New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind.  Click below for cheap flights to New Zealand, holiday package deals in New Zealand and your essential NZ Travel Guide including weather, people, things to do, places to stay and books to read.

When's the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

November to April, when the weather is warmest

What are the Essential Kiwi Experiences?

Traversing the South Island on the TranzAlpine train

Throwing yourself off something high – bungee jumping is as compulsory here as seeing the Eiffel tower in Paris

Enjoying a gourmet feast of fresh fish and chips on a deserted Northland Beach

Seeing the marine life off the coast of Kaikoura

Spending a culture-filled weekend in one of the cities – the Polynesian bustle of Auckland, creative current of Wellington or European feel of Christchurch

Getting Under the Skin...

Read Witi Ihimaera’s The Whale Rider – a moving insight into the spirituality, tradition, and culture of the Maori people

Listen to Salmonella Dub’s Killer Vision, which displays influences quintessential to the new wave of New Zealand music

Watch Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy – the stunning landscape dominates the films

Eat whitebait – a seasonal delicacy; hu hu grubs – slug-like and not for the faint-hearted, but delicious off the grill

Drink a ‘boutique beer’ – independent breweries are providing delicious variations on the traditional varieties

In a Word...

Sweet as, bro

Kiwi Trademarks

Sheep; the All Blacks; clean and green; nuclear-free; extreme sports; the end of the earth; Middle Earth; Neil Finn; Janet Frame; pohutukawa blossoms

Surprises...

Not everyone plays rugby or owns sheep; there’s a thriving food and wine culture; much more than just two islands