Five amazing experiences in New Zealand

Of all the destinations A&K takes its clients to, New Zealand is a firm favourite. Bigger than the UK by 25,000 square kilometres, yet with less than a tenth of the population, here you can always find your own deserted beaches and untouched landscapes. These five experiences showcase the best of this stunning nation.

Dive into culture

The Northland is the birthplace of this magical country, and it’s also home to the superb hotel, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs. In New Zealand, Maori history, traditions and language are regarded as central to the country’s identity, and the integration of modern Kiwi and Maori is well balanced. To get well and truly acquainted with New Zealand, take a trip to the historic site of Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the country’s founding document was written in 1840. With traditional performances, a museum and a private tour with a local Maori guide, enjoy the best possible introduction to this unique destination. 

Discover the great outdoors

Head south to see New Zealand’s nature at its best. The Abel Tasman National Park is full of crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, rainforest and endless ways to explore this beautiful wilderness. As you take guided walks and kayaking trips, you’ll get to see some incredible wildlife, from the penguin to the many possum. You can even take a five-day trek here to discover complete tranquillity.

Pure indulgence

Often quoted as ‘the sauvignon capital of the world’, the Marlborough region is also renowned for its delightful cuisine. Talented chefs have been drawn to the region from all over due its high-quality ingredients. Scores of cafés, restaurants and farmers’ markets have opened, not to mention luxury hotels like The Marlborough Lodge. Smoked salmon, blue cod and greenshell mussels are all a must, and sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and riesling tastings are the perfect reason to take the local vineyard tours. Worried about the impact of all the chow? Well, Marlborough has the solution to that too – the flat terrain makes it easy to explore by bike on a gentle cycle tour to burn off those excess calories.

Coast drives

For a one-day, Instagram-worthy drive, take the Picton to Kaikoura road which is set to reopen in 2018. This route hugs the South Island’s spectacular coastline. Take regular breaks on the abundant beaches and keep a lookout for the many seal that dot the coastline. Local restaurants here will serve the tastiest lunch of freshly caught lobster you’ve ever tried, before you finish up in Kaikoura, New Zealand’s whale-watching capital. Enjoy a unique perspective with a Wings Over Whales tour, viewing these spectacular mammals in their natural habitat, while appreciating their scale and majesty from the air. For total peace, quiet and tranquillity, stay at the nearby Hapuku Lodge, where you can sleep in a luxury treehouse for an experience like no other.

Unlimited adventure

Frequently called the adventure capital of the world, no visit to New Zealand is complete without a stop in Queenstown. Try everything from jet-ski safaris, white-water rafting, kayaking, off-road tours, bungee jumping, sky diving and zip lining. Whatever sets your heart racing, you can guarantee there’s no better place to try it than Queenstown. Those looking for a different kind of adventure will find this region full of dramatic and exotic fjords that are simply dying to be explored. Rosewood Matakauri is somewhere you can temporarily leave civilisation to experience the snow-capped Remarkables looming over the blue-green sheen of Lake Wakatipu, perfect for those set for an unparalleled hiking adventure.