Why travel to New Zealand?

Glance at a world map and you’ll soon notice New Zealand sits about as far away as you can get. But once your feet touch the ground, the adventure feels closer than ever before.

New Zealand welcomes you with a truly unique culture, steeped in tradition, where lively cities and extraordinary natural wonders – from majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes to breathtaking marvels – make you feel truly alive.

Our tours in New Zealand

On our tours of New Zealand, you’ll experience all the must-see highlights as well as much more. You can tailor your days with exciting optional tours or set off on your own exploration. Selected tours include a self-drive section, giving you the freedom to discover the sights in your own car as you journey from A to B.

Below you’ll find more information about what you can experience on our tours of both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand.

Highlights of the North Island

New Zealand’s North Island is particularly famous for its geothermal marvels, vibrant Māori culture, and the coastal charm found in lively cities such as Auckland and Wellington.

Auckland

Nestled on the North Island’s northern coast, between the Waitemata and Manukau harbours, lies New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau).

Geographically, Auckland is uniquely set atop more than 50 volcanic craters, now peaceful green hills that characterise the city’s landscape.

Auckland is a city of contrasts, shaped by an exciting blend of cultures over the years. While its Māori heritage runs deep, Auckland is equally influenced by Polynesian, Asian, and European communities.

There are plenty of fascinating attractions in Auckland, but the city’s most iconic landmark is the 328-metre Sky Tower, dominating the skyline and providing breathtaking panoramic views across the city.

Explore Auckland further by visiting vibrant neighbourhoods and suburbs like Ponsonby and Devonport, or sample local wines at one of the area’s many vineyards. Round off your day with a visit to one of the wild beaches along the west coast and soak up a spectacular sunset—Muriwai, for example, is a perfect choice.

Rotorua

There really is nowhere quite like Rotorua, which must be one of the most unique towns in New Zealand.

The town sits atop an active volcanic zone, so if you dream of experiencing the raw power of nature, you’ve come to the right place. All around the region, geysers erupt, mud pools bubble, and hot springs steam. This geothermal activity—which has given Rotorua its fame—has made it a wellness hotspot in New Zealand.

Rotorua is also the heart of New Zealand’s Māori culture, offering you an authentic glimpse into the traditions of the country’s indigenous people, such as pōwhiri welcomes and hangi feasts.

Hobbiton

There can’t be many people who haven’t heard of The Lord of the Rings films. But did you know they were filmed in New Zealand?

Whether you’re a fan of the films or not, a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set is a must—it’s one of the country’s most iconic and magical attractions.

Wander the 12-hectare film set, marvel at the enchanting hobbit holes hidden in lush gardens, and discover secrets and stories from behind the making of the films.

Other highlights of the North Island

• Just under 30 kilometres from Rotorua, you’ll find Wai-O-Tapu, a colourful geothermal wonderland where you can marvel at a surreal landscape of bubbling mud pools and hot springs painted in the colours of the rainbow – including the almost otherworldly Champagne Pool.

• Set off on an unforgettable boat trip to Waiheke Island, around 40 minutes from Auckland. This little paradise is filled with stunning vineyards and beaches. Alongside the chance to try exquisite New Zealand wines, a visit here also invites you to explore some truly beautiful walking routes.

• Visit the Coromandel Peninsula, which forms part of the Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve, and experience sweeping forests and gorgeous sandy beaches such as Cathedral Cove – perhaps New Zealand’s most iconic stretch of sand.

Highlights of the South Island

The South Island of New Zealand is especially renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, breathtaking fjords, and unforgettable natural wonders – particularly in Fiordland National Park, around Aoraki/Mount Cook, and in Franz Josef.

Christchurch

Christchurch (Ōtautahi) is the largest city on the South Island and a fantastic starting point for exploring the Canterbury region, which is home to some of New Zealand’s most stunning natural attractions.

The city radiates a laid-back atmosphere and genuine hospitality, beautifully situated amid some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. The abundant greenery has earned Christchurch the nickname “The Garden City”, and it’s easy to see why—especially when wandering through its renowned botanical gardens or gliding down the Avon River on classic punting boats, which lend Christchurch a delightful, unique charm all of its own.

In 2011, Christchurch was struck by a powerful earthquake, but the city has since risen anew and witnessed a remarkable transformation. Today, you’ll discover a vibrant destination where modern architecture blends seamlessly with historic buildings and lush parks.

Queenstown

If you’re dreaming of an adrenaline rush, New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown, is definitely worth a visit.

This town is particularly famed as the birthplace of the world’s first commercial bungy jump, and offers the chance to try your hand at jet boating, skydiving, river rafting, and paragliding.

If you prefer to keep your heart rate in check, there’s still plenty on offer—from stunning scenery to world-class wines and gourmet experiences awaiting your discovery.

Take the historic gondola, for example, up to Bob’s Peak, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu (Wakatipu Waimāori) and the Remarkables mountain range.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s top attractions and arguably the country’s most stunning natural wonder. It’s hard not to be captivated by this spectacular fjord, with its sheer cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and lush rainforest.

The dramatic scenery is perfectly complemented by the fascinating wildlife that inhabits every corner of Milford Sound—making it a real paradise for animal lovers.

With a bit of luck, you might spot penguins such as the Fiordland crested penguin (tawaki), New Zealand fur seals, as well as playful dolphins that call these waters home, like the bottlenose dolphin.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura, located around two hours from Christchurch, is not only New Zealand’s whale-watching capital but also one of the world’s top whale safari destinations. The whales are drawn to the Kaikoura Canyon, a two-kilometre-deep trench just off the coast, which teems with food for these gentle giants.

Depending on the season, you might be lucky enough to spot southern right whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, blue whales, and orcas. In addition, there are excellent chances of seeing seals, dolphins, and fascinating seabirds as well.

So, if you dream of seeing whales during your tour to New Zealand, this is the place to come.

Franz Josef

Situated on the west coast, you’ll find Franz Josef, a small town surrounded by rainforests and mountain peaks. Here, you’ll also discover the impressive Franz Josef Glacier, which has been formed over tens of thousands of years by snow being slowly compacted into ice.

In recent years, the glacier has receded, so it’s no longer possible to walk onto the ice from the valley floor. If you’d like a closer look at the glacier, you could, for example, enjoy the classic Franz Josef Glacier Walk, taking you to a viewpoint offering both magnificent views of the glacier itself and the surrounding forests. Alternatively, you can take to the skies on a helicopter tour, landing on the glacier itself. For the more adventurous, the helicopter trip can be combined with a guided walk on the ice – known as a heli-hike – always accompanied by an experienced guide and the proper equipment.

Other highlights of the South Island

• Set out on a unique adventure on the waters off Akaroa. In addition to breathtaking scenery with dramatic rock formations, you’ll have the chance to spot the rare Hector’s dolphins, seals, and little penguins on a nature cruise.

• Discover Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you can hike amidst beautiful surroundings and take in views of New Zealand’s highest peak, the 3,724-metre Aoraki/Mt. Cook.

• Experience the stunning and dramatic scenery of New Zealand as you travel on the famous TranzAlpine train from Greymouth on the west coast to Christchurch on the east coast. Along the journey, you’ll encounter mirror-like lakes, the Arthur’s Pass mountain range, and the rolling plains of Canterbury.

Package tours to New Zealand from the UK

All our tours to New Zealand are package tours.

This means flights (to and from the UK), transfers, possible car hire, accommodation, and scheduled excursions are all included in the price.

Should you decide to add extra excursions, upgrade your hotels, or add extra days in selected cities, these will be added to the total price.

Combine your tour with Australia

Pair your New Zealand adventure with a tour to Australia and say ‘g’day’ to even more unforgettable experiences.

Sydney is an absolute must-see on any trip to Australia, offering you a taste of everything this incredible country has to share. Look forward to visiting iconic attractions such as the Opera House, exploring breathtaking natural wonders like the Blue Mountains, relaxing on beautiful beaches, and ending your day with delicious food from Sydney’s vibrant culinary scene.

In Australia’s Red Centre, you’ll find one of the world’s largest monoliths: Uluru. Ranked among Australia’s top attractions, Uluru provides a truly magical sight at sunrise and sunset, as the landscape is bathed in shades of orange and red—a spectacle sure to give you goosebumps.

Tropical Cairns in northern Australia isn’t just the perfect destination for sunseekers; it also serves as your gateway to some of Australia’s most astonishing natural wonders. For example, explore the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park, home to some of the world’s oldest rainforests.

So, if you want the best of both worlds in Oceania, why not combine New Zealand with Australia?

Frequently asked questions about travelling to New Zealand

As is often the case when preparing to visit another country—especially one so far from home—a number of questions may arise. Below, we have answered the most frequently asked questions about New Zealand.

What languages are spoken in New Zealand?

There are three official languages in New Zealand: English, Te Reo Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

English is spoken by more than 95% of the population, making it by far the predominant language in New Zealand. Māori, spoken by over 200,000 people, has been an official language since 1987 and has experienced a renaissance in recent decades. Today, Māori is increasingly woven into everyday conversation, and it’s entirely normal to see English and Māori side by side in public signage and communication.

Do you need a visa to travel to New Zealand?

As a UK citizen, you probably won’t need a visa to visit New Zealand. However, you will be required to obtain an approved electronic travel authorisation, known as an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

You can find more information about the requirements and application process on our practical information page.

When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

If you’re dreaming of the ‘best’ weather, the ideal time to visit New Zealand is during the New Zealand summer, from December to February. During these months, you can expect warm, sunny days and long daylight hours.

However, New Zealand is a year-round destination, with each season bringing its own unique advantages.

Please note that we only offer tours to New Zealand from November to April.

Do you need to tip in New Zealand?

Tipping has not traditionally been customary in New Zealand, as service staff are generally paid fair wages, making tipping unnecessary—unlike, for example, in the USA.

However, in recent years, rising living costs have led to a shift, and tipping is becoming increasingly common as a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service, especially at high-end restaurants or within the tourism sector. So, if you have had an especially memorable experience, you might wish to offer a tip.

Why travel to New Zealand with TourCompass?

At TourCompass, we specialise in creating exceptional tours. When you book your trip with us, you enjoy the freedom of travelling independently combined with the reassurance of a trusted tour operator.

We take care of every detail, ensuring you experience all the must-see highlights along the way. Throughout your journey, we use passionate, knowledgeable local guides who know New Zealand inside and out. Plus, both we and our local partners are on hand to assist you at any time – our emergency hotline is staffed 24/7 should you require help during your tour.

So you can wholeheartedly throw yourself into your New Zealand adventure, with the peace of mind that you’re never truly on your own.

Book your trip to New Zealand with TourCompass

An array of unforgettable experiences awaits you on a tour to New Zealand.

Ready to take the first step towards discovering New Zealand’s legendary hospitality, indigenous culture, enchanting landscapes, and vibrant cities? Get in touch with our travel specialists today, and together we’ll find just the right tour for you.

Exploring the world with TourCompass means total reassurance – we’re with you all the way!

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