New Zealand Tours

Name: New Zealand
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (32 reviews)

A little country that packs a massive punch – New Zealand’s scenery is off the scale

New Zealand Tours

The home of the fabled All Blacks may be a very, very long way, but New Zealand tours offer diversity that few others countries come close to. From the bustling city of Auckland to the breathtaking South Island, the Land of the Long White Cloud is blessed with sublime forests, awesome mountains, crystal-clear lakes, beaches and fjords.

It’s perhaps one of the best hiking (or ‘tramping’, to locals) locations on Earth. And whether you’re glacier walking or strolling along a beach, on trips to New Zealand there’s always something to marvel at. That could be a night camping on the beach at Abel Tasman National Park or gazing at the reflection of the glacier on Lake Crucible – so clear and sharp.

There’s no doubting the natural beauty of such a peaceful country. It’s blessed with a rich history, while its people are among the friendliest in the world. Exodus’ range of New Zealand tours are perfect for those who like to stay active, incorporating treks to take in the primeval landscape of Rotorua and the impressive peaks of Mount Cook National Park. A visit to New Zealand truly is the trip of a lifetime.

Trips to New Zealand

18 Days from £ 8799

£ 8449

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Enjoy an active cultural adventure exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud

Culture

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What are the must-see highlights of our New Zealand trips

1. New Zealand is best explored by boat or on foot where you can get up close to some of the most iconic sights like Milford Sound and Mount Cook, which are just a part of our unforgettable parts of our trips to New Zealand. Our Trekking in New Zealand trip is part of the Aldo Kane Collection and steers you among Abel Tasman’s beaches, the Fox Glacier and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
2. On the South Island, Queenstown is the adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere and there’s a wide range of outdoor activities available, from rafting and bungee jumping to skydiving, paragliding, gorge swinging and trekking. The resort stands on the banks of Lake Wakatipu and boasts a spectacular setting against an alpine backdrop. From the town, walk among lush vineyards and old mining towns where you can learn about the fascinating history.
3. New Zealand trips have all the right ingredients for walking and trekking holidays: space, wilderness, clean air, glaciers, mountains and volcanoes. On the North Island we trek the Tongariro crossing, with the chance of an optional ascent of Mount Ruapehu. Explore Mt Aspiring and Mt Cook national parks and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman and delve into the Maori culture at traditional towns and villages.
4. The food on our trips to New Zealand is pretty impressive too; the lush landscape and varied climate create some of the richest, most mouth-watering ingredients on the planet, and Wellington is the country’s culinary capital. Seek out the finest seafood restaurants and sample some of the delicious crayfish and mussels or try some of the succulent New Zealand lamb with a serving of seasonal vegetables and a dollop of mint sauce.
5. The Tasman Valley is a beautiful area made up of emerald lakes and glacial moraines. Lake Tekapo is particularly picturesque with its mountain backdrop and vibrant turquoise water created by glacial rivers. Walk up to the vantage point at the moraine wall for striking views of Tasman Glacier, icebergs, mountains and the lake.

FAQs on Trips to New Zealand

What are the best national parks in New Zealand?

Home to 14 national parks that can be found throughout the North and South islands, New Zealand isn’t short of natural beauty. Tongariro National Park is the oldest in the country and plays host to three active volcanoes and mud pools and you’ll also find indigenous wildlife such as the brown kiwi and the blue duck. If its mountains that pique your interest, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park boasts the tallest peaks as well as the longest glaciers. Alternatively, visit Abel Tasman, New Zealand’s smallest national park, to see the coastal wildlife, including seals, bottlenose dolphins and blue penguins.

Is Wellington worth visiting?

New Zealand’s vibrant capital, Wellington is a cultural hub home to the National Museum, botanic gardens and lively nightlife – it’s definitely one for the bucket list! Although it’s been dubbed the ‘coolest little capital in the world’, it packs a punch with its wealth of bars and restaurants, galleries and gorgeous views. For the best views, head along the Mount Kaukau trail or stroll down to the coast and harbour. There’s a real buzz and bohemian vibe about the city and the locals are extremely friendly and welcoming.

Where’s the best places to see geysers in New Zealand?

New Zealand is a hotspot for geothermal landscapes and throughout several areas you can see hot springs, geysers and mud pools. Journey between Rotorua and Taupo, known as the Thermal Explorer Highway, which has the highest concentration of active geothermal landscapes in the country. As you walk between the geothermal parks, you’ll see otherworldly scenery made up of orange hot pools, neon green lakes and simmering geysers that erupt metres into the air. Waiotapu Thermal Reserve is also home to volcanic craters, geysers and sinter terraces made from limestone deposits.

How difficult is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered a moderately difficult hike. The 19.4km trail traverses through diverse terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, loose scree and slippery sections. The most challenging part of the hike is the ascent to the Red Crater, which involves a steep climb and requires a reasonable level of fitness. Additionally, weather conditions can change rapidly at higher altitudes, with strong winds and unpredictable weather. It’s crucial to be well-prepared, wearing appropriate clothing and taking into account the length and challenging sections of the trail.

How many days are enough for New Zealand?

The number of days that are enough to explore New Zealand depends on various factors, such as your interests and the specific places you want to visit. However, for a comprehensive trip to New Zealand we’d recommend spending at least two to three weeks there.

A minimum of 7-10 days would give you the opportunity to see some of the key highlights. This might include the South Island, such as Milford Sound, Queenstown, Mount Cook, and the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. On the North Island, you might visit cities like Auckland and Wellington, geothermal wonders in Rotorua, and the beautiful Bay of Islands.

What is typical New Zealand food?

Typical New Zealand cuisine is influenced by Maori, British, Pacific Island and Asian cultures. One iconic dish is the Hangi, where meat and vegetables are slow cooked in the oven. Another popular meal is the Kiwi Burger which is made with a beef patty, beetroot, eggs, cheese, and various sauces. Seafood lovers can indulge in green-lipped mussels, paua (abalone), and fresh fish like snapper and hoki. For those with a sweet tooth, Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fruit. New Zealand is also known for its rich creamy cheeses and creamy ice creams.

Where should I go for my first time in New Zealand?

For your first time in New Zealand, it’s hard to go wrong with the picturesque town of Queenstown on the South Island. Here, you’ll find a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure activities, and a vibrant culture. Visit the iconic Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains or explore the nearby Fiordland National Park, home to the stunning Milford Sound, with its cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs. Wellington, Fox Glacier and Mount Cook National Park are also incredible places to visit on trips to New Zealand.