A GUIDE T0

1 Introducing New Zealand

icture New Zealand. Are you hiking From dramatic scenery to vibrant cities, Pthrough the forested valleys and rolling new experiences lie around every corner in hills of the spectacular Fiordland? Discovering New Zealand. No matter where you are in the dazzling array of wonderful wildlife? the country, you’re always close to the next Venturing into Middle-earth? Perhaps you’re incredible highlight of your holiday. sinking your toes into the soft sands of the sparkling beaches? New Zealand Statistics

Wherever your mind wanders to when you Population 4.5 million picture New Zealand, welcome to our mini destination guide to this enchanting country. Capital With spectacular scenery, superb food and National anthem God Save the Queen wine, friendly locals and a range of magical and God Defend New and unique experiences all within easy reach, Zealand New Zealand is the perfect destination for the traveller who’s looking for a little bit of Currency New Zealand Dollar everything. (NZD$)

Official language English and Māori

Climate

Weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly. Be prepared for what you can expect from month to month.

Spring Summer Autumn/Fall Winter September – November December – February March – May June – August Average daytime Average daytime Average daytime Average daytime temperature: temperature: temperature: temperature: 16 - 19˚C (61 - 66˚F) 20 - 25˚C (68 - 77˚F) 17 - 21˚C (62 - 70˚F) 12 - 16˚C (53 - 61˚F)

2 Interesting facts

A kiwi is not a fruit – it Except for the polar is New Zealand’s regions, New native flightless bird Zealand was the last and a slang term for a major landmass to New Zealander. be populated. Kiwi bird New Zealand flag

Maori arrived in Aotearoa, then known Our preferred times to as The Land of the visit New Zealand are Long White Cloud Spring (September to approximately 1,000 November) and Autumn years ago in canoes. (March to May) - You'll They mostly settled in avoid the crowds but the Northern parts of still enjoy the sunshine. New Zealand spring New Zealand as they Maori mask were warmer.

Sir Edmund Hillary, the first to reach the peak of Mount Everest with his climbing partner Tenzing Norgay, was a New Zealander. He was born in Auckland and his face features on the New Zealand $5 bill. Sir Edmund Hillary

3 5 things you must experience

Wondering what there is to see and do in New Zealand? Wondrous wildlife, stunning scenery and a rich cultural heritage await!

Wonderful Wildlife If you’re a penguin fan, The Blue Penguin Colony in Oamaru is home to the world's From penguins and kiwi birds to dolphins and smallest penguins. See these cute creatures whales, New Zealand’s spectacular scenery in their natural environment and watch them is home to a dazzling array of wildlife. arrive home from their day at sea and return Swim with New Zealand fur seals in the to their nests. A once-in-a-lifetime experience shallow waters of the Kaikoura Peninsula not to be missed. on the . Spring is lamb season Plus, no visit to New Zealand would be in New Zealand, so during a drive in the complete without a sighting of the native kiwi countryside, you’re sure to see lots of cute bird! Spring is the time when the baby kiwis and fluffy lambs! hatch but during the autumn, Stewart Island Take to the water with playful dolphins in turns into a hive of activity for birdlife and this their natural environment at Paihia in the Bay is one of the best places to view this ever so of Islands on the and head to shy nocturnal feathered friend in its natural Akaroa Harbour on the South Island to see environment. New Zealand’s playful Hector’s dolphin. It’s the only place on the entire planet where you can get up close and personal with the world’s smallest and rarest species of dolphin.

Always wanted to see majestic whales soar through the seas? Spot these enormous creatures in Kaikoura and the Hauraki Gulf, an area nestled next to Auckland. New Zealand lambs 4 The Great Outdoors Middle-earth

New Zealand is the perfect place to embrace Ever since films were the great outdoors and try one adventure released back in 2001, New Zealand has been after another. With beautiful landscapes known as the home of Middle‑earth. With including jagged mountain peaks, rolling her golden plains, towering mountains and green hills, sparkling beaches, scenic fjords, enchanting valleys, it’s no surprise that New raging rivers and pristine lakes, exploring Zealand was chosen as the shooting location New Zealand’s walking and hiking trails is for both the Lord of the Rings and The one of the most rewarding ways of seeing the trilogies. country’s outstanding natural beauty. Head to Hamilton, a couple of hours’ drive Nestled on the South Island, hemmed in south of Auckland, and see brought by towering granite cliffs and dominated to life. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set; a magical by Mitre Peak, you’ll find New Zealand’s village with 44 Hobbit-holes set within a Fiordland. A mesmerising landscape filled picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm. with blue-black waters, rugged mountains , the home of the elves in both dotted with rainforests, and soaring granite The Lord of the Rings and peaks; it’s a truly breathtaking sight. Within trilogies, was filmed in the beautiful Kaitoke this spectacular World Heritage Site, you’ll Regional Park, near Wellington, and if you’re find the well-known Milford Sound, Dusky venturing to Queenstown, be sure to stop off Sound and Doubtful Sound. Cruise the inky- at Paradise, which was another one of the black waters on a boat trip, or if you’re feeling locations filmed for The Hobbit trilogy. more adventurous, you can try kayaking or scuba diving. Experience for yourself the stunning filming locations found throughout the country that starred as mythical Middle‑earth!

5 Wineries and Vineyards Māori Culture

With so many high-quality wineries and An integral part of Kiwi life, Māori culture vineyards throughout New Zealand, you’ll find and values are at the centre of the nation’s plenty of tours to help you learn more about heart. You’ll find plenty of cultural tours the different varieties – and taste a little too! and experiences throughout the country so you can discover the history, language and Blessed with long sunshine hours and fertile traditions of the Māori for yourself. plains, Hawke’s Bay in the North Island is one of the country’s most productive growing In Northland, Auckland, Rotorua and regions. A tipple of the robust Cabernet Canterbury, organised tours provide a Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah here is a must! traditional Māori welcome onto a marae, where you'll hear Māori speeches and Marlborough on the South Island is New singing, see carved meeting houses, meet Zealand's largest wine growing region and the local people and enjoy a traditional hāngi is blockbuster Sauvignon Blanc country! feast cooked in an underground earth oven. A cycling tour here is a delightful way to You could even find yourself trying your hand experience the rolling vineyards and sunny at the famous Haka, the war dance made weather. famous by the All Blacks rugby team!

For a background in Māori culture, head to The Auckland Museum, which is home to a huge collection of Maori artefacts. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds on the Bay of Islands is also one to add to your list. It’s the country’s most important historic site, where in 1840, New Zealand’s founding document, The Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. New Zealand winery

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6 TC Recommended: New Zealand

Take a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations for a unique experience in New Zealand...

Travel Counsellor Matt says South Island holds a special place in his heart:

I’ve been lucky enough to visit a huge number of places during my 16 years working in travel, but New Zealand holds a special place in my heart.

So, what’s the attraction? Firstly, the people. Friendly, welcoming, and such a relaxed, laid-back attitude to life. Away from the major cities, the pace of life is chilled, people really do have time for you, and love to showcase their country. Of course, it helps if you love rugby – it is, after all, their religion.

The scenery is spectacular, rugged snow-capped mountains, beautiful crystal-clear (and extremely cold) lakes, and endless beaches including Kaikoura where you can see whales all year round.

Onwards and upwards to the north end of the South Island, and the rather gorgeous Abel Tasman National Park. Beautiful beaches, easy walking trails, sea-kayaking, beautiful places to stay, it has it all. South Island

7 Travel Counsellor Eileen has travelled to both the North and South Island, with each visit exceeding all her expectations:

There is so much to see and do in New Zealand and there is something to suit all ages. It really is a "must see" destination and one of the best places I've ever visited.

Driving around the island was so easy and with little traffic on the roads it was a really enjoyable experience. Every turn in the road produced yet another magnificent view and I lost track of the times I said "WOW" on this holiday.

New Zealand exceeded all my expectations with its spectacular scenery, vibrant cities and unique culture.

Travel Counsellor Wayne believes New Zealand is now high on people’s bucket lists when visiting The Southern Hemisphere:

New Zealand deserves to be high on people’s bucket lists and to do both islands well I think you need to give yourself around a month as there is so much to cover.

The North Island is rich with culture and the scenery is beautiful. Auckland is the largest city and comes with what you would expect from a city with lots to do including a great aquarium which has the jaws of a Megalodon. The Bay of Islands offers some nice opportunities for dolphin Bay of Islands watching, snorkeling and kayaking. If surfing is more your sort of thing then maybe head to Raglan where you will also find some good caving options.

Over on the South Island, I think you will get the best of New Zealand’s scenery.

Christchurch is a city well worth a visit and after the devastating earthquakes you must admire the peoples resolve to re-build and go again. Lastly, we come to Queenstown, which is a very lively place and brilliant for whether you want a great night out or if you love adventure. It is considered by many to be the adventure capital of the world!

8 Try something a little different

Adventure Sports Stargazing

Adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers will be in Discover the wonders their element in New Zealand! of the southern night skies with a spot of stargazing! A bungy jump is a must-do if you’re visiting Queenstown and there’s plenty of other Recently, 4,300 square extreme sports to get involved with too, kilometres of New Zealand’s including white-water rafting, canyon swinging South Island was recognised and paragliding. With a smorgasbord of as an International Dark Sky outdoor activities to enjoy, Queenstown is the Reserve, the largest reserve of this type in home of the ultimate adventure bucket list! the world. Covering much of the Aoraki/ Mount Cook Mackenzie region, the Dark Sky The mighty Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are Reserve has been labelled as ‘one of the best also ideal for anyone looking for thrills and stargazing sites on earth'. excitement. Stargazing is especially spectacular during Marvel at the plants in beautiful botanic the autumn months because of the bright gardens clear days and nights. For a more relaxed pace, there are plenty of Explore a geothermal wonderland gorgeous gardens to explore. Spring is one of the best times to visit the Christchurch Discover bubbling sulphur pools, erupting Botanic Gardens, with magnolias, camellias, Geysers and huge volcanic craters in rhododendrons, daffodils and azaleas all in Rotorua, Taupo and the Central North Island full bloom. region. Indulge in a thermal pool spa therapy or take a walking tour to discover the sights In the Autumn, Hamilton Gardens in and wonders of this mysterious city that puts on a beautiful display. Join an sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire. experienced guide who For a real "WOW" factor, will take you through White Island (Whakaari) nine stunning themed is the perfect example garden collections, of an active volcano. It including an Italian breathes, it roars and it Renaissance Garden hisses from steaming and a grandiose Indian vents! Char Bagh (‘four quartered’) Garden.

9 A taste of New Zealand

Fresh, diverse and delicious, Kiwis love their world-famous food and wine. With unique treasures around every corner plucked straight from the oceans and fertile lands, dining in New Zealand represents more than just your next meal, it becomes your next unforgettable experience.

The communal experience of Māori hāngī Eat like the locals

A traditional roast dinner as you’ve never After sampling New Zealand’s distinctive seen it before, Māori hāngī is New Zealand’s Pacific Rim cuisine encompassing award staple ceremonial meal. The indigenous winning cheeses, famous lamb dishes and roasted meal is uniquely prepared several spectacular seafood, learn to cook like the feet underground using hot rocks, and will professionals and take a cooking class on often be found cooking in Rotorua, Northland either the North or South Island and become and Christchurch as part of welcoming acquainted with localised food and wine festivities and cultural performances. specialities utilising artisan producers and climate-matched fruit and vegetables. Succulent seafood Explore famous wine regions With near-endless stretches of coastline circumnavigating the country, there is a Wine enthusiasts are in seventh heaven wealth of fresh options for seafood lovers when it comes to New Zealand’s penchant when dining out in New Zealand. Travelling for producing discerning wines reflecting the through different regions will see differing balanced purity and vibrancy of the nation local specialities prepared, from the crayfish itself. High-quality wineries and vineyards of Kaikoura through to the whitebait patties make for a great excursion, with many located of the West Coast, while a visit to the capital in picturesque locations ranging from pristine Wellington sees a beach space, to rolling hills and grand alpine range of fashionable peaks. Auckland and Central -based restaurants along wineries are particularly appealing, given that the waterfront Waiheke Island, referred to as ‘the island of specialising in wine’, is only a short ferry sumptuous seafood journey from downtown dishes to the tune of Auckland, while a day a live band. trip exploring the many wineries of Central Otago and its famous Pinot Noir can be reached from a Queenstown base.

10 Spending money

Wondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

As of August 2019, £1 GBP = 1.85767 NZD

NZ$20-60 Economy car hire for the day

NZ$10-$25 Lunch in a café

11 NZ$6 Beer

NZ$5 Coffee

NZ$6 Fish and chips

12 Itinerary The best of New Zealand

This 17-day tour is perfect for anyone who wants to get the best out of New Zealand’s most iconic and beautiful destinations. Seeing both vibrant cities and stunning scenery, this terrific self-drive tour will give you a true feel for the diversity of this wonderful country.

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland

Arrive in Auckland and be whisked away by private transfer to your city hotel.

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua via (Drive Time: 3h)

Pick up your rental car and travel south through picturesque farmland to Matamata, the home of 'Hobbiton'. Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogy. Continue your drive to Rotorua. Auckland Day 3: Rotorua

Spend the day discovering Rotorua’s geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes. In the evening, partake in a cultural experience and Hangi dinner at Tamaki Maori Village with the native Maori people.

Day 4: Rotorua to Napier (Drive Time: 2h 45min)

Travel south and take in the panoramic views of , Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. From Taupo, pass through part of the vast Kaingaroa Forest and Kaimanawa Range, and into the fertile Hawkes Bay Province and the Art Deco City of Napier. Rotorua

13 Tasman National Park

Day 5: Napier to Wellington (Drive Time: 4h Day 8: Nelson to Hokitika (Drive Time: 5h) 45min) Continue your journey south around Drive through the rolling sheep and cattle Murchison. Pass through Buller Gorge then farmland as you head toward New Zealand's drive down the coast. Marvel at the Pancake energetic and cosmopolitan capital of Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Wellington where you will spend the night. Day 9: Hokitika to Franz Josef (Drive Time: Break your journey up with a stop off at the 2h) Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, where you’ll have to see the world’s only white kiwi Cross beautiful stretches of countryside in captivity. as you head to Franz Josef, a well-known Glacier settlement. Day 6: Wellington to Picton (ferry) to Nelson (Drive Time: 1h 50min) Day 10: Franz Josef to Queenstown (Drive Time: 5h) Head to New Zealand’s South Island. Drop off your rental car and travel across the Cook Departing Franz Josef, stop off Strait to Picton on what is described as one at Fox Glacier on your way to of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. Queenstown, nestled amidst steep mountain On arrival in Picton, pick up your rental car ranges. and drive via Blenheim to Nelson on beautiful Day 11/12: Queenstown Tasman Bay. Enjoy exciting wilderness jet boating, an Day 7: Nelson & Abel Tasman National informative guided walk and a picturesque Park (Drive Time: 2h 20min) drive to discover some of New Zealand’s Take a trip to Abel Tasman National Park. most spectacular scenery. Choose from a full day’s cruise or a shorter Day 13: Queenstown to Te Anau cruise with a leisurely walk. Cruise into the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park and Skirt around Lake Wakatipu. Take some admire spectacular stretches of coastline time to appreciate the magnificent views of and dozens of sandy coves. the mountains of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park before continuing on to Lake Te Anau.

14 Milford Sound

Day 14: Te Anau to Milford Sound return (Drive Time: 4h 30min)

Follow the valley of the Eglinton River before descending into the Hollyford Valley on your way to Milford Sound. Cruise Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Explore points of interest with your nature guide and view the stunning scenery before driving back to Te Anau.

Day 15: Te Anau to Dunedin (Drive Time: 3h 40min)

Drive through farmland and tussock country to Lumsden. Continue through the Waimea Dunedin Plains and across the Taieri River on to the heritage city of Dunedin.

Day 16: Dunedin to Christchurch (Drive Time: 5h)

Travelling north, stop off on your drive to Christchurch at the famous Moeraki Boulders, the seaside town of Timaru, the town of Ashburton and the mighty Rakaia River.

Day 17: Depart Christchurch

Your incredible itinerary ends today. Drop off your rental car at the airport depot ready for your flight home. Christchurch

15 STEP INTO THE AIR NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCE

Air New Zealand flies daily from London to Los Angeles and onwards to New Zealand. There are also a range of stopover options available on an Air New Zealand ticket including Singapore, Hong Kong, San Francisco and many others, allowing you to visit more places and make the most of your trip. On board, you will discover an award-winning, revamped Premium Economy, as well as refreshed Economy and Business Premier cabins.

PREMIUM ECONOMY BUSINESS PREMIER™ Relax with one of the largest seat pitches in Business Premier™ cabin is packed with the sky in Air New Zealand’s award-winning features that make it a cut above. Premium Economy. • A luxurious leather armchair that converts • A larger seat and extra legroom to a 6’ 7.5” lie-flat bed, complete with • 41-43-inch seat pitch Memory Foam™ mattress • 19.3-inches between armrests and a 9-inch • Priority airport services: check-in, boarding recline and baggage • Increased baggage allowance • Exclusive access to the Air New Zealand Lounge at Heathrow and across New • Your choice of meal from the curated Zealand Premium Economy Menu • Premium New Zealand wines and inflight • Priority airport services: check-in, boarding menus created by celebrity chefs and baggage • Premium quality headphones to enjoy • Your very own dedicated Premium Economy thousands of hours of entertainment Cabin Crew

16 Here, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you should see, do and eat while you’re in New Zealand. We hope it inspires you to journey to this magnificent country time and time again and taste a little of New Zealand life.

Get in touch to build a bespoke itinerary, tailor-made just for you. We’d also love to see your photos and stories on social media so please share your memories using #TCexperience

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