The ultimate guide to travelling in New Zealand

Lupin fields at Lake Tekapo with snow-tipped mountains in the distance

Written by Ingrid Laurence for Australian Seniors

It’s not hard to understand New Zealand’s appeal. It’s a short flight away, everyone speaks English, they drive on the left and the welcome is warm. And there’s jaw-dropping scenery at every turn, from towering mountains, glaciers and the adventure playground of Queenstown in the South Island to the white sandy beaches, lush semi-tropical greenery and geothermal springs of the North Island.

Exploring New Zealand by guided tour

“It’s what makes the destination so attractive to seasoned travellers,” Karl Petrie says. He is the founder of Gold Club Tours – specialists in fully escorted coach and train tours across the land of the long white cloud, designed specifically for over 50s.

“For many Australians in this stage of life, the connection to Māori culture, the quality of food and wine and the sheer variety of experiences – from alpine scenery to heritage towns and wildlife – are what make New Zealand so appealing and easy to enjoy,” Karl says.

Guided tours offer the reassurance of having flights, accommodation, transport and transfers organised for you, with local, professional guides on hand to bring each destination to life, he says, adding that train trips are one of the highlights of his itineraries.

“Rail is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to experience New Zealand. The TranzAlpine in particular is consistently ranked among the world’s great rail journeys, crossing the Southern Alps. Guests love being able to sit back, relax, and enjoy landscapes that are often inaccessible by road,” Karl adds.

TranzAlpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth on a crisp autumn day

“Walking holidays are also extremely popular,” Simon Mckearney – Intrepid Travel New Zealand country general manager – says, while also adding that they have seen a 100% year-on-year growth in Australians over 50 travelling to Aotearoa.

“We’re seeing a shift towards experience-rich, slower-paced itineraries. Walking-based trips are growing in popularity, combining iconic landscapes with comfortable accommodation. Food and wine experiences are also a major draw.”

Guided tours take out the complexity of discovering such a rich and varied country, adds Ben Hall AAT Kings Group CEO, who reports particularly strong demand for small group experiences.

“These tours combine New Zealand’s iconic landscapes with immersive experiences around food, wine and storytelling. Travellers are drawn to journeys that feel slower and more layered, where scenery is complemented by regional flavours and local insight.”

Another popular experience is the overnight stay aboard the Milford Mariner, offered on select South Island itineraries, he says. “It allows guests to experience Milford Sound after the day crowds depart and wake up surrounded by Fiordland’s natural beauty.”

Sailing the coast of New Zealand by cruise ship – A firsthand account

A traveller shares their firsthand account of their cruise ship adventure exploring New Zealand:

As our ship, the Noordam, eases away from the pier, we join a lively sail-away party set against Auckland’s glittering harbour and the brooding volcanic silhouette of Rangitoto Island. It’s the start of a Holland America cruise along the coast of New Zealand’s North and South islands.

Alongside nearly 2,000 other guests, we’re looking forward to exploring a new port every morning – and unpacking and repacking our suitcases just once (or letting our dedicated cabin crew take care of that for us).

Our cruise promises a “restorative and energising escape”, with opportunities to join tai chi and yoga classes, hit the fitness centre, or treat ourselves to the ship’s greenhouse spa and salon. And on days where bad weather sets in (dress code tends towards ‘four seasons in one day’) and land tours are cancelled, we can expect activities like line dancing, table tennis tournaments, watercolour painting and concerts to join an already packed program of classes and entertainment. With the ship’s Lido pool and hot tubs protected by a retractable glass roof, the weather will hardly bother anyone.

If you’re travelling solo or live with a disability, cruising can be a reassuringly safe and hassle-free way to see New Zealand.

Following our first-night welcome, we wake in Tauranga on the Bay of Plenty, gateway to the geothermal wonderlands of Rotorua. With a hint of sulphur in the air, we set off on our day trip visiting geysers, mud pools, Māori craft demonstrations and a Kiwi nocturnal house, ending the day with a relaxing soak in lakeside hot springs. For cinephiles, Hobbiton – the lush film set for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies – is also within easy reach.

Entrance to a hobbit’s home on Hobbiton film set

The next day we set out to explore Napier, and the nearby Hawke’s Bay wine country and dramatic landscapes of Cape Kidnappers. Or, for something closer to shore, simply wander the streets and marvel at this world-class Art Deco city that blends 1930s style with Māori motifs.

We finish the day with a room service dinner in our verandah stateroom, and wake the next morning as the ship crosses to the South Island and into the Queen Charlotte Sound. It’s one of the country’s most spectacular sights: a coastal paradise of forested hills, deep blue waters and deserted coves. Once in port in Picton, we can choose to explore further on boat, bike or foot, or make the short trip to the world-famous cellar doors of the Marlborough vineyards.

Sailing further south, the coast is soon fringed with snow-capped mountains, adding a dramatic backdrop to meals on board. We’re spoiled for choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Although the full cruise runs for 14 days, we’re only onboard for a week, and we sail into Port Chalmers, Dunedin, on our last morning, ready to head out and explore the Otago Peninsula, home to giant albatrosses, penguins and seals.

The Noordam’s remaining passengers continue on the final leg, with scenic cruising in Milford Sound – a glacier-carved inlet with towering peaks and dramatic waterfalls – before calling at Hobart and Melbourne, then finally docking in Sydney.

Before hopping on, read this: 8 things you need to know before boarding a cruise

Discovering New Zealand by motorhome or car

“For me, the biggest attraction of driving around New Zealand is the sense of adventure and the chance to fully reconnect with nature. You can drive a short distance and be somewhere completely different – from climbing into the mountains to discovering lakes, walking through native bush and swimming in streams or oceans," Tanya says.

You can be spontaneous, and I often just show up wherever I find myself that day. If you’re in a self-contained motorhome, there are many ‘freedom camping’ sites on public land where it is free to park overnight (only in designated areas – check first). You’ll also find Department of Conservation campsites, a cheaper option usually located in beautiful wilderness areas, as well as regional council campsites and commercial campgrounds with full facilities.

If you’re in a car and travelling outside the school holidays, it’s easy to find motels and hotels for all budgets on the move. For the big tourist destinations like Queenstown, Wanaka and Rotorua, and during peak holiday periods, it’s best to book ahead, but again there’s plenty of choice.

Be aware that driving conditions can often be challenging, with windy, narrow roads in places. Allow for extra time to get there, and take care to watch for high winds when travelling in a motorhome. I was travelling on my own but invariably felt safe. People on the whole are super friendly and helpful. In fact, the highlight of my year, alongside getting back into the mountains and nature, was meeting fellow travellers.”

Tanya’s favourite routes to drive in New Zealand

A hiker walks on the Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki / Mount Cook

Christchurch to the West Coast (Via Arthur’s Pass and back via Haast Pass and Aoraki/Mount Cook): As well as the usual tourist attractions visit Okarito and do the eco boat tour
Fiordland: Wanaka to Milford Sound (Via Crown Range): Stunning scenery, driving into the mountains and through the Homer Tunnel is an amazing experience, with many nearby walks
Auckland to Cape Reinga (Via the peninsulas and little bays in Northland): The beachfront camping site at Tawharanui is idyllic and you may even spot a takahe, a rare flightless bird
The Coromandel Peninsula: As well as visiting Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach explore the little beach towns like Hahei
Christchurch to Abel Tasman (Via Kaikoura and back to Christchurch via Maruia Springs): See the fur seals at Ohau Point and enjoy a hot pool experience in the wilderness

Cathedral Cove with calm waters on a clear day

5 Unique New Zealand Experiences

Whether its by land, sea or air – these five unique New Zealand experiences are sure to pique the most seasoned traveller’s interest!

Go exploring: Heritage Expeditions’ eight-day Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure transports you to untouched coastal landscapes on board a luxury 18-guest expedition yacht.
Ride the rails: The 17-day Gold Club Tours New Zealand Best of Rail offers panoramic train journeys across both islands on an itinerary packed with sightseeing, lake and Fiordland cruises and gourmet dinners.
Say hello to an icon: You’ll have your best chance in the world for spotting a kiwi in the wild on a night tour of the predator-free bird reserve of Kapiti Island near Wellington, led by local Māori guides.
Go Fishing: Keen anglers will find their paradise at Huka Lodge, with guest suites situated on the banks of the trout-rich Waikato River, close to the vast freshwater fishing attractions of Lake Taupo.
Take Flight: Book a Glacier Helicopters flight across the Southern Alps, soaring across rainforests, alpine lakes and icefalls, and touch down on the snow on top of the Franz Josef glacier.

Are you ready to plan your next adventure and drift across the ditch to the Land of the Long White Cloud, discovering all it has to offer?

5 Jun 2026