New Zealand Travel Guide

Pristine nature is accompanied by surprising cultural discoveries in this enchanting South-Pacific destination.

New Zealand will inspire with its towering fjords, stunning glaciers, and verdant countrysides, and Zicasso’s New Zealand Travel Guide will give you the best information and inspiration to visit these places the best way possible.

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Lupins around Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

The best time to visit New Zealand hinges on your desires. The profound, cathedral-like silence of Milford Sound at dawn is most accessible when the peak...
Aerial view of Queenstown at twilight with Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountains in New Zealand.

10 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand presents a world of extraordinary natural beauty and varied attractions, and in heading for the best places to visit in New Zealand, you can...
Biking in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand.  Photo courtesy MarlboroughNZ

Top 8 Things to Do in New Zealand

Known for remarkable scenery, the top things to do in New Zealand provide a world of natural wonders, ancient cultures, and exceptional food and wine....
Milford Sound, fiord with snow capped Mitre Peak on New Zealand’s South Island

How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand: Frequently Asked Questions

Embrace the extremes of the natural world in New Zealand and the relaxed ambiance of the North and South Islands with these answers to common travel questions....
TranzAlpine along Waimakariri River in New Zealand.  Photo courtesy KiwiRail

The Best Way to Travel Around New Zealand

New Zealand has plenty of options for getting around, and this guide highlights the best ways to travel during your next adventure. Whether you opt for...
Couple inside the romantic glowworm cave in New Zealand

8 Most Romantic Places in New Zealand for Couples

New Zealand may be small as far as countries go, but the island and those neighboring it brag boundless romantic appeal. The country’s magnificent natural...
Couple enjoying the view in Queenstown, New Zealand

8 Most Romantic Things to Do in New Zealand for Couples

Slow down, relax, adventure, and explore as you pursue these romantic things to do in New Zealand for couples. The pleasures of New Zealand’s unique...
Hobbit house on the Hobbiton movie set in New Zealand

Top 9 Things to Do in New Zealand with Family

From exploring Hobbiton to crossing geothermal landscapes, the top things to do in New Zealand with family offer fun and excitement for all ages. Find...
Tongariro Northern Circuit. Photo courtesy of Tourism New Zealand / Camilla Rutherford

10 Great Walks of New Zealand

The 10 Great Walks of New Zealand can take you from lakeside wonder to the grandeur of mountaintops, with each hike providing a fresh view of local land...
Two people hiking Tasman Glacier in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Top 5 Things to Do in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Embrace the captivating natural beauty of New Zealand when you take part in the best activities in Mount Cook National Park, home to the country’s largest...
Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

New Zealand in January: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

New Zealand in January is a summer paradise, with long, warm days for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. As the peak of the Southern Hemisphere’s...
Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand in February: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

New Zealand in February is a dream destination, offering warm summer weather, stunning landscapes, and exciting outdoor adventures aligning with the Southern...
Hiking in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand in March: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

New Zealand in March offers travelers a great combination of the Southern Hemisphere’s pleasant fall weather, smaller crowds, and abundant natural beauty....
Lush vineyard rows stretch towards distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, capturing the region's scenic landscape and winemaking charm

New Zealand in April: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

When you visit New Zealand in April, you will be able to experience its sheer beauty, rich culture, and long list of activities at a slower pace as the...
Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand in May: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

In New Zealand in May, you will find the shoulder season erupting with the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn colors, cool mild weather, and fewer crowds, so...
Mountain in the Wana region, New Zealand

New Zealand in June: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

June marks the beginning of winter in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere, offering a unique perspective on the country’s remarkable islands and culture....
Mount Cook, New Zealand

New Zealand in July: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

In July in New Zealand, thrilling winter sports, cultural events, and quirky festivals sweep up the country in a warm winter embrace. Whether you're seeking...
Hiker in winter jacket standing on snowy mountain, admiring view of snow-capped peaks and clouds at sunrise in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

New Zealand in August experiences the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, resulting in a blend of chilly weather, outdoor activities, and beautiful landscapes....
Hiker at Mount Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand in September: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

September in New Zealand is splendid, bridging the end of winter and the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you're seeking snowy...
Vineyard in New Zealand

New Zealand in October: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Spring warmth and winter’s lingering charm make New Zealand in October a paradise. As the Southern Hemisphere country emerges from its cooler months,...
Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand in November: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

November in New Zealand marks the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere, offering visitors mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds....
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

December is a vibrant time to visit New Zealand, marking the onset of summer in the Southern Hemisphere and long days filled with sunshine. There are...
South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand in Summer: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Summer in New Zealand is a season of endless possibilities and unforgettable experiences. From December to February in the Southern Hemisphere, summer...
Hiker standing on a mountain trail, enjoying the beautiful sunrise over Lake Wanaka, New Zealand in winter

New Zealand in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

New Zealand in winter is a majestic destination, offering a unique blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences. From snowcapped mountains...
Aerial view of luxury overwater bungalows on Bora Bora island in French Polynesia.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Knowing your budget is an essential component of any trip-planning process. Whether the sky's the limit or you have specific parameters, a customized...
Balloons over Cappadocia in Turkey.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps

Explore the world with Zicasso by working with top travel specialists who will bring your dream vacation to life. Our primary goal is to make planning,...
Sailing vessel cruises through tranquil fjord beneath towering forested peaks.

Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound: Where Should I Travel?

Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are filled with raw wilderness, fjordland serenity, and natural grandeur, with rainforest beauty and glacial landscapes...
Sailing vessel cruises through tranquil fjord beneath towering forested peaks.

Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound: Where Should I Travel?

Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are filled with raw wilderness, fjordland serenity, and natural grandeur, with rainforest beauty and glacial landscapes...

4.8

Reviews of Zicasso's New Zealand Tours and Vacation Packages

Based on 760 verified traveler reviews.

Luxury New Zealand Tour Review: Taupo, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Abel Tasman Park, Mt. Cook, Tasman Glacier, Lake Wanaka
"...Lindsay from our travel agency was extremely responsive offering helpful options and suggestions."

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Australia & New Zealand Travel Agent Review: Sydney, Port Douglas, South Island, Wellington, Kayaking Doubtful Bay, River Rafting
"[The travel planner] listened to what we were looking for and the itinerary reflected that."

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New Zealand & Australia Trip Review: Hiking near Punakaiki & Wanaka, Wai-O-Tapu, Farmlands of Napier, Marlborough Sound, Sydney
"Working with our planner was fun, easy, and totally enjoyable even before the trip began!"

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Travel Review: Trip to Australia & New Zealand, Sydney, Melbourne, Queenstown

"Our travel agents and their team at this travel company are personable, professional, knowledgeable and did an amazing job putting together our trip!"

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South Pacific Vacation Review: Australia & New Zealand, Aukland, Sydney, Wellington, Rotorua, Hobbiton

"Our agent listened and consistently provided options and insights that resulted in a month long itinerary that promised to deliver the experiences we were looking for.  She was a pleasure to deal with."

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New Zealand, Australia Vacation Review: Queenstown, Auckland, Milford Sound, Christchurch, 2 Weeks

Zicasso’s trip planner did an excellent job. Communication and the quality of the experiences were everything we'd expected and more, especially in New Zealand. The accommodations were first rate; the highlight was the lodge in Queenstown. The guides and drivers were professional and knowledgeable, especially those in Queenstown and Auckland. We loved the dedicated website for reference, as well as the detailed booklet and maps for both countries. 

For future itineraries, I would add another day in Queenstown and a full day in Christchurch. If days were limited, I would recommend one less day in Auckland and/or skipping the drive/train from Franz Josef. 

The only complication was the day we spent 10 hours going to and coming from Milford Sound.  I recommend doing Milford Sound by plane/helicopter from Queenstown, which would also permit seeing the glaciers/southern alps from the air. The only things we missed were the zoo in Auckland and the Blue Mountain day tour in Sydney. Next trip!

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