Region Flag

Welcome to Trafalgar's Canadian website. Would you like to visit Trafalgar's US website instead?

Navigation Close Icon
  1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. Australia and New Zealand
  4. New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real New Zealand in a way like no other. Known for mountains, Manuka honey and Middle Earth, New Zealand is one of the most unique countries in the world and visiting it is an experience like no other. The indigenous Maōri people call New Zealand Aotearoa, meaning land of the long white cloud, and the New Zealand people, fondly referred to as Kiwis, are proud of Aotearoa's local culture and history. Starting from the sea and heading to the mountains, we'll explore everything that New Zealand has to offer. We'll begin by taking an Auckland city tour, a cruise on the famous Milford Sound and bite into a mince and cheese pie. We'll sip New Zealand's Lemon & Paeroa drink while we learn about the traditions of the Maōri people and visit Wellington's popular Great War Exhibition. Adventure in New Zealand is easy to find with the unique and the unexpected lurking around every corner. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.
Read more... Read less...

Travel with confidence. Your hygiene and distancing is our priority >

Trending New Zealand trips

10 Day Trip

12 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Southern Spectacular

Discover New Zealand's South Islands on this trip, taking in Mt. Cook, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier and more.

4.5 62 reviews

From $4,625 pp

4.5 62 reviews

From $4,625 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. New Zealand

    Auckland Bay of Islands Blenheim Christchurch Dunedin Fairlie Matamata Picton Rotorua Tauranga Twizel Wellington

11 Day Trip

8 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Sensational South

Nature lovers will adore this epic encounter with New Zealand's South Island. Visit Milford Sound, Mt. Cook and the Tasman Glacier, sampling the region's award-winning wine, food and adventure.

New Trip

From $5,750 pp

New Trip

From $5,750 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. New Zealand

    Blenheim Christchurch Fairlie Mount Cook Picton Queenstown Nz Te Anau Wellington

7 Day Trip

7 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Iconic North

Bubbling mud pools and Māori culture define this memorable encounter with New Zealand's north. Explore Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington, with a stop for lunch with a retired champion jockey.

New Trip

From $3,375 pp

New Trip

From $3,375 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. New Zealand

    Auckland Blenheim Matamata Picton Rotorua Tauranga Wellington

10 Day Trip

5 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Contrasts of New Zealand

Experience Auckland, the City of Sails in this Country Explorer trip and also enjoy the Be My Guest lunch with the O'Sullivans at the Red Barn on their dairy farm.

New Trip

From $5,275 pp

New Trip

From $5,275 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. New Zealand

    Arthurs Pass Auckland Christchurch Queenstown Nz Rotorua

17 Day Trip

12 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

New Zealand Uncovered

An in-depth exploration of New Zealand's north and south - epic natural landscapes, extraordinary insights into Māori culture and spirited cities reveal all the highlights of this island nation.

4.9 33 reviews

From $7,850 pp

4.9 33 reviews

From $7,850 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. New Zealand

    Auckland Bay of Islands Blenheim Christchurch Dunedin Picton Punakaiki Queenstown Nz Rotorua Te Anau Twizel Wellington

3 Day Trip

2 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Jewels of the Bay

Feel free amidst the exquisite natural splendour of New Zealand's beautiful Bay of Islands. The stunning views of turquoise seas and golden beaches will linger long after you've returned home.

New Trip

From $1,375 pp

New Trip

From $1,375 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. New Zealand

    Auckland Bay of Islands

10 Day Trip

4 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Inspiring New Zealand

Embark on an exclusive expedition into the scenic highlights of New Zealand, a journey revealing the extraordinary depths of a land shaped by Maori legends, brave pioneers and ancient seismic forces.

New Trip

From $8,525 pp

New Trip

From $8,525 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. New Zealand

    Auckland Queenstown Nz Rotorua Wellington

15 Day Trip

6 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Australia and New Zealand Panorama

We take you from Auckland and Rotorua, to Queenstown and then onto Melbourne on this At Leisure trip.

4.3 83 reviews

From $9,175 pp

4.3 83 reviews

From $9,175 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Australia

    Cairns Melbourne Sydney

  2. New Zealand

    Auckland Queenstown Nz Rotorua

18 Day Trip

8 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

The stillness of Milford Sound and ultimate glacier adventure dot your travels through New Zealand, but not before a brush with the surfing splendour of Aussie's Bondi Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.

4.5 73 reviews

From $10,150 pp

4.5 73 reviews

From $10,150 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Australia

    Cairns Melbourne Sydney

  2. New Zealand

    Arthurs Pass Auckland Christchurch Queenstown Nz Rotorua

22 Day Trip

10 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Uncover the real Australia and New Zealand on this Regional Explorer trip. Visit Sydney, Auckland and more.

4.5 188 reviews

From $13,525 pp

4.5 188 reviews

From $13,525 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Australia

    Alice Springs Cairns Melbourne Red Centre Sydney

  2. New Zealand

    Arthurs Pass Auckland Christchurch Queenstown Nz Rotorua

15 Day Trip

6 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Discover Australia and New Zealand

This relaxed journey roams from Cairns to Queenstown via the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney and the Red Centre.

4.5 61 reviews

From $9,525 pp

4.5 61 reviews

From $9,525 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Australia

    Cairns Red Centre Sydney

  2. New Zealand

    Auckland Queenstown Nz Rotorua

SEE MORE NEW ZEALAND TRIPS

5 million happy guests and counting

Overall Rating

4.6

Out of 5

Based on 78,930 independent reviews

"New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the world's most stunning countries, from Milford Sound and Middle Earth to the golden islands of Marlborough Sounds"

Travel Director
New Zealand at a glance
Cruise the Milford Sound, explore Middle Earth, discover bubbling geysers and dazzling lakes, learn the traditions of the indigenous Maōri people, and taste some of the world's finest wines. Join your local expert Trafalgar Travel Director and get under the surface of the 'land of the long white cloud'.
Currency
New Zealand dollar
Winter avg
10°C
Summer avg
15°C
Time Zone
GMT+12
Capital City
Wellington
Language
English
Good morning
Good morning
Good evening
Good evening
Travelstyle Re Icon

Our top 5 things to do in New Zealand

From the tip of the North Island to the tail of the South Island, there is no shortage of things to do in New Zealand to keep you occupied. These are just a few of the remarkable moments we'll share with you during our time in NZ.

View the Southern Alps from the TranzAlpine train

Take the journey of a lifetime on the TranzAlpine train, where you'll see the most unforgettable views of the alps. You can expect spectacular views and world-class service onboard, as well as a viewing deck for taking all-important holiday snaps.
Read more... Read less...

Learn about the traditions of the Maori

Maōri traditions are a vital part of New Zealand's culture and heritage. Pay a visit to Tongariro National Park, which holds a significant spiritual value for the Maōri people, and indulge in a traditional Hāngī meal cooked under the earth.
Read more... Read less...

Cruise on Milford Sound

Surrounded by waterfalls and rainforests, the Milford Sound fjord is New Zealand's most picturesque attraction, often described as the "eighth wonder of the world". Sit back, relax and absorb the magnificent scenery aboard one of the many boats that operate daily.
Read more... Read less...

Visit the Tamaki Māori Village in Rotorua

Set it the ancient Tawa forest, the unique experience at Tamaki recreates a traditional working Maōri village. It offers Maōri dance and music shows, as well as cultural crafts like carving and weaving and. With all activities, there's ample opportunity to get involved and learn about the Maōri culture first-hand.
Read more... Read less...

Take the Auckland city tour

Discover Auckland's golden beaches, picturesque parks and historical buildings on our comprehensive city tour. You'll not only learn about the history of the city, but you'll also discover the best places to eat, drink and relax in Auckland. Complete with a visit to Mount Eden, which has views right across the city.
Read more... Read less...
Experience Dic Icon

Best museums in New Zealand

By exploring New Zealand's museums and art galleries, you can get a unique perspective on the origins of this dynamic, proud country. These are just of the museums we'll share with you to peel back layers of the country.
AUCKLAND

Auckland War Memorial Museum

The iconic exterior only hints at the unique and extensive collection within. The museum houses a large selection of historical artefacts that showcase the rich and brutal history of New Zealand and the Pacific, as well as over 1.5 million natural history specimens.
Read more... Read less...
WELLINGTON

The Great War Exhibition

Constructed as a passion project by director Sir Peter Jackson, the Great War Exhibition tells the story of New Zealanders who fought and lived through the First World War. Although the exhibition includes many original artefacts, the life-sized sets and colourised black and white photos are standouts.
Read more... Read less...
CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu

Housing a substantial art collection, The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū also runs a rotating programme of local and international exhibitions. Don't miss their late-night tours, which are not only free but one of the best ways to visit the gallery.
Read more... Read less...
Trip Summary Meals Icon

Best food in New Zealand

New Zealand easily tempts the tastebuds with its fresh, local and tasty cuisine. From savoury treats to sparkling citrusy drinks, our New Zealand trips will ensure you leave with a full and satisfied stomach.

Mince and cheese pie

Gaining popularity in the 1970s, this unique pie has layers of melted cheese just under the crispy outer crust that take the typical pastry to new heights. Find these hand-sized pastries at cafés, bakeries, and supermarkets, and local bakeries where they're baked fresh every day.
Read more... Read less...

Kiwi burger

Dreamt up in 1976, the Kiwi burger contains all the usual fixings; a fresh beef patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions and tomato sauce with some unique extras like beetroot, crispy egg and mustard. Although tasty burgers are available at most burger chains in New Zealand, there are cult stores that plate them up to five-star standards.
Read more... Read less...

Lemon & Paeroa (L&P)

With carbonated water from Paeroa and fresh local lemon juice, New Zealand's L&P drink is a refreshing and popular way to cool down and energise. For an extra kick, the infamous Lemon & Paeroa drink is a popular cocktail base in many parts of New Zealand.
Read more... Read less...

What to pack for New Zealand

Experience Tick Thin Icon

A camera and a memory card

With so many unforgettable views, make sure you pack a camera (and a spare memory card) to ensure you get the best shots. New Zealand's endlessly photographic surrounds are worth printing and framing.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Ample bag space

With woolen jumpers and fresh Manuka honey on offer, spare bag space is a must when you travel New Zealand. Just make sure you check your local customs restrictions before you go.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Comfortable walking shoes

With everything New Zealand offers to explore, make sure you take care of your feet by packing comfortable shoes. That way, you avoid missing a day of activity due to blisters and aches.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Seasonal essentials

Whether you're heading to New Zealand's mountains to ski or the beaches for a swim, you may need seasonal essentials. Consider warm clothes and swimwear to make the most of your New Zealand trips.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Small portable charger

With so much to see and do in New Zealand, your devices are likely to wear down quite quickly. Keep a portable charger on hand to make sure your devices are ready when you are.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Read more... Read less...

Our Australia & New Zealand destinations

Australia

Navigation Chevron Right Icon

New Zealand

Navigation Chevron Right Icon