New Zealand tours & travel

The most pleasant time for travelling throughout New Zealand is summer (December to February); however, this is also the busiest period, especially during school holidays (late December to late January). Winter can get very cold with frequent snowfall - but this is the perfect time to travel if you’re looking to ski or snowboard, particularly in the South Island.

Modern New Zealand is home to a diverse blend of people from far and wide. Maori, Pacific Islander, European and Asian influences blend peacefully to create a vibrant culture. Known for being friendly, down-to-earth, laidback and open, most visitors will find New Zealanders from all ethnicities to be helpful, approachable, generous and up for a laugh. 

Maori culture has its origins in Polynesia so some aspects of Maori language, customs and traditions are quite similar to those of neighbouring islands. With strong traditional values based on respect for the family, ancestors and the land, Maori culture is hierarchical and steeped in centuries of tradition. Maori families typically come together for special occasions, celebrations and ceremonies filled with sacred dance, spiritual song and traditional food.

Visitors will see traditional Maori art and carving almost everywhere they go in New Zealand, from elaborate tattooing to carved necklaces. Although Maori culture experienced a decline after the arrival of European settlers, it experienced a renaissance of sorts in the 1960s, which continues to grow today.

With award-winning wineries, quality craft-beer bars, a world-class restaurant scene and a multitude of farmers' markets, eating in New Zealand is a real treat. Its Pacific location gives it an interesting mix of flavours, as European influences mesh with Asian and Polynesian.

When it comes to food – or kai, in the Maori language – there’s nothing quite like tucking into a traditional hangi dinner. It’s a hearty repast, fit for a warrior, cooked underground on heated rocks. Today’s hangi feast most often comprises slow-roasted meats, potatoes and stuffing, though there are many variations.

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s the seafood. The locals are spoilt for choice on this front – being an island nation definitely has its advantages. Fresh prawns, lobster, mussels and oysters are in abundance all year round, but fish and chips on the beach can be just as satisfying, especially for those on a budget.

Must-try food and drink in New Zealand:

1. Wine & craft beer

Producing a huge variety of top quality wines (many more than just the famous Sauvignon Blancs), New Zealand is full of vineyards and cellar doors to visit. Microbreweries are well represented too; the Kiwis more than pull their weight in the global small-batch craft beer movement, especially in Wellington.

2. Crayfish

There are plenty of places to try crayfish, but Kaikoura, near the top of the South Island, is the best. This sperm-whale-watching capital of the world was in fact named after the crayfish (Kaikoura translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in Maori), and there’s a slew of places along the beach to sample the day’s fresh catch.

3. Lamb

With sheep playing a huge part in New Zealand’s agricultural economy, it’s no wonder succulent lamb can be found in most restaurants. If you’re a meat lover, don’t leave New Zealand without tasting the lamb (if you’re indulging in a hangi feast, chances are you will).

4. Kiwis, Feijoas & Tamarillos

Though none of them actually originated in New Zealand (Kiwis came from China; Feijoas and Tamarillos came from South America), these fruits have become synonymous with New Zealand and are all fairly major exports. While kiwi fruit is well known to most of us, it’s the feijoas and tamarillos you should take advantage of while in New Zealand. Abundant, versatile and an acquired taste, they pop up everywhere from roadside stalls to front-garden giveaways to gourmet cafe dishes.

5. Pavlova

Even though the creator of this desert is hotly contested by their trans-Tasman cousins, the pavlova – a dessert with a meringue-like base and topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit - was the invention of a Wellington chef to honour Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova's tour of Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. It’s a must-try for the sweet tooths.

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.

With a nice little mix of malls, boutiques, galleries, fresh produce markets, cellar doors and providores, New Zealand has enough variety to keep most keen shoppers happy. Look beyond the tourist shops selling stuffed toys and flags and dig a little deeper to find unique art, locally-made crafts and gourmet goods.

It’s a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in New Zealand:

1. Tasty treats

New Zealand is home to many producers of fine food. Home grown wine, olive oil, honey, jam and avocado oil are among the best picks.

2. Wool

With a huge sheep population, the quality and variety of wool is superb in New Zealand. As well as the classic Merino option, consider buying some gloves or socks made from possum wool – it’s durable, warm and a good environmental choice (the possum population poses a major threat to the endangered Kiwi bird).

3. Art & handicrafts

From ceramic bowls to metal sculptures, woodcarvings to greenstone jewellery, you'll find traditional Maori techniques and influences in many of New Zealand’s art and crafts. Try to find authentic, locally made items rather than imported (and inferior!) goods.

Sitting in the South Pacific Ocean, this island nation is split in two – comprising two major landmasses surrounded by several smaller islands. And while there are many natural similarities between the two islands, they each have their own geographical and environmental character.

The mountainous South Island is larger, and its scenery unfolds on a grand scale. One of its crown jewels is Mt Cook, which is both the highest peak in the country and one of the most stunning sights. Fiords, glaciers, rugged bush and rocky coast are also major features of the South Island, and the differences between the likes of Franz Josef Glacier and the rugged Catlins Coast show the island’s great diversity.

The North Island, on the other hand, is more volcanic, though it has three times the population of the south. Typical features include bubbling lakes and mud pools, and geysers that erupt regularly (and spectacularly). The North Island is great for a hike or zip-line through untouched virgin native forest, with large national parks and reserves preserving the nation’s heritage bushland and the iconic Kiwi bird.

Early History

Maori tribes, descended from Polynesia, lived in New Zealand for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in the 18th century. Relying on fishing, hunting and foraging, these people were able to live off the land and develop a deep connection with the earth as a result of this. European settlers caused wide-scale disruption and land loss for the Maoris, which resulted in conflict and displacement in the early days of colonisation. The 1840 Treaty of Waitangi officially recognised Maori land ownership, of which the British and Maoris were signatories. This historic agreement is viewed as a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s history and the first important step towards reconciliation between the original inhabitants and settlers.

Recent History

In 1852, New Zealand was granted the right to self-govern and in 1907, independence was granted (although the British monarchy remain as head of state). More recently, New Zealand voted in its first female prime minister in 1997. Jenny Shipley held office for two years, before handing over to another female leader - Helen Clarke, who continued to lead until 2008. 

In the last ten years, New Zealand has enjoyed a surge in tourism, partly due to the wealth of wineries, ski fields and nature reserves. The film industry has also been a great champion of New Zealand, with filmmakers enjoying the rugged terrain and relatively cheap costs associated with filming in New Zealand. The Lord of the Rings franchise is probably the most well known film to be shot in New Zealand, and has been largely responsible for putting New Zealand in the international spotlight. 

A devastating earthquake hit Christchurch in 2011, resulting in widespread loss of life and infrastructure. Although Christchurch is still rebuilding, visitors are encouraged to visit this spirited city.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

From New Zealand?

Go to: http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

From Canada?

Go to: https://travel.gc.ca/

From US?

Go to: http://travel.state.gov/

From UK?

Go to: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/

The World Health Organisation

also provides useful health information: 
Go to: http://www.who.int/en/

With such an interesting cultural landscape – a fiery combo of Maori culture, Pacific rhythms and the European traditions – New Zealand is a place to celebrate. It’s a country that not only excels at celebrating its indigenous cultures, but embraces the contemporary with a playful zest.

New Zealand Festival
Running each February and March, this is the premier Kiwi art and culture event. From theatre to opera, sculpture to painting, cinema to dance, it’s the best overall window to New Zealand’s broad creative palette. And a strong sense of its roots as a nation, with Maori and Pacific cultures well represented.

International Hobbit Day
Whether you’re a die-hard fan is almost beside the point – this up-and-coming festival is worth it for the backdrop alone. Sample local cheese and wine in the rolling hills of Waikato, which takes on an especially magical atmosphere in the lamplight. A tour of the The Hobbit movie set will impress the most cynical of disbelievers.

Queenstown Winter Festival
Bringing in each powdery winter since 1975, the Queenstown Winter Festival usually takes place over a weekend in June. With comedy, food, music and – would you believe it in Queenstown? – adventure sports aplenty, it’s well worth planning your South Island visit around this one. The Monteith’s Dog Derby and Dog Barking Competition is something of an institution.