What Makes New Zealand Special?

New Zealand is endlessly scenic—but it’s also incredibly approachable. The roads are easy to drive, locals are famously friendly, and even the most remote-looking places usually have a cozy café nearby.

As a travel advisor, I love planning New Zealand trips because they can be exactly what you want them to be. Want adrenaline-pumping action? There’s bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and heli-hiking. Want serenity? Spend days exploring vineyards, sailing through fiords, or stargazing under some of the world’s darkest skies.

Top Places to Visit in New Zealand

Auckland (North Island)
Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is a cosmopolitan harbor city with easy access to beaches, wineries, and volcanic cones. Explore the Viaduct Harbour, take a ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting, or hike Mount Eden for city views with a volcanic twist.

Rotorua (North Island)
This geothermal wonderland bubbles, steams, and smells like sulfur—but it’s incredible. Think geysers, hot springs, mud pools, and Maori cultural experiences. Don’t miss a soak in the Polynesian Spa or a traditional hangi feast.

Taupō & Tongariro National Park (North Island)
Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake—formed by a supervolcanic eruption. It’s great for boating, fishing, and skydiving. Nearby, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best day hikes in the world, with volcanic terrain straight out of Mordor.

Wellington (North Island)
The cool, artsy capital. Home to Te Papa National Museum, great coffee, and a buzzing film scene (hello, Weta Workshop). Walk the waterfront, ride the iconic red cable car, and catch some serious creativity in Cuba Street.

Queenstown (South Island)
The adrenaline capital of New Zealand—and maybe the world. You can bungee jump, zipline, paraglide, or just take a scenic gondola up Bob’s Peak. Queenstown also has incredible dining, wine, and nearby access to Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park.

Wanaka (South Island)
Less crowded than Queenstown but just as beautiful. Hike Roy’s Peak, snap a photo of the famous Wanaka tree, and enjoy a slower, lakeside pace. Perfect for families, couples, and outdoor lovers.

Mount Cook / Aoraki National Park (South Island)
Home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain, this region is all glaciers, alpine lakes, and epic hikes. Hooker Valley Track is a must. You can even take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps or go heli-hiking on the Tasman Glacier.

Fiordland National Park (South Island)
One of the most remote, dramatic, and awe-inspiring places on the planet. Cruise through Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, where waterfalls tumble from sheer cliffs and dolphins often play in your wake.

New Zealand Culture: Nature-Loving, Friendly, and Rooted in Maori Heritage

New Zealand’s culture is shaped by both its indigenous Maori roots and its European colonial history. You’ll notice bilingual signs, carved meeting houses (marae), and a deep reverence for the land—something called kaitiakitanga, or guardianship.

Expect:

• A laid-back vibe (Kiwis are super chill)

• Strong coffee culture (flat whites are a thing)

• A deep respect for nature and wildlife

• A love of the outdoors—rain or shine

• A friendly “Kia ora!” from just about everyone

As a travel advisor, I always recommend including at least one immersive Maori experience, like a cultural village visit in Rotorua or a storytelling hike with a local guide.

What to Eat & Drink in New Zealand

New Zealand cuisine is fresh, local, and full of surprises.

Must-Try Foods:

• Lamb – Often grass-fed and perfectly cooked

• Green-lipped mussels – Native to NZ and super flavorful

• Hāngī – Traditional Maori meal cooked underground

• Kumara – Sweet potato, often roasted or mashed

• Meat pies – A beloved savory snack (mince and cheese is a classic)

• Pavlova – A meringue-based dessert topped with fruit

• Fish and chips – Best eaten by the sea

Drink Highlights:

• Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough – Crisp, zesty, and world-famous

• Pinot Noir from Central Otago – Elegant and fruity

• Craft beer – NZ has a booming brewery scene

• L&P (Lemon & Paeroa) – A fizzy Kiwi soft drink classic

Is New Zealand Safe?

Yes, very. New Zealand consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Crime is low, healthcare is solid, and natural risks (earthquakes, sunburns, and the occasional sheep traffic jam) are manageable.

Where to Stay in New Zealand

Luxury

• The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (Northland) – Coastal golf and luxury lodge life

• Huka Lodge (Taupō) – One of the world’s most exclusive stays

• Matakauri Lodge (Queenstown) – Lakefront beauty with mountain views

Midrange & Boutique

• QT Wellington – Artsy and fun

• The Rees Hotel (Queenstown) – Lakefront with excellent service

• Scenic Hotels or Sudima Hotels – Reliable and well-situated

Unique Stays

• Farm stays – Meet locals and their sheep

• Glamping – Under the stars with comfort

• Campervans – The ultimate way to road trip NZ (and surprisingly comfortable)

Travel Advisor Tips for Visiting New Zealand

• Self-drive is best. Roads are well-maintained, and the scenery is unbeatable. I help clients plan custom routes and recommend stops along the way.

• Book ferries and scenic train rides early. The Interislander (between North and South Islands) and the TranzAlpine train are bucket list experiences.

• Use an eSIM or local SIM card. Coverage is great in towns, but patchy in remote areas—so download offline maps too.

• Pack layers—and SPF. The weather can change fast, and the sun is stronger than you'd expect.

• Leave time for spontaneity. New Zealand rewards slow travel and unplanned detours.

• Consider flying into one island and out of the other. Saves time and makes for a more logical loop.

Why New Zealand?

Because it’s one of the few places where you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook—and you get to write the ending.

New Zealand is breathtaking without being boastful. Wild yet welcoming. Remote, but ready to explore. Whether you’re dreaming of long road trips, epic hikes, world-class wine, or a bit of all the above—I’ll help you build an itinerary that flows and fits your travel style.

Let’s turn your New Zealand dreams into an unforgettable reality.