Touring New Zealand

15/09/2026

One of New Zealand’s most famous walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes you through an extraordinary volcanic landscape of old lava flows, craters and exposed alpine terrain.​

It’s spectacular. It’s also a serious alpine environment, where conditions can change quickly.​

Good preparation matters. Check the forecast and current track information, carry the right equipment and consider walking with an experienced local guide.​

Treat the landscape with respect and this can be one of the most memorable days of a New Zealand journey.​

📸 courtesy of Visit Ruapehu

13/09/2026

For many international travellers, flights are the first big decision in planning a New Zealand journey.​

How easy is it to get here? Where should you arrive? And what should you consider when travelling between the North and South Islands?​

Our latest guide covers the essentials, helping make that first stage of planning considerably simpler 👇​

We’ve compiled all you need to know about flights to New Zealand. Explore options from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond.

10/09/2026

Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand’s second-largest national park stretches across the northwest of the South Island, where limestone country, native forest, rivers and mountain landscapes create a wilderness that feels properly removed from everyday life.​

📹 courtesy of Nelson Tasman NZ.​

08/09/2026

Near Rotorua, Te Pā Tū offers an incredibly immersive Māori cultural experience.​

Through kōrero (talking), waiata (song), tradition and kai (food), your hosts share Māori culture, in a way that’s educational, immersive and completely captivating. Of course, the experience is not complete without a hair-raising haka performance.​

For travellers wanting to understand more of Aotearoa, New Zealand beyond its landscapes, experiences like this offer depth and cultural connection.​

📸 courtesy of Te Pā Tū - New Zealand

08/09/2026

There are few better ways to appreciate the scale and detail of New Zealand’s West Coast than from a bike.​

The West Coast Wilderness Trail takes riders through native forest, beside waterways and through historic settlements, combining remarkable scenery with glimpses into the region’s past.​

📸courtesy of Jason Blair / www.katabatic.co.nz

04/09/2026

Planning a New Zealand holiday often starts with a surprisingly difficult problem: there’s a lot you could do.​

So we’ve narrowed things down.​

We’ve brought together 10 standout activities across the North and South Islands, giving you a useful starting point for deciding what deserves a place in your itinerary.​

Read our Top 10 and start building your own shortlist 👇​

The top 10 activities to do in New Zealand’s North & South Island: culture, spas, fine dining, and epic scenic tours by water, sky, and land.

26/08/2026

On the Otago Peninsula, the locals tend to be a little wild.​

This remarkable stretch of coastline near Dunedin is home to some of New Zealand’s most fascinating wildlife, from fur seals and sea lions to seabirds found in very few places on earth.​

The best encounters happen on nature’s terms: quietly, respectfully, and with people who understand how to share this landscape without disturbing it.​

Keep your distance. Bring a good layer. And keep your eyes on the coastline.​

📸 courtesy of Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours

21/08/2026

A short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island’s change of pace and scenery makes it feel considerably further away.​

The island is known for its boutique vineyards, excellent food and beautiful stretches of coastline, making it an easy addition to a few days in Auckland.​

We recommend setting aside at least a full day rather than trying to squeeze it into an afternoon. Visit a cellar door or two, settle in for a long vineyard lunch, and leave enough time to simply enjoy this beautiful island.​

📹 courtesy of Auckland NZ​

10/08/2026

From the rolling green hills of Waikato, Hobbiton™ became one of the most recognisable film sets in the world and the heart of The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.​

Walking through the movie set is more than a chance to revisit familiar scenes. It's an opportunity to experience the craftsmanship, storytelling, and New Zealand landscapes that helped bring Middle-earth to life.​

Our Middle Earth Uncovered journey includes Hobbiton™ alongside many of the country's other iconic filming locations, with local guides sharing the stories behind both the films and the landscapes.​

Explore the journey here: https://touringnewzealand.com/journey/middleearthuncovered ​

📹: Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

05/08/2026

From the air, Waimangu Volcanic Valley reveals patterns that are difficult to appreciate from the ground. Crater lakes, steaming valleys and native forest sit side by side, all shaped by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886, the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory.

Mt Tarawera & Waimangu Volcanic Valley by Floatplane offers an aerial perspective. Flying over the park, you will look down upon the Steaming Cliffs, geysers, and vibrant mineral pools. Enjoy informed commentary from your experienced local pilot/ guide - all combined with the thrill of taking off and landing on water at the Rotorua City lakefront.

📸: Courtesy of Volcanic Air