New Zealand Holiday Homes & Accommodation

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the landscape of New Zealand remains one of the most unspoilt in the world. The country is composed of two main islands surrounded by more than 600 smaller ones. Known for its biodiversity, dynamic culture and love of extreme sports, New Zealand is a great holiday destination for all the family.

Getting to Your New Zealand Accommodation

Wherever you book a holiday home, you'll find a range of options for getting to your New Zealand accommodation. The biggest and busiest airports are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, all of which receive multiple direct daily flights from Australia. They all have excellent road and public transport links to the city.

If you're heading somewhere off the beaten track, hiring a car is a convenient way to reach your holiday home. You'll find car hire companies at every airport and in all towns and cities. As many of the most beautiful places in New Zealand are in remote areas, having your own car lets you see the best of the country.

That said, there's a reliable network of Intercity buses, as well as numerous private shuttle companies operating regional routes. There are also specific services for some holiday regions, including shuttle buses up to ski resorts from Wanaka’s, Queenstown’s, and Taupo’s town centres.

What to Eat on Your New Zealand Holiday

Due to its geographic location, New Zealand's cuisine mainly relies on locally produced ingredients. As one of the largest sheep farming countries in the world, it will come as no surprise that lamb is one of the local specialities. Usually seasoned with herbs and accompanied with vegetables, roast lamb is one of New Zealand's most popular dishes.

Food in New Zealand is influenced by British cuisine as well as the indigenous Māori culture and Kiwis still cook special meals on heated stones. This ancient method of cooking with earth ovens is called hāngi and is used to cook meat and vegetables as well as steamed pudding.

A full tour of the local food culture is not complete without tasting fish freshly grilled by the beach. Pick snapper, hoki, terakihi or squid from the catch of the day your and dip your toes in the water as you wait for your meal.

In addition to the quality of its food, New Zealand is known internationally for its award-winning wines, from full-bodied Pinot Noir to lighter Merlot and fruity white wines, there is a tipple to suit every taste. Wines are often paired with local cheeses made from sheep's milk .

Discover New Zealand's Rich Culture and Ancient Traditions

Discover what being a Kiwi means and the rich Māori culture. Sport has conributed to spreading this culture with the haka, a traditional war dance performed before every national rugby match. This ancient dance was traditionally performed by Māoris on the battlefield but also when villages were signing peace treaties. The terrifying dance is used to impress opponents with foot-stamping, body slapping and facial grimaces. The ritual is particularly loved by sport fans who scrutinize the reaction of the challengers.

The traditional welcome pōwhiri starts with the host challenging guests by laying down an item – usually a piece of wood – for the invitee to pick up as a sign of peace. A woman from the host’s village will then sound a note from a conch shell and the guests’ must respond with their own call. Joint prayers and speeches from both sides follow. Although this is an ancestral and long ceremony, a shorter version of the ceremony is performed at hotels to welcome their guests. For a less formal greeting, hosts and guests welcome each other by touching noses. This is followed by food sharing, a traditional sign of Māori hospitality.

New Zealand Holidays with Kids

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies where shot in the lush countryside around Waikato and the whole family will appreciate a visit to these iconic landscapes.

New Zealand has one of the darkest skies in the world as light pollution is limited. This makes it the ideal destination for stargazing. Visit the Mount John Observatory to see the huge telescopes and talk to guides who will help you spot comets.

Many treks, hikes and walks are accessible for children so get your walking shoes on and explore the untouched landscape. This is the perfect occasion to teach children the importance of conservation and human impact on biodiversity. More relaxed activities such as mini golf, bathing in natural hot water pools and air ballooning are amongst the other popular family activities which New Zealand is known for.

New Zealand: Your Adventure Awaits!

With its numerous mountain peaks, forests, lakes and rivers, New Zealand is the perfect playground for adventure seekers. Hike the Tongariro to admire the volcanic land, emerald lakes and solidified lava flows. The trek will take you to Lake Taupo and Ruapehu.

For an adrenaline rush to remember climb the world’s highest waterfall at Wanaka. Explore the secret caves on the way to the top and admire the powerful waterfall while staying dry! You can explore the extensive natural caves by walking or canoeing. St Benedict's Caverns are ideal for beginners and feature a zip line crossing the 100m long 40m high chamber filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Bungy jumping is another of New Zealand's popular activities. The iconic Kawarau bridge or locations above Lake Taupo are some of the best destinations to indulge in this extreme pastime.

There’s a Holiday for Everyone in New Zealand

During the winter, active holidaymakers can enjoy world-class ski holidays in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Summer brings idyllic beach escapes and fantastic watersport opportunities, from surfing and sailing to world-class wakeboarding and river fishing.

If you'd rather just relax, try a wellness retreat in the tranquil hills of Central Otago, or the natural thermal springs in Rotorua or Hanmer Springs. Alternatively, pamper yourself with a luxurious spa retreat overlooking Milford Sound or the Bay of Islands.

New Zealand is also great for city breaks. Christchurch is full of funky bars, eateries, and a vibrant art and music scene, while Auckland is perhaps the most beach-friendly major city in the world. Trendy Wellington is home to New Zealand's government and the Lord of the Rings movies, while Dunedin combines 19th-century heritage with incredible wildlife along the Otago Peninsula.

Frequently Asked Questions