Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and insider travel tips
At The Best of New Zealand, we prioritize sending our team to New Zealand regularly. The goal is simple but essential: to stay current with local developments and ensure that our recommendations are accurate, relevant, and thoroughly vetted.
Unlike agencies that sell the world, we focus solely on New Zealand and Australia. This specialization allows us to provide genuine expertise. By experiencing the destinations firsthand, we can confidently guide travelers toward the best accommodations, activities, and cultural encounters. It’s this deep, in-country knowledge that makes our itineraries authentic and truly one-of-a-kind.
In early May 2025, Virginie joined a select group of international travel professionals on a Rotorua familiarization trip (famil), followed by attendance at TRENZ, New Zealand’s premier tourism trade event. Hosted with warmth and manaakitanga by the RotoruaNZ team, the famil offered an immersive journey into the city’s geothermal wonders, cultural treasures, outdoor adventures, and luxury wellness offerings.
Before the famil officially began, Virginie embarked on a solo adventure in Rotorua’s ancient forest, despite pouring rain. She hiked, crossed suspension bridges, walked cliffside paths, and zipped through the treetops. As she put it, “it was the best experience ever.” Securely harnessed, she embraced the thrill of nature from above. The conservation-focused canopy tour was likened to a scene from Jurassic Park.
The trip opened with a restorative soak in spring-fed hot tubs nestled in nature. Guests enjoyed craft drinks delivered tub-side and hearty burgers from an on-site food truck. With its safari tent setting and private tubs, this secret hot spot is ideal for honeymooners seeking a peaceful escape.
Later, the group visited a central hub for mountain biking, gaining insight into Rotorua’s rise as a world-class destination for riders of all levels.
The iconic Redwoods Treewalk took the group through towering California redwoods connected by suspension bridges. By day, the walk offered stunning forest views; by night, it transformed into a glowing art installation thanks to artist-designed lanterns.
A glowworm tunnel is currently under construction at the Redwoods Treewalk.
Rotorua is synonymous with geothermal activity, and the group experienced two contrasting sites.
Cultural immersion peaked at Te Pā Tū, a family-run Māori village. Virginie and her fellow travelers took part in traditional games like the “fighting stick” challenge, flax weaving, and wood carving. Between courses of a seasonal Matariki feast, a family of singers performed music and storytelling that created a joyous, inclusive atmosphere.
Rotorua’s luxury wellness offerings shone at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, where Māori design and traditions enriched a holistic bathing experience.
That evening, a glowworm kayaking tour provided a magical moment: gliding along quiet waters beneath cliffside caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms.
Later in the week, the adventure dialed up with Zorb Rotorua and a half-day hike up Mount Tarawera. The hike was both challenging and extraordinary, ascending volcanic ridges, descending into a crater, and learning about the land’s dramatic history.
At the National Kiwi Hatchery, passionate local guides inspired the group with stories of conservation. Virginie described the tour as “worth it” thanks to an excellent speaker. Visitors can even sponsor their own kiwi egg, which is a memorable way to give back.
A visit to the Skyline Gondola capped the day with panoramic views, wine tastings, thrilling luge rides, and a memorable dinner overlooking Rotorua’s evening lights.
Virginie explored Mountain Jade, meeting artists and seeing master Pounamu carvers at work, highlighting Rotorua’s reputation as a hub for authentic New Zealand craft.
That evening, the renowned Polynesian Spa provided a serene finale. In the Deluxe area, Virginie soaked in both alkaline and acidic mineral pools, a blissful end to the day.
The “famil” concluded with a private custom-built airstream boat charter on Lake Rotoiti, where shallow-draft cruising allowed access to hot springs and glowworm caves only reachable by boat. It was a fitting farewell to Rotorua’s balance of nature, culture, and adventure.
From there, Virginie attended TRENZ 2025, where she connected with partners across New Zealand’s tourism industry and explored new opportunities for luxury and bespoke travel experiences.
Virginie’s Rotorua “famil” showcased the region’s incredible diversity, from geothermal marvels and Māori culture to luxury wellness, conservation, and high-thrill adventure. Paired with the invaluable connections and insights from TRENZ, it left her inspired and well-equipped to craft unforgettable journeys for our clients.
Looking to explore New Zealand like a local? Get in touch with us to start planning a trip filled with insider experiences, handpicked adventures, and meaningful cultural moments.
