If you feel most alive while in motion, what better way to explore New Zealand than on foot or by bicycle? For a grand adventure, the Te Araroa runs the length of the country from north to south, spanning 3,000 kilometres long. If you don’t have that much leave (or just want to get a taste of the trails), trek just a segment or hike one of the eleven Great Walks of New Zealand. The Abel Tasman Coast Track weaves along golden beaches, the Milford Track takes you to impressive fiordlands, and the Tongariro Northern Circuit is a trail of volcanic wonders. Or, hop on a bike and find your ride. There are 23 official Great Rides leading through remote wilderness, foodie-friendly towns and winery regions, plus the major scenic highlights of the country. You’ll board your flight home feeling fully refreshed.

New Zealand’s landscapes often steal the spotlight, but its waterways are just as unforgettable. From lakes and rivers to fiords and open sea, the country’s aquatic adventures bring a different kind of magic and a deep sense of awe. In Auckland, set out on the Hauraki Gulf with the Whale and Dolphin Safari, where dolphins often ride the bow waves and seabirds glide overhead. It’s a haven for migrating whales and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive Bryde’s whale. On Lake Taupō, Taupō Sailing Adventures offers a peaceful cruise across the country’s largest lake to see the striking Māori rock carvings of Mine Bay. In Queenstown, step back in time aboard the century-old TSS Earnslaw, a steamboat that ferries passengers across Lake Wakatipu against a backdrop of dramatic mountains. For more natural wonders, cruise into the dramatic fiords of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, and get misted by waterfalls tumbling from the cliffs. These moments on the water invite quiet reflection and a deeper connection with nature.

Whether you crave solitude and serenity, great surf, a stretch of golden sand or even a spa experience, there’s a beach for everyone. With over 15,000 kilometres of coastline, each stretch of shoreline has its own allure. Cathedral Cove is a standout for its natural beauty, where a grand archway carved into white cliffs looks out to limestone stacks offshore. For surfers, venturing to the cool surf town of Raglan is a must, famous for its long, perfect left-handers and laid-back vibe. Piha, with its dramatic black volcanic sand, offers powerful surf breaks alongside beginner-friendly waves. And if relaxation is what you’re after, Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula delivers one of the most unique spa experiences around. Dig your own pool in the sand and soak in the natural geothermal warmth just steps away from the ocean.

With New Zealand recently announced as the MICHELIN Guide's next destination to visit, the country’s food scene is set to become even more compelling for travellers. Chefs embrace seasonal ingredients and indigenous cooking techniques to craft cuisine that tells a deeper story. Take part in the sea-to-table cooking experience with Hapuku Kitchen, where you source, prepare and dine on freshly caught seafood using traditional Māori cooking methods. Students at Hapuku Kitchen can stay in luxury treehouses near the school. For a wellness retreat with delicious meals made from local ingredients, stay at Sherwood Queenstown in Queenstown. For more foodie-friendly trip ideas: go wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay or Marlborough; embrace café culture in Auckland and Christchurch; and enjoy a traditional Māori hāngī in Rotorua.

New Zealand's cities each have their own flavour, blending culture, creativity, and plenty of ways to explore. Set on the edge of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland balances urban lifestyle with natural escapes. Explore the city's historic sites and ties to Māori culture through a guided city walking tour, or venture on foot into the Waitakere Ranges national park just outside the city centre. Further south, explore New Zealand's capital city Wellington on a guided e-bike tour through its bays. Meanwhile, Christchurch mixes heritage with innovation. Embark on a cultural food walking tour of the city with Āmiki Tours to discover its art, heritage, culture and extensive food scene.

Māori culture is the living heartbeat of Aotearoa New Zealand, where travellers can learn and connect in respectful ways. In Rotorua, Te Puia combines geothermal wonders of colourful pools and geysers with traditional arts and storytelling in the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. It’s also a place where you can witness the haka, a cultural performance. Kaitiaki Adventures combines culture with adventure on river rafting trips and hikes to the volcanic crater of Mount Tarawera, where you’ll hear traditional stories about the land interspersed though the adventures. On the coast, you can join Waka Abel Tasman to paddle a traditional canoe across golden bays, experiencing the rhythm of teamwork and history. Once the sun goes down, peer into the cosmos with Horizon Stargazing Tours, where Māori constellations reveal how the stars once guided navigation and culture.