Tailor-made holidays
Plan your unique trip to New Zealand
From Auckland to Queenstown, our travel experts use first-hand local knowledge to shape a holiday to New Zealand packed with adventure.
For inspiration
Popular trips to New Zealand
Explore our thoughtfully designed itineraries to get a taste of what your personalised New Zealand trip could look like.
Best time to travel to New Zealand
As New Zealand locals, we’ve experienced every season first-hand, and autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) stand out as our favourites. These shoulder months offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and the chance to experience the real New Zealand at a relaxed pace.
Accommodation and attractions are often more affordable too, giving you the freedom to stretch your budget, stay longer, and enjoy special experiences.
Learn more about the best time to visit New Zealand, including weather patterns, regional highlights, and when to travel for the best availability and prices in our detailed travel-time guide.
Queenstown
Explore the top highlights of New Zealand
Join a private tour with a native Kiwi, born and raised in the Southern Alps. They’ll reveal the beauty of the Wakatipu region, home to Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and stunning alpine scenery where mountains rise above deep blue waters.
Go kiwi spotting with Māori guides and gain insight into their vibrant culture, where a deep connection to Mother Earth and centuries-old customs are still very much alive.
After a day of discovery, retreat to one of our intimate accommodations surrounded by nature. With breathtaking views and genuine hospitality, they offer comfort, character, and the most authentic way to experience New Zealand.
Unique experiences in New Zealand
Travelling through New Zealand offers one-of-a-kind adventures for every type of explorer. Like wild landscapes where you can lose yourself in nature, unforgettable encounters with native wildlife, and journeys that uncover the rich history and traditions of the Māori people.
From hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to kayaking in the Bay of Islands or heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier, some of the world’s greatest outdoor adventures await.
See fur seals basking on the coast, watch little blue penguins waddle ashore after a day at sea, or spot albatross and whales on a guided marine tour. On land, encounter the rare kiwi, hear the call of the cheeky kea in the mountains, or glimpse a prehistoric tuatara in its natural habitat.
Learn the meaning of manaakitanga (hospitality) during a traditional Māori welcome, visit ancient pā sites, and uncover legends woven into the landscapes. Families can enjoy hands-on workshops, learn traditional dance, or join storytelling walks that bring Māori myths to life.
Travel one of New Zealand’s scenic rail routes for panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and coastlines. The TranzAlpine (139 miles) runs five hours between Christchurch and Greymouth, while the Coastal Pacific (212 miles) links Christchurch and Picton in about five and a half hours along the Kaikōura coast.
Glide through the awe-inspiring fiords of Fiordland, sail past volcanic islands in the sparkling Hauraki Gulf, or feel the rush as a jet boat races down a twisting river.
See and do
New Zealand's top attractions and highlights
From dramatic volcanic landscapes and bubbling geysers to remote beaches and vibrant wine regions, discover some of New Zealand's many highlights.
Flying to New Zealand
Getting there is all part of the adventure
Flying from the UK to New Zealand is a long journey, but the right route can help you feel refreshed and ready to explore. You can fly from London to Auckland or Christchurch in around 26–30 hours, with a connection in Asia.
We work with leading airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Emirates, and can help you find the route, cabin class, and stopover that best suit you.
We'll arrange your international flights around your tailor-made New Zealand holiday, so your arrival, car hire, onward travel, and domestic connections all fit together seamlessly.
Self-drive holidays in New Zealand
Embrace the freedom of the open road
New Zealand is made for road trips, with coastal highways, alpine passes, and breathtaking scenery at every turn. The roads are quiet and well maintained, giving you plenty of space to enjoy the dramatic landscapes and that unmistakable sense of freedom. Kiwis drive on the left too, so driving here will feel like second nature before long.
We recommend travelling by car, giving you the flexibility to take smaller roads, make spontaneous stops, and reach secluded locations that motorhomes often can't access.
We'll help you choose the right vehicle for your travel style, plan around the driving distances you're comfortable with, and take care of the logistics, leaving you free to enjoy the journey.
Discover New Zealand the TravelEssence way
Travel slowlyExplore New Zealand at a relaxed pace, immersing yourself in pristine nature and unique Kiwi culture.
Let locals guide youInsider knowledge helps you make the most of your time and uncover stunning secret spots.
Escape the crowdsGet off the beaten track to experience parts of New Zealand other travellers miss.
Whether you seek heart-pounding thrills, enriching cultural encounters, or peaceful escapes, our tailor-made New Zealand holidays go beyond the guidebook to reveal the true essence of this remarkable country.
Practical travel information for New Zealand
Every memorable journey starts with the right preparation. Our travel specialists have gathered all the essential information you need so your New Zealand holiday runs smoothly from start to finish.
Here are some of the key things to know:
Passport: A valid British passport is required.
Visa: British citizens usually need an NZeTA.
Language: English.
Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD), credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Driving: On the left-hand side of the road.
Power: New Zealand uses type I plugs, so you'll need an adapter.
Places to stay that make you feel at home
Activities for every type of traveller
Discover the different regions
New Zealand is made up of two main islands and several smaller ones. Each offers its own distinctive experiences and remarkable beauty.
The smaller islands can be discovered on memorable tours, from kiwi spotting on the wildlife haven of Stewart Island to wine tasting on the volcanic paradise of Waiheke Island.
Many of our customised holidays to New Zealand combine both main islands, along with visits to these smaller gems, into one seamless journey.
Waiheke Island
Doubtful Sound
South Island highlights
A landscape of dramatic mountains, glaciers and fiords, the South Island is made for outdoor exploration.
It's here that you can cruise the famous Milford Sound or the secluded Doubtful Sound, hike remote trails in Wānaka, kayak along the Abel Tasman coast, and sample fine wines in Marlborough.
In Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, you can bungee jump, jet boat or take a relaxed gondola ride high above Lake Wakatipu to admire breathtaking alpine views.
North Island highlights
From the subtropical bays and historic sites of Northland to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and sparkling waters of Taupō, the North Island blends natural beauty with vibrant culture.
You can enjoy a stroll along picturesque beaches, explore the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay, and immerse yourself in rich Māori traditions.
Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay
Frequently asked questions
New Zealand is a destination that blends natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures. Here’s what makes it so special:
Breathtaking landscapes: Wander along wild beaches, explore volcanic landscapes, or cruise through the majestic fiords of Fiordland.
Rich culture: Embrace the friendly spirit of the Kiwi people and immerse yourself in the stories and traditions of the Māori.
Unique wildlife: Spot the elusive kiwi, the cheeky kea, or kayak alongside curious seals and playful dolphins.
Ease of travel: Excellent roads, scenic train routes, and inter-island ferries make getting around New Zealand both simple and rewarding.
Variety of experiences: You can pair walking trails, wildlife trips, Māori-led cultural experiences, vineyard stays and quiet rural accommodation in one well-paced journey.
We recommend planning for a minimum of four weeks in New Zealand to make the journey feel worthwhile. This gives you enough time to properly explore the wonders of the South Island or visit some of the highlights across both the South and North Islands, without rushing between long drives or internal flights. For a slower, more rewarding trip, we often suggest spending at least three nights per stop where possible and limiting one-night stays.
We usually recommend travelling March to May (autumn) or September to November (spring), in the shoulder seasons, but the right timing depends on what experiences you want to have. If you dream of seeing the colourful lupins framing the shores of Lake Tekapo, then you'll need to time your trip around spring. If you can only travel during the school holidays, then we can help you choose the best areas for your trip. Read our best travel time guide.
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