How to Book a New Zealand Tour
New Zealand is incredible nature and thrilling adventure as natural wonders pack into the archipelago with snowcapped summits, isolated fiords, and untouched rainforest just the beginning. The sounds of the haka and aromas of the hangi showcase Maori heritage and secluded seaside towns reflect colonial history. Finding the right balance between culture, adventure, nature, and luxury for your perfect vacation can be daunting but Ziasso is here to help.
There are three ways to plan and book a trip:
1. Get a customized tour planned and booked by a travel professional. Travel independently on your own schedule.
2. Book a group tour. Join an escorted group tour with a fixed departure date.
3. Plan and book a trip yourself.
Zicasso offers the best solution for a customized tour by matching you with top travel specialists who plan and book the trip for you. Our travel agency division, Marageti, specializes in helping you book an escorted group tour. There is no extra cost to you for either service.
Custom Tours
A customized tour is one that is planned by a travel specialist according to your specific interests, preferences, and schedule. Whether you desire a family-friendly adventure or a romantic getaway, each of the accommodations, activities, and destinations is tailored to your preferences. The knowledge and experience of your travel specialist makes a big difference. Zicasso has spent thousands of hours vetting the best travel partners. We act as a referral service, matching you with specialists that best meet your goals and priorities.
Escorted Group Tours
A group tour offers the advantage of convenience at a great value. The schedule is fixed, the itinerary is pre-planned, and a dedicated tour director travels with the group throughout the trip. A group tour can be 30 - 50% less expensive than an equivalent customized tour. Out of the many hundreds of group tours, how do you select the right one for you? Our travel agency division, Marageti, has sales agents who specialize in helping travelers weigh the pros and cons of each group tour. We give you personalized recommendations to find the best tour for you.
Goals and Priorities
What are your goals and priorities for the trip? These should drive your decision for either a customized tour or a fixed departure group tour. We are here to help you make the right decisions to make your dream trip a reality.
Must-See Destinations in New Zealand
Zicasso has worked with our New Zealand travel specialists for the best recommendations for any length of trip. A custom Zicasso tour will organize your days according to your travel goals but the following suggestions work as a great outline.
The majority of travelers from the United States spend between 12 to 14 days in New Zealand. 14 days gives you a good amount of time to travel at your own pace or visit more destinations within New Zealand depending on your specific travel goals. We offer recommendations based on our travel experts’ advice and the amount of time you have for your trip.
7 to 9 Day Trips
If you have around one week for your New Zealand trip, we suggest you visit Rotorua, Nelson/Abel Tasman, and Queenstown/Milford Sound. When considering your time in New Zealand, how you organize your trip will greatly affect how you see the country. You can use Rotorua, Nelson, and Queenstown as bases for day trips that will help minimize travel time so you can experience the essential highlights and your Zicasso travel specialist can help.
7 Days
Days 1-2: Rotorua
Days 3-4: Nelson/Abel Tasman
Days 5-7: Queenstown/Milford Sound
8 Days
Days 1-2: Rotorua
Days 3-5: Nelson/Abel Tasman
Days 6-8: Queenstown/Milford Sound
9 Days
Days 1-2: Rotorua
Days 3-5: Nelson/Abel Tasman
Days 6-9: Queenstown/Milford Sound
If you have more time (10-16 Days), we recommend:
If you have approximately two weeks in New Zealand, you can take your time between destinations for a more authentic experience or spend more time traveling to new, unique places across the North and South islands. With around 14 days, we suggest adding Auckland, Franz Josef, and Napier to the original sites of Rotorua, Nelson, and Queenstown.
All Zicasso tours are customized to your preferences, but here is how we recommend you spend your time:
10 Days
Day 1: Auckland
Days 2-3: Rotorua
Days 4-6: Nelson/Abel Tasman
Days 7-8: Franz Josef/West Coast
Days 9-10: Queenstown/Milford Sound
12 Days
Day 1: Auckland
Days 2-3: Rotorua
Days 4-6: Nelson/Abel Tasman
Days 7-8: Franz Josef/West Coast
Days 9-12: Queenstown/Milford Sound
14 Days
Day 1: Auckland
Days 2-3: Rotorua
Days 4-5: Napier/Hawkes Bay
Days 6-8: Nelson/Abel Tasman
Days 9-10: Franz Josef/West Coast
Days 11-14: Queenstown/Milford Sound
15 Days
Day 1-2: Auckland
Days 3-4: Rotorua
Days 5-6: Napier/Hawkes Bay
Days 7-8: Nelson/Abel Tasman
Day 9: Kaikoura
Days 10-11: Franz Josef/West Coast
Days 12-15: Queenstown/Milford Sound
16 days
Day 1-2: Auckland
Days 3-4: Rotorua
Days 5-6: Napier/Hawkes Bay
Days 7-8: Nelson/Abel Tasman
Day 9: Kaikoura
Days 10-11: Franz Josef/West Coast
Days 12-16: Queenstown/Milford Sound
How many days is enough to see New Zealand?
21 days is the ideal number of days to visit New Zealand. While many people plan 14-day New Zealand trips, they often do not account for the two days of travel time that only gives them 12 days of actual touring. 21 days in New Zealand gives you enough time to experience an authentic mix of culture, natural beauty, pop-culture, and adventure. In New Zealand, you could start in a city, visit pristine beaches, and end your day in the rugged mountains within a few hours but 21 days will let you travel at a more leisurely pace to also find the glaciers, secluded coastal towns, and preserved heritage.
Essential Experiences for the Best New Zealand Vacation
During your New Zealand tour, you can trek snowcapped summits and experience extreme sports, meet with local farmers focusing on sustainable crops and discover the light of ancient glowworms. You can also find giant sand dunes, cultural villages, award-winning wineries, and untouched fiords.
Best Way to Experience Queenstown
Queenstown is more than just the country’s adventure capital and instead acts as a luxurious gateway to the South Island’s natural beauty. The town acts like a jewel in the country’s crown of grand nature offering access to glassy lakes, jagged mountains, glistening glaciers, and breathtaking fiords. During your New Zealand tour, you can have the following essential experience when first visiting Queenstown.
What to See & Do
The Main Must-Do Tours (2-4 days depending on pace):
- Active Exploration: Cycle the trails winding around the eclectic alpine town to find sensational vistas of sweeping across Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkables Mountains. Follow the walking trails that weave around the shores of Lake Wakatipu or to the top of Bob’s Peak for a different perspective of town and the surrounding nature.
- Natural Grandeur: Discover the pristine marvels of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park where penguins, dolphins, and whales add to the luster of the bordering lush cliffs
- Sample Local Culture: Delight in the local wines of the Central Otago wine region to sample celebrated varietals like pinot noir and pino gris.
Best Way to Experience Nelson/Abel Tasman
Rotorua embodies culture and the living earth. As New Zealand’s cultural capital, the Maori heritage remains a prevalent part of city history and contemporary regional life with cultural performances and traditional hangi banquets. The landscape highlights how nature breathes as seen through sulfur-rich air, shimmering springs, erupting geysers, and distinctive moonscapes. You can have the following essential experiences when in Rotorua.
What to See & Do
The Main Must-Do Tours (2 days depending on pace)
- Extreme Nature: Witness the marvels of the landscape at Waimangu Volcanic Village and Wai-O-Tapu to find steaming lakes, bubbling mud pools, and active geysers.
- Wildlife Views: Find the bird for which New Zealanders are named when visiting a kiwi birdhouse or partaking in a kiwi encounter. Venture deep into caves of the geothermal region to witness the fascinating natural lights of glowworms on a guided walk, abseil, or blackwater excursion.
- Cultural Experiences: Enjoy an immersive village visit in the geothermal area for deeper insight into traditional New Zealand culture and Maori heritage.
- Fantastical Stories: Wander into the fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien and the insights of Peter Jackson at Hobbiton, where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies were filmed
Best Way to Experience Rotorua
Nelson highlights the best of New Zealand in a hidden corner of the South Island beside the country's only protected coastline of Abel Tasman National Park. As one of the country's most livable cities, Nelson possesses elegant art culture, celebrated gastronomy, and captivating beaches. The following experiences are essential when visiting Nelson in New Zealand.
What to See & Do
The Main Must-Do Tours (2-3 days depending on pace)
- Passive Nature: Indulge in the golden sands of the coastline and the network of easy walking trails that offer grand panoramas.
- Active Discovery: Enjoy the glassy waters of Tasman Bay on kayak and snorkeling excursions that showcase the divers wild- and marine life against a backdrop of coastal cliffs.
- Art Experiences: Experience art culture and preserved heritage displayed in sites like the Museum of Wearable Art and Classic Cars, Founders Heritage Park, and Suter Art Gallery
Special Interests & Activities in New Zealand
Traveling with Zicasso provides you with exclusive access to many activities, excursions, and tours for a distinctive experience. The following information offers insight into our recommended experiences and can be tailored to focus on your unique interests.
Best Food & Wine Destinations
The food and wine scene in New Zealand has become more recognizable on the world stage with chefs highlighting traditional recipes, local and seasonal ingredients, as well as highlighting customary cooking practices. From an award-winning food truck serving traditional hangi meals to Michelin-starred chefs, New Zealand’s food-scene celebrates the diversity of culinary perspective crowned by gold medal wines crafted in across 11 different regions producing much more than the Sauvignon Blanc that made local wines famous. The following suggestions focus on some of the best New Zealand destinations for food and wine:
Marlborough: Marlborough represents the largest wine-growing region in New Zealand with its prestige stemming from its delicious Sauvignon Blanc. The diverse landscape supports a range of succulent flavors in the varietals stemming from soils along valleys and sheltered waterways affected by sunny days and cool nights, river plains and coastal breezes.
Hawkes Bay: Hawkes Bay is situated in the Central North Island with a mild climate that supports the river plains and bordering forested mountain ranges, endless beaches and thriving vineyards. The alluvial soils and Mediterranean weather influences the sophisticated layers of weight reds and structured chardonnays that pair perfectly with inspired local cuisine like prawns and traditional hangi ingredients.
Zicasso’s Exclusive Access to New Zealand Best Wine
Zicasso travel specialists can organize your perfect food and wine experience in New Zealand with private tours on secluded wineries and exclusive tastings under the stars. You can meet with celebrated vintners and learn more about New Zealand’s impressive array of varietals from a sommelier during a food and wine pairing.
Art & History
New Zealand is referred to as a relatively young country for art and history but retains a majestic display of natural history across the islands and a tremendous connection to cultural artistic expression. Maori art often consists of carving, tattooing, weaving, and painting but can also be expressed through the senses, such as cooking, dancing, and singing. Cultural villages reveal decorated meeting grounds and the dynamic movement of the Haka war dance while art galleries in towns like Nelson and Christchurch highlight the contemporary art movement showcasing the diverse reasons New Zealand is a fantastic destination for art.
Must-See Art Museums & Attractions:
- Experience the Christchurch Art Gallery’s embrace of New Zealand artists who capture bold landscapes with traditional methods and contemporary art with interactive focus
- Discover how cultural history coincides with artistic inspiration at Auckland Museum, which hosts Maori and Polynesian treasures
- Embrace diverse artistic perspectives on display at Wellington’s New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, where contemporary works create an innovative and interactive culture
History
History in New Zealand feels both fresh and ancient, with Maori culture on the islands dating back approximately a millennium set against the backdrop of timeworn forests and ancient mountain ranges. European colonial towns juxtapose Maori cultural villages, while giant sand dunes contrast dramatic peaks topped with snow. History represents seafaring heritage and gold-mining traditions, the stories of Captain Cook to the myths of Tane separating the sky from the earth. On a customized Zicasso trip, we can design custom tours with expert guides, such as members of Maori communities and naturalists with a PhD. We can also organize history- or cultural-focused small-group tours with a certified guide.
Active Tours
An active tour immerses you in the beauty of the countryside, the grandeur of the coastline coastal, and the undulating mountain ranges of New Zealand. You can travel at your preferred pace in a unique context. We recommend the following for you to experience some of New Zealand’s best active tours.
Hiking: Milford Track - The famous hiking trail takes you through Fiordland National Park between Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound for an immersive trek that can take up to four days while surrounded by impressive waters, forests, and wildlife.
Mountain Biking: Queen Charlotte Track - The magnificent views and rugged trails winding around the ridges, hills, and bays of Marlborough Sounds lets you uncover the unseen while also finding luxury resorts and endless water-sport opportunities.
Kayaking: Abel Tasman - The only coastal national park will highlight the splendors of pristine water along the Abel Tasman Sea. Penguins and seals lounge on the rocks dolphins swim in the bays, and the clear, turquoise water reflects the fringing subtropical rainforest.
Private Excursions and Special Access
Zicasso’s travel specialist partners have insider knowledge of unique experiences and relationships with locals to ensure customized experiences that you cannot get any other way. With each activity tailored to your specific interests, your unforgettable excursions will often become the experience of a lifetime. Here are some examples, but the possibilities are endless:
- Glamp on a secluded riverbank with a private guide and chef.
- Learn to weave traditional Maori patterns and designs with a collection of women who carry on the custom
- Get access to the post-production studios that helped create the art, backgrounds, set design, and costumes for films like The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogies
- Visit with Maori chiefs to learn about the ancestral lineage and cultural myths of New Zealand in addition to revealing the historic establishment of the local community.
How much is a tour to New Zealand?
The starting price of a custom-tailored New Zealand trip is approximately $250 per person, per day.
The cost of a New Zealand vacation is dependent on several factors, such as:
- Length of your trip
- Season (month) of travel
- Class of hotel
- Number of locations/cities you visit
- Number of guided day tours and activities (e.g., cooking class, wine tasting, etc.)
- How much you spend on meals, shopping, etc.
A vacation such as this is often the biggest purchase of the year. It will also likely be one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime. To get the most out of your trip, we highly recommend using an expert New Zealand travel specialist to plan a customized New Zealand tour that is tailored to your specific interests and budget. You can also join an escorted group tour so that most travel arrangements are pre-planned for you. This way, you can travel hassle-free and relax while a professional tour director and guide takes care of all logistics and any issues that might arise.
The cost of a tailor-made New Zealand tour typically starts at $3,500 per person for a 14-day trip, i.e., at $250 per person, per day during the low or mid-season.
This includes:
- 3-star hotels (shared twin room)
- Some guided day tours and activities
- Transportation in New Zealand such as airport transfers and domestic flights
A 5-star, tailor-made New Zealand tour, where most services are upgraded and extra unique experiences are included, typically starts at $9,800 per person for a 14-day trip, or $700 per person, per day.
Everyone’s priorities, interests, and preferences are different. Submit a trip request on Zicasso, and we will personally match you with an expert trip planner who will help you customize your dream trip or help you to select the right group tour while also taking your budget into consideration.
Best Time to Visit New Zealand
The best time to visit New Zealand is between December and February. December, January, and February represent the summer season for the Southern Hemisphere and bring many visitors eager to celebrate the good weather and festive holidays such as Christmas, New Years, and Chinese New Year. December, January, and February can also see a large influx of crowds due to the festive atmosphere and good weather across the country.
The climate can vary across the different regions of New Zealand, with the North Island having a subtropical climate and the South Island possessing a temperate climate. November, March, and April are also great months to visit New Zealand with the shoulder season also accounting for smaller crowds around the country. The weather can be rainy in November or a bit cold near the end of summer at the close of April. Along with smaller crowds, the shoulder season also offers lower prices.
Visit the New Zealand Tourism guide for more information about the weather and climate.
How far in advance should I plan a trip to New Zealand?
To have your preferred experiences, tours and hotels, you should book your New Zealand trip between six to nine months in advance. Many boutique and luxury hotels in New Zealand have limited space which means the rooms book quickly. If traveling during peak season, you should book between 12 to 18 months in advance to make sure you can stay at your preferred choice of luxury lodge.
Modes of Transportation in New Zealand
The best way to see New Zealand in 10 days is by a mix of private guide and helicopter. A private guide gives you the flexibility and freedom of traveling at your preferred pace between destinations. They also have knowledge and insight into New Zealand history and local culture for a more personalized experience. For instance, if a traveler mentions liking tea, a private guide often knows the best tea producing region in New Zealand or a local cafe that makes the best cup of tea in the country.
Helicopters
New Zealanders can use helicopters like taxis across the islands. A helicopter cuts down travel time across the country while also offering tremendous views during travel. A private helicopter ride can also make stops or detours based on your travel goals or whims.
Trains and ferries are available when traveling in New Zealand but force your travel plans into their schedule and points of travel. Private guides and helicopters open the country to what you wish to see on your schedule.
Your Zicasso travel partner ensures that your logistics are as smooth as possible by including private airport transfers, domestic flights, and any necessary helicopter or city transfers between destinations to create a stress-free New Zealand tour.
What to Consider When Traveling Through New Zealand
When traveling on a New Zealand tour, considerations about safety, travel logistics, and accessibility are always a concern before your arrival. The following suggestions offer you more information on what you should consider.
Is New Zealand Safe for Travel?
New Zealand is very safe for travelers. While you should exercise normal safety precautions, such as not leaving your belongings unattended, New Zealand is incredibly safe and rated in the 2017 Global Peace Index as one of the world’s most peaceful countries.
The greatest safety concern in New Zealand stems from natural disasters such as earthquakes. However, these do not occur often and the majority of injuries occur from falling objects or debris.
Bug bites can be an issue when traveling in New Zealand during summer. When traveling in New Zealand, especially in summer, you should cover exposed skin and use appropriate insect repellent. For more information on ways to stay safe and prevent bug bites, you can visit the CDC website.
Travel Insurance
You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.
For Families
New Zealand tours focus mainly on activities, with a range of experiences having age limitations for young children. Having a family-friendly guide who understands the concerns, demands, and needs of children of different ages can help you maximize your time around the country and enhance your experience.
For Seniors
Walking distances and carrying luggage are a consideration when in New Zealand. A Zicasso travel specialist has invaluable information on accommodations, activities, and destinations that can both capture quintessential New Zealand while also minimizing or eliminating challenges for seniors. Arrangements can be made for accommodation hotels or for specific forms of travel. You can also travel with a small group through Marageti. Guided tours that hit the highlights easily account for logistics and specific services.
For Couples
A New Zealand travel specialist will understand the demands of a couple’s trip that can balance romantic excursions with active exploration. You can find intimate experiences at secluded luxury resorts accessible only by helicopter or delight in dinner with a private chef in an isolated location. Exclusive tours will help create your unforgettable experience in New Zealand.
For Travelers with Disabilities
Your New Zealand travel specialist who understands your needs can help any guests with mobility challenges by focusing on access and alternative arrangements. Our attention to detail can find proper vehicles, accessible hotels, and craft unique experiences from helicopter rides to pop-culture tours for you to experience with relative ease.
Best Airports to Fly In & Out of New Zealand
The best airport to fly in and out of when visiting New Zealand is Auckland’s International Airport (AKL). Auckland has New Zealand’s largest airport and hosts the majority of flights traveling direct from North America. The ease of plane travel across New Zealand makes it easy to fly between regional and metropolitan airports. For instance, you could land in Auckland at 8 am, pass through customs, pick up your bags, transfer planes, and arrive in Queenstown by noon on New Zealand’s longest domestic flight, which takes 1 hour and 55 minutes from Auckland to Queenstown.
For most travelers, the most convenient airport is Auckland (AKL) followed by Christchurch’s International Airport (CHC), which will see more direct flights to the South Island in 2020. The busiest airports in New Zealand include:
Find the Best Flight
When flying in and out of New Zealand, you do not need to book your arrival and departure from the same airport. The majority of flights to and from North America funnel through Auckland. This means that if you book a flight to or from a different airport, you will most likely have a layover or transfer in Auckland before reaching your final destination. However, plane transfers in New Zealand are very easy and quick.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are one of the best ways to travel distances in New Zealand, especially if traveling between the North and South islands. Flights are quick and you can generally arrive at the airport for your flight up to 30 minutes before departure. Domestic flights travel between large cities and smaller regional airports, so you can avoid long drives or tumultuous waters when on a ferry. Depending on your plans, your travel specialist will prioritize the best routes so you can experience more.
Flights Via Zicasso
Zicasso Air Desk is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24xX7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Recommendations for the Return Traveler
When returning for another New Zealand tour, you can travel deeper into the countryside beyond the essential destinations to experience culture and scenery from a new perspective. You can venture off the beaten path to find sights equally worth your attention at the following recommendations.
East Cape
The East Cape represents an untouched New Zealand, with villages centered around historic churches and breathtaking scenery. History features Captain Cook’s arrival and Maori mythology, while the slopes of Mount Hikurangi sees the world’s first light in summer. Fresh seafood, horseback riding, and a tranquil ambiance remain essential parts of daily life.
Golden Bay
The top of the South Island features natural diversity with an endless array of golden beaches, mountain valleys, and tranquil rivers leading into the serene sea. Rural charm inspires artistic communities and an alternative lifestyle that celebrates the dynamic landscape. With the wetlands of Farewell Spit supporting a renowned bird sanctuary and the seaside offering views of passing whales, natural wonder takes center stage.
Stewart Island
As New Zealand’s third island, Stewart Island exudes mystery and majesty. With the largest population of kiwi birds and plenty of outdoor adventures, from kayaking to hiking, the landscape possesses a different rhythm that moves with the sea and the tides. Dirt roads, no traffic lights, and a connected local community quickly reveals the island’s charm and its distinctive ecosystem.
Related New Zealand Tours by Zicasso
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Specific New Zealand Destinations:
Multi-Country New Zealand Vacations:
