Be here by morningNew Zealand is a lot closer than you think. Board the plane, brush your teeth, go to sleep and wake up in paradise. Start your New Zealand Vacation. New Zealand, or Aotearoa, is a mythical land steeped in legend and mystery.

Value for your dollarMore For Your Dollar Right now the US dollar is offering great value in New Zealand – it's a great time to come on down for a visit. 

How big is New Zealand? Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 4 million - making it one of the world's least crowded countries.

How long should I stay?If time is of the essence - 3 days on the North Island and 4 nights on the South Island, but a really good tour takes two weeks! If you can, do New Zealand alone. Don't try to combine it with Australia.

About New Zealand - New Zealand travel plannerNew Zealand is famous for its awe-inspiring beauty and breathtaking scenery. Our diverse and dramatic landscapes form the background for sophisticated and energetic cosmopolitan cities that each has a unique sense of culture and history. Beyond these cities you will discover small towns that will surprise you with their charm and limitless vacation activities. Find a spa tucked away in an alpine village or stroll through a private vineyard before enjoying cuisines that have found their way to New Zealand from every corner of the globe. The North Island offers subtropical forests, thermal geysers and golden beaches, while in the South Island you will find mountainous peaks, majestic fiords, ancient glaciers and tranquil countryside. 

Our people are renowned for their genuine warmth and friendliness. Have the opportunity to sample this by booking a New Zealand family homestay or farmstay. No other country in the world has so much to see - so much to do - all in such a small area. Our clean, green environment is an outdoor activity paradise, from bush treks and whale watching to cycle touring and bungy jumping. Whether you explore by car, four-wheel drive, coach or boat; uncommonly beautiful places can be discovered in every region of the country Follow your heart, and keep your camera loaded. It's all here waiting for you! New Zealand has a mild, temperate climate making it, like Australia, a year-round destination. 

South Island New Zealand travel planner has some of the most impressive scenery in the world. This is the landscape that inspired Sir Edmund Hilary; it is where Mt Cook, the country's highest peak, can be found. Let's walk tracks carved by the ancient glaciers that formed magnificent Milford Sound and striking Franz Josef, and explore the beautiful towns of Christchurch and Dunedin. 

The North Islandis the dramatic result of thousands of years of volcanic activity that is still very evident today. The beautiful harbourside city of Auckland and the sophisticated capital of Wellington are separated by slumbering volcanic mountains, steaming thermal geysers, and refreshing clear lakes. Join us as we listen to ancient Maori legends and discover bubbling geothermal springs. 

The seasonsare reversed from those in the USA. Spring: September - November; Summer: December - February; Autumn: March - May; Winter: June - August  New Zealand has a mild, temperate climate making it, like Australia, a year-round destination. Our temperatures range from 40° - 60°F during winter (June to August) and from 60° - 85°F during summer (December to March). This means lots of sunshine for water-based activities in summer and snow on the mountains in winter providing world class skiing. 

Population:Around 4 million people live in our country, which is roughly the size of California, Britain or Japan. Time Zone:New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight Saving Time (an advance of 1 hour per day) is observed from early October to late March. Electricity: 220 - 240 volts AC is the standard. Outlets for 110 volts for electric razors are usually supplied in hotels. Tipping: New Zealanders do not depend on tips or gratuities for their income, and tips are not expected for normal service. However, tipping in appreciation of extra-special service is at the discretion of the visitor. Goods and Services Tax: A government tax (currently 15%) is applied to all goods and services supplied in New Zealand. Visa free countries People from some countries don't need a visa to enter New Zealand. However, they are still required to provide: travel tickets or evidence of onward travel arrangements, and evidence of funds for maintenance. US citizens do not require a visa, but you do need a passport to visit New Zealand.

How to dress in New Zealand:Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions

Small Group Tours - Limited to 16 personsSome of our escorted tours of New Zeland are small, personalized groups of njo more than 16 persons. A perfect way to travel through New Zealand, with a group of like-minded travelers. 

Guided or escorted coach toursThere are real benefits to having a knowledgeable local show you around. Guided tours usually involve a small group following an itinerary. Your guide does the driving, so you can relax. Enjoy everything from scenic highlights of New Zealand, to geo-thermal areas, New Zealand's wine country, southern "alps" or a farm stay.

Independent Self Drive Tours of New ZealandOn an independent tour, you’re in the driver’s seat. We put together a detailed travel agenda that’s exactly to your tastes, and then lets you enjoy the freedom of a self-guided vacation. Choose from Lodges, B&B's, visiting wineries, enjoying gourmet food and georgeous scenery. A US license is all you need in New Zealand. An internatioanl driver's license is NOT needed. Do remember, though, that we drive on the "other" side of the road. The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas. 

Family TravelQuality shared family time A great choice for a multi-generational vacation. Over 60 percent of respondents in a recent survey say they sometimes or always travel as an extended family (with grandparents and/or grandchildren.). Choose our south island family vacation or ask for other ideas. 

Customized Group ToursGroup tours can be excellent value for money, and lots of fun too. Whether you want to see the entire country on a New Zealand escorted tour, or just one region, we can custom design an itinerary for just six persons or more. 

Chauffeur driven itinerariesare available for smaller groups. Family group travel is our specialty. your knowledge of New Zealand.

CruisesNew Zealand Cruises