New Zealand has the kind of scenery that demands a standing ovation — and it’s all in such close proximity. Our specialists are passionate about helping you get out to explore it all. There are Milford Sound’s arrow-headed peaks, and stretches of sand so vast they earn outlandish names (‘Ninety Mile Beach’). Caves spangle with glow-worms like a million fairy lights. Stratovolcanoes rise above grassy plains. Ice fields career down almost to the edge of the Tasman Sea. And that’s just for starters.
Whether you’re keen to explore on foot or by car, bicycle or even helicopter (or a combination of them all), our specialists can help. They’ll devise a New Zealand vacation that allows you to take in the major destinations, as well as more out-of-the-way spots or lesser-known activities. They can recommend everything from the best Māori guides to the best places for viewing New Zealand’s unique panoply of birdlife.
Suggested tours for New Zealand
Look for elusive kiwis by night as you trek through a protected reserve, learn about Māori culture at the Waitangi Treaty Ground in the Bay of Islands, and sample wines in Marlborough’s vineyards. Our range of suggested itineraries is a great starting point as you begin to plan your trip to New Zealand.
Suggested activities for New Zealand
Traverse the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train, soak up the landscapes on a cruise through Milford Sound, and spot whales and other sea creatures on a whale-watching cruise. Whatever your interests, our specialists will suggest experiences designed to enhance your trip to New Zealand.
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Auckland Highlights Tour ![Mount Eden, Auckland]()
Auckland Highlights Tour
AucklandAuckland Highlights Tour
Known as the 'City of Sails', this tour is the perfect introduction to the city as you visit several points of cultural and scenic interest; including Mount Eden with its amazing 360 degree views of the city and the city's oldest park, Auckland Domain.
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Whirinaki Eco-Culture Walk ![Lake Waikaremoana, New Zealand]()
Whirinaki Eco-Culture Walk
RotoruaWhirinaki Eco-Culture Walk
This full day walk into one of New Zealand's most remarkable native forests takes you to the heart of the Urewera Ranges.
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Sea Kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sound ![Beach, Queen Charlotte Sound]()
Sea Kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sound
Marlborough SoundsSea Kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sound
This one day sea kayaking adventure takes groups of no more than eight paddlers out toward the southern end of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
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Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit New Zealand, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to New Zealand, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
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Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.
New Zealand by island
If you’re planning to focus your time in New Zealand visiting one of its two main islands, you can jump into the island you're most interested in to find detailed itinerary ideas together with accommodation choices and a taster of the experiences we can offer.
New Zealand in pictures
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![Al fresco dining, Wellington]()
Enjoy Wellington's café culture -
![Mount Aspiring National Park]()
Explore the Cardrona Valley from Wanaka -
![Lake Taupo, New Zealand]()
Fish for trout -
![Cycling the Rail Trail, Central Otago]()
Cycle the Rail Trail -
![Akaroa & Banks Peninsula, New Zealand]()
Spend time on the Banks Peninsula -
![Kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park]()
Visit the Abel Tasman National Park -
![Napier, New Zealand]()
Take a guided tour of Napier's Art Deco streets -
![Picton]()
Try the local green-lipped mussels
Our expert guides to traveling in New Zealand
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to New Zealand. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate New Zealand at its best.
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![Luxury New Zealand]()
Luxury New Zealand
New Zealand’s raft of luxury wilderness lodges allow you to retreat to the backcountry while staying in well-designed properties equipped with indulgent touches. And, they also offer one-off experiences and activities.
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What to do in New Zealand: our highlights guide ![Jet boat on the Dart River]()
What to do in New Zealand: our highlights guide
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.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in New Zealand ![Wanaka Tree, Lake Wanaka]()
Honeymoons in New Zealand
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.
Read this guide -
Ask the experts: where to go walking and trekking in New Zealand ![Walking through the forest, Ulva Island]()
Ask the experts: where to go walking and trekking in New Zealand
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.
Read this guide -
Exploring New Zealand by campervan: an all-you-need-to-know guide ![Travelling by campervan, New Zealand]()
Exploring New Zealand by campervan: an all-you-need-to-know guide
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 vacations in this most outdoorsy of countries, including the most scenic (and often little-known) pitches and campsites.
Read this guide -
Cruising in New Zealand ![Dolphins in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand]()
Cruising in New Zealand
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).
Read this guide -
Driving vacations in New Zealand: 3 great routes ![Queenstown, Queenstown]()
Driving vacations in New Zealand: 3 great routes
Driving vacations in New Zealand: 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.
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New Zealand railway journeys ![Tranz Alpine Train]()
New Zealand railway journeys
New Zealand railway journeys
New Zealand has a triumvirate of great rail journeys across North and South Islands. They’re windows onto the country’s scenic splendor, but they’re also civil engineering masterpieces, says Audley New Zealand specialist (and train aficionado) Joe.
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Luxury stays in New Zealand: four of the best luxury lodges ![Main bedroom in the owner's cottage. Rosewood Kauri Cliffs]()
Luxury stays in New Zealand: four of the best luxury lodges
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.
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Discover more about New Zealand on our blog
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![Queenstown, Queenstown]()
4 travel trends for 2023
8 min read -
![Silver Muse in Sydney Australia]()
Bring me that horizon: cruising, three ways
6 min read
Other popular destinations
Still looking for ideas? If New Zealand has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.
