New Zealand
UNSPOILT LANDSCAPE: Lake Matheson, South Island
As far away from the UK as it is possible to go, New Zealand is the true Antipodes, set like a remote emerald jewel in the blue waters of the southwest Pacific.
The Moari culture is evident wherever you travel in this beautiful country and it's an unspoilt landscape of snow-capped mountains and sheer-falling fjords, rolling meadows and open farmland.
North Island is best known for the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, but also offers insights into the rich and rewarding Maori culture and the clear waters of the Bay of Islands. Auckland’s harbour is not to be missed and is usually the gateway to this land. Explore the Art Deco town of Napier close to the wine region of Hawkes Bay. Wellington is the captial of New Zealand and is the link between the north and the south islands.
Cross over to South Island, home to Christchurch where you can punt along the Avon river or try swimming with the dolphins at Akaroa. Some of the world’s most restful retreats have a home on the South Island but if that’s not for you, there’s excitement in Queenstown, the adrenalin capital of the world. There is also a chance to quietly explore farmlands and national parks where nature rules and glaciers glide gently and quietly to the sea.
Flights & Facts:
Fly to: Auckland (Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, daily)
Flying time: 26 hours, one stop
Time difference: GMT + 12 hours
Visas: Not required for UK passport holders
Health requirements: Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Best time to travel: Nov - Mar
Weather:
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are during our winter and offer the traveller an ideal time for outdoor pursuits. However our summer is the ideal time to warm up close to an open fire in one of the many splendid lodges dotted around the country.
A&K Recommends
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Australasia and South Pacific | New Zealand
Duration: 18 days
16 February 2009 - 06 March 2009
•Sail in an outrigger pirogue
•Private dance performance by direct descendents of Bounty mutineers
•Excellent bird-watching, wildlife and snorkelling opportunities
•Witness ‘head mask’ dances on Tomman Island
SPECIAL OFFER: Companion travels for free
Active | Culture | Wildlife
from £5,195 per person
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Australasia and South Pacific | New Zealand
Duration: 18 days
31 December 2008 - 19 January 2009
•Enjoy Fiordland National Park by Zodiac
•Opportunity to swim with dolphins
•Experience Maori culture
•Whale-watching excursions
•Visit remote volcanic White Island
•Encounters with endemic wildlife
Active | Culture | Wildlife
from £6,359 per person
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Australasia and South Pacific | New Zealand
Duration: 18 days
17 December 2008 - 4 January 2009
•Family discounts available
•Explore majestic fiordland
•Learn about Maori culture
•Whale-watching opportunities
•Active volcanic and thermal regions
•Encounters with endemic wildlife
SPECIAL OFFER: Companion travels for free
Active | Culture | Wildlife
from £6,119 per person
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Australasia and South Pacific | New Zealand
Duration: 12 days
Auckland (1nt) - Rotorua (2nts) - Queenstown (3nts) - Christchurch (2nts)
• Unspoilt landscapes and wildlife
• Spectacular volcanoes and glaciers
• Cruise on Milford Sound
• Luxurious lodges
Active | Wildlife
from £3,022 per person
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Australasia and South Pacific | New Zealand | North | Hawkes Bay
5 rooms
Located in the heart of Hawkes Bay wine country. Everything about Greenhill is gracious and elegant, set amongst 30 acres of picturesque park-like grounds, Greenhill enjoys panoramic views of the ...
Family Friendly
from £84 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | New Zealand | North | Taupo
20 rooms
A member of ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’, this retreat has a unique setting on the banks of the Waikato River. 20 secluded suites, antique furniture and rich wooden ...
from £658 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | New Zealand | North | Bay of Islands
16 rooms
Kauri Cliffs is built of native timber in a style designed to harmonise with its surroundings. This secluded lodge’s eight sets of two cottages are set on the edge of ...
Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
from £406 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | New Zealand | South | Blenheim
4 rooms
Timara Lodge houses just four rooms and enjoys a charming country setting in the picturesque Marlborough wine region. Here you’ll find a swimming pool, tennis court and a man-made lake. ...
Family Friendly
from £309 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | New Zealand | North | Rotorua
6 rooms
Treetops Lodge offers the ultimate in world class luxury accommodation and is located in the heart of the famed therapeutic thermal region, Rotorua. Nestled amidst magnificent native forests and ...
Family Friendly
from £353 per person per night
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Australasia and South Pacific | New Zealand | North | Palliser Bay
12 rooms
Set amidst a beautiful landscape on the North Island’s south-east coast. The lodge recreates the elegance of the Edwardian era, with huge fireplaces, deep sofas and expensive rugs. Delightful guest ...
Family Friendly
from £329 per person per night