New Zealand Travel Guide

Pristine nature is accompanied by surprising cultural discoveries in this enchanting South-Pacific destination.

New Zealand will inspire with its towering fjords, stunning glaciers, and verdant countrysides, and Zicasso’s New Zealand Travel Guide will give you the best information and inspiration to visit these places the best way possible.

To get all the details you need to make your dream trip happen, submit a Trip Request, and get connected to a top travel specialist.

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Lupins around Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

Adventure abounds in New Zealand, and to accommodate your travel preferences and interests, we can help you find the best time to visit. From uncovering...
Aerial view of Queenstown at twilight with Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountains in New Zealand.

10 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand has stunning natural beauty and diverse attractions, and you can experience it all at the best places to visit. From the rugged mountains...
Biking in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand.  Photo courtesy MarlboroughNZ

Top 8 Things to Do in New Zealand

Known for spectacular scenery, New Zealand offers natural wonder and ancient culture, incredible food and wine, beautiful cities, and many other experiences....
Milford Sound, fiord with snow capped Mitre Peak on New Zealand’s South Island

How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand: Frequently Asked Questions

Embrace the extremes of the natural world in New Zealand and the relaxed ambiance of the North and South Islands with these answers to common travel questions....
TranzAlpine along Waimakariri River in New Zealand.  Photo courtesy KiwiRail

The Best Way to Travel Around New Zealand

New Zealand has plenty of options for getting around, and this guide highlights the best ways to travel during your next adventure. Whether you opt for...
Couple inside the romantic glowworm cave in New Zealand

8 Most Romantic Places in New Zealand for Couples

New Zealand may be small as far as countries go, but the island and those neighboring it brag boundless romantic appeal. The country’s magnificent natural...
Couple enjoying the view in Queenstown, New Zealand

8 Most Romantic Things to Do in New Zealand for Couples

Slow down, relax, adventure, and explore as you pursue these romantic things to do in New Zealand for couples. The pleasures of New Zealand’s unique...
Hobbit house on the Hobbiton movie set in New Zealand

Top 9 Things to Do in New Zealand with Family

From exploring Hobbiton to crossing geothermal landscapes, the top things to do in New Zealand with family offer fun and excitement for all ages. Find...
Tongariro Northern Circuit. Photo courtesy of Tourism New Zealand / Camilla Rutherford

10 Great Walks of New Zealand

The 10 Great Walks of New Zealand can take you from lakeside wonder to the grandeur of mountaintops, with each hike providing a fresh view of local land...
Two people hiking Tasman Glacier in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Top 5 Things to Do in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Embrace the captivating natural beauty of New Zealand when you take part in the best activities in Mount Cook National Park, home to the country’s largest...
Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

New Zealand in January: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

New Zealand in January is a summer paradise, with long, warm days for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. As the peak of the Southern Hemisphere’s...
Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand in February: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

New Zealand in February is a dream destination, offering warm summer weather, stunning landscapes, and exciting outdoor adventures aligning with the Southern...
Hiking in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand in March: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

New Zealand in March offers travelers a great combination of the Southern Hemisphere’s pleasant fall weather, smaller crowds, and abundant natural beauty....
Lush vineyard rows stretch towards distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, capturing the region's scenic landscape and winemaking charm

New Zealand in April: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

When you visit New Zealand in April, you will be able to experience its sheer beauty, rich culture, and long list of activities at a slower pace as the...
Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand in May: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

In New Zealand in May, you will find the shoulder season erupting with the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn colors, cool mild weather, and fewer crowds, so...
Mountain in the Wana region, New Zealand

New Zealand in June: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

June marks the beginning of winter in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere, offering a unique perspective on the country’s remarkable islands and culture....
Mount Cook, New Zealand

New Zealand in July: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

In July in New Zealand, thrilling winter sports, cultural events, and quirky festivals sweep up the country in a warm winter embrace. Whether you're seeking...
Hiker in winter jacket standing on snowy mountain, admiring view of snow-capped peaks and clouds at sunrise in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

New Zealand in August experiences the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, resulting in a blend of chilly weather, outdoor activities, and beautiful landscapes....
Hiker at Mount Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand in September: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

September in New Zealand is splendid, bridging the end of winter and the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you're seeking snowy...
Vineyard in New Zealand

New Zealand in October: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Spring warmth and winter’s lingering charm make New Zealand in October a paradise. As the Southern Hemisphere country emerges from its cooler months,...
Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand in November: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

November in New Zealand marks the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere, offering visitors mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds....
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

December is a vibrant time to visit New Zealand, marking the onset of summer in the Southern Hemisphere and long days filled with sunshine. There are...
South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand in Summer: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Summer in New Zealand is a season of endless possibilities and unforgettable experiences. From December to February in the Southern Hemisphere, summer...
Hiker standing on a mountain trail, enjoying the beautiful sunrise over Lake Wanaka, New Zealand in winter

New Zealand in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

New Zealand in winter is a majestic destination, offering a unique blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences. From snowcapped mountains...
Aerial view of luxury overwater bungalows on Bora Bora island in French Polynesia.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Knowing your budget is an essential component of any trip-planning process. Whether the sky's the limit or you have specific parameters, a customized...
Balloons over Cappadocia in Turkey.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps

Explore the world with Zicasso by working with top travel specialists who will bring your dream vacation to life. Our primary goal is to make planning,...
Sailing vessel cruises through tranquil fjord beneath towering forested peaks.

Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound: Where Should I Travel?

Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are filled with raw wilderness, fjordland serenity, and natural grandeur, with rainforest beauty and glacial landscapes...
Sailing vessel cruises through tranquil fjord beneath towering forested peaks.

Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound: Where Should I Travel?

Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are filled with raw wilderness, fjordland serenity, and natural grandeur, with rainforest beauty and glacial landscapes...

4.8

Reviews of Zicasso's New Zealand Tours and Vacation Packages

Based on 1393 verified traveler reviews.

Paul S.
New Zealand, French Polynesia 75th Birthday Trip Review: Volcano Flight, Helicopter Ride, Glacier, Overnight Cruise, Bora Bora, Milford Sound, 32 Nights

We had a fabulous time celebrating my 75th birthday in New Zealand and Bora Bora. Zicasso's travel specialist was fantastic to work with. She was very responsive to all of our questions and concerns and even checked in with us numerous times while we were on the trip. I'd highly recommend her and the travel company when traveling to New Zealand or French Polynesia.

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Stephanie G.
New Zealand, Fiji Travel Review: Canyon Swing, Glacier, Helicopter Ride, Hiking, 15-Night Trip

Zicasso's travel specialist worked with us every step of the way to create an amazing itinerary filled with adventure in New Zealand and luxurious relaxation in Fiji. She helped us adjust the itinerary until it was just right. Unfortunately, there were a couple of excursions that were impacted by the weather and other logistics, which impacted our experience, but it was not her fault and she was willing to try to find other options.

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Lisa D.
Australia, New Zealand Tour Review: Milford Sound, Melbourne, Food Tour, 11 Nights

Great trip! Zicasso's travel planner was responsive to our needs and put together an enjoyable trip. It was organized, with all documents in order and no surprises!

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Jodi R.
Australia, New Zealand Trip Review: Sydney, Melbourne, Phillip Island, Kangaroo Island, Cairns, Milford Sound, Wildlife, Great Ocean Road, Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, Harbor Bridge Climb, 3 Weeks

The process was straightforward and Zicasso's trip planner was very easy to work with. She came up with an itinerary that we were able to tweak and work with to fit our timeline and expectations.

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Marlene A.
New Zealand Anniversary Trip Review: 11 Nights

I had planned this trip for my parents, in their 70s, as an anniversary gift. Zicasso's travel agent presented a few tour options initially. When we talked on the phone about the proposed itinerary, she was very open and attentive to hearing my thoughts on the type of trip I was hoping to plan for my parents. She then customized an itinerary to fit my parents' needs. My parents had a wonderful time. Thank you so much to our agent and the folks at Zicasso's travel company.

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Michelle F.
New Zealand Travel Review: Maori Cultural Experience, Hobbiton, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Spa, Geothermal Park, Hobbiton, Harbor Tour, Railway Trip, Hiking, Dining, 2 Weeks

Zicasso’s tour planner created an amazing trip for us. He was quick to respond with initial planning and tailored the trip to our personal interests, thus creating a true customized experience. His expertise, advice, and recommendations were invaluable. 

Our itinerary allowed us to see and do so much during our trip, including museums, galleries, Māori cultural experiences, a lake-side day spa, geothermal park, Hobbiton, Mount Cook, a harbor tour, Milford Sound, a scenic railway trip through the Southern Alps, hiking, and dining, etc. 

We enjoyed each of the selected accommodations.  

The New Zealand touring app was an amazing resource and contained perfect details for each excursion and accommodation check-ins. Questions that arose during the trip were always answered in a timely manner over the app. Essentially, the stress of planning a two-week, multicity road trip was eliminated and all the hours I would have spent planning this itinerary myself were avoided. I would highly recommend the company.

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