From ancient rainforests to mighty glaciers and snow-capped mountains to bubbling mud pools, New Zealand is blessed with an impressive array of environments just waiting be explored. The easy road network makes getting between beauty spots a breeze, and once you arrive simply parking up and striking out on foot. New Zealand has an extensive network of short walking trails and lengthy hiking tracks opening up the wonders of the natural environment to people of all abilities, and if you’re not comfortable going it alone you can join an expert guide to show you the way. We can set you up with a local guide to take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; considered one of New Zealand’s greatest day hikes. Alternatively, why not enjoy the sights from the saddle on a scenic cycle ride or explore the coastal waters by canoe or boat?

From Hawke’s Bay to Central Otago and Gisborne to Marlborough, you’re never far from award-winning wine in New Zealand. Whilst a visit to one or more of the country’s celebrated vineyards is a must, you won’t go hungry either. Dine on everything from traditional fish and chips to creative Pacific Rim fusion dishes or, for the perfect pairing, ask us about staying at a vineyard – a great way to marry fine wine with fabulous cuisine and sublime scenery. Short on time? Add in a day tour like our Tastes of Marlborough Wineries with lunch which takes you to a selection of exclusive Marlborough wineries before a delicious gourmet lunch made with fresh local produce.

It might be best known for is beautiful windswept shores studded with sleeping sea lions, but head north and the beaches become warmer and subtropical, perfect for soaking up some sunshine. In the country’s far north the emerald waters and pristine sands of the Bay of Islands look more at home in the Caribbean than New Zealand, whilst the idyllic Coromandel Peninsula is just a couple of hours’ drive from Auckland, making it an easy side trip. See more of the beaches, bays and forests with our Coromandel Peninsula Tour which takes in the east coast, including Hot Water Beach – where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand! – and stunning Cathedral Cove, where the Pacific Ocean washes through natural arches onto a gleaming white beach.

New Zealand might seem surprisingly familiar at first glance, with everything from pubs selling Guinness to fish and chip shops, but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover a rich and varied cultural history. If you’re heading through Wellington it’s well worth taking our Te Papa Introduction Tour, the capital’s innovative and interactive national museum. Join a dedicated guide for an informative and inspiring tour of treasures and stories from the natural environment, Maori culture and history collections. For a more hand-on approach visit Rotorua, the epicentre of Maori history and culture, and try our Maori Experience & Hangi Feast which offers the opportunity to visit to a Maori village to learn about customs, watch a war dance and sample a traditional hangi feast.

New Zealand is home to an enormous variety of weird and wonderful endemic species. You’ll likely hear the distinctive call of the Kea – a large green parrot – when travelling in forests or alpine regions of the South Island and you’ll probably find these inquisitive birds scoping out your car or motorhome when you return after a day exploring. Rural Stewart Island is where you’ll find the iconic brown kiwi, or head to the lesser traversed Otago Peninsula in search of waddling penguins. Offshore, dolphins are a familiar sight including the smallest and rarest – the Hector’s dolphin, with its distinctive curved dorsal fin. A little further out to sea numerous species of whales exploit the rich feeding grounds. For the best chance to spot these leviathans up close ask us about organising a Whale Watching Cruise in Kaikoura, the whale watching capital of New Zealand.

How about admiring mountain scenery from a luxury treehouse, or stepping outside your lodge to the sweeping vistas of Marlborough Sounds? Maybe a stylish boutique hotel in the city is more to your taste? Enhance your holiday with a stay in one of New Zealand’s finest lodges and hotels that really make the most of the exceptional natural environment.

For more inspiration, visit our New Zealand Holidays pages.