New Zealand Holidays

Home to the world’s first commercial bungee jump, Queenstown has been the heart of this iconic adventure since 1988. Leap from the historic 43-metre Kawarau Bridge or challenge yourself on the 134-metre Nevis Bungee, New Zealand’s highest bungee jump, for an unforgettable adrenaline rush.

Drift through the spectacular Waitomo Glowworm Caves on an underground black water rafting adventure, floating beneath thousands of glowworms. The experience combines caving, tubing, climbing and short jumps through limestone caves, making it one of New Zealand’s most unique and iconic adventure activities.

Jump from up to 18,500 feet for an unforgettable skydive above Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Tongariro National Park, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro before an exhilarating freefall and scenic parachute descent.

Explore the remarkable Franz Josef Glacier on a guided heli-hike, combining a scenic helicopter flight with a trek across ancient ice. Discover towering ice formations, deep crevasses and brilliant blue ice caves while experiencing one of the world’s most accessible temperature maritime glaciers.

Take on the Kaituna River, one of New Zealand’s premier white water rafting destinations, famous for its 14 thrilling rapids and the 7-metre Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. It’s an exhilarating adventure through the lush native forests of the Bay of Plenty.

Hold on tight as a high-powered jet boat races through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River, skimming across shallow waters at high speed. Famous for its thrilling 360-degree and dramatic scenery, it’s one of Queenstown's most iconic adventure experiences.

Glide through the 120-year-old native forest on a guided zipline adventure across six ziplines, suspended swing bridges and elevated platforms. Many tours also contribute to predator-control programmes, giving you the chance to experience New Zealand's unique ecosystem while supporting its restoration.

Māori Heritage can be seen throughout New Zealand, from the Māori names of towns and mountains to the stories passed down through generations. Encounters with Māori culture often centre around whakapapa, traditional carvings, storytelling and the relationship between people and the land, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Aotearoa’s identity.

Across New Zealand, Māori language appears in everyday life, from the names of cities, mountains and landmarks to greetings heard in shops, hotels and cultural experiences. Although English remains widely spoken, the revival of Te Reo Māori has brought many traditional words and phrases back into regular use.

A haka is often the first image people associate with Māori culture, but its meaning goes far beyond the performances seen on rugby fields. With rhythmic movements, chanting and expressions such as the pūkana (intense facial expression), haka are used to mark important moments, from welcoming guests to honouring significant occasions.

The Māori principle of Kaitiakitanga can be seen in the way many communities protect places that hold cultural and environmental importance. From restoring native forests to safeguarding waterways such as the Whanganui River, which has legal recognition as a living entity, the idea reflects a long-standing responsibility to care for the land.

Many New Zealanders have a strong connection with the outdoors, with weekends often spent exploring beaches, walking trails, fishing spots or local parks. The Kiwi lifestyle is generally informal and community-focused, where simple moments like a shared barbecue or a day outside with friends are a big part of everyday life.

In New Zealand, rugby often begins at a young age, with local clubs and school teams playing an important role in many communities. Match days bring people together across the country, while the All Blacks’ famous black jersey and pre-game haka have become familiar symbols far beyond New Zealand’s shores.

Each winter, the appearance of the Matariki star cluster signals the start of the Māori New Year. Communities across New Zealand mark the occasion with dawn ceremonies, night-sky viewing events, live performances, shared meals and lantern displays, creating one of the country’s most meaningful cultural celebrations.

What began as a small creative competition has grown into one of New Zealand’s biggest annual events. Held in Wellington, the World of WearableArt (WOW) Show brings together elaborate wearable designs, aerial performances, music and cutting-edge stage production, turning fashion into a spectacular theatrical experience unlike any other.

Held on the West Coast each March, the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival celebrates the region’s adventurous food culture with an unusual menu that goes far beyond everyday dining. Alongside local seafood and game, visitors can sample iconic West Coast delicacies, enjoy live music and experience the festival’s lively, eccentric atmosphere.

Held beside the beaches of Tāpapakanga Regional Park, Splore is a three-day celebration in February, where music, art and performance unfold across multiple stages and outdoor spaces. Every festival begins with a traditional pōwhiri led by local iwi, while interactive workshops, wellbeing experiences and a strong zero-waste philosophy make it unlike a typical music festival.

Held over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (31st December - 1 January), Rhythm and Alps transform a working farm near Wānaka into one of New Zealand’s premier music festivals. With multiple stages, camping, international and local artists, and spectacular views of the Southern Alps, it’s a favourite way to welcome the new year.

Observed each year on 6 February, Waitangi Day commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The country’s official celebrations take place at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where visitors can experience waka ceremonies, kapa haka performances, live music and cultural events that honour New Zealand’s shared history.

Home to one of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserves, the Mackenzie region offers exceptionally clear night skies with minimal light pollution. Join a guided stargazing experience at Mount John Observatory or nearby viewing sites to spot the Southern Cross, Milky Way and distant galaxies through powerful telescopes.

Known as the heart of New Zealand’s film industry, Wellington offers behind-the-scenes experiences for movie enthusiasts. Visit Wētā Workshop to see how props, costumes and special effects are created, or join a guided tour showcasing filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

New Zealand’s wine regions offer far more than cellar door tastings. Marlborough is celebrated for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc, while Central Otago is renowned for Pinot Noir. Many vineyards pair guided tastings with vineyard walks, seasonal menus and sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Rotorua's geothermal landscape offers a chance to unwind in naturally heated mineral pools surrounded by steaming valleys and native bush. Alongside relaxing spa experiences, visitors can witness bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers and geothermal lakes that make this region unlike anywhere else in New Zealand.

Kaikōura is one of the few places where sperm whales can be spotted throughout the year, thanks to the deep offshore Kaikōura Canyon. Boat tours also offer the chance to see dusky dolphins, fur seals and, depending on the season, migrating humpback and southern right whales.

New Zealand’s scenic rail routes turn the journey into part of the holiday. The TranzAlpine travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, passing the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and dramatic river gorges, while panoramic carriages and open-air viewing platforms make the changing landscapes even more memorable.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds preserve the site where the Treaty  of Waitangi was first signed on 6 February 1840, shaping the relationship between Māori and the British Crown. Today, visitors can experience powerful cultural performances, explore New Zealand’s most important historic buildings and see the impressive Ngātokimatawhaorua ceremonial waka.

Step back to the beginnings of European settlement at Kerikeri Mission Station, where missionaries and Māori communities lived and traded during the early 19th century. Wander through Kemp House and the Stone Store, two remarkably preserved buildings that offer a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand's colonial past.

Completed in 1876, the Old Government Buildings once housed New Zealand’s public service during the country’s early years of government. Built entirely from native timber to resemble stone, it remains one of the world’s largest surviving wooden office buildings and is a striking example of 19th-century architecture.

Standing on Russell’s waterfront, Pompallier Mission and Printery offers a glimpse into New Zealand’s early missionary history. Established in 1842 by French Catholic missionaries, the site produced religious texts in Māori using one of the country’s earliest printing presses, while its restored tannery and historic buildings reveal the craftsmanship of the era.

Perched on hills overlooking Hawke’s Bay, Ōtātara Pā preserves the remains of a Māori settlement that has stood for centuries. Walking through the reserve, visitors can see the outlines of former living areas, food storage pits and defensive terraces while learning about the way Māori communities shaped and protected their land.

Built on the Otago Peninsula in the 19th century, Larnach Castle began as the private home of the businessman and politician William Larnach and his family. Today, visitors can wander through its carefully restored rooms, gardens and grounds while discovering the stories behind one of New Zealand’s most intriguing heritage properties.