01 · Otago
Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, adventure and après-ski drinks in the South Island's adventure capital.
- Best season
- Dec – Feb · Jun – Aug
- Trip length
- 3 - 5 nights
Destinations
A short list of favorites.
We don't pretend to cover everywhere. These are the Aotearoa corners we visit most, the ones where we have a hotelier on speed dial and a shortcut for the upgrade.
02 · Fiordland
Milford Sound
Sheer cliffs, rainforest, and waterfalls on a fiord cruise through one of the world's great natural wonders.
- Best season
- Sep – May
- Trip length
- 1 - 2 nights
03 · Bay of Plenty
Rotorua
Geothermal landscapes, Gondola's, Māori culture, and forest walks in the North Island's volcanic heart.
- Best season
- Year-round
- Trip length
- 2 - 3 nights
04 · Northland
Bay of Islands
140+ subtropical islands, secluded beaches, and sailing through warm, clear waters.
- Best season
- Nov – Apr
- Trip length
- 3 - 5 nights
05 · Tasman
Abel Tasman
Golden sand beaches, sea kayaking, and coastal tracks through New Zealand's smallest national park.
- Best season
- Dec – Mar
- Trip length
- 3 - 4 nights
06 · Otago
Wanaka
A quieter lakeside alternative to Queenstown, with mountain trails and that famous lone tree.
- Best season
- Dec – Feb · Jun – Aug
- Trip length
- 2 - 3 nights
07 · Auckland
Auckland
The Capital. New Zealand's largest city, where harbour life meets volcanic cones, world-class dining, and island escapes. Head to Waiheke Island and explore the endless Wineries.
- Best season
- Year-round
- Trip length
- 2 - 3 nights
08 · Waikato
Waitomo
Underground rivers, glowworm caves, and limestone caverns lit by thousands of bioluminescent stars.
- Best season
- Year-round
- Trip length
- 1 - 2 nights
09 · Wellington
Wellington
The creative capital — craft coffee, Te Papa, cable cars, and a fierce culinary scene against a dramatic harbour.
- Best season
- Dec – Mar
- Trip length
- 3 - 4 nights