All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your journey Down Under starts here.
We have personally selected extraordinary local experiences in nature. From authentic cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, meetings with the locals, kayaking, wine tours, cycling and sailing trips, sightseeing flights and more. Our focus is on nature conservation and small-scale locally owned companies.
How active would you like your journey?
New Zealand is full of easy-going activities for friends. Hop in a helicopter and go vineyard hopping! Savour freshly caught crayfish. Days at the beach. Admire local art. Visit historic treaty grounds. Go on a cruise. Wander through nature. Barbecue, Kiwi - style. Relax.
Discover more about our extraordinary range of activities in New Zealand.
10 of our best easy-going activities for friends
There is no better way to explore the magical Bay of Islands than by boat. Hop on board Kopiko - meaning ‘to zig… read more
Kaikoura is well-known for its mountainous scenery and rugged coastal landscapes. Home to sperm whales, dusky… read more
On the rugged West Coast of the South Island lives a local legend. In the depths of Awakari Valley, you will spend… read more
Be fascinated by the starry night sky in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. The… read more
An overnight cruise into the Doubtful Sound is simply breathtaking. Wake up to absolute calm and experience… read more
The Catlins is an untouched rugged corner of New Zealand - where the countryside meets the wild ocean. Tucked away… read more
"One of my favourite regions has to be the Marlborough Sounds. It's a great alternative to the Abel Tasman region."
Ben, Travel specialist
Did you know?
New Zealand is an internationally recognised world ‘hotspot’ for biodiversity. Due to its isolated location and diverse climate, unique flora and fauna have flourished. Right now, New Zealand consists of 21 animal species which are unique to New Zealand.
Did you know?
New Zealand features in many scenes of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. You can visit Hobbiton in Matamata but there are also a lot of locations that can be visited free of charge. Many film locations can be found in the Otago region.
Useful facts
New Zealand's wine regions
New Zealand is a food and wine destination for discerning foodies. With a world reputation for producing award-winning locally grown produce. This young country has come of age as a producer of internationally acclaimed wines. With an ideal climate for wine growing, there are six major grape growing regions which are all surrounded by alluring landscapes.
Marlborough, at the top of the South Island, is New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region. Marlborough has a varied selection of Sauvignon Blanc wines that have gained worldwide recognition. However, there is also Central Otago, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa and Canterbury. New Zealand's is home to the world’s most southerly vineyards.
New Zealand's lakes
New Zealand has several beautiful lakes. Most were caused by the scouring effect of ice during the ice age and the melting of glacial ice. The clear blue colour of the water and the magical surroundings of mountains, should not be missed when you visit New Zealand.
Admire the clear waters of Lake Tekapo, see the flooded crater of Lake Taupo and spot special bird species around Lake Waikaremoana. By the way, did you also know that Lake Taupo is the largest lake in all of Australasia?
You can comfortably board a boat or hop in a kayak to discover all the secrets of New Zealand’s water world. In and around the lakes, it is possible to participate in various activities, such as fishing, swimming or hiking.
Museums in New Zealand
Out of all the museums in New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa should be at the top of your list. It is located in the capital city of Wellington and is the country's national museum. Both the architecture and the interior are very special.
To show that New Zealand has two different cultures, the ancient Maori culture and that of the European immigrants, the building is split into two separate parts, which merge together in the centre. This is to emphasize that both cultures are at the source from one indivisible country: New Zealand.
We also highly recommend visiting the Auckland City Art Gallery, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Ferrymead in Christchurch, Kauri Museum, Museum of Transport and Technology and Shantytown on the West Coast.
Internet and phone in New Zealand
We recommend that you purchase a local SIM card after you arrive in New Zealand. This is the best way to ensure that you will make the most affordable calls. These are available at the airport, but your phone needs to be sim lock-free. Another option is to buy a simple phone upon arrival for approximately 40 pounds.
When you buy a prepaid SIM card from a local provider, it is also possible to connect to the internet. This is handy so you can use Google Maps on the go for navigation. For this, your own phone also needs to be sim lock-free.
Overall, New Zealand has limited access to free WiFi. Hotspots are found mostly in cities and other urban areas. However, in many rural areas and small towns, it is more difficult to find. Please note that all of New Zealand’s public libraries have free WiFi service.
Culinary
New Zealand burst into the culinary scene with a fusion of local produce, innovation and flair. A multicultural country that blends flavours from all over the world. New Zealand has some of the best oysters in the world - Bluff Oysters, and don’t forget to indulge in fresh whitebait fritters.
To blend in as a local, enjoy fish and chips with a side of tomato sauce or a mince and cheese pie is a popular choice. Experience a traditional Maori Hangi, a process of cooking in a steamed pit with heated stones. Or are you more interested in wine? The top 5 wine regions are Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago, Gisborne and Canterbury.
Train travel in New Zealand
Would you like to travel by train in New Zealand? Experience one of the world’s most incredible scenic railway rides. A passenger train that runs between Christchurch and Greymouth. Along the way, be entranced by the diverse landscapes and surroundings. From vast plains and rugged mountains to lush native rainforest. A train ride filled with postcard-perfect scenery.
Would you like more information, contact us and we would be happy to talk more about train travel in New Zealand.
Discover more about travelling with your friends
All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your journey Down Under starts here.
Contact us
We would love to discuss your dream journey