New Zealand tours & holidays
People love to throw around the phrase ‘natural beauty’. Then they go to New Zealand.
Home to the cute kiwi and the charismatic Kiwis, this island country is a great time all ‘round. Most travellers are drawn to New Zealand for those epic experiences out in nature - the open spaces, the dusted peaks, the lakes that pop with blue but that’s all just the tip of the glacier. From the feather-clad harbingers of Maoritanga to the happening backstreets of Wellington to the natural beauty of Milford Sound, this country jumps with vitality in more ways than merely geological. Come for the epic trails and bubbling geysers, and stay for the friendliest folk in the southern hemisphere.
Where you can go
Explore New Zealand's islands
New Zealand at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Wellington (population 422,000)
POPULATION
5.2 million
CURRENCY
NZD
LANGUAGE
English, Maori
TIME ZONE
(GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington
CALLING CODE
+64
ELECTRICITY
Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)
Learn more about New Zealand
Best time to visit
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.
History and culture
New Zealand has been home to the Maori for approximately 1000 years after they crossed the Pacific Ocean in canoes from Polynesia. In the 18th century, Europeans arrived at New Zealand which led to wide-scale disruption and land loss for the Maoris. However, in 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
Modern New Zealand is home to a diverse blend of people from far and wide. Maori, Pacific Islander, European and Asian influences blend to create a vibrant culture. Known for being friendly, down-to-earth, laidback and open, most visitors will find New Zealanders 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 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 food.
Some of New Zealand’s most popular events include the New Zealand Festival of the Arts, International Hobbit Day and the Queenstown Winter Festival.
Geography and environment
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 forests, with large national parks and reserves preserving the nation’s heritage bushland and the iconic Kiwi bird.
Eating and drinking
Being an island in the Pacific, New Zealand has a great love of seafood. Other popular ingredients in New Zealand cuisine include homegrown fresh produce, lamb and the local favourite dessert: pavlova. New Zealand is also home to many vineyards and breweries.
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.
Top experiences in New Zealand
1. Conquer the Tongariro Crossing
Tongariro National Park is full of beautiful trails, but the epic Tongariro Crossing is unrivalled in New Zealand.
2. Marvel at majestic Mt Cook
New Zealand’s tallest mountain also happens to be one of the most spectacular peaks in the southern hemisphere.
3. Discover next-level hiking at Franz Josef Glacier
Welcome to the South Island’s otherworldly side – a World Heritage-listed slice of perfection begging to be explored on foot.
4. Live it up in Wellington
Move over Melbourne – Wellington has the liveable, laidback charm that other cities down under only dream of.
5. Dive into action-packed Queenstown
New Zealand’s stunning adventure capital has something for everyone, from high-octane thrills to top-notch food and wine.
6. Soak up the stark beauty of Wanaka
Lakes and mountains of another calibre unfold in this soothing South Island spot – a just short trip from action-packed Queenstown.
7. Come alive to Maoritanga in Rotorua
Geysers erupt on the hour in this hotbed of Maori culture, and the locals are only too eager to share their culture and traditional lands.
Money matters
The official currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Credit cards are widely accepted by shops, restaurants and cafes in New Zealand. Smaller establishments may only accept cash or require a minimum purchase for credit card use, so be sure to carry enough cash for smaller purchases.
ATMs are commonly found in large cities and regional towns in New Zealand. ATM access will be very limited in remote areas, so be aware of this before heading out of the city
New Zealand travel FAQs
Most nationalities will need either a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter New Zealand.
To enter New Zealand you may need:
- A passport valid for at least three months after the date you exit New Zealand
- A visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
- A return or onward ticket from New Zealand
- Proof of funds to financially support yourself while travelling in New Zealand
- Health and character requirements
- Documentation supporting the purpose of your stay, like accommodation or tour booking.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality.
We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number, and these details will be recorded on the first day of your trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.
For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form, recognising personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.
Tipping isn’t mandatory in New Zealand; however, rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is common practice. Restaurant staff, taxi drivers and other service workers welcome tips for good service.
Depending on the time of year, the climate in New Zealand boasts both warm summer weather and snowy winter weather, so you’ll need to ensure you’re packing for the season. However, it’s always a good idea to pack a warm layer.
Many people come to New Zealand to enjoy its great outdoors. It’s recommended you pack quality outdoor shoes, rainproof gear, breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics, a reuseable water bottle and sun protection including a good hat and sunglasses.
If you are camping or doing specific outdoor activities, you’ll need more specialised gear which can be found in the Essential Trip Notes.
Drinking water from taps in New Zealand is considered safe, unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.
Internet access is widely available in most parts of New Zealand, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots commonly found in urban areas. Access to Wi-Fi and mobile phone data may be limited or patchy when you're out on the hiking trails in more remote areas, but it should work whenever you reach a town or village.
Mobile phone coverage is excellent in most parts of New Zealand, especially in large cities and urban areas. Remote, rural and mountainous places may have limited to no coverage, so be aware of this before venturing away from the city. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving your home country if you want to use your mobile.
You'll find Western-style flushable toilets in most parts of New Zealand.
New Zealand legalised same-sex marriage in 2013 and is by and large welcoming of gay and gender-fluid communities. While the big cities such as Auckland and Wellington are accommodating towards LGBTQIA+ travellers, caution should be used in rural areas where conservative views are more prevalent (as in any developed country).
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group trip, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.
The Maori people are the Indigenous people of New Zealand. Originally from eastern Polynesia, they settled in what is now known as New Zealand (or Aotearoa, the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’) over 1000 years ago.
The Maori are a tribal people with many different facets to their culture, including a strong sense of kinship, warrior roots, sacred spaces (such as the marae, or meeting place), facial tattooing, and the concept of manaakitanga (showing respect).
The Maori language (Te Reo Maori) is unique to New Zealand, spoken only in this part of the Pacific. Though most Maori people today live a modern European-style life, a small number of Maori still live a traditional life.
We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.
We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Travelling from Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to New Zealand directly support our foundation partner, Forest & Bird
Forest & Bird
Forest & Bird is a leading conservation organisation who are giving nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa, New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level. Donations help them conserve New Zealand's indigenous biodiversity by supporting their legal campaigns for change, land restoration and tree planting efforts.
Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Although some destinations and itineraries may be more accessible than others, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs, make reasonable adjustments where possible or guide you toward the most suitable trips. Get in touch with our friendly adventure consultants to chat about your options.
Our Tailor-Made team can also help you plan a customised trip just for you.