The ultimate guide to New Zealand

Why New Zealand should be your next holiday destination

Brought to you by

Most of us have a list of countries we’d love to visit. Far-flung lands and destinations that promise plenty of adventure, beautiful landscapes and memories to last a lifetime. For many, New Zealand sits right at the top of that list, thanks perhaps to the host of fantasy movies such as The Lord of The Rings filmed on its soil. Mountain ranges, glaciers and light-reflecting coastlines make for quite the dreamlike backdrop and have sent travellers from around the world rushing to see it with their own eyes. So, if New Zealand is at the top of your travel agenda, perhaps 2020 is the year to make it happen? Simply talk to the travel experts at Trailfinders; they can tell you everything you need to know, including the top places to visit when you get there, how best to travel around and learn why the local hospitality is rated as one of the best in the world.

Enjoy simple, yet flavoursome cuisine

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur.

The capacity to bankrupt the entireoperation – the capacity for loss – is immense

Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia sit credit: Getty

Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae.

Austin News Deck 24pt size 28pt leading

Archive

Reader prints

Branded content

Syndication

Guidelines

Privacy

T&Cs

Advertising terms

Fantasy sport

Betting offers

Voucher Codes UK

Modern Slavery

Brought to you by

Link #1

Austin News Deck 20pt size 22pt leading

Austin News Deck 24pt size 28pt leading

For a mix of old and new cultures, thriving food scene and roof-raising events, head to Europe's youngest capital city. See the largest collection of impressionist art outside Paris at the National Museum. Hear a concert at the Wales Millennium Centre. Stroll around the reborn waterfront and sip cocktails at Mermaid Quay. Nibble a fabulous Welsh cake, and browse the world’s oldest record shop.

Cardiff

Brought to you by

A country of two halves

Introducing exciting new routes to take through Wales, whether you’re a first-time or return visitor

New Zealand is split into two main islands that stretches more than 1,600km. It’s worth trying to visit as many of its regions as you can, as well as smaller islands – such as Stewart Island – as they all differ in character and, thanks to the country’s small size, it is easier than you think. In fact, the journey from Auckland to Milford Sound spans just 1,800km across both islands and can be taken by air, rail, water and road – leaving you plenty of options for exploration in a relatively short space of time. Driving is easy, and a self-drive here is surely one of the world’s most epic road trips.

It mostly follows the main A470 – living proof that you can experience Wales’s superb landscape without resorting to single-track lanes with grass growing down the middle – and it’s guaranteed to surprise and delight. Want to know why it’s so remarkable? Bodnant Garden in Snowdonia is one of the most glorious in Britain, a Welsh hillside transfigured into an Italian water garden, Himalayan glade, fairytale forest and more. St Fagans near Cardiff hosts one of the world’s finest open-air museums, where you can nose around dozens of traditional Welsh buildings, watch a blacksmith at work, or take a course in spoon carving. Perhaps you need to de-stress? Turn off at Rhayader and explore the lovely Elan Valley, where Victorian engineers turned a remote landscape of moorland and woods into a mini-Lake District of still waters and stately dams. Or linger in the Brecon Beacons to explore the clutch of tree-shrouded waterfalls in the Vale of Neath and stride to the panoramic summit of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales at 2,907ft.

Enjoy the famous hospitality

Whether you’re travelling alone, with a partner or your family, you’ll be blown away by the friendliness of New Zealanders. Famed for their warm hospitality and what local communities call manaakitanga (unique hospitality), it’s not uncommon for strangers to speak to each other on the street, and you’re sure to be greeted warmly with a smile in hotels, restaurants and cafés. You definitely won’t be ignored if you’re lost and in need of travel advice, so don’t be afraid to ask if a local doesn’t approach you first.

Trailfinders expert consultants are on hand to create a holiday tailored to you. Offering more routes to the country than any carrier from the UK, award-winning Air New Zealand really is a better way to fly – ask your Trailfinders travel consultant about adding a free stopover. And if you want to add an extra element of adventure to your trip, Air New Zealand offers free stopovers on route to New Zealand in a variety of cities including Singapore, Vancouver, San Francisco, Buenos Aires and more. Catch a flight with one of Air New Zealand’s partner airlines from Heathrow or Manchester to the gateway of your choice and then fly with Air New Zealand to New Zealand. The airline prides itself on a warm and welcoming service, so expect to sample a taste of New Zealand culture before the plane wheels have even left the runway. Friendly, professional and willing to share a tip or two about their homeland, Air New Zealand crew are well known for their hospitality. You can also expect a host of added extras including free WiFi on international flights (in all cabins), hand-poured New Zealand wines, complimentary snacks and drinks in between meals and inflight entertainment – from games and podcasts to the latest movies.

Discover the real Cymru at countless cultural gems

Cwmorthin

Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua CREDIT: Fraser Clements

Getting there

Enjoy simple, yet flavoursome cuisine

The Walnut Tree Inn, Abergavenny. Superlative without being stuffy, Michelin-star veteran Shaun Hill mixes seasonal variation with personal flair in Wales’s food capital.

Tyddyn Llan, near Corwen. A Michelin-starred former farmhouse where the welcome is as hearty as the food: classic staples and gourmet specials, made with carefully sourced seasonal ingredients.

An unforgettable dining experience

The Potted Pig, Cardiff. The owners claim that: “Big flavours, generous portions and high-quality ingredients” make up the menu here: a mix of traditional British grub, New York flavours and a soupçon of French haute cuisine.

Top-quality, gourmet cuisine

Telegraph Media Group Limited 2020

About us

Rewards

Archive

Reader prints

Branded content

Syndication

Guidelines

Privacy

T&Cs

Advertising terms

Fantasy sport

Voucher Codes US

Voucher Codes UK

Modern Slavery

Designed and produced by Telegraph Spark Comissioning Editor Hannah Hopkins Words Paul Bray Designer Betty Guerra Developer Will Mayger Pictures Visit Wales

Brought to you by

Share this article

Austin News Deck 24pt size 28pt leading

Austin News Deck 20pt size 22pt leading

Archive

Reader prints

Branded content

Syndication

Guidelines

Privacy

T&Cs

Advertising terms

Fantasy sport

Voucher Codes US

Voucher Codes UK

Modern Slavery

Designed and produced by Telegraph Spark Designer Lorem Ipsum Comissioning Editor Lorem Ipsum Web Producer Lorem Ipsum Developer Lorem Ipsum Pictures Lorem Ipsum

Brought to you by

Share this article

Austin News Deck 24pt size 28pt leading

Related content

Run workloads smarter

Innovate smarter

Invest smarter

Digital innovation

Innovate smarter.

From ideation to execution, we’ll help you effectively drive differentiation and meaningful experiences across your digital experiences.

LEARN MORE

Talk to a specialist

Learn what's possible

Connect

Get insight

Meaningful outcomes

Meaningful connections

What we do

Who we are

Work Smarter

TBC

From stunning glaciers to white sandy beaches and buzzing city life with sumptuous food and world-class wines, New Zealand is a country of spectacular contrasts. Discover why it is one of the world’s most diverse holiday destinations, and what you should see and do when you get there

Discover a diverse landscape

New Zealand has a rich and diverse landscape that boasts mountains, subtropical forests, beautiful glaciers, volcanic plateaus and picture-perfect coastlines. The North Island is populated with mountain ranges and farmland running alongside thermal areas, while the South Island is a sea of green farmland that stretches from the wine valleys of Marlborough to the Canterbury Plains, through to Otago and Southland. There is also more than 15,000km of coastline across New Zealand, so you’ll find plenty of white, sandy beaches suitable for swimming and sunbathing, especially on the east coast of the North Island. By contrast, the Southern Alps have a number of famous glaciers including the Franz Josef and Fox on the west coast of the South Island, and of course the magnificent Fiordland further south. Across New Zealand you will find stunning day walks, longer multi-day hikes as well as mountaineering, cycling and mountain biking for the more adventurous.

Shopping, culture, great food and exceptional wine

If you thought New Zealand was all about the outdoors, think again, as there’s plenty of city life to explore too. Auckland is its largest city, and also the main transport hub, so you’ll most likely pass through it at some point during your trip. It’s also the perfect spot for shopping and great food, and is a hotspot for designer boutiques, quaint markets and relaxed cafés and bars. Meanwhile at the southernmost tip of the North Island, you’ll find Wellington, named “the coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet. As the gateway to the South Island, it has a working harbour, promenade and sandy beaches – as well as an abundance of art and culture with some superb museums such as Te Papa. To get a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding natural landscape, head to the Mount Victoria Lookout in the central city. There’s no better place to watch the sun go down. If you’re a wine fan, then plot your route to explore some of the country’s established and emerging wine regions. Follow the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail from Hawke’s Bay, through the Wairarapa region and across Marlborough on the South Island. Enjoy island life discovering Waiheke Island’s abundance of vineyards or explore the world’s most southerly wine region of Otago for the ultimate pinot noir. Welcoming cellar doors, beautiful cheese platters and some of the country’s best views and cycle rides are nestled among New Zealand’s famous vines.

Aoraki Lake, Pukaki CREDIT: Will Patino

Dusky Sound CREDIT: Rob Suisted

Arrowtown, Otago CREDIT: David Wall

Waiheke Island, Auckland CREDIT: Miles Holden

Kaikoura, Canterbury CREDIT: Kyle Mulinder

Tempt your tastebuds with the large variety of seafood on offer around New Zealand CREDITS: Graeme Murray; Matthew Crawford

Britomart, Auckland CREDIT: Camilla Rutherford

Te Papa, Wellington CREDIT: Te Papa Museum

Traditional Maori culture

New Zealand works hard to keep Maori culture alive and respect its indigenous culture, so you’ll find plenty of attractions designed to help you understand its history. For a really unique experience, take a Taiamai tour in a 50ft war canoe (otherwise known as a waka), or take a more leisurely approach with a guided tour of the historic site of Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland.

Choosing your seating

There are three cabins to choose from including Economy (which includes the innovative Economy Skycouch™), Premium Economy and Business Premier™. Economy class on Air New Zealand is considered one of the best available, thanks to its comfortable seats with flexible headrests and sculptured upholstery, ergonomically designed to help you enjoy a deeper and more restorative sleep. Each seat is also fitted with its own 9in HD touchscreen and USB socket so you can sit back, relax and catch up on the latest movies. You can also enjoy wine and snacks throughout the flight, and even order them directly from your screen. The menu features delicious fresh dishes such as salad of orzo pasta with celery, pumpkin and Italian balsamic dressing, and chicken tikka masala with steamed jasmine rice.

If you’re travelling with small children or just crave some extra space, you’d be wise to upgrade to Economy Skycouch™. This option gives you a row of three Economy seats that transform into a couch once you’ve taken off. Make it into a comfy play area for the kids or just stretch your legs out while you sleep.

Economy Skycouch™

Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy cabin was named Best Premium Economy 2019 at TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for airlines and, if you want space and privacy, the generously sized separate cabins are well worth the investment. The seats recline 50 per cent more than those in Economy and are styled as soft, leather armchairs with extendable leg rests and roomy armrests – so no fighting for space with your fellow passengers. You’ll also be served food from the airline’s premium range of meals and of course, as much free-poured New Zealand wine as you like.

Premium Economy

Meanwhile in Business Premier™ the luxury continues – so much so that you may forget you’re on an aeroplane all together. Lie-flat beds are fitted with memory-foam mattresses, and two full-size pillows and a cosy duvet will help you get settled in for a movie night or just a great sleep. Each cabin also has ottoman footrests for guests and its own entertainment system. The Business Premier menu is another highlight, created by consultant chef Peter Gordon. Offering a fine-dining experience in the sky, it comprises a delicious range of dishes such as duck breast with orange star anise gastrique, and beef fillet with sweet potato and red onions. Each meal can also be complemented with a glass or two from the airline’s “Fine Wines of New Zealand” list. After you wake from a peaceful slumber, you’ll be served a selection of breakfast fresh pastries, smoothies, coffee, cereals and fresh fruit, followed by made-to-order dishes such as blueberry pancakes and omelettes. It’s everything you need to set you up for the day ahead.

Business Premier™

Aside from the great in-flight perks and comfort, the airline really stands out for the authentic taste of New Zealand that it offers in the sky. Enjoy the locals’ hospitality and genuine warmth of the crew and prepare for much of the same once your feet touch New Zealand soil. So what are you waiting for? Your next adventure awaits.

The culture

Trailfinders is the UK’s No.1 Tour Operator to New Zealand and was voted Which? Travel Brand of the Year 2019. Its well-travelled, expert consultants have an in-depth knowledge of New Zealand and will tailor-make a holiday to your exact requirements, considering all the finer details so you don’t have to – saving you both time and money. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in October, you will benefit from its independent advice, one-to-one service, fluency and skill. There really is no quicker, safer or more enjoyable way to plan your travels.

To book, call 020 7368 1423 and speak to a New Zealand expert or visit trailfinders.com

New Plymouth, Taranaki CREDIT: James Heremaia

A traditional Maori greeting CREDIT: Fraser Clements (left); The haka, made famous by the All Blacks, has become a symbol of Maori culture CREDIT: James Heremaia (top right); An artist works on a wood carving at Te Puia cultural centre in Rotorua CREDIT: Eric Lindberg

Premium Economy

Telegraph Spark

Jason Desir

Catherine Hufton

Loveday Cuming

Emma Copestake

Sandra Hiralal

Pedro Hernandez

Juliet Turner

Rupert Murray

Telegraph Media Group Limited 2020

About us

Rewards

Archive

Reader prints

Branded content

Syndication

Guidelines

Privacy

T&Cs

Advertising terms

Fantasy sport

Betting offers

Voucher Codes UK

Modern Slavery

Telegraph Media Group Limited 2020

About us

Rewards

Archive

Reader prints

Branded content

Syndication

Guidelines

Privacy

T&Cs

Advertising terms

Fantasy sport

Voucher Codes US

Voucher Codes UK

Modern Slavery