Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990

Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990

Scenic & Leisurely

New Zealand is made for travelers who want to take it all in without rushing. From historic train journeys through the Southern Alps to quiet boat rides on glacial lakes, the country rewards those who slow down. Our team builds itineraries around your pace, not a checklist.

New Zealand Relaxed Experiences

You don’t need to strap on a harness to experience the best of New Zealand. Some of the country’s most memorable moments happen from the window of a scenic train, a seat on a harbor cruise, or a warm mineral pool with mountain views. We match you with experiences that fit how you like to travel, comfortable, curated, and genuinely unforgettable.

Scenic & Leisurely

New Zealand at Your Own Pace

From historic steamship cruises to geothermal wonders and art deco villages, these experiences let you savour New Zealand without the rush — designed for travellers who want depth, not adrenaline.

Rail & Water Journeys

Cross the Southern Alps by train, cruise through Milford Sound, or glide across Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship. New Zealand's most scenic landscapes are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, and these journeys put the views front and center.

Hot Pools & Hot Springs

Soak in natural mineral pools with views of volcanic landscapes and tranquil lakes. New Zealand's geothermal region offers a deeply restorative experience, whether you're unwinding after a day of sightseeing or simply taking the afternoon to relax.

Christchurch

Nature & Wildlife

Get up close to New Zealand's remarkable native wildlife without any strenuous effort. Visit protected sanctuaries, watch albatross colonies from indoor galleries, or take a scenic flight over ancient glaciers for a perspective few get to see.

couple stargazing, activities, dunedin otago

Stargazing

New Zealand is home to some of the darkest skies in the world. In the Mackenzie Basin, expert guides lead seated evening sessions with high-powered telescopes, giving you an unforgettable view of the southern night sky.

Christchurch, art deco

Art Deco City Tour

Napier is one of the world's best-preserved Art Deco cities, rebuilt after a 1931 earthquake. Explore its iconic architecture from the comfort of a vintage car, with a knowledgeable guide narrating the history at every turn.

Christchurch

Scenic Gondala Life

Glide effortlessly to the top of the mountain and take in sweeping views over Queenstown or Rotorua. No hiking required, just step on, sit back, and enjoy the scenery from above.

The Best of New Zealand

Start Planning Your Trip to New Zealand!

Get in touch with our team today to start you New Zealand journey!

Auckland’s 100 “Iconic Eats” for 2024 Revealed

Auckland’s 100 "Iconic Eats" for 2024 Revealed The Soul of the City When you think of a destination, you often think of a landmark. But ask any Aucklander, and they’ll tell you the true heart of the city isn’t found at the top of the Sky Tower, it’s found on a plate. The 2024 Iconic Auckland Eats list has officially been released, and it is a delicious love letter to the Tāmaki Makaurau food scene....

https://thebestofnewzealand.com/activities/wine-cuisine/aucklands-100-iconic-eats-for-2024-revealed/
Big Changes at Christchurch Airport

If you are flying through Christchurch on your way to or around New Zealand, things are looking a little different lately and feeling a lot smoother. The airport has been quietly working behind the scenes to improve the travel experience, and the results are worth celebrating.

Link in bio to read more.

#travelnz #christchurchairport #luxurytravel #bestofnztravel

https://thebestofnewzealand.com/activities/wine-cuisine/big-changes-at-christchurch-airport-whats-new-for-travelers/
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/
Wānaka is one of those places where the food is just as good as the view. 10 restaurants, every price point, and enough variety to fill an entire trip without eating at the same place twice. 

Save this for your New Zealand trip. Read the full guide through our link in bio.

📸 Arc Wanaka

#wanaka #luxurytravelnz #wanakarestaurants #newzealandfood #bestofnztravel

https://thebestofnewzealand.com/activities/wine-cuisine/top-10-best-restaurants-in-wanaka/
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

Highlights and Examples

No matter where you travel in New Zealand you are never far from the Ocean or a great day of hiking. This is truly a special place so please be sure to make time to enjoy the outdoors. Our team can help find the perfect match no matter your skill, age or fitness level.

Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Hike, Walk, Nature, Beach, Coast,

Day Hikes

One of the best aspects of New Zealand is the diversity of its terrain. Within such a small amount of land mass one can walk on a semi-tropical beach and the next day hike next to glaciers. Day hikes are usually a few hours and including one or two in your itinerary is highly recommended.

Our team seamlessly includes day hikes and understands the balance between enjoying a must-see piece of nature without the experience being too overwhelming physically.

Cape Brett:
For those wanting to get out on a geographic limb this is a very nice day hike in the Northland. Beginning in Rawhiti, the walk offers beautiful coastal views ending at the Cape Brett lighthouse. Although there is a DOC hut where you can stay the night, the walk can be shortened via getting picked up and/ or dropped off at Deepwater Cove by water taxi.

Motorua Island Walk:
This scenic reserve has a fantastic walking track- a 4.6km loop takes about 2hrs without stopping and there are great swimming beaches and snorkeling spots. Moturua has a long history of Maori settlement, early European explorers and the Navy during WWII. More recently as part of Project Island Song, North Island Robin (Toutouwai) and the North Island Brown Kiwi have been released, so keep your eyes and ears open! Accessed via water taxi from Russell or Paihia.

Short Walks

For those with smaller children or less ambulatory, there are accessible walks located across the country in national parks & reserve areas. Clear, wide paths through leisurely nature trails can be accessed from the car park and have one into the forest or on a secluded beach in a matter of minutes.

Our team understands which of these walks makes sense in your itinerary to witness and which may be either redundant or consume too much time. We match your interests and know which experiences will provide a good match for you!

Haruru Falls & The Waitangi River​:
A lovely horseshoe shaped waterfall that’s only 3km from Paihia. Also connecting with a 5km walk through to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Explore the river your way from kayak, paddleboard, dinner cruise or drive to the top of the waterfall itself.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds​:
With sweeping views of the Bay of Islands in a park like setting, not only is Waitangi Treaty Grounds a significant national historical site, it is a very beautiful one. Follow the trails to historic sites and buildings, café, giant waka (canoes), carved meeting house. Take in a cultural performance or explore the new museum and learn about the Treaty of Waitangi. This is an island of history, knowledge, culture and beauty. 

Trounson Kauri Park​:
An easy 40-minute loop walk takes you under the canopy of a thriving kauri stand and gives you a sense of what untouched kauri forests were once like.

Tane Mahtua​:
The Tallest Kauri: Marvel at the ancient “Lord of the Forest” – Tane Mahuta has lived for over 2,000 years! This short, easy walk suitable for buggies and children will introduce you to Te Matua Ngahere, Father of the Forest and the Four Sisters, an unforgettable giant kauri experience.

Great Walks

The Great Walks have been designated by the government to showcase the country in locations of significance. Although pieces can be done as a day-walk, completing one of the Great Walks is a multi-day adventure. The season for the Great Walks follows that of fly fishing- between October and April. Expect huts with flushing toilets and gas available to cook meals. These should be reserved well in advance.

A Great Walk takes logistics for transportation and luggage before and after.. Our team can help build a Great Walk into your larger itinerary.

Guided Treks

For those looking for a more immersive experience, experienced guides are available to provide insight, experience and assistance. Transport to/from your accommodations, meals and more luxurious accommodations are available. Highly recommended for those looking to enrich their time and have interest to learn more about culture and stories of natural history.

A great guide can make or break an experience. We incorporate only the best from across New Zealand to make your time well spent and more enjoyable.