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Two people hiking the Hokitika Gorge, West Coast, New Zealand

New Zealand Holidays


new zealand & the pacific
Discover a world of possibilities, all within easy reach in New Zealand. The ultimate ‘great outdoors’, holidays to New Zealand offer vast open spaces and pristine views. From idyllic island hopping in the North to jet-boating through scenic canyons in the South, from the cosmopolitan waterside cities of Auckland and Wellington to spectacular mountainous Queenstown, your New Zealand holiday can be as adventurous or as laid-back as you’d like.

New Zealand's North Island is the heartland of indigenous Maori culture: learn fascinating history in Waitangi and enjoy a traditional Hangi feast in Rotorua. Whereas the South Island offers an abundance of national parks including awe-inspiring Milford Sound, and memorable wildlife encounters including whales, penguins and the rare kiwi.

Trailfinders offers a range of New Zealand holidays and many of our travel consultants have travelled extensively here. Our experts can answer your questions on where and when to go, what to see and do, and how to get around, ensuring you have memories of your New Zealand holiday to last a lifetime!

A few of our favourite New Zealand 5★ reviews

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HOW TO GET AROUND NEW ZEALAND

Quiet roads, scenic drives and short driving distances mean New Zealand is a wonderful fly drive destination. An excellent selection of camp sites also make motorhome holidays in New Zealand extremely popular.

If you’d rather not drive then perhaps a sociable guided group journey or an exclusive small group journey would suit you better. With nowhere further than 70 miles from the sea a cruise makes wonderful sense too. Often sailing out of Sydney’s magnificent harbour in Australia and reaching parts of New Zealand no other tour could, this is a wonderfully relaxing way to experience the country.

Why not break up the long journey with an exciting stopover en route to New Zealand. From amazing Abu Dhabi to sensational Singapore, vibrant Hong Kong to dazzling Dubai, explore more of the world with Trailfinders’ wide range of global stopovers.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO NEW ZEALAND

Nobody offers more ways to explore New Zealand than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular New Zealand holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
Best of New Zealand
New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
21 days / 20 nights

Covering both North and South Island highlights, this journey showcases the best of what this magnificent country has to offer.

Guide Price: €4,669 pp

Guide Price: £3,899 pp

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Kia Ora Explorer
New Zealand
Family Holiday
16 days / 15 nights

Ideal for budding explorers, this exhilarating journey winds through New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring national parks and can be experienced by car or motorhome. Pass active volcanoes, towering mountains and enjoy time on the beach before ending in the thrill-seekers paradise of Queenstown.

Guide Price: €4,095 per family

Guide Price: £3,475 per family

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Unique & Boutique New Zealand
New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
24 days / 23 nights

Thoughtfully picked for their character, intimate size and warm bespoke service, this unforgettable journey pairs New Zealand’s iconic sights with its most charming and unusual properties.

Guide Price: €8,389 pp

Guide Price: £7,045 pp

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Kia Ora New Zealand
New Zealand
Motorhome
19 days / 18 nights

A motorhome holiday is a wonderful way to explore the contrasting landscapes of New Zealand.

Guide Price: €2,175 pp

Guide Price: £1,845 pp

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New Zealand Wonderland
New Zealand

Discover the very best of what New Zealand has to offer on this tour.

Discover the very best of what New Zealand has to offer on this tour.

Guide Price: € pp

Guide Price: £ pp

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Iconic Cities & Scenic New Zealand
Australia
Cruise Holiday
19 days / 18 nights

Embark on a journey to the land of the long white cloud on this popular, all-encompassing holiday.

Guide Price: €3,519 pp

Guide Price: £3,089 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN NEW ZEALAND

It’s possible to see the main highlights of both the North and South Island in two weeks but each island certainly merits further exploration if you have the time! Spend a fortnight exploring the Maori heritage, golden beaches and geothermal attractions of the North Island and discover the glaciers, fiords and mountains of the South.

Click on the tiles below the New Zealand map for more details on each holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
New Zealand map
North Island
Home to the City of Sails, Maori culture and geothermal wonders, the diverse landscape of the North Island offers something for everyone.
South Island
From exotic wildlife to exceptional wineries, snow capped mountains to golden beaches, New Zealand’s south island packs an incredible variety within its stunning shores.
Stewart Island & The South East Coast
Rural Stewart Island is the country’s southernmost point, a haven for hikers and offers the best chance of spotting kiwis roaming free.
Auckland & Waiheke Island
Auckland, New Zealand’s celebrated ‘City of Sails’, is a sophisticated and vibrant city.
Bay of Islands & Northland
The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque holiday spots boasting gorgeous, white sand beaches.
Central North Island
From the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park and Mount Taranaki to the fascinating Maori history of Rotorua and fabulous wine region of Hawke's Bay, this diverse part of the country boasts many highlights of the beautiful North Island.
Marlborough, Abel Tasman & Kaikoura
The top of New Zealand’s South Island is blessed with a warm temperate climate, spectacular coastal scenery and abundant marine wildlife: this is Mother Nature at her best.
Central South Island
The central South Island boasts an incredibly diverse landscape, from the spectacular shimmering ice formations of Franz Josef Glacier and the snow-capped peak of Mount Cook, to the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and towering gorges of Arthur’s Pass National Park.
Queenstown, Wanaka & Fiordland
Whilst all of these regions have beautiful lakes and towering mountains in common, each differ in character and geography: be mesmerised by the iconic views from the top of Queenstown's gondola and the famous Wanaka tree, and cruise through glacial-carved valleys of Milford and Doubtful Sounds in Fiordland National Park.
The Coromandel Peninsula
Just a short drive from Auckland, the unspoilt coastal playground of the Coromandel Peninsula is a local’s favourite and boasts ancient forests, white sandy beaches and quaint seaside villages.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN NEW ZEALAND

We feature a great range of accommodation in New Zealand, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a luxury stay in Auckland or a stylish mountain lodge? Or perhaps it’s a vineyard boutique in Marlborough or family friendly apartment in Queenstown. We can help you with hotels, lodges, cabins, guesthouses and apartments all over New Zealand.

What you won’t find here are thousands of New Zealand hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Bay of Many Coves
5 star

Marlborough, Abel Tasman & Kaikoura

Nestled amongst lush native bush in the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound, Bay of Many Coves offers the utmost in understated luxury, impeccable dining and warm Kiwi hospitality.
Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau
4 plus star

Queenstown, Wanaka & Fiordland

This iconic and unforgettable lodge is the perfect base from which to explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage areas of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, as well as the surrounding Fiordland National Park and four of New Zealand’s ’Great Walks’.
Awaroa Lodge
4 star

Marlborough, Abel Tasman & Kaikoura

Nestled amid wetlands in the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park, this intimate property, only accessible by boat or on foot, lets you immerse yourself in the national park and provides the perfect base for exploring this captivating area.
Lakestone Lodge, Lake Pukaki
5 star

Central South Island

Poised on a hillside above the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, this gorgeous eco lodge boasts understated luxury and breathtaking views of the magnificent snow-tipped peak of Mount Cook.
The George
5 star

Central South Island

With a reputation for modern and artistic individuality, warm hospitality and award-winning cuisine, this beautiful boutique-style property offers intimate luxury in the heart of Christchurch.
M Social
4 plus star

Auckland & Waiheke Island

Funky and ultra-modern, the M Social is ideally located on the bustling Auckland waterfront with the entire city at your fingertips.

WHAT TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND

As well as some wonderful sights, New Zealand is also home to some unforgettable experiences that will really help you immerse yourself in the destination.

One day you might be watching a Maori haka war dance in Rotorua, the next looking out for dolphins and seals as you sail on Milford Sound. You might choose to get the adrenalin pumping with a jet boat ride on the Dart River or to tickle your taste buds with a vineyard tour in Otago, Waiheke Island, Marlborough. Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your New Zealand holiday to life.
Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise
3.5 hours
  • Fantastic whale watching
  • Giant sperm whales
  • Dolphins, fur seals & albatross
Maori Experience & Dinner
3.5 hours
  • Learn about traditional Maori culture
  • See the famous 'haka' dance
  • Enjoy a hangi feast
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Shire's Rest
3 hours
  • Admire the lush Shire
  • See The Hobbit Holes
  • Enjoy a drink at The Green Dragon Inn
TranzAlpine - Christchurch to Greymouth
Take one of the world’s greatest train journeys and admire the superb views across the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
3 hours
  • Scenic helicopter flight
  • Ice hike
Milford Sound Day Tour - Coach Cruise Coach
10-13 hours
  • Captivating Milford Sound
  • Spectacular nature cruise
  • Glass-roofed coach

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND?

The best time to visit New Zealand varies by region but as a general rule New Zealand’s warmer month’s fall during our wintertime from November to April, with January and February tending to be peak visiting months. You might find that autumn and spring months offer better deals, ask our expert travel consultants to guide you.

For more information, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit New Zealand.

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New Zealand Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Rebecca Buttall - New Zealand expert
Rebecca Buttall

Untouched Stewart Island is one of the best destinations to see New Zealand's magnificent array of birdlife. Ask your travel consultant about our package, which includes a brilliant tour to spot brown kiwis roaming free under the starlight.

Tom Farnworth - New Zealand expert
Tom Farnworth

Any visit to Queenstown must include a Dart River Wilderness Safari. This trip is incredible for those of all ages, taking in the sensational scenery captured in so many iconic movies whilst having really good fun!

Aston Lo - New Zealand expert
Aston Lo

Lake Pukaki is a hidden gem, much less visited than other lakes in the area. Ideal for those looking for a serene stay and an ideal base to explore the surrounding areas like Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook.

New Zealand Fast Facts

Time Zone: New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of GMT

Flight Time to New Zealand: Flights times to New Zealand average at between 23 to 27 hours depending on airline and routing

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD). ATM's are available throughout the country and most restaurants and hotels accept credit/debit cards

Tipping: Tipping in New Zealand is customary but not obligatory. A 10% tip for good service is usually sufficient

Language: English is the national language of New Zealand

Visa: A NZeTA visa is required prior to arrival (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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