New Zealand Highlights and Events

Travel in New Zealand with Intrepid

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The Land of the Long White Cloud is one of Mother Nature's true triumphs. Featuring an organic blend of contemporary culture and tribal tradition, New Zealand’s wondrous wineries, cultured cities and phenomenal peaks will inspire your spirit and stir your soul.
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Experience New Zealand's highlights on these trips

North Island Tracks Northbound

nz new zealand rotorua geyser
12 days
Original
  • USD $2,535
    CAD $2,415
    AUD $2,330
    EUR €1,775
    GBP £1,475
    NZD $2,985
    ZAR R19,320
    CHF FR2,185
    *
    Total price tool tip

New Zealand Explorer Southbound

Hiking towards Mount Cook
22 days
Original
  • USD $4,495
    CAD $4,275
    AUD $4,130
    EUR €3,215
    GBP £2,620
    NZD $5,290
    ZAR R34,240
    CHF FR3,950
    *
    Total price tool tip

North Island Tracks Southbound

Maori wood carving
12 days
Original
  • USD $2,535
    CAD $2,415
    AUD $2,330
    EUR €1,820
    GBP £1,475
    NZD $2,985
    ZAR R19,320
    CHF FR2,230
    *
    Total price tool tip

South Island Adventure

Hiking the Franz Josef Glacier
11 days
Original
  • USD $2,280
    CAD $2,170
    AUD $2,095
    EUR €1,625
    GBP £1,330
    NZD $2,685
    ZAR R17,370
    CHF FR1,995
    *
    Total price tool tip
* Refer to booking conditions

Highlights


Festivals and Events

World Buskers Festival
  • World Buskers Festival

  • Hundreds of the world’s best buskers and street performers head to New Zealand each year to juggle, dance, mime, sing and contort in the streets and parks of Christchurch. After the devastating earthquake of 2011, Christchurch is in rebuilding mode - but the festival is still going ahead in 2012. The best thing about this festival? It’s free!
* Disclaimer

Intrepid has no control over changes made to festival and event dates and activities. Note that some Intrepid trips which include an event as part of their itinerary, may be surcharged. Where festivals or events are not included as part of an Intrepid trip, all costs associated with the event will need to be paid for by the client. Please check before booking your Intrepid trip that it does match up with key festival or event dates.

New Zealand's Top Picks

Ripening Grapevines of New Zealand
 
Lord of the Rings fans can visit Hobbiton on the North Island - the movie set of the famous trilogy
 

Top 10 Wine Regions of New Zealand

  1. Marlborough: New Zealand’s wine capital produces top quality chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot gris but it’s the sauvignon blanc that has achieved cult status around the world. Also producing first-class seafood and olive oil, Marlborough is a fave with foodies and wine lovers.
  2. Canterbury: With the ideal climate for grape growing, Canterbury produces many internationally acclaimed wine varieties, including pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay and Riesling. Pegasus Bay Winery is one of the most popular in this area, and with a restaurant attached to the winery visitors can indulge in the complete culinary experience.
  3. Bay of Plenty: This picturesque area may be well known for its pristine beaches, but it’s also got a few small wineries well worth visiting. Surrounding berry farms, orchards and lavender fields add to the charm.
  4. Auckland: There are many boutique wineries creating note-worthy drops in and around Auckland. Kumeu, Henderson and Waiheke Island are hotspots for wine tourism – with awarded wines coming from many small, up-and-coming estates.
  5. Central Otago: Spectacular mountain ranges, azure lakes and rolling rivers combine to create one of the world's most scenic wine regions. The vineyards of Central Otago produce a wide range of grapes, but the pinot noir is considered the best.
  6. Northland: Way up north, the vineyards populating the historic Northland area produce a wide range of reds and whites. From iconic chardonnay to the more complex chambourcin and exotic syrah, there are loads of cellar doors waiting to welcome you.
  7. Hawke’s Bay: New Zealand’s oldest wine growing region also produces most of New Zealand’s most sustainable wines. This commitment to sustainability in the industry has garnered worldwide attention, as has its bold, full-bodied reds. The Art Deco town of Napier is well worth a visit too.
  8. Gisborne: If you like your wines a little fruity then the Gisborne region will impress. Merlot, gewurztraminer, syrah and chardonnay are among the best on offer in this region, which is on the same parallel as Malaga and Melbourne.
  9. Nelson: Winemaking is considered an art form in cultured Nelson. With many unique producers in the region, it won’t be hard to find some smooth wines to savour. Local delis, cafes, providores and galleries add to the artistic, gastronomic mix.
  10. Wairarapa: This relatively small winemaking region is made up of three sub-regions: Martinborough, Masterton and Gladstone. Although only a small amount of New Zealand's wine is produced here, the quality is superb with a great track record in pumping out world-class pinot noir.