Different Ways to Experience New Zealand
As borders open up around the world, New Zealand is one who recently welcomed travelers back! There are no more COVID tests or vaccination required to travel there. You only need to fill out a Traveler Declaration Form and the Electronic Travel Authority (basically a Visa) before you depart. Ask your Travel Advisor for more information!
Here are just some examples of different ways you can now experience New Zealand. Maybe this is your first visit or maybe you want to experience something new this time around?
A Different Kind of Therapy
Sail away. Leave cityscapes behind and discover a different side of Auckland. From gorgeous Waiheke Island, board the catamaran Pacific Star and cruise into the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, a haven for marine life and rare wildlife found on the pest-free ‘treasure islands’.
Rest on firm ground. If you seek a breath of fresh air and a natural cure, follow Terra & Tide’s Gabrielle down a quiet forest path on a guided forest therapy experience. Hear the wind whisper in the palms and let the beauty of nature fill your being with joy.
Terra & Tide offer sailing, guided walking experiences, and forest therapy ‘wellbeing’ packages on Waiheke Island and nearby Hauraki Gulf islands.
Expert Tip: Terra & Tide can arrange ferry tickets for the Auckland to Waiheke connection (35-minute journey); and meet you on arrival at the ferry (Matiatia) wharf.
Gin Served With a Panorama
Did you know that besides world-class pinot noir, the Central Otago climate and alpine conditions are ideal for developing pure, smooth gin? Taste sensational, exclusive, award-winning gins on Altitude Tours world-first Heli Gin tour with an exclusive mountain top tasting and an epic discovery that drops-in on some of New Zealand’s top gin spots.
If you seek sublime new flavors and mountain-top experiences, then Altitude Tours has an unmissable combo — pairing fine gin experiences and impeccable hospitality with a stunning scenic flight. Cheers!
Expert tip: Gin tastes good at any altitude but especially good above the snow line! For wine connoisseurs, The Winery at Arrowtown (and in Queenstown) has one of New Zealand's most extensive range of Central Otago and other New Zealand wines to taste and purchase.
The Ultra Scenic Route
Go west to New Zealand’s wild and untamed South Island West Coast to discover rare and precious places. Franz Josef, Lake Mapourika and Ōkārito Lagoon sit within Westland Tai Poutini National Park and on the western edge of the vast UNESCO World Heritage Area of Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand.
If you seek an exceptional nature and wildlife experience, the small settlements of Franz Josef and Ōkārito have some of the best eco tours and wildlife encounters found anywhere in Aotearoa and led by some of the most passionate and engaging nature guides. Cruise across the mirror waters of Lake Mapourika and explore a Jurassic forest sanctuary with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours.
Expert tip: Book a two-night stay in Franz Josef to make the most of this relaxed alpine resort and complete it with a bucket-list glacier heli-hike.
The Craft Beer Experience
Hop on a guided craft beer tour to discover why Wellington is known as the Craft Beer Capital. Fun fact: Wellingtonians and their guests consume a third of New Zealand’s entire craft beer production, so they know their brews.
If you seek a flavorsome insider’s experience, then Wellington Craft Beer Tours know the capital’s best beer spots and stand-out breweries to go behind the scenes in, meet the brewers, hear about what goes into the hoppy goodness and taste the goods.
Expert tip: It's never far to walk between breweries in Wellington – there are 18 in the compact city, and another 30 in the region. Whistling Sisters, Fortune Favours and Hey Day are all within a kilometer of each other.
Nature & Friendly Local Experience
Meet hospitable and curious locals on Kapiti Island where the manawhenua (local people) welcome guests to their place and introduce the unique, rare wildlife they’re helping to save from extinction. Listen to their stories, learn about their history and the significance of more than a century of conservation work.
If you/your clients seek a meaningful experience with another culture in beautiful surroundings, then Kapiti Island Nature Tours can take care of that. It’s a step back in time, honoring the past, caring for people and place for future generations. Guests can wander quiet forest trails and snap insta-worthy scenery or stay overnight for a night-time kiwi spotting tour.
Expert tip: Only 60 visitors are permitted on the island daily, so book early!
