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New ZealandA G U I D E T 0

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SpringSeptember – November Average daytime temperature: 16 - 19˚C (61 - 66˚F)

New ZealandPicture New Zealand. Are you hiking

through the forested valleys and rolling hills of the spectacular Fiordland? Discovering the dazzling array of wonderful wildlife? Venturing into Middle-earth? Perhaps you’re sinking your toes into the soft sands of the sparkling beaches?

Wherever your mind wanders to when you picture New Zealand, welcome to our mini destination guide to this enchanting country. With spectacular scenery, superb food and wine, friendly locals and a range of magical and unique experiences all within easy reach, New Zealand is the perfect destination for the traveller who’s looking for a little bit of everything.

Population 4.5 million

Capital Wellington

National anthem God Save the Queen and God Defend New Zealand

Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD$)

Official language English and Māori

Climate

Weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly. Be prepared for what you can expect from month to month.

From dramatic scenery to vibrant cities, new experiences lie around every corner in New Zealand. No matter where you are in the country, you’re always close to the next

New Zealand Statistics

incredible highlight of your holiday.

SummerDecember – February Average daytime temperature: 20 - 25˚C (68 - 77˚F)

Autumn/FallMarch – May Average daytime temperature: 17 - 21˚C (62 - 70˚F)

WinterJune – August Average daytime temperature: 12 - 16˚C (53 - 61˚F)

Introducing

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Interesting facts

Except for the polar regions, New

Zealand was the last major landmass to

be populated.

A kiwi is not a fruit – it is New Zealand’s

native flightless bird and a slang term for a

New Zealander.Kiwi bird New Zealand flag

Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to reach the peak of Mount Everest with his climbing

partner Tenzing Norgay, was a New Zealander. He was born in Auckland and his

face features on the New Zealand $5 bill.Sir Edmund Hillary

Maori arrived in Aotearoa, then known

as The Land of the Long White Cloud

approximately 1,000 years ago in canoes.

They mostly settled in the Northern parts of New Zealand as they

were warmer.

Our preferred times to visit New Zealand are Spring (September to

November) and Autumn (March to May) - You'll avoid the crowds but

still enjoy the sunshine. Maori maskNew Zealand spring

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Wonderful Wildlife

From penguins and kiwi birds to dolphins and whales, New Zealand’s spectacular scenery is home to a dazzling array of wildlife.

Swim with New Zealand fur seals in the shallow waters of the Kaikoura Peninsula on the South Island. Spring is lamb season in New Zealand, so during a drive in the countryside, you’re sure to see lots of cute and fluffy lambs!

Take to the water with playful dolphins in their natural environment at Paihia in the Bay of Islands on the North Island and head to Akaroa Harbour on the South Island to see New Zealand’s playful Hector’s dolphin. It’s the only place on the entire planet where you can get up close and personal with the world’s smallest and rarest species of dolphin.

Always wanted to see majestic whales soar through the seas? Spot these enormous creatures in Kaikoura and the Hauraki Gulf, an area nestled next to Auckland.

If you’re a penguin fan, The Blue Penguin Colony in Oamaru is home to the world's smallest penguins. See these cute creatures in their natural environment and watch them arrive home from their day at sea and return to their nests. A once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed.

Plus, no visit to New Zealand would be complete without a sighting of the native kiwi bird! Spring is the time when the baby kiwis hatch but during the autumn, Stewart Island turns into a hive of activity for birdlife and this is one of the best places to view this ever so shy nocturnal feathered friend in its natural environment.

you must experienceWondering what there is to see and do in New Zealand? Wondrous wildlife, stunning scenery and a rich cultural heritage await!

5 things

New Zealand lambs

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The Great Outdoors

New Zealand is the perfect place to embrace the great outdoors and try one adventure after another. With beautiful landscapes including jagged mountain peaks, rolling green hills, sparkling beaches, scenic fjords, raging rivers and pristine lakes, exploring New Zealand’s walking and hiking trails is one of the most rewarding ways of seeing the country’s outstanding natural beauty.

Nestled on the South Island, hemmed in by towering granite cliffs and dominated by Mitre Peak, you’ll find New Zealand’s Fiordland. A mesmerising landscape filled with blue-black waters, rugged mountains dotted with rainforests, and soaring granite peaks; it’s a truly breathtaking sight. Within this spectacular World Heritage Site, you’ll find the well-known Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound. Cruise the inky-black waters on a boat trip, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try kayaking or scuba diving.

Middle-earth

Ever since The Lord of the Rings films were released back in 2001, New Zealand has been known as the home of Middle-earth. With her golden plains, towering mountains and enchanting valleys, it’s no surprise that New Zealand was chosen as the shooting location for both the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Head to Hamilton, a couple of hours’ drive south of Auckland, and see The Shire brought to life. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set; a magical village with 44 Hobbit-holes set within a picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm.

Rivendell, the home of the elves in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, was filmed in the beautiful Kaitoke Regional Park, near Wellington, and if you’re venturing to Queenstown, be sure to stop off at Paradise, which was another one of the locations filmed for The Hobbit trilogy.

Experience for yourself the stunning filming locations found throughout the country that starred as mythical Middle-earth!

Wineries and Vineyards

With so many high-quality wineries and vineyards throughout New Zealand, you’ll find plenty of tours to help you learn more about the different varieties – and taste a little too!

Blessed with long sunshine hours and fertile plains, Hawke’s Bay in the North Island is one of the country’s most productive growing regions. A tipple of the robust Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah here is a must!

Marlborough on the South Island is New Zealand's largest wine growing region and is blockbuster Sauvignon Blanc country! A cycling tour here is a delightful way to experience the rolling vineyards and sunny weather.

Māori Culture

An integral part of Kiwi life, Māori culture and values are at the centre of the nation’s heart. You’ll find plenty of cultural tours and experiences throughout the country so you can discover the history, language and traditions of the Māori for yourself.

In Northland, Auckland, Rotorua and Canterbury, organised tours provide a traditional Māori welcome onto a marae, where you'll hear Māori speeches and singing, see carved meeting houses, meet the local people and enjoy a traditional hāngi feast cooked in an underground earth oven. You could even find yourself trying your hand at the famous Haka, the war dance made famous by the All Blacks rugby team!

For a background in Māori culture, head to The Auckland Museum, which is home to a huge collection of Maori artefacts. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds on the Bay of Islands is also one to add to your list. It’s the country’s most important historic site, where in 1840, New Zealand’s founding document, The Treaty of Waitangi, was signed.

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New Zealand winery

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TC Recommended:

New ZealandTake a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations for a unique experience in New Zealand...

Travel Counsellor Matt says South Island holds a special place in his heart:

I’ve been lucky enough to visit a huge number of places during my 16 years working in travel, but New Zealand holds a special place in my heart.

So, what’s the attraction? Firstly, the people. Friendly, welcoming, and such a relaxed, laid-back attitude to life. Away from the major cities, the pace of life is chilled, people really do have time for you, and love to showcase their country. Of course, it helps if you love rugby – it is, after all, their religion.

The scenery is spectacular, rugged snow-capped mountains, beautiful crystal-clear (and extremely cold) lakes, and endless beaches including Kaikoura where you can see whales all year round.

Onwards and upwards to the north end of the South Island, and the rather gorgeous Abel Tasman National Park. Beautiful beaches, easy walking trails, sea-kayaking, beautiful places to stay, it has it all.

South Island

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Travel Counsellor Eileen has travelled to both the North and South Island, with each visit exceeding all her expectations:

There is so much to see and do in New Zealand and there is something to suit all ages. It really is a "must see" destination and one of the best places I've ever visited.

Driving around the island was so easy and with little traffic on the roads it was a really enjoyable experience. Every turn in the road produced yet another magnificent view and I lost track of the times I said "WOW" on this holiday.

New Zealand exceeded all my expectations with its spectacular scenery, vibrant cities and unique culture.

Travel Counsellor Wayne believes New Zealand is now high on people’s bucket lists when visiting The Southern Hemisphere:

New Zealand deserves to be high on people’s bucket lists and to do both islands well I think you need to give yourself around a month as there is so much to cover.

The North Island is rich with culture and the scenery is beautiful. Auckland is the largest city and comes with what you would expect from a city with lots to do including a great aquarium which has the jaws of a Megalodon.

The Bay of Islands offers some nice opportunities for dolphin watching, snorkeling and kayaking. If surfing is more your sort of thing then maybe head to Raglan where you will also find some good caving options.

Over on the South Island, I think you will get the best of New Zealand’s scenery.

Christchurch is a city well worth a visit and after the devastating earthquakes you must admire the peoples resolve to re-build and go again. Lastly, we come to Queenstown, which is a very lively place and brilliant for whether you want a great night out or if you love adventure. It is considered by many to be the adventure capital of the world!

Bay of Islands

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Try something

a little differentAdventure Sports

Adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers will be in their element in New Zealand!

A bungy jump is a must-do if you’re visiting Queenstown and there’s plenty of other extreme sports to get involved with too, including white-water rafting, canyon swinging and paragliding. With a smorgasbord of outdoor activities to enjoy, Queenstown is the home of the ultimate adventure bucket list!

The mighty Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are also ideal for anyone looking for thrills and excitement.

Marvel at the plants in beautiful botanic gardens

For a more relaxed pace, there are plenty of gorgeous gardens to explore. Spring is one of the best times to visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, with magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, daffodils and azaleas all in full bloom.

In the Autumn, Hamilton Gardens in Waikato puts on a beautiful display. Join an experienced guide who will take you through nine stunning themed garden collections, including an Italian Renaissance Garden and a grandiose Indian Char Bagh (‘four quartered’) Garden.

Stargazing

Discover the wonders of the southern night skies with a spot of stargazing!

Recently, 4,300 square kilometres of New Zealand’s South Island was recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest reserve of this type in the world. Covering much of the Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie region, the Dark Sky Reserve has been labelled as ‘one of the best stargazing sites on earth'.

Stargazing is especially spectacular during the autumn months because of the bright clear days and nights.

Explore a geothermal wonderland

Discover bubbling sulphur pools, erupting Geysers and huge volcanic craters in Rotorua, Taupo and the Central North Island region. Indulge in a thermal pool spa therapy or take a walking tour to discover the sights and wonders of this mysterious city that sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire. For a real "WOW" factor, White Island (Whakaari) is the perfect example of an active volcano. It breathes, it roars and it hisses from steaming vents!

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A taste of New ZealandFresh, diverse and delicious, Kiwis love their world-famous food and wine. With unique treasures around every corner plucked straight from the oceans and fertile lands, dining in New Zealand represents more than just your next meal, it becomes your next unforgettable experience.

The communal experience of Māori hāngī

A traditional roast dinner as you’ve never seen it before, Māori hāngī is New Zealand’s staple ceremonial meal. The indigenous roasted meal is uniquely prepared several feet underground using hot rocks, and will often be found cooking in Rotorua, Northland and Christchurch as part of welcoming festivities and cultural performances.

Succulent seafood

With near-endless stretches of coastline circumnavigating the country, there is a wealth of fresh options for seafood lovers when dining out in New Zealand. Travelling through different regions will see differing local specialities prepared, from the crayfish of Kaikoura through to the whitebait patties of the West Coast, while a visit to the capital

Wellington sees a range of fashionable restaurants along the waterfront specialising in sumptuous seafood dishes to the tune of a live band.

Eat like the locals

After sampling New Zealand’s distinctive Pacific Rim cuisine encompassing award winning cheeses, famous lamb dishes and spectacular seafood, learn to cook like the professionals and take a cooking class on either the North or South Island and become acquainted with localised food and wine specialities utilising artisan producers and climate-matched fruit and vegetables.

Explore famous wine regions

Wine enthusiasts are in seventh heaven when it comes to New Zealand’s penchant for producing discerning wines reflecting the balanced purity and vibrancy of the nation itself. High-quality wineries and vineyards make for a great excursion, with many located in picturesque locations ranging from pristine beach space, to rolling hills and grand alpine peaks. Auckland and Central Otago-based wineries are particularly appealing, given that Waiheke Island, referred to as ‘the island of wine’, is only a short ferry journey from downtown Auckland, while a day trip exploring the many wineries of Central Otago and its famous Pinot Noir can be reached from a Queenstown base.

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NZ$20-60 Economy car hire

for the day

NZ$10-$25 Lunch in a café

Spending moneyWondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

As of August 2019, £1 GBP = 1.85767 NZD

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NZ$6Fish and

chips

NZ$6 Beer

NZ$5 Coffee

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Day 1: Auckland

Arrive in Auckland and be whisked away by private transfer to your city hotel.

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua via Matamata (Drive Time: 3h)

Pick up your rental car and travel south through picturesque farmland to Matamata, the home of 'Hobbiton'. Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogy. Continue your drive to Rotorua.

Day 3: Rotorua

Spend the day discovering Rotorua’s geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes. In the evening, partake in a cultural experience and Hangi dinner at Tamaki Maori Village with the native Maori people.

Day 4: Rotorua to Napier (Drive Time: 2h 45min)

Travel south and take in the panoramic views of Mount Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. From Taupo, pass through part of the vast Kaingaroa Forest and Kaimanawa Range, and into the fertile Hawkes Bay Province and the Art Deco City of Napier.

Itinerary

Auckland

Rotorua

Itinerary

The best of New ZealandThis 17-day tour is perfect for anyone who wants to get the best out of New Zealand’s most iconic and beautiful destinations. Seeing both vibrant cities and stunning scenery, this terrific self-drive tour will give you a true feel for the diversity of this wonderful country.

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Day 5: Napier to Wellington (Drive Time: 4h 45min)

Drive through the rolling sheep and cattle farmland as you head toward New Zealand's energetic and cosmopolitan capital of Wellington where you will spend the night. Break your journey up with a stop off at the Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, where you’ll have to see the world’s only white kiwi in captivity.

Day 6: Wellington to Picton (ferry) to Nelson (Drive Time: 1h 50min)

Head to New Zealand’s South Island. Drop off your rental car and travel across the Cook Strait to Picton on what is described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. On arrival in Picton, pick up your rental car and drive via Blenheim to Nelson on beautiful Tasman Bay.

Day 7: Nelson & Abel Tasman National Park (Drive Time: 2h 20min)

Take a trip to Abel Tasman National Park. Choose from a full day’s cruise or a shorter cruise with a leisurely walk. Cruise into the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park and admire spectacular stretches of coastline and dozens of sandy coves.

Day 8: Nelson to Hokitika (Drive Time: 5h)

Continue your journey south around Murchison. Pass through Buller Gorge then drive down the coast. Marvel at the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki.

Day 9: Hokitika to Franz Josef (Drive Time: 2h)

Cross beautiful stretches of countryside as you head to Franz Josef, a well-known Glacier settlement.

Day 10: Franz Josef to Queenstown (Drive Time: 5h)

Departing Franz Josef, stop off at Fox Glacier on your way to Queenstown, nestled amidst steep mountain ranges.

Day 11/12: Queenstown

Enjoy exciting wilderness jet boating, an informative guided walk and a picturesque drive to discover some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.

Day 13: Queenstown to Te Anau

Skirt around Lake Wakatipu. Take some time to appreciate the magnificent views of the mountains of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park before continuing on to Lake Te Anau.

Tasman National Park

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Milford Sound

Day 14: Te Anau to Milford Sound return (Drive Time: 4h 30min)

Follow the valley of the Eglinton River before descending into the Hollyford Valley on your way to Milford Sound. Cruise Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Explore points of interest with your nature guide and view the stunning scenery before driving back to Te Anau.

Day 15: Te Anau to Dunedin (Drive Time: 3h 40min)

Drive through farmland and tussock country to Lumsden. Continue through the Waimea Plains and across the Taieri River on to the heritage city of Dunedin.

Day 16: Dunedin to Christchurch (Drive Time: 5h)

Travelling north, stop off on your drive to Christchurch at the famous Moeraki Boulders, the seaside town of Timaru, the town of Ashburton and the mighty Rakaia River.

Day 17: Depart Christchurch

Your incredible itinerary ends today. Drop off your rental car at the airport depot ready for your flight home. Christchurch

Dunedin

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Here, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you should see, do and eat while you’re in New Zealand. We hope it

inspires you to journey to this magnificent country time and time again and taste a little of New Zealand life.

Get in touch to build a bespoke itinerary, tailor-made just for you. We’d also love to see your photos and stories on social

media so please share your memories using #TCexperience