islands with this travel guide that looks at cruising the Bay of Islands and Doubtful Sound, Rotorua’s thermal springs, the Coromandel Peninsula, whale spotting in Kaikoura, and Mount Cook and Abel Tasman national parks.
A guide to New Zealand’s glaciers: tours, hikes and scenic flights
New Zealand’s glaciers stand tall for their settings and sense of remoteness, says our specialist Emily. She contrasts the big three — Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman — and shares her tips for how to experience them.
Ask the experts: where to go walking and trekking in New Zealand
A Q&A with Holly and Sarah-Jane from our New Zealand team, who are experts in walking in New Zealand. They cover the scenery you’ll experience on New Zealand’s walking trails, where to stay en route, and what to consider when planning your trip.
Family holidays in New Zealand
New Zealand specialist James gives his tried-and-tested advice on what makes a family trip to New Zealand fulfilling. He shares his ground rules for travel as a family in this country, and offers suggestions on child-friendly activities across both islands.
Honeymoons in New Zealand
Looking for New Zealand honeymoon ideas? Audley specialist Lucy explains why the country makes for a fulfilling honeymoon destination. She cherry-picks the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that New Zealand does so well, from glacier trekking to scenic flights and Doubtful Sound cruises.
Where to go cycling in New Zealand (and why you’d want to)
Audley specialist Chris found that New Zealand rekindled his love of cycling. He shares the best places to explore on two wheels, from arty cycle tours around Nelson to glacial lakes and New Zealand’s best multi-day cycle trail.
