The Best of New Zealand: A Complete Travel Guide to the Country’s Top Destinations
- Jane COUTTS
- May 15
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Welcome to New Zealand — a country where every landscape looks like a postcard, every journey is unforgettable, and every experience can be tailored to you. Whether you're seeking snow-capped peaks, boutique wineries, geothermal spas, or rich cultural encounters, New Zealand offers an experience that can be as wild or as refined as you wish.
At Amazing New Zealand Itineraries, we’ve curated this guide for travellers who want more than just an itinerary — they want a journey crafted around who they are, not just where they’re going.
Natural Wonders that Redefine Beauty
Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound
Imagine cruising silently past towering cliffs as waterfalls cascade beside you — this is Milford Sound, a pristine fjord carved by glaciers. Whether viewed by water, air, or a private hiking guide, this natural wonder feels almost spiritual. We can organize private heli-tours that land on remote peaks, exclusive boat charters, or scenic photography trips that avoid the crowds.
Considered one of the world’s top single-day hikes, this trek leads through an active volcanic landscape with emerald lakes, red craters, and panoramic views. For a truly personalised experience, we offer private guided treks, curated lunch stops, and optional luxury transfers to and from the trail.
Rotorua’s Geothermal Marvels
Rotorua is alive — with steam vents, geysers, and bubbling mud. But it’s also a sanctuary. Let us book you into a premium geothermal spa, pair your stay with a wellness retreat, and organize a private evening with local Māori hosts to connect deeply with the land and its stories.
High-End Adventure for the Modern Explorer
Queenstown – Where Luxury Meets Adrenaline
Queenstown is the beating heart of New Zealand’s adventure scene — but that doesn’t mean it has to be rough around the edges. Try heli-biking or private skiing in untouched backcountry, soar over the Remarkables in a private chopper, or unwind with a vineyard lunch along the Gibbston Wine Trail, all seamlessly organised and timed to suit your personal schedule.
This sun-drenched coastal paradise is best seen by water. We’ll arrange a private catamaran with on-board catering, or a sea kayak tour with a guide who knows every cove and waterfall. Optional extras include beachfront lodge stays, gourmet picnics, and exclusive access to less-traveled trails.
Step into a star-lit underworld — no CGI required. You can float quietly beneath millions of glowworms on a boat or go deeper with a private spelunking guide. For photographers or families, we offer unique experiences such as after-hours cave access or glowworm photography workshops.
New Zealand's Most Captivating Cities
Wellington – The Cultural Capital
Wellington is where creatives thrive — and so will you. Dive into the heart of New Zealand’s art and film scene with a private Weta Workshop tour, enjoy coffee with a local designer, or walk the city’s hidden laneways with a cultural historian. Let us show you Wellington through local eyes.
Auckland – Urban Sophistication & Island Escapes
Auckland combines the sophistication of a world-class city with instant access to natural beauty. Spend your days yachting in the harbor, dining in Sky Tower’s revolving restaurant, or flying by helicopter to nearby Waiheke Island for a VIP vineyard tour with private tastings and artisan food pairings.
Christchurch – Creativity Reimagined
Known as the “Garden City,” Christchurch has reinvented itself as a hub of innovation, art, and architecture. Wander through modern precincts like Riverside Market and The Terrace, visit world-class galleries, or take a private punting tour on the Avon River. It’s also the perfect gateway to explore the Southern Alps, Akaroa, and the rugged Canterbury high country. We’ll help you discover both the urban charm and the natural beauty just beyond the city limits.
Dunedin – Heritage Meets Nature
A historic city with Victorian charm, Dunedin is your base for wildlife encounters on the Otago Peninsula and unique boutique stays. From literary tours to penguin colonies, this city offers something unexpected at every turn.
Māori Culture with Authentic Respect
Rotorua – Where Culture Lives
Rotorua is home to one of the most welcoming Māori communities in the country. Your visit here can go far beyond the stage performance — we’ll organise intimate cultural encounters, from carving workshops with local artists to storytelling sessions with respected elders in their homes or marae.
Bay of Islands – Where History Was Made
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here — and we offer exclusive tours of the Treaty Grounds, accompanied by historians who can walk you through the birth of modern New Zealand. Finish the day on a luxury catamaran or a serene beachfront lodge under the stars.
Hidden Gems Only Locals Know
The Catlins – Untouched Wilderness
This is one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets. Home to waterfalls, windswept bays, and rare yellow-eyed penguins, The Catlins is ideal for the traveller who values solitude and raw beauty. We'll plan your visit around the best wildlife viewing times, tide schedules, and photographic opportunities.
Lake Tekapo – Where Heaven Meets Earth
Framed by the Southern Alps and part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo is a haven for stargazers and romantics. Stay in a remote observatory suite, enjoy guided astrophotography tours, or relax in lakeside hot springs with a glass of local wine.
Dig your own hot pool right on the beach — without the crowds. Kāwhia offers the same geothermal magic as the more famous Coromandel spot, but with local charm and far fewer tourists.
Where to Stay: Quality Accommodation Tailored to You
No matter your travel style, we offer a curated selection of high-quality accommodation options across New Zealand — all handpicked for comfort, service, and location.
You can choose from:
Boutique Hotels – Stylish and centrally located in cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Charming Bed & Breakfasts – Warm hospitality and local character, perfect for a more personal touch.
Self-Catering Apartments & Villas – Ideal for families or travelers seeking flexibility and privacy, especially in scenic or remote areas.
Exclusive Luxury Lodges – World-renowned properties such as Huka Lodge, Blanket Bay, and The Lindis for those wanting the ultimate in comfort, cuisine, and setting.
Whether you prefer a private lakefront retreat or a well-appointed apartment in the heart of a city, we’ll match your preferences with the perfect place to stay — and handle all the arrangements for you.
Custom Itineraries, Crafted Just for You
No two travellers are the same — and that’s why at Amazing New Itineraries no two of our itineraries are either. Whether you’re a honeymoon couple, a multigenerational family, or a solo explorer, we take the time to understand your interests, your travel rhythm, and your style.
Our team designs bespoke journeys that combine the must-sees with meaningful moments — from sunrise helicopter rides to private cultural dinners and hidden trails known only to locals.
You’ll never be on a bus tour or stuck in a rigid schedule. This is travel made personal.
When to Visit New Zealand
Each season offers something unique:
Summer (Dec–Feb): Perfect for beaches, boating, and alpine hikes.
Autumn (Mar–May): Crisp air, golden landscapes, and fewer crowds.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy lodge retreats.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Blooming gardens, new wildlife, and mild, pleasant weather.
📩 Ready to Make It Happen?
Your dream trip to New Zealand is just a conversation away. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, culture, or all of the above—we’ll craft an itinerary that’s truly amazing.
Let’s start planning your New Zealand trip of a lifetime👉 Contact us now and let’s bring your New Zealand adventure to life.
Jane Coutts
Travel Specialist
Amazing New Zealand Itineraries
We know New Zealand - We live here!
Comments