Here’s why you should book a flight to New Zealand now

The first thing on everyone’s mind when it comes to holiday activities is adventure. Where is the day going to take them? From jet boating to bungy jumping, partaking in extreme activities has become almost a rite of passage when visiting New Zealand. Take your pick from the menu of fun things to do like zipping through the treetops in Rotorua on a zipline, bungy jumping, heli-hiking at Franz Josef Glacier if mountains and snow are your thing, going on an off-road drive in the colossal Te Paki dunes in Northland or zooming down in a raft at Lake Taupō, in the wild West Coast.

Let’s be honest – when in New Zealand, you’re most likely going to spend most of your time outdoors. And why shouldn’t you? New Zealand is known for its gorgeous natural landscapes and there’s a variety to choose from. Head out to the ocean for whale watching and swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura in the South Island, go cave spelunking in the Waitomo Caves on the North Island which is known for its glowworms or put on your hiking boots for a trail in the wilderness all around New Zealand. Embark on a trek to see Milford Sound or indulge in a stroll in the fantastical Hobbiton Movie Set if you are a fan of the Lord of The Rings trilogy. 

When on holiday, have as many meals, local wines and craft beers as you can – and there’s plenty to try in New Zealand. The country has 14,000 kilometres of coastline so it’s no wonder its seafood is world-famous. Go straight to the source for king salmon at Mount Cook, travel to Marlborough for creamy green-lipped mussels, and for something different, sample its amazing crayfish at the small town of Kaikōura where you can get some at seafood caravans along the coast. 

Besides seafood, do find the chance to experience a Māori hāngī where food is cooked in a traditional earth oven. This event is saved for special occasions and you can sample all kinds of meat including lamb, chicken, pork and also vegetables. The best place for a hāngī is Rotorua, in the central North Island.

We all go on holiday to ultimately take a break from the everyday grind of life – and to relax. Well, in New Zealand relaxation is something they take seriously. Spend a day at the naturally heated thermal pools at Otumuheke Spa Park in Lake Taupo – and book a day spa while at it – or jump into one of the hot tubs at Omarama that has stunning mountainous views of the nearby Saint Cuthbert Range.

They say the best way to know the country is to know its people. Known as the indigenous population of New Zealand, the Māori people’s long history originated when they arrived in the early- to mid-1300s. Hundreds of years later, the Māori culture, rich with arts and tradition, is still a big part of New Zealand’s identity. Learn about New Zealand’s beautiful Māori culture directly from these passionate descendants of the land. 

Experience authentic manaakitanga (Māori hospitality) and deepen your connection with Aotearoa New Zealand. Join a personal and guided tour to see the sights of Whangārei where you can see and hear the beauty and stories of Aotearoa NZ. Pay a visit to a living Māori village in Whakarewarewa and then enjoy a hāngī afterwards – there’s much to see – and learn – about this rich culture. 

What are you waiting for? A new (and quarantine-less) adventure awaits you in New Zealand. Book a flight now or learn more at www.newzealand.com.