New Zealand Vacations, Tours, Trips & Travel Packages
New Zealand Vacations and Tours
What would be the major reasons for booking a New Zealand vacation? This makes for a long list. One has to say that one reason is nature at her best offering breathtaking landscapes of stunning and diverse natural beauty which include majestic and dramatic fjords, spectacular glaciers, rugged mountains, vast plains and farmland, long coastlines, wonderful sandy beaches and active geothermal regions plus so much more. The country also has history, culture and, not least, Winelands producing excellent wines.
New Zealand Travel Highlights
The size of New Zealand is comparable to that of Great Britain or Japan. The coastline in its entirety measures 1500 kilometres/900 miles in length, strangely enough, the same distance that separates New Zealand from Australia across the Tasman Sea. 20% of the country is covered in national parks, forests and reserves. An interesting fact is that 80% of the flora here is native.
New Zealand is a country made up of two major islands, simply called the North and South Islands which are separated by the Cook Strait which is 22 kilometres/14 miles in width at its narrowest point. They contrast in not only terrain and physical features but also in character and attractions.
The North Island is volcanic and thermal. The South Island is two-thirds mountains and one-third plains. The North Island offers lush sub-tropical vegetation, exotic flora and fauna, beaches and attractive small friendly towns. Approximately 75% of Maori culture exists on the North Island although only 15% of the total New Zealand population is Maori. The Polynesians from whom the Maoris are descended, settled here many centuries ago.
The South Island has spectacular scenery consisting of sweeping plains, snow-covered mountains and rugged coasts and abounds in natural breath-taking landscapes all to be experienced on New Zealand tours. The Southern Alps mountain chain which runs through the centre divides the South Island. It is also the location of New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook at 3750 metres/12,315 feet and highly visible from a long distance away.
Best Things to do on a New Zealand Trip
For enthusiasts of outdoor pursuits and activities on a New Zealand vacation, one can find in abundance any of the following – hiking, swimming, snorkeling, rafting, jet boating, skydiving, paragliding and hang gliding, parasailing, sailing, bungee jumping, climbing, hunting, fishing, caving, skiing and hot air ballooning.
The North Island of New Zealand
What to do in Auckland?
As mentioned, the two major islands are very different and have unique features. Starting with the North Island, the largest city is Auckland known as the “City of Sails” due to having around 135,000 registered sailboats bobbing in its harbour. The city sits on a volcanic field and the nearby Rangitoto Island is an unpopulated land mass formed by volcanic activity. Auckland is fortunate to have a beautiful harbour which provides some attractive beaches with some located in the suburbs of Kohimarama, Devonport and Mission Bay to name a few. The harbour is also home to the Auckland Bridge which connects the centre of the city with its northern suburbs and is the gateway to the far north of the island. A landmark is the Sky Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere which provides excellent panoramic views of Auckland and is just one of the many photo opportunities available while on your New Zealand vacation.
The harbour area teems with life both in the daytime and the evening with its many cafes, restaurants and bars and other entertainments. A popular pastime is to take a harbour cruise for a different visual perspective of Auckland. The city has several green areas and parks. The best known is the Auckland Domain, the oldest and one of the largest here with its remains of a volcanic crater. Other major parks are Mount Eden and One Tree Hill which both afford great views. Culturally, one can choose from a number of venues such as the Auckland Art Gallery with its 15,000 works of art, and the War Memorial Museum which not only depicts life during World Wars and others but also has an excellent exhibition of Maori and Polynesian people’s arts and crafts. A very popular attraction is Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World where one comes close up to a diverse collection of aquatic life which includes penguins, stingrays, sharks and jellyfish.
What to do in Wellington?
Wellington is the national capital and is a very attractive city renowned for its natural beauty and also for its arts and culture. It is ringed by mountains and rolling hills and has a rugged coastline. A vibrant city, it offers trendy cafes, restaurants, boutiques and several art galleries. To discover the city, take the cable car to Mount Victoria or Mount Kaukau to enjoy a panoramic view of Wellington and its surroundings.
What to do in Rotorua?
Rotorua is the centre of most of the geothermal activity in New Zealand. It is known as a thermal wonderland due to its many gushing hot springs and geysers and because of these natural phenomena, Rotorua is usually included in a New Zealand vacation. There is a distinct smell of sulphur in the air here but don’t let that put you off discovering these natural phenomena. Also in Rotorua are other attractions such as the Rainbow Springs National Park, beautifully landscaped gardens featuring fish and birds including the flightless Kiwi bird and the Agrodome with its exhibition of rural New Zealand life including sheep shearing demonstrations. Nearby are the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves with their interesting limestone formations.
The subtropical Bay of Islands is a very pretty region made up of around 150 islands and a wonderful destination to both relax and explore on New Zealand tours – a good place to see dolphins, whales and penguins. The main centre is Pahia with its superb beaches and the site of the Waitangi Treaty signed in 1840 to unite the country. Russell is a short ferry ride from Pahia and is a charming township with an interesting history.
Hawkes Bay is one of the major centres of New Zealand’s wine-producing regions. It is also home to the cities of Napier and Hastings which offer unusual architecture. An earthquake destroyed many of the unique Art Deco buildings here in 1931 but they have now been restored to their original structures.
The South Island of New Zealand
What to do in Christchurch?
The South Island boasts many choices to confirm the overwhelming natural beauty that makes up this region. Starting with the largest city, Christchurch, one finds a very “English” metropolis with its buildings, gardens and Avon River which flows through the heart of the city. Stroll along the banks of the tree-lined Avon River and observe the neo-gothic architecture. Largely rebuilt after the devastating recent earthquake, the city has not lost its charm. Take in Christchurch Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and the Christchurch Art Gallery as well as simply stroll its streets and parks. One can take a cable car up to the Port Hills for a panoramic view of both Christchurch and the port of Lyttelton on the coast.
What to do in Queenstown?
Probably the most visited destination on a New Zealand vacation is the city of Queenstown in the South Island, a charming and scenic resort town located on Lake Wakatipu surrounded by mountains called the Remarkables. Apart from its natural beauty, it is also a centre for many sporting activities. It also has lively nightlife. One iconic excursion is to take a cruise on a restored steamship on Lake Wakatipu. Also one can take the gondola to Bob’s Peak for great views of the region. 
National Parks
Not too far from Queenstown is the Fjordland National Park with its sheer rock walls rising straight out of the sea. The best-known natural attraction is Milford Sound, an amazingly dramatic and striking fjord and a must-inclusion on all New Zealand tours. One can take a cruise on the Sound watching seals, dolphins and penguins while sailing past flowing and cascading waterfalls. Te Anau is a small town which is the gateway to the Fjordland National Park nestled on the edge of a lake and the perfect location for setting off on hikes or walks or simply relaxing and taking in the surrounding beauty. The famous Milford Track running from Te Anau to Milford Sound offers 500 kilometres/ 300 miles of walking trails to satisfy the most energetic.
Dunedin
The city of Dunedin in the south of the island is known as the Edinburgh of the South due to its Scottish heritage. Stately architecture and steep streets give the city its character. It is also home to the largest and oldest university in New Zealand.
The Marlborough Region on the north coast is the gateway to the South Island and is where the ferries arrive from the North Island. It is an important wine-producing region and is known for its wine festivals. It is also a great place to watch dolphins and go sailing. Picton is an attractive seafront town with a number of arts and crafts centres. Blenheim has one of the sunniest climates in the country and has a rugged coastline suitable for interesting walks. Nelson is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, rolling vineyards and golden beaches. The sea here is a beautiful turquoise colour.
To sum up, New Zealand is truly a paradise and a country in which to invest a good deal of time to discover its magical and unique charms on New Zealand tours.
"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles
For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!
Unveiling Lonely Planet’s Top Attractions of the World
Enjoy Cruising in Australia and the South Pacific
Unique Wildlife in Australia and New Zealand
World's Best Family Destinations
Waltzing Downunder on a Holiday of a Lifetime!
Savour Quality Wines on a New Zealand Tour
Fiordland National Park – A New Zealand Vacation Wonderland
Feel the Heat in New Zealand’s Rotorua!
Bay of Islands – A Tropical Paradise to Discover on Your New Zealand Vacation
Unique Places for Wildlife Spotting on Your New Zealand Vacation
Ecotourism Destinations: New Zealand
How To Get the Most Out of Your New Zealand Vacation
Scenic Self-Drives Are a Great Way to Explore New Zealand
Queenstown – New Zealand’s Most Popular Destination
Explore the Artistic Beauty of Napier, in New Zealand
New Zealand Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to a New Zealand vacation.
Learn about the history and culture of New Zealand, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about New Zealand's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're appropriately prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering New Zealand for yourself. Start exploring...book one of our New Zealand vacations today!
Extend Your Stay
Consider an additional stopover to your New Zealand vacation at one of Goway's South Pacific destinations. You can choose from our selection of Australian vacations, Tahiti vacation packages or stay at one of our Fiji resorts or perhaps take a Cook Island vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from New Zealand.
New Zealand Odyssey: Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Queenstown & More
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Explore the natural wonders and cultural highlights of New Zealand on this exclusive small group journey with Goway. Go behind the scenes of famous landmarks and delve deeper into the welcoming culture of New Zealand in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, and the breathtaking fjord of Milford Sound.
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Christchurch: The Garden City
New Zealand’s South Island is one of the most stunning places in the world and Christchurch is its gateway. Enjoy some leisure time then take in a few of the “Garden City’s” attractions.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 539
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Christchurch: The Long White Cloud Christchurch to Christchurch: Premier Escorted Luxury Vacation
Delve into the scenic delights of New Zealand with a small group of fellow explorers. Combine natural beauty with creative comforts as you overnight in the rainforests of Franz Josef at the foothills of Mount Cook and journey into the far south to the wild and pristine landscapes of Stewart Island.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 6,245
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring
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Christchurch: The Long White Cloud: Premier Escorted Luxury Vacation
Delve into the scenic delights of New Zealand with a small group of fellow explorers. Combine natural beauty with creative comforts as you explore Franz Josef Glacier, cruise along picturesque Milford Sound, and gaze upon the bubbling mud pools and geysers of Rotorua.- Duration:
- 19 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 11,170
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring
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Discover Auckland City of Sails
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Spend three days exploring Auckland, known as the “City of Sails” because of the many yachts in the harbour. See the sights and scenery that have made this city a favourite with tourists.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 429
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Discover Wellington
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Perched on the edge of a beautiful harbour, Wellington is a stunning city. Vibrant and cultured, it combines the sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 650
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Nature Lovers Queenstown
Beautiful scenery and nature abounds in Queenstown. Enjoy a pleasant nature walk followed by an overnight cruise that will take you the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 1,601
- Trip Type:
- Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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South Island In-Depth: Self Drive
Drive the South Island experiencing all it has to offer. Enjoy whale watching, Abel Tasman National Park and the Glacier Region as well as Queenstown and Scottish influenced Dunedin.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 2,859
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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South Kiwi Explorer
FIRST-CLASS | SPECIALITY GROUP: Explore the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this group vacation. Enjoy a scenic sightseeing tour of Christchurch, visit the albatross and penguin colonies of Dunedin, explore Fiordland National Park, including a cruise on Milford Sound, and cap off the trip in the resort haven of Queenstown. Our Groups Only Specialist will be delighted to tailor your own private group vacation to New Zealand. Note: This is a sample itinerary, which is private and fully customizable for group travelers.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
- Trip Type:
- Specialty Groups & Events
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South Pacific Trio: Australia, New Zealand & Fiji
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Spend 16 days exploring Fiji's Coral Coast, Sydney, and Auckland, three of the most iconic South Pacific Destinations. Indulge in your five-star Fiji resort with complimentary activities, pristine beaches, and cultural excursions, fly to Sydney for four nights of unlimited exploration with discounted access to top attractions, and uncover the charm of Auckland, navigating its highlights with a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off tour.- Duration:
- 16 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,999
- Trip Type:
- Vacation Packages with Airfare
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The Pacific Coast Highway Delight Self Drive
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Discover New Zealand’s North Island on this 9-day road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. Make your way from Auckland to Napier with stops at the Coromandel, Tauranga, Whakatane, and Gisborne and plenty of opportunities to explore the beaches, mountains, islands, and wildlife sanctuaries along the way. Conclude your trip with a delicious meal and glass of wine in New Zealand’s “food basket,” Hawke’s Bay.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,579
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Thermal Explorer Highway & Volcanic Loop Experience Self Drive
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Explore New Zealand’s largest lakes, geothermal landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, prehistoric cave systems, and mountain ranges on this 10-day road trip. Drive from Auckland to Napier with stops in Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupō, and Whanganui National Park, and immerse yourself in Māori culture as you discover the geothermal heart of New Zealand’s North Island.- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,609
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Walk & Kayak 3 Day
Experience the best of both worlds with two days of kayaking and one day walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track plus enjoy a scenic cruise. No previous kayaking experience is necessary.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,149
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Wellington: The Long White Cloud: Premier Escorted Luxury Vacation
Unearth cultural treasures and heartfelt moments as you travel the length of the North Island of New Zealand. Discover the cultural highlights of the capital Wellington, experience the wonder of a traditional Maori meal cooked underground in Rotorua, and delve into Art Deco art history in Napier.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,656
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring
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Wines, Whales & Hot Springs
Arriving in Wellington, explore the capital before enjoying Blenheim’s wine region. Next is Kaikoura, renowned for year-round whale and dolphin watching then relax in Hamner Springs.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 819
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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