Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

New Zealand Holidays

One for those who adore the outdoors. Seek out whales in Kaikoura, tour a steaming crater floor or take a heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier.

New Zealand is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the world and in a single day, you could pass soaring volcanic peaks, drive past lakes and rivers fringed by dense woodland, cross-fertile plains and end on a glorious beach.

Wide-open spaces, a healthy outdoor lifestyle, world-class cuisine and wines, warm friendly people and a pleasant climate are just a few of the reasons why we love to holiday in New Zealand.

Discover New Zealand's Regions

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

A New Zealand holiday with Steppes Travel

Our travel experts have spent time living and working in New Zealand and have travelled the length and breadth of the country, both on a shoestring and in sheer luxury, with helicopter transfers the norm! Their passion and specialist knowledge can open doors to less travelled areas while ensuring the iconic sites are not missed.

We find that the ideal duration for a holiday to New Zealand is around 23 days, with time spent exploring both the north and south islands.

Need Inspiration?
Browse our tailor-made holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Explore New Zealand

  • Bay of Islands
  • Auckland
  • Rotorua
  • Wellington
  • Nelson and Marlborough
  • Kaikoura
  • West Coast Glaciers
  • Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo
  • Milford Sound and the Fiordlands
  • Queenstown
  • Dunedin and the Catlins
Road to Mount Cook, New Zealand
Road to Mount Cook
Rear view of Coral Discoverer with tender circling it and heading into shore.
Coral Discoverer
Ocean Cycle Trail, Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
Cycling around Lake Pukaki

By Land, Air or Sea

New Zealand’s empty roads hug epic landscapes with spectacular views at every turn. New Zealanders also drive on the left making it the ideal self-drive destination. Combine this with the scenic Tranz Alpine train, stunning boat journeys and explorations on foot or by bike and we will ensure you get the best out of a holiday to New Zealand. We would highly recommend blowing a little of the budget on a plane or helicopter flight. A truly spectacular and exhilarating way to see the country, whether landing on a remote island, the top of a mountain, a glacier or a deserted beach, it is sure to be a highlight.

If the idea of unpacking every few days doesn’t appeal, consider a cruise around New Zealand. Circumnavigate the coastline of both north and south islands, staying onboard a comfortable expeditionary ship and exploring some spectacular and remote areas.

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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Huka Lodge £££££

  • New Zealand
  • Wilderness

Regularly rated as one of the world’s top retreats, Huka Lodge dates to the 1920s when it was originally a simple fishing lodge. Located on the shores of the Waikato River, a short distance from the cascading Huka Falls, this boutique lodge combines extremely comfortable accommodation with a gourmet dining experience and magical location. The 19 rooms and two cottages are furnished using antiques and historical artwork and all have bifold doors framing the wonderful river views. Facilities include a choice of swimming pools, tennis courts and plenty of experiences from fishing to cycling.

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Hapuku Lodge £££££

  • New Zealand
  • Boutique

In one of the South Island’s most spectacular settings, sandwiched between the ocean and snow-capped peaks, Hapuku Lodge offers the chance to stay in a treehouse suspended 10 metres up in native Manuka trees. Set in a peaceful location in the heart of the rolling countryside, the 1,600 acres surrounding the property include olive groves and the family’s deer farm.

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Annandale Homestead £££££

  • New Zealand
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Annandale is a 4,000-acre working sheep and cattle farm with 10 kilometres of remote coastline, housing four distinctive luxury villas. This wild and secluded corner of New Zealand is a true escape from the modern world with each of the four properties reached via 4WD, helicopter or boat. Meals are delivered to your villa with a strong farm to table ethos, using the freshest ingredients. Alternatively, hire a personal chef for the duration of your stay.

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Eichardt’s Private Hotel £££££

  • New Zealand
  • Boutique

Eichardt’s Private Hotel occupies a magnificent location on the shores of Lake Whakatipu. A historic building dating back to 1859, this boutique hotel combines original features, open fires and antique furniture with chic interior design and contemporary touches. Each of the five lodge suites have balconies making the most of the lake and mountain views. Alternatively, stay in one of the lakefront apartment suites or the penthouse with large terrace areas and sweeping panoramic views. Take a stroll to the lakeside beach, visit the award-winning bar for evening cocktails or organise a spa treatment in your suite.

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Experiences

What kind of adventures are you looking for? We can help find unique experiences tailored to you.

Whale, Kaikoura, New Zealand
New Zealand

Whale Watching

Search for sperm, humpback, pilot and blue whale as well as orca, dolphin and albatross off the coast of Kaikoura. Take to the skies for an aerial view or by boat to get closer to the action.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Vineyard, Marlborough, New Zealand
New Zealand

Wine Tasting by Bike

Cycle between the vineyards of Marlborough sampling award-winning pinot noir before stopping for a crayfish lunch.

Suggested Holiday Idea

TranzAlpine train
New Zealand

TranzAlpine Train Journey

Board the TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey between Greymouth and Christchurch, passing through epic scenery.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hobbiton, Shire, New Zealand
New Zealand

Middle Earth Experience

Journey to Matamata, wander through the Shire, home of the hobbits and learn how the set was created.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Abel Tasman
New Zealand

Kayaking in Abel Tasman

Sea kayak in the crystal clear waters of the Abel Tasman National Park, following a coastline of golden beaches and lush rainforest.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand
New Zealand

Tongariro Crossing

Hike through the lunar landscapes and emerald lakes of the Tongariro National Park on this one day walk.

Wilderness of Fiordland National Park, South island, New Zealand
New Zealand

Overnight on Doubtful Sounds

Overnight on a luxury motor boat amidst the awesome scenery of the Doubtful Sounds.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hapuku Lodge Treehouses in Kaikoura
New Zealand

A Treetop Stay

Stay in a treehouse at Hapuku Lodge and dine out on the freshest crayfish in Kaikoura.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Brown Kiwi, New Zealand
New Zealand

Spot kiwi on Kapiti Island

Visit Kapiti Island, a nature reserve off the west coast of the North Island, which is home to a wealth of birdlife including the kiwi.

Maori Meeting House, Rotorua, New Zealand
New Zealand

A Day with a Maori Elder

Experience Hawke’s Bay through the eyes of a Maori elder. Spend a day in their company, learning about their legends and mythology – a window into Maori culture that few get to experience.

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Frequently asked questions about New Zealand

What are the road conditions like in New Zealand?

What are the rules on tipping in New Zealand?

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Which island should I visit on a holiday to New Zealand; North, South or both?

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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


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