Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Planning a trip to New Zealand involves more than booking flights and hotels. It’s a long-haul destination with nuanced logistics, and the difference between a good trip and an exceptional one often comes down to who you work with. Here’s how to decide if we’re right for you. If time is of the essence and you value expertise and a hassle-free experience, then we are a good option for you!
If you’ve already begun researching and have some bookings in place, that’s fantastic! We understand the joy of piecing together your dream trip. However, trying to plug into an existing holiday to New Zealand is difficult, as many will not understand such things as the time required to transit between locations, how limited availability can be in areas, or how far in advance plans should be made.
The decision of whether or not to leverage one of our specialists will depend on your priorities and preferences.
Everyone travels differently. Some love the research and planning process, while others prefer to collaborate.
At The Best of New Zealand, we believe the perfect trip starts with your vision. We start our process by listening to you and then doing our best to match your dream with our expertise to arrive at the best trip possible.
We don't sell trips around the globe but instead specialize in New Zealand and have in-depth knowledge of the destination, including must-see sights, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
You have limited free time and our services will not cost you more out of pocket. We save you time with understanding the best match for flights, accommodations, activities, and know all that is needed for planning logistics.
Our specialists create a bespoke itinerary that focuses on your interests, preferences, and budget. We don't have packaged travel deals.
When some get stuck, we have access to exclusive experiences or VIP treatment that independent travelers cannot obtain- including guides and tours to concessions that others can not access.
If there are any unexpected issues during the trip, we can handle them, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
Transparency
Thus, in all transparency we list reasons why we may not be a good fit for you:
Our cost to you is the same as the retail prices you would pay if you are to book if book directly. However, if you are in a situation in which cost is the upmost importance, we are probably not a good fit. There are many low cost accommodations and tours that don't recommend for our clients. Some lower cost experiences we do! And while there is nothing wrong with cost points to meet all levels of the demand curve, we personally tour and meet those who you will meet on your journey. We vet the quality expected for our clients. These are the accommodations, tours and guides you will find by using our services.
By delegating one of our team to help with your trip planning you implicitly will need to trust us. We hope this "About" portion of the website and our reviews help. However there is some sacrifice required in order for us to do job to the best of our abilities. In exchange for your trust we provide you with time back in your day and years of knowledge.
There's a chance that we may not fully understand your preferences. We hope this is mitigated through a series of phone calls so we get to know you and vice versa. Through the planning process, we will come to perhaps a few iterations for you in order to arrive at an itinerary we believe pairs well with your preferences. However, if there are certain tours that have gotten "5 Stars!" on an internet site that you are sold on, but for which we know it to be sub-standard, we will not include it. It is nothing against those providing services we just know what is "good" and what is "great."
The Best of New Zealand
Get in touch with our team today to start you New Zealand journey!
Hawke’s Bay sits on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, and most visitors pass through without stopping long enough to see what the region offers. That is a mistake worth correcting. From ancient geological formations to one of the world’s most accessible wildlife colonies, Hawke’s Bay rewards travelers who take the time to go beyond the obvious.
These 5 experiences are worth building your itinerary around!
Read more through link in bio.
#hawkesbay #newzealandguide #napiernz #luxurytravel #bestofnztravel
At 399 meters, Te Mata Peak gives you views across farmland, coastline, and the ranges beyond. Drive, walk, or cycle to the top. Either way, the view is worth it. This is the one stop in Hawke’s Bay that puts the whole region in perspective.
#tematapeaknz #newzealandwalks
At 399 meters, Te Mata Peak gives you views across farmland, coastline, and the ranges beyond. Drive, walk, or cycle to the top. Either way, the view is worth it. This is the one stop in Hawke’s Bay that puts the whole region in perspective.
#tematapeaknz #newzealandwalks
Napier is one of the most complete Art Deco cities in the world. Once a year, the whole city commits to it. Music, vintage cars, exhibitions, and architecture that stops you mid-stride. If you time your visit right, this is an experience unlike anything else in New Zealand.
#napierartdeco #visitnapiernz #napiernz #nztouring
Napier is one of the most complete Art Deco cities in the world. Once a year, the whole city commits to it. Music, vintage cars, exhibitions, and architecture that stops you mid-stride. If you time your visit right, this is an experience unlike anything else in New Zealand.
#napierartdeco #visitnapiernz #napiernz #nztouring
Nearly two meters of wingspan, up close, with no fence between you and them. The gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is the largest accessible mainland colony in the world. Tours run September through April, so the timing of your trip matters. Worth planning around.
#gannetcolonynz #birdtour
Green hills, open coastline, and enough space to feel like you have the beach to yourself. Waimarama is about 40 minutes south of Napier and one of the most scenic stretche
Top 10 Honeymoon Experiences in New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the world`s great honeymoon destinations, and not because anyone designed it that way. It just is. The scale of it gets you first. Those sudden views at the top of a ridge, a fiord opening up around a bend, a sky so full of stars it feels impossible.
From glowworm caves to glacier overnights, here are the top 10 experiences worth travelling for. Link in bio to read more!
#honeymoonexperiences #newzealandtravel #luxurytravelnz #newzealanditinerary #thebestofnz
https://thebestofnewzealand.com/activities/wine-cuisine/new-zealand-honeymoon-10-most-romantic-experiences/
Air New Zealand to Launch Sleep Pods in Economy Cabins
If you have ever dreamed of lying flat on a long-haul flight without paying for a business class ticket, Air New Zealand is about to make that dream a reality. The airline is set to launch the world`s first economy sleep pods, called the Economy Skynest, on select ultra long-haul flights from November 2026.
Read more through our link in bio.
📸 Air New Zealand
#airnewzealand #travelnewzealand #visitnewzealand #explorenewzealand #bestofnztravel
https://thebestofnewzealand.com/activities/wine-cuisine/air-new-zealand-to-launch-sleep-pods-in-economy-cabins/
Craggy Range Signature Gourmet Escape: Hawke`s Bay Luxury
If you`ve been dreaming of a New Zealand escape that goes far beyond a standard hotel stay, Craggy Range in Hawke`s Bay has crafted something truly special. Their Signature Gourmet Escape is a fully all-inclusive, multi-day experience that wraps world-class dining, wine, and luxury lodge living into one seamless package.
Read more through link in bio.
📸 Craggy Range
https://thebestofnewzealand.com/activities/wine-cuisine/craggy-range-signature-gourmet-escape-hawkes-bay-luxury/
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand: What to Do, See, & Experience
Lake Tekapo is one of those rare destinations that genuinely exceeds expectations. Tucked into the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, the lake stuns visitors with its impossibly turquoise waters while the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps rise dramatically behind them. But beyond its picture-perfect looks, Tekapo rewards you at every hour of the day.
Read more through our link in bio.
📸 GoTekapo
#laketekapo #luxurytravelnz #newzealandvacations #nzactivites #bestofnztravel
https://thebestofnewzealand.com/travel-tips/lake-tekapo-new-zealand-what-to-do-see-experience/
Tucked at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, Wānaka packs paragliding, canyoning, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, and so much more into one jaw-droppingly beautiful corner of the world. Whether you’re a first-timer looking to push your limits or a seasoned adrenaline junkie, Wānaka delivers the goods every single time.
Link in bio to read more.
📸 Wanaka Paragliding
#luxurytravelnz #newzealandadventures #wanakaadventures #visitwanaka #bestofnztravel
Some places in New Zealand are simply better by boat 🛥️
From cruising through Doubtful Sound to island hopping in the Bay of Islands, exploring by water gives you access to hidden coastlines, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable views.
Ready to see New Zealand from a new perspective? Read more through link in our bio.
📸 Miles Holden
#newealandtravel #luxurytravel #discovernewzealand #adventuretravel #bestofnztravel
The Ultimate Glenorchy Adventure with Heli Glenorchy
At the northern edge of Lake Wakatipu lies Glenorchy, a small town surrounded by dramatic peaks and crystal-clear rivers. The landscape is so stunning that it inspired scenes from Middle Earth. If you want to experience this part of New Zealand at its best, look beyond the walking tracks. The most exciting way to see it is from both the sky and the water....
📸 Heli Glenorchy
