Discover Tailor-Made New Zealand Vacations

The most popular months for New Zealand vacations are during the country’s summer, from December to February, when warm, sunny days make beachgoing and outdoor activities most pleasurable. New Zealand’s winter, from June to August, is the ideal time to enjoy the South Island’s incredible mountain scenery and also to explore its cities without the heat and crowds. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are also great times to visit New Zealand, offering milder climates and either stunning blooms or colourful foliage

New Zealand’s busiest tourist season is during the country’s summer, between December and February. The country is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes and summer is one of the best times to experience them, whether it’s diving and snorkelling in its waters, hiking its many trails, touring its vineyards and wineries, whale watching, taking a cruise, golfing and much more.

“Māori culture is very visible and present in New Zealand, a big part of national life,” says Destination Specialist Mary Georgiou. “Immersing yourself in it through tours and person-to-person connections is a wonderful way to experience it.”

Many New Zealand vacation packages highlight the Māori culture, which is also famously present in the country’s sporting culture: Before every match involving the iconic All-Blacks and Black Ferns rugby teams, players perform the haka war dance. Be sure to take in a game if you can, and learn more about it at the All Blacks Experience in Auckland.

Affectionately known as Kiwis, New Zealanders are also famous for their love of the outdoors and adventure as well as what’s known as Kiwi ingenuity, their innovative, do-it-yourself, all-inclusive spirit. New Zealand’s breathtaking natural landscapes provide a backdrop for it all, serving as a playground for a range of popular activities, from surfing, sailing and hiking (also known as tramping) to helicopter tours, zorbing and extreme sports like skydiving and bungee jumping.

As Destination Specialist Mikayla McInnis explains "The food in New Zealand is incredible, and New Zealanders are rightly proud of their paddock to plate cuisine. Almost everything is sustainably grown and processed, from lamb and seafood to vegetables and fruit"

Two staples in particular—lamb and seafood—abound on the country’s tables. New Zealand is also the producer of world-class wines, especially crisp whites.

If you’re looking to sample very distinctive seafood, dig into a bowlful of green-lipped mussels, a delicious species of mollusk unique to New Zealand.

Served alongside them might be kumara, a sweet potato that bridges Māori culture and everyday Kiwi cuisine. For dessert, try pavlova, the beloved merengue shell topped with whipped cream and fruit such as feijoas, also known locally as pineapple guava.

To wash it all down, there’s Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region or any number of excellent New Zealand craft beers. Discover the country’s fresh flavours with your choice of curated culinary experiences.

If you choose to do your own driving, remember that New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road, with the driver’s seat on the right side of the car. Among the most scenic of the country’s driving routes are the Milford Road (leading to Milford Sound), the Crown Range Road, the Haast Pass, Arthur's Pass and the drive along the Kaikōura coast.

New Zealand’s cities have some of the cleanest water in the world, so tap water is safe to drink in most major centres there. In rural areas and on some islands, however, you should make sure the water is safe before drinking it (in many campgrounds, for instance, you’ll see signs on taps indicating whether the water is potable or not).

You don’t need to tip in New Zealand unless you want to express extra gratitude for exceptional service. Service charges are all inclusive in bills, so anything additional is up to you.