12 Reasons to Book a New Zealand Small Group Tour Posted on 30/09/202427/09/2024 by Casta Lawson Small group tours are a luxurious and relaxed way to explore the very best of New Zealand. Enjoy the best accommodation, dine in some of New Zealand’s top restaurants and enjoy the peace of mind and convenience that a coach tour provides. If that’s not enough to tempt you, here are twelve of the best reasons to book a spot on a New Zealand Small Group Tour… believe us when we say it’s the trip of a lifetime! 1. Enjoy a relaxed schedule Wanaka Autumn scenery – Photo: Finlay Woods Our small group tours range from a quick 7 day trip to 19 day adventures, and they’re designed to provide you with the most comfortable and relaxed experience possible. After all, who wants to be rushing around while on holiday? … 2. See both islands on one trip Kauri Cliffs, Northland – Photo: Jacob Sjoman Many of our small group tours traverse both North and South islands. The 19 Day Ultimate Showcase tour and 19 Day Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach are the ultimate coach tours. … 3. Ultimate Luxury Heritage Hotel, Queenstown Our extensive range of luxury accommodation options includes some of New Zealand’s best hotels, like the Pullman in Auckland, Peppers Parehua estate in Martinborough, and InterContinental in Wellington… and that’s just in the North Island. In the South Island, The George in Christchurch is renowned for its superb restaurant, and Queenstown’s Heritage hotel delivers alpine opulence. … 4. Travel in style with like-minded people Neudorf Vineyard Cellar Door, Nelson – Photo: Oliver Weber Small group tours tend to attract travellers with similar interests, you might meet some fellow golfers, nature lovers or wine experts, depending on your choice of tour. … 5. Enjoy peace of mind with experienced operators The Ultimate tour coach – Photo: Grand Pacific Tours Our coach tours are all run by a selection of NZ’s most experienced and trusted operators, so you can travel with confidence. … 6. A wealth of options Geothermal Valley, Rotorua With an extensive range of options on offer, you’re bound to find a package that suits your own personal tastes. … 7. Dream itineraries Milford Sound We’re confident our varied range of itineraries will allow you to tick off all of your kiwi bucket list items, whatever they may be! … 8. See New Zealand’s best attractions The Green Dragon Inn, Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata Lord of the Rings fan? The 9 Day Ultimate North Island tour will fit the bill. Or maybe you love the outdoors? The 17 Day Signature New Zealand tour takes you to glaciers, stunning fjords and seal spotting. The 17 Day Ultimate New Zealand tour offers style and luxury from start to finish. … 9. Convenience Waiatoto River, Haast See the famous sights with none of the fatigue that comes with driving your own vehicle. With our range of coach tours, you can relax and focus on the things that matter! 10. Small Group tours available all year round TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu in winter – Photo: Destination Queenstown Whether it’s a trip to a winter wonderland or a golden kiwi summer you’re after, there’s a coach tour for you. … 11. Experience more of the things you love Skyline Gondola, Rotorua Not sure which tour package to go for? Ask us about our range, and we’ll find an option that’s just right for you. We’re here to create a truly unforgettable experience for you! … 12. Longer trips make better memories Larnach Castle, Dunedin Short breaks can be great, but with so much to see and do, there really is no substitute for an extended tour. Take your time and along the way you’ll collect some of your fondest holiday memories yet. … Experience New Zealand in luxury with a small group tour from New Zealand Holidays.
24 Free New Zealand Attractions You Can’t Afford to Miss Posted on 27/09/202427/09/2024 by Casta Lawson Still searching for some activities to plug gaps in the schedule on your NZ holiday, or just wanting to stretch your dollars a bit further? These unmissable attractions provide the best bang for your buck – they’re all free of charge! North Island Whangamata – Photo: The Coromandel Hot Water Beach (Coromandel) – Visit close to the time of low tide and dig your own personal hot pool on the beach! Tāne Mahuta (Northland) – New Zealand’s largest surviving example of the ancient Kāuri tree. 50 metres tall, it’s known for its magical aura. Parnell Rose Gardens (Auckland) – Over 5000 roses create waves of colour in this downtown Auckland park, best seen in Summer or Autumn. Waitakere Ranges (Auckland) – Home to black-sand beaches, native bushland and wildlife, with over 250km of tracks to explore. Snorkelling on Goat Island (Auckland) – Grab a wetsuit and snorkel and check out the amazing range of marine life in this marine reserve… kingfish, snapper and even dolphins! Coastal Walkway (Taranaki) – Pass through city and coastline on this award-winning promenade walk dotted with visual treats. Ruakuri Bushwalk (Waitomo) – An easy walk for all ages, with limestone arches and forest-lined gorges, a real highlight in Waitomo. Spa Park (Taupo) – Relax in the hot thermal springs at this beautifully landscaped park with playgrounds for the kids – a gem. Weta Cave (Wellington) – A Lord of the Rings fan’s dream – and it’s free! Including sculptures, movie props and documentaries. Rere Rock-slide (Gisborne) – NZ’s all-natural water slide! Seriously fun, with great spots for picnic lunches available. Mt. Maunganui (Tauranga) – A steep walk up “the mount” is well worth it for the stunning 360-degree views over the Bay of Plenty. Oriental Bay (Wellington) – Wellington’s coolest beach suburb, perfect for all the family with trendy shops and cafes to explore. South Island Hooker Valley, Aoraki Mt Cook – Photo: Fraser Clements The Catlins (Otago & Southland) – Rugged coastal landscapes, varied wildlife and natural rainforests are the hallmarks of this beautiful area. Bungy Watch at Kawarau Gorge (Queenstown) – Not feeling up to a bungy? Watch the jumpers from the famous Kawarau Bridge or café instead. Milford Sound (Fiordland) – A breathtaking drive in and views of this iconic fiord are available as part of a full day road trip. Te Anau (Southland) – The gateway to Milford Sound, with plentiful restaurants and walking tracks. Albatross Colony (Dunedin) – A “must-see” according to Sir David Attenborough, majestic birds with a wingspan of up to 3 metres! Blue Pools (Wanaka) – An easy walk gets you to crystal clear pools of striking Sapphire coloured water. Stargazing (Tekapo) – Enjoy a stargazing experience that’s almost unmatched, as part of the Dark Sky Preserve. Climb Queenstown Hill (Queenstown) – An intermediate level hill track provides epic views over Queenstown, the Remarkables and lake Wakatipu. Hiking Trails (Mt. Cook) – Hike one of the many trails around New Zealand’s tallest mountain – Mt Cook. Hinewai Nature Reserve (Banks Peninsula) – A beautifully presented series of walking tracks through native bush with waterfalls and rare tree varieties. Tunnel Beach Walkway (Dunedin) – Keep an eye out for fossils in the rocks as you walk this track with epic sandstone formations and sandy trails. Pancake Rocks (West Coast) – A must-do on the rugged West Coast, these limestone rock formations really do look like a stack of pancakes! …
4 New Zealand North Island Day Trips You Should Take in Your Spare Time Posted on 09/09/202409/09/2024 by Casta Lawson Set aside a day or two to live spontaneously in the gorgeous North and play it by ear with these four New Zealand day trips off the general tourist path. Rotorua Canopy Tours Rotorua Canopy Tours, Bay of Plenty The Rotorua Canopy Tour goes beyond must-do… it’s the ultimate thrill experience without getting too crazy, combining a lush native canopy experience with a 1.2km thrill seeking trek 40 metres above the forest floor – it’s a true do-it-again jaunt to all age groups. You’ll zip from tree to tree, navigate large swing bridges, take in treetop platforms and finish it all off with a walking trail through untouched New Zealand forest. No two views are the same! Timing Tip: Set aside three hours for the tour. Auckland Wilderness Experience Piha, Waitakere Ranges, Auckland 30 minutes. Half an hour is all it takes to go from the bustling, busy streets of downtown Auckland to the serene majesty of the Waitakere Ranges, providing panoramic views over the clashing waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The views would be enough for even the most hardened traveller, but the absorbing indigenous history makes it that much more special, as traditional Maori carvings announce your passage to the land, sky and sun. Leave the overlook for the wild and rugged west coast, getting lost in truly pristine forests before spending time on the most spectacular black sand beaches you’ve ever seen. Trip Tip: Come prepared for wet weather, just in case. Dune Riding at 90 Mile Beach 90 Mile Beach, Northland Take a break from the beautiful Bay of Islands and enjoy a short drive to Waiharara. Stretch your legs among the trunks of an ancient forest and absorb the local history, before continuing onto 90 Mile Beach. As its name suggests, this pristine stretch of sand challenges your eyes to see its end, framed by the windswept peaks of giant sand dunes. Do you dare attempt to zoom down a sand dune, the wind in your hair and a smile on your face? It’s worth the climb, we promise! Further stops include… Te Werahi Beach, Cape Maria Van Dieman, Houhara, Wanui and the Ancient Kauri Kingdom The Coromandel Coastal Walk Coromandel Pinnacles Walk, Waikato Surrender your senses to a bright, blue-sky day, touring the quietly iconic Coromandel Peninsula. Close to Auckland, this veritable hotspot of startling scenery delivers a relaxing, photogenic experience without taxing the thrill-centre of your brain, visiting towering kauri trees and idyllic, clear-water streams, before exploring secreted glow-worm caves and magnificent white sand beaches. From the towering cliffs to the little islands off-shore, a wandering Coromandel coastal walk will deliver everything you’re looking for and a few things you didn’t expect. Trip Tip: Wear comfortable shoes! … What will you do on your free days? Let us help you plan. Contact New Zealand Holidays today.
3 Things You Should Not Miss On Your Visit To Rotorua Posted on 22/07/202409/09/2024 by Casta Lawson Nestled on the shores of its namesake lake in the North Island’s idyllic Bay of Plenty region, Rotorua is known for its stunning scenery and geothermal activity. Think geysers and natural hot mud pools! From walking tours around the plentiful lakes of the region, to stunning mountain biking trails, there is an activity to suit any adventurous traveller. As well as a strong sense of adventure, the city also has fascinating Māori heritage. Originally settled in the 14th century, Rotorua is a cultural hotspot and a must for anyone wishing to experience authentic Māori culture. With so much on offer, deciding where to go first on your Rotorua holiday could be the most difficult part of your trip, so we’ve come up with three unmissable options for you to start with. 1. Mountain Biking & Walking in Whakarewarewa Forest Redwoods Treewalk, Rotorua The world-famous Whakarewarewa Forest is home to over 130km of stunning mountain bike trails, weaving their way through the tallest trees in New Zealand; Californian redwoods. Just a short 5km journey from Rotorua city, these giant trees grow in excess of 70 metres tall and provide a breathtaking backdrop for a day riding the bike trails. Trails are graded by difficulty and there are a wealth of options for novices right through to experts to experience some of the world’s top-rated mountain bike trails. Prefer to take your time to take in the sights? A walk amongst these inspirational trees will fit the bill. Suspended in the canopy of the forest you can get a truly unique experience from the Redwoods Treewalk; walk un-aided (no harnesses or safety gear required) on the network of suspension bridges coursing through 553m of unique forest views. It’s even open after dark, when the canopy of trees and ferns are artfully lit in a design by renowned New Zealand designer David Trubridge to provide an unforgettable viewing experience. 2. Geysers & Geothermal Pools at Te Puia Pōhutu Geyser, Te Puia Perhaps Rotorua’s most famous attractions and some of the most iconic sights in New Zealand are the natural geysers and geothermal mud pools. Take a short trip out of town to watch one of the spectacular daily eruptions – the Pōhutu geyser at Te Puia is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and its hourly eruptions can reach 30 metres in height. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this volcanic region as you walk through parks dotted with bubbling mud pools, hot waterfalls and steam holes. The best part? They’re right on your doorstep, leaving you time to continue your adventure or head home to watch the sunset over the lake. 3. Māori Culture Traditional Hangi at Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village Enjoy an authentic Rotorua experience by immersing yourself in the Maori culture that permeates the local architecture and community. Visit the buried village at Te Wairoa, buried under the ash and mud of a volcanic eruption from Mount Tawarewa in 1886. An on-site museum provides the full history of the village, and you can walk the archaeological site and follow trails that lead to picturesque waterfalls hidden amongst the native bush. At Whakarewarewa living Māori village, take in an authentic rendition of the famous Haka and sample the delights of a geothermally cooked Hangi meal; where the food is buried in hessian sacks to slow cook over heated volcanic rocks. The perfect way to cap off your Rotorua experience. … Ready plan your Rotorua Adventure? Speak to one of our New Zealand Holidays specialists today!
See the City of Sails with an Auckland Harbour Cruise Posted on 11/03/202409/09/2024 by Casta Lawson What’s the best way to see New Zealand’s biggest city? There are many options, but it’s hard to see past an Auckland harbour cruise… after all, it’s known as the “City of Sails”! Auckland’s harbour is both historic and beautiful, and harbour cruises are a fun way to see the sights from a different angle, get out on the water and enjoy the sea breeze. The best part? Harbour cruises only take a couple of hours out of your schedule, meaning you can slot them into a morning or afternoon and bring the kids along without worrying about them getting bored! They’re great value too, starting at just $88. Whether you’re an experienced sailor looking to get your hands on a hitch, or a land-lover who just wants a different experience of the city, there’s a cruise option suited to you… you can take to the waters on a sailing boat or a ferry. Here’s what you can expect from both options: Sailing Cruises America’s Cup Sailing Experience, Explore Limited Set sail on a 50-foot yacht designed by famous Kiwi designer Alan Wright. These yachts are purpose built to be incredibly stable, upright and comfortable under sail, even with strong winds. Auckland’s harbour is also protected from the ocean swells, meaning the experience is generally less bumpy than the average airplane flight and seasickness will not be a concern! These are magnificent vessels designed to give experienced sailors and complete novices the same amount of enjoyment. On board, you’ll be under the guidance of the experienced and professional crew, who provide informative commentary on the sights of the harbour, America’s Cup history and landmarks and superyachts you will see. Windproof and waterproof jackets are also provided for all passengers. What to Wear: On sunny days bring sunscreen, hat & sunglasses – Auckland can get hot, and the sun’s rays and glare from the water can be very bright. Sightseeing Ferry Cruises Harbour Sailing Cruise, Explore Limited Prefer to take in the view under motor power? This is the harbour cruise for you. The ferry departs each morning and afternoon for a 90-minute tour, making this tour super convenient and easily fitted into your existing schedule. On board, you’ll be treated to a full bar and café and be guided by an experienced tour guide who will provide a full commentary detailing the history of the many landmarks you’ll see… including the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Chelsea Sugar Works, the waterfront at the Viaduct, the naval base at Devonport, Bean Rock lighthouse, and Rangitoto Island. Afternoon tea is also provided for passengers taking the afternoon cruise. What to Wear: Covered shoes should be worn – no flip flops. Even on warmer days, it’s advised to bring a warm jacket so you can keep warm even if the temperature drops. Sunglasses are also recommended. …
