Top 5 Reasons to Visit New Zealand

Rob Grieve

Asia-Pacific | New Zealand

Dramatically emerging out of the Tasman Sea, and residing in the ample shadow of Australia, New Zealand has always asked its visitors to make an extra effort to get here—but that is part of its intrigue. Upon doing so, those who try are warmly and richly rewarded.

Consider, for one, the native Maoris who paddled their mighty ocean-going canoes from Polynesia to claim this land. Even those first Europeans who could have settled for Australia after months of travel decided they’d carry on for another 2,000 kilometres to get away from it all. For those who did persevere, what awaited—and indeed, what awaits you—is one of the most remarkable lands you’ll ever experience.

Myriad reasons draw people to New Zealand. Off the top of my head I could rattle off about 793 reasons to visit (but please don’t hold me to that). For the sake of brevity, and to keep some surprises in store, I’ll settle for these reasons below.

Natural Diversity:

New Zealand boasts geysers, hot springs, towering mountain peaks, verdant hills, massive glaciers, golden arcs of beach and a flightless bird that occasionally utters, ‘Keeeee-Weeeeee.’

Getting There is Half the Fun:

French Polynesia marks just over halfway to New Zealand from L.A.—and it’s the perfect piece of paradise to enjoy a stopover before you carry on to the land of the Maori.

See For Yourself

Beaches, fjords, vineyards, glaciers, rain forests, plains, meadows, mountains… beauty is served raw down here. On our New Zealand Walking Journey, see it for yourself.

DETAILED ITINERARY

It’s Progressive:

New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote (as this tribute to suffragettes in Christchurch attests). The Kate Sheppard National Memorial features the leading campaigner for women’s suffrage, along with Helen Nicol, Ada Wells, Harriet Morison, Meri Te Tai Mangakahia and Amey Daldy, who also were leaders of the cause. A great reason to raise a glass of award-winning Pinot Noir from the vineyard we just biked by.

Walking is an art form:

Thanks to the ever-wondrous, jaw-droppingly beautiful, diverse landscape of NZ, hiking—or “tramping” as it’s commonly known here—is considered the national pastime.

The sheep outnumber humans by approximately 12:1

OK, it’s just a number—but it’s still mind-boggling! Come meet some of my (warmly attired) neighbours.

Travel Inspiration Travel Tips

Rob Grieve

When we can drag him down from the mountain or get him off his bike, Trip Designer Rob Grieve can be found planning and guiding trips that immerse travellers in his native New Zealand, which explains the (ridiculously charming) accent.

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Susan durfee says:

Dec 28, 2013 at 12:39 pm

When do you run the New Zealand and Australia trips

Reply
1. Dave Bowden says:
  
  Dec 30, 2013 at 12:35 pm
  
  Hi Susan,
  
  We’ve passed your question on to our Private Travel team, who can arrange custom trips in New Zealand and Australia at times that work for you. They’ll be in touch!
  
  Reply
Claudia Biegler says:

Feb 10, 2014 at 9:14 pm

We are interested in New Zealand walking tour in November 2014. Please contact us.

Reply
1. Dave Bowden says:
  
  Feb 11, 2014 at 10:47 am
  
  Thanks for your interest Claudia! We’ve passed your request over to our Private Travel department, who will be in touch soon.
  
  Reply