Linda, our Australasia Specialist, has recently returned from a trip to New Zealand hosted by Tourism New Zealand. Below is a summary of her trip.
When did you go? How long did you stay in New Zealand? What was your itinerary – Which places did you visit?
I went to New Zealand with TNZ 24th April 2024 – 3rd May 2024 The itinerary was called the Pure Icons, I visited Auckland just a night in an airport hotel on arrival before travelling through to Coromandel the next day where we Kayaked and went on the Hahei explorer Cathedral cove boat. The next day we went to Hobbiton movie set which was amazing!!! This was en route to Rotorua where we then went to the Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening. The next day we took an internal flight down to Christchurch and transferred to Lake Tekapo where we experienced the Dark Sky summit experience. The next day we had lunch at the Hermitage hotel in Mount Cook, and I went on NZ’s only iceberg tour – freezing but fabulous!!! This is where we then had a scenic flight from Mount Cook to Queenstown, in Queenstown we went off to Milford sounds overnight on the Milford Mariner and then back to Queenstown where we dined at the Skyline taking the Gondola up the mountain to also Luge down, and finally the next day back to Auckland where we did the All blacks experience as VIP guests which included an ex all blacks player as our guide, followed by a few hours of Auckland harbour sailing before flying home the next day.
Have you ever travelled to New Zealand before? If so, what differences have you noticed from the last time you visited?
I have been before, not to all the same areas though. The places I had been before was 21 years ago, so it felt a lot more built up and developed this time around.
Is there an iconic (or more) moment/experience during your trip you would like to share?
I absolutely loved the Scenic flight from Mount Cook to Queenstown going down the west coast of the South Island over the glaciers and southern alps. I also feel very lucky to have experienced over night on the Milford Mariner in Milford sounds, I have been before but not overnight, and it was a great experience staying on a boat and experiencing the sounds with no other boats/day trips around.
What were the things you like the most from New Zealand?
I love the scenery, no matter where you are in New Zealand it is stunning.
What tips would you give to someone who is visiting New Zealand for the first time?
Take layers, you can get 4 seasons in a day at any time of year in New Zealand
Why would you recommend New Zealand?
It is a beautiful country, with spectacular scenery, very friendly locals and a very chilled vibe all over the country.
Inspired to take a trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud? Explore our wide range of New Zealand holidays.
