Things to do in New Zealand

Discover world-class wines

A combination of soil, climate and water helps New Zealand to produce world-class wines, distinctive for their intensity and vibrancy. Vineyards are found throughout the country, from the sub-tropical Northland to the world’s most southerly grape growing region of Central Otago in the South Island. Visits to these vineyards, accompanied by gourmet meals and wine tastings, can be arranged at many points on a tour of New Zealand, and many lodges hold extensive wine lists.

Experience wildlife

On the spectacular East Coast, the small town of Kaikoura offers some of New Zealand’s best wildlife experiences, with a year-round whale population, dolphins, seals and albatrosses. The environment is truly spectacular; the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. The main reason to visit Kaikoura is for marine mammal encounters as whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale-watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining.

Fly over Fiordland

The southwestern region of New Zealand’s South Island is perhaps the country’s most scenic and dramatic area, with mountains, fiords, lakes and forests at every turn. Two of the most famous of New Zealand’s Great Walks are in Fiordland – the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track – both providing diverse and dramatic scenery with forests, mountains and steep fiords. Cruises in Milford and Doubtful Sounds, and helicopter flights over the national park are the some of the quickest and best ways to experience this spectacular region.

Learn Maori legend

Visit significant sites to the Maori culture, including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the first signing of the treaty was completed between the British and the Maoris in 1840. Tour the Museum of New Zealand in Wellington and experience a mihimihi (greeting) and a waiata (song) on a marae (communal meeting place). In Rotorua there is an opportunity to enjoy a traditional style of cooking called hāngi, where a shallow pit is dug in the ground, a fire is lit and stones placed on top. Food is wrapped and placed on top of the stones, and then covered in earth and left for several hours.

Tailor-made

Tailor-made

Genuinely small groups

Small groups promise a more personal touring experience. That’s why Cox & Kings maintains a maximum group size of 18 guests on most tours, and an average of just 14.

Worldwide support

Enjoy round-the-clock support – in person, over the phone and online. This is made possible by our well-travelled staff and unrivalled network of offices in destinations across the world.

Your money is protected

Cox & Kings is ABTA bonded and ATOL protected. When you arrange a holiday with us, rest assured that your booking is secure and your money is protected.

Experts since 1758

Cox & Kings is a name you can trust. We’ve been helping the curious traveller explore for more than 265 years – longer than any other travel company.

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Top things to do in New Zealand