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New Zealand holds an amazing variety of places to see and things to do. We only recommend those that we know you will enjoy.

It is the great outdoors for which New Zealand is loved and famed. Whether to relax or be active, there are boundless opportunities for you to get out and enjoy it. From wildlife tours, scenic drives, and overnight trips, there’s plenty to see and do in New Zealand.

New Zealand is known as the adrenalin capital of the world, so if you are looking for a bit of stomach churning excitement you have definitely chosen the right destination. We can advise of locations to white water raft, throw yourself out of an aeroplane, repel down waterfalls and canyons, climb an ice wall, and if you are really after something for the Christmas Card – the one that started it all off – a bungee jump!

Whether you want to do it all or just some, we’ve got you covered! Don’t worry about transport, timing, tickets, etc we sort all that for you. Creating a personal itinerary to cater for what you’d like to do and see, within your capabilities / preferences.

Want to see an example itinerary? Click here. It is just a wee glimpse of what we do for you when it comes down to the little details.

Fishing

Trout in Lake Taupo, or rivers throughout; game fishing from the Bay or Islands or a fishing charter from many of our coastal locations – it is always a thrill to catch a fish. And of course, all with the back drop of our stunning scenery.

Abel Tasman National Park

New Zealand’s smallest National Park is named after Dutch explorer Abel Janzoon Tasman, who sighted land here in 1642. Ridiculously beautiful – azure waters, golden sands and verdant bush, make this a paradise for exploration, by foot, kayak, water taxi and boat – or a combination of all of these. Half day to multi-day trips staying in campsites, huts or beachfront lodges, you will love making your way around the coast, from bay to bay, swimming in the crystal clear waters. And when those legs get tired, why not returns in a water taxi? Paradise.

Food & Wine

Everyone knows New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc – dry, crisp and perfect on a summer’s day. Take a wine tour, have a long lingering lunch, bike around the vineyards (your wine will be picked up for you so you won’t have it clanking on your handlebars!) buy a bottle for your own aperitif – there are so many more to discover – you won’t taste them all on your New Zealand holiday but we guarantee your wine buying habits will change on your return home and you will amaze your friends with what you have discovered. We too have a burgeoning craft beer industry – try them. Did you know that many of your hops are grown here? New Zealand lamb – can’t beat it. Pacific Rim flavours, kai moana (sea food!), freshest of fresh produce, kiwi fruit from the vine – wherever you are you will eat so well.

Stewart Island

Stewart Island, Rakiura, 30km from the South Island, across Foveaux Strait, is New Zealand’s third largest island. Its population is just 400, based in Oban, Half Moon Bay. It offers some of the best land and sea bird watching in New Zealand, both on Stewart Island itself and Ulva Island, a predator free island. There is also a prospect of seeing kiwi here, in the wild. And as always plenty of walking opportunities.

Catlins

The coastal region in the South East between Kaka Point and Fortrose is called the Catlins. It is rich in waterfalls, bush walks, deserted beaches, native forest, Hector’s dolphins, Yellow-eyed penguins, seals and sea lions. Remote and sparsely populated it is quiet, sleepy, gentle and welcoming to those who want peace and nature.

Horse Riding

Perhaps an unexpected way to get out into our stunning country is on the back of a horse. A sunset ride along a beach or an afternoon spent in the backcountry there are many opportunities throughout New Zealand.

Wellington

Our cool, funky little Capital with its vast harbour. Home of Te Papa Tongarewea – the National Museum and Art Gallery, with exhibits of interest for all ages; Zealandia a predator free wild life sanctuary; Parliament; Old St Paul’s Church; the iconic Cable Car; Botanical Gardens and Carter Observatory – there is plenty to keep you busy. You will dine well and drink well in Wellington. And you will get a great coffee – though to be fair – that is now universally so throughout New Zealand.

Swim with Dolphins

You and a couple of hundred dusky dolphins in their natural habitat – it doesn’t get much better than that! Swim, or watch from the boat – this experience will stay with you forever. No matter how good a swimmer you are, the dolphins will win.

Volcanoes & Geothermal Areas

New Zealand lies on the Pacific Rim of Fire – this can have its devastating consequences like the recent Canterbury Earthquakes, but also gives rise to a spooky lunar desert landscape, particularly in the Central North Island. Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often said to be one of the world’s best wilderness day walks; soak in a hot pool you have dug yourself on Hot Water Beach; visit one of the thermal parks in the Rotorua and Taupo Areas with their multi-coloured pools, bubbling mud (stand back!), mineral terraces and geysers; sit back and relax at one of the many thermal resorts or go for a quiet swim in a hot river just off the beaten track.

Tongariro National Park

Established in 1887, New Zealand’s first national park (and the world’s 4th), Tongariro National Park has dual World Heritage Status, for both Maori culture and spiritual associations as well as outstanding natural volcanic features. Home of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely regarded as one of the best one day wilderness tramps in the world.

Heli Hiking

Take a scenic flight onto either the Franz Josef or the Fox Glaciers and spend a couple of hours on an unforgettable guided walk amongst glacial ice formations. You will never forget the blue.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a centre both rich in Maori culture and a geothermal / volcanic wonderland and plenty of opportunity for active adventure. You can’t miss its sulphurous smells, but there is a lot more to it than these! Rotorua is New Zealand’s number-one mountain biking destination, boasting trails for all ages and abilities. You can hike or kayak through active geothermal parks or enjoying fishing on one the many pristine lakes or try the award winning tree top walk by day or night – a series of platforms and suspension bridges high amongst the trees giving you a bird’s eye view.

Fiordland

Fourteen fiords spanning 215km of coastline, the best known of which are Milford and Doubtful Sound. At 1.2 million hectares, it is the largest National Park in New Zealand. Home of three of the Great Walks – The Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Kepler Track and the small towns of Te Anau and Manapouri. Perfect for those who want to get out and explore the great outdoors and perfect also for those who want to relax and just enjoy the scenery.

Scenic Boat Trips

A boat tour to see some of the breathtaking scenery is on the menu for just about everyone – Milford or Doubtful Sound; harbour cruises; Bay of Islands; Lake Taupo and the Maori Rock Carvings; Abel Tasman; river trips; lake cruises – the choice is endless and you will find yourself doing more than one!

Queenstown

The resort town of Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains is vibrant and lively, all year round. True, it is the adventure capital of New Zealand, but there is something for everyone here. The filmmakers are well aware of its beauty – Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit all have many scenes filmed in this region. It is a base to explore the nearby wine country or the many tramping tracks, a visit to the old gold town of Arrowtown, 4WD trips, kids (and adults alike) love a trip on the TSS Earnslaw and a farm tour at Walter Peak station or careering down the luge at the top of the Queenstown Gondola or maybe just relax.

Hobbiton

Perhaps it was some of the breath-taking scenery from Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films that got you thinking of this trip to New Zealand. These were filmed throughout New Zealand, so it is likely that you will recognise a scene or two. There are also several 4 Wheel Drive tours, particularly from Queenstown that will take you to some spots. Jens Hansen, jeweller, in Nelson, made THE ring! But a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, in Matamata, an hour from Rotorua is a high light for the die-hard fans, young and old alike. Tours run daily and enable you to wander around the hobbit holes ending up with a drink in The Green Dragon Inn.

Whale Watch

By boat or plane! Adults and children alike can’t help but be in awe of the sheer size of these graceful mammals. A whale watch trip is often high on the wish list of many visitors to New Zealand.

Native Forest & Bush

Clean Green. That’s New Zealand. 80% of the flora is native. You will be staggered by the variety of the indigenous trees. The kauri forests of Northland, home of Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s mightiest, 2000 year old tree, the blazing red Pohutakawa, known as NZ’s Christmas Tree, the nikau palms of the West Coast, the silver fern, pungas, manuaka (tea tree), rata, rimu, totara, kahikatea. Quite different to forest in other parts of the world and is often alive with birdsong. The Department of Conservation does a fantastic job building and maintaining paths, walkways and tracks to enable you to get among these trees and not just view from a distance.

Coromandel

Known for its beautiful golden beaches, balmy climate, stunning pohutukawa trees with their crimson blaze and gold mining history all make for a relaxing couple of days (or longer!). Don’t forget to visit the Driving Creek Railway or within two hours either side of low tide you can find hot water bubbling through the golden sand where you can dig your own natural ‘spa’ at Hot Water beach.

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers

Accessible, near to the ocean, almost at sea level and flowing into rain forest – this is what sets these two glaciers apart from others in New Zealand and the rest of the world. You can walk up to the varying viewpoints, take a scenic flight over them with a snow landing or heli – hike or ice climb – or all of these! Those forgotten geography lessons will come alive.

Taupo

The “Jewel in the Crown” of the North Island. Lake Taupo is the largest freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere. With endless options to enjoy, whether on the Lake itself or hiking and biking. Steaming streams, the crystal clear Waikato River, Huka Falls, Maori Rock Carvings, Craters of the Moon geothermal area, Lava Glass Studio, plus great eateries and boutique shops – set against 3 snow capped volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park.

Scenic Train Journeys

Kiwi Rail run three scenic tourist train journeys – The Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington; The Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch and The TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, well recognised as one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World – what a relaxed way to cross the Alps and start or end your South Island adventure.

 

Waitomo Caves

Waitomo has a ‘community’ of around 300 caves. The systems, including Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave, are formed of limestone. It is believed that the caves were carved about 30 million years ago. Besides the incredible sights of geological formations, stalactites and stalagmites you can also find glow worms, go black water rafting or take part in an adventure caving trip.

Wildlife

Everyone knows the kiwi, our flightless nocturnal bird and national symbol, but less well known are the hundreds of others you will come across as you journey through New Zealand – the cheeky kea at Arthurs Pass or Milford Road, the Albatross at the Royal Albatross Centre on the Otago Peninsula or Kaikoura, Penguins in the South Island, (children love watching kororā, little blue penguins at Oarmaru), gannet colonies, migrating godwits, fantails, robins, pukeko, kaka, bell birds, tuis and more – too many to list. You will learn of the intensity of the conservation efforts and methods to protect the more vulnerable of these species and ensure their future. A swim with the dolphins or a whale-watching trip is often the high light of many peoples’ holiday. There are several seal colonies along the coast, some as easy access as the side of the road! All of these seen in their natural surroundings.

Maori Culture

Maori Culture is alive and thriving – no trip to New Zealand would be complete without learning a little about this. Take in a museum; go to Waitangi; visit the Buried Village near Lake Tarawera; spend half a day on a Maori Tour; visit a Marae; attend a cultural performance or if you wish take in a traditional hangi feast in Rotorua.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura roughly translates as “meal of crayfish” (Kai – food; koura – crayfish). It was the whaling industry that led to the first European settlement here. Today, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and varying other wildlife and water based trips are the main income earners for the town. Kaikoura is in a beautiful setting, nestled between the mountains, covered with snow for much of the year and the vast Pacific Ocean. The Kaikoura coastal drive is jaw-dropping.

4WD Tours

You only have to look at the car park in a rural New Zealand town to realise that for many farmers a 4WD is the only practical way to get around – believe us, we’ve been there – with the bouncy gravel roads, the sheer bulk of the things they buy and working dogs who you would really rather not share the inside of a vehicle with! You too can get a taste of the back country on a 4WD drive tour, either just to see the enormity of country itself or if it Lord of the Rings you are after, there are many that will take you to some of the more remote film locations. A wonderful day out, where the driving is taken care off – all you have to do is sit back and relax (as much as the bounces will let you!)

Bay of Islands

Four hours north of Auckland, on the east coast of the Northland peninsula, a group of 144 islands and small historical settlements like Russell and Kerikeri. Fish, swim, sail, cruise, kayak – get out on the water somehow and enjoy this stunning coastline, crystal clear waters and abundance of wildlife. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s premier historic site and learn about the Treaty of Waitangi, and some of the European and Maori history.

The Marlborough Sounds

It is quite possible that you will arrive in this area by the Interislander Ferry – what an introduction! You will cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound, with its little bays and beautiful golden beaches. A great way for you to explore more of the Sounds is on a Mail Boat Trip, a fishing charter or by walking the Queen Charlotte Track. Further south the lush bush opens out into the open plains and the Marlborough wine region – it was here that really put New Zealand wine on the international stage.

Auckland

New Zealand’s largest city – 1.4M of our 4.4M live here. Its waterfront is vibrant, suburbs lively, harbours beautiful. Auckland has all the usual fun city trappings – but how many others can boast volcanic cones, two great harbours, gentle beaches, surf beaches, rainforest, wineries and wildlife reserves? Auckland is your most likely entry point to New Zealand – you will enjoy adjusting to your New Zealand clock in this, the City of Sails.

Walking, Tramping, Biking & Kayaking

It is the great outdoors for which New Zealand is loved and famed – there are boundless opportunities for you to get out, be active and enjoy it. Half day, full day, multi day, guided or “freedom” it is all available to you. So often experiences are the sweeter for your own effort! We have a heap of suggestions to get you out of your car – long or short walks, places where you can kayak or hire a bike – so Take on a Great Walk, kayak the Abel Tasman, bike the Central Otago Rail Trail, pedal around the vineyards, kayak around the Okarito Lagoon, stroll around Lake Matheson, hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. In many cases you don’t even need to have done it before and the Department of Conservation tracks are well graded so there is something to suit all levels.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986, home of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt Cook, training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary before his Everest ascent, the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park will amaze. Nineteen peaks in the Park are over 3000m, small wonder therefore that more than a third of the Park is permanently covered in snow. The drive in to Mount Cook Village is stunning, as you skirt the shores of the glacially blue Lake Pukaki.  When there enjoy the relatively level walk up to the Hooker Lake, three hours return but the scenery starts immediately, so walk as far as you wish.  And don’t forget you are in an International Dark Sky Reserve so make sure you go outside at night.

Scenic Flights

Helicopter or fixed wing – scenic flights can be found in many locations throughout New Zealand, giving you a bird’s eye view and an alternative way to see the country, a bonus for those who haven’t the time or whose tramping days are over. Crikey, you can even fly a plane yourself in Wanaka!

Jet Boating

Another kiwi invention! You can enjoy this as a crazy river trip full of 360 degree spins and coming perilously close to rock walls (teenagers LOVE this) or as another way of exploring otherwise inaccessible country.

Scenic Drives

Your self-drive journey will take you through spectacular New Zealand wherever you choose to go. Together we will devise a route, which takes in the best of the best.  The open road, is truly open – just look in your mirror, pull in and let people pass, and travel at your speed, stopping at the many view points along the way and take your time to soak it all in.

Playgrounds

After a car journey kids often like to let off steam.  Where better than one of the thousands of playgrounds in every corner of New Zealand.  We always include these in the trip notes for our younger travellers.

White Water Rafting

Always a thrill, stomachs left behind at the top of a rapid – a family trip, to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – the choice is yours – a fabulous way to get the adrenalin flowing and be immersed in some more of New Zealand’s stunning country.

Some extra inspiration

Some of these images were supplied by our wonderful clients. They’ve had amazing experiences… time for you to do the same?

What people say

What makes us unique

We will make sure that you get to discover the real New Zealand, by including your wish list but also getting inside local knowledge of those hidden gems that you never knew existed – ensuring your trip is one to truly remember.

We're Locals

We’re a Kiwi and British team that have travelled thousands of miles and call NZ home – we understand the Kiwi way. Local knowledge can be the difference between a good holiday and a GREAT holiday.

Time to Care

We have the time and make the time to build relationships with both you and our operators. Ensuring that you are heard and that you receive the best care.

All the Details

It’s the little things that make the big differences. Your trip is planned with meticulous detail – from adding hidden gems, lesser known information to avoiding unwanted surprises.

It's About YOU

We’re constantly thinking about YOU. It is YOUR holiday and we will work together with you to create a balanced, varied and unrushed holiday that you will never forget.

RoundaboutNZ Ltd,
PO Box 1107, Nelson 7040

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