New Zealand
Two islands soulfully connected by the land and its people – where an abundance of rugged, natural beauty makes its out-of-this-world adventures the ones to rival.
Two islands soulfully connected by the land and its people – where an abundance of rugged, natural beauty makes its out-of-this-world adventures the ones to rival.
Originally discovered by the Māori explorers who gave a name meaning ‘long white cloud’, not even a quest across Middle Earth is needed to evoke Aotearoa’s adrenaline-inducing feeling. A land for the people where the people care for the land, there’s a tender symbiosis in the atmosphere that’s existed long before the coining of ‘sustainability’; inspiring everything from Auckland’s city of sails that’s simply a water-baby’s dream, to the sheer thrill of landscapes playing host to the South Island’s adventure capital.
It’s all so vast and thrillingly vivacious, but that’s not to say it’s missing its softer side; found in the mindful Māori culture that cares for its traditions and a plethora of wildlife and winelands that put Mother Nature’s pride and joys on full display.
In pursuit of…
…making the Tiaki pinkie promise
Meaning to ‘care for people and place’, empathetic explorers have it best by tapping into the local wisdom and listening to the land to reveal its loudest potential. Transcending forests and fjords, the wildest of way finders discover that love and protection go a long way while searching for endangered marine life and the flightless bird that lends proud New Zealanders their nickname, watching nature’s very own volcanic oven work her magic at a traditionalhāngī meal, and trusting it all to the power of the open air (and the professionals) on a skydive or bungee jump.
“We all have to remember that New Zealand is built on these kind of people who are rebels and renegades, people doing it their own way, fighting for freedom, and braving the elements. I think it’s cool to celebrate that.”
00
02
A sense of place
Get to know our favourite spots in New Zealand, from the lively geysers bubbling beneath the surface of the North Island to the adrenaline capital on the South Island.
-
![A person paddle boarding on water with Auckland City in the background]()
North Island
The wise older sister of the two, she’s long been living with her ear to the ground to push the capacities of urban living in Mother Nature’s very paradise. Home to the Māori people, Hawke’s Bay wineries, and the bustling hubbub of Auckland, culture vultures have it hotter than any geyser or volcano bubbling below its surface.
-
![A view across Lake Matheson, New Zealand with snow capped mountains in the back]()
South Island
Sharing her youthful vitality in abundance, South Island steps in with adrenaline capital Queenstown, Christchurch’s infectious need for exploration, and it’s bountiful glaciers and fjords. Painting pictures of everything from snow-capped mountains to the vast lakes throughout Mount Aspiring National Park, it’s a siren call for rugged-adventurers and wildlife-lovers to embrace the extremes of escapades.
00
02
Its essence...
CONNECTED
RISK-TAKER
PROTECTIVE
Passages from a journal A fortnight in New Zealand
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 8
Day 10
Day 12
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 8
Day 10
Day 12
-
![A view over ferns of the lakeside town of Rotorua, New Zealand]()
6:57pm
Sat outside soaking in the views of Rotorua with a glass of my favourite Sauvignon Blanc. The flight was an adventure in itself – we’ve been adjusting to the time difference with our sleep already and we couldn’t help but watch Lord of the Rings on the way. Now we’re off for our first of many gourmet meals.
-
![Blue water at Inferno Crater Lake]()
4pm
We’ve been exploring the amazingly unique wildlife in the national parks all day, and now we’re sat by a geothermal hot spring watching some local Māori cook their traditional hāngī feast. The local relationship to Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) and her wildlife truly makes everything feel safe and warm.
-
![The vineyard view at Lake Wanaka In New Zealand]()
9am
A little reward for our active day yesterday as we move onto the “fruit bowl” of New Zealand at Hawke’s Bay. There are over 80 wineries to try out, which will surely help to wash down some gourmet cuisine at Cape Kidnappers – we’ve certainly earned it!
-
![Napier, New Zealand - as summer night approaches]()
1:50pm
We’ve enjoyed a lazy start to the day today with an outdoor pool swim, before getting out for a cycle around Napier’s Art Deco inner-city after lunch. The architecture and the Māori motifs are meant to be beautiful, which we’re starting to realise is just the standard in this part of the world.
-
![A person walking on a small wooden walkway through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park]()
6pm
We’ve flown to Nelson on the South Island this morning and wow, what a contrast! It feels even more ‘otherworldly’ down here and we can’t wait to see more of the diverse landscapes on our hike tomorrow. Most of all though, we’re hoping for a sighting of the nation’s sweetheart – a kiwi.
-
![Three dolphins swimming near the surface]()
10:16am
The wildlife tour continued this morning with a drive to Kaikoura on the east coast. Yesterday’s kiwi were so cute and fluffy, so we’re hoping our luck continues with a sighting of a Maui dolphin and sperm whales as we fly over the ocean in a helicopter – birds don’t know how good of a view they have.
-
![A hill top view of Lyttelton Harbour Christchurch New Zealand]()
3pm
Our second afternoon in Christchurch today, so we’re off to see some local architecture and art galleries before heading out for our evening meal. We’ve noticed that even the cities here feel closely connected to nature (the Harbour here is just breathtaking) which always adds to the calming atmosphere.
-
![Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, New Zealand]()
2:45pm
The day has finally arrived. We’re bubbling with nerves, excitement, and adrenaline, but you can’t enter Queenstown without a bit of adventure. We’re bungee jumping in the very first place it happened in this country back in the 1980s, and what better place to put our trust in Mother Nature than in these incredible islands? Oh, we can’t wait to show everyone back home.
0:00
The leading line-up
New Zealand
Destination essentials
BEST FOR
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
FROM THE READING ROOM
RELATED ARTICLES-
![Starry sky]()
A new dimension
Billionaires may be racing into space, but savouring the stars from remote locations right here on Earth can be just as enlightening. It’s simply a case of looking up and learning.
-
![Unbreakable Bonds, Exterior of New York theatre]()
Unbreakable bonds
Time, it’s played some strange tricks on us recently. It’s sped up, slowed down and, on occasion, even seemed to stand still.
-
![The Sistine Chapel ceiling filled with high renaissance artwork from Michelangelo]()
Travel with sovereign-style treatment
If anyone is known for travelling in style, it’s our Royal Family. We thought we’d take some inspiration from the set of royal travel trendsetters and search our well-curated address book for the most regal of residences – from real-life palaces to private retreats.
-
![Swimming pool]()
Design intervention
Allow yourself to be transported to new worlds with design-led hotels created with an elevated experience in mind. We explore the philosophies behind these spaces that have been built to enhance and transform your outlook on life.
00
04
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
-
Online
-
Talk to us
-
In person
-
Online
-
Talk to us
-
In person
00
02
Australasia & Oceania
From the laid-back cultures of Australia's coastal cities and the natural wonders of New Zealand, to the picturesque islands and friendly faces of French Polynesia, a trip to Australasia & Oceania never fails to surprise at every turn.
-
![A white SUV driving on a dirt path in the Australian outback]()
Australasia & Oceania
Australia
ExploreThe charming soul of the Red Centre, the curious personalities of its metropolitan cities, and the one-of-a-kind marsupials and marine life – this land Down Under might invoke a feeling of the familiar on the face of it, but its sheer scale of surprises leave the lasting impression.
-
![A group of birds taking flight on a beach]()
Australasia & Oceania
French Polynesia
ExploreCast so far-flung that they’re barely visible in the big blue, the unspoilt islands of French Polynesia are so colourfully rich that it is as if Gauguin himself painted them.
00
02