From the volcanic heartland of Rotorua and the harbour-dotted Bay of Islands, through Wellington's creative capital and across the Cook Strait to the alpine drama of Queenstown and the wine country of Marlborough — New Zealand's two islands reward those who cross both.
New Zealand sits alone in the South Pacific, 2,000 kilometres from its nearest neighbour. Its two main islands — Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island) and Te Waka o Māui (South Island) — are separated by the Cook Strait, a sometimes turbulent 24-kilometre channel that divides not just land masses but entire personalities.
The North Island is volcanic, subtropical, culturally rich — a living Māori heartland, harbour cities, and geothermal spectacle unlike anything else on earth. The South Island is wilder and more alpine — glaciers, fiords, braided rivers, and mountain ranges that rise from flat Canterbury plains to 3,700-metre peaks in under 50 kilometres.
Most international visitors land in Auckland and head directly south. Those who slow down, cross the strait, and take both islands seriously come away with something entirely different — a country understood, not merely visited.
53 volcanic cones, Waiheke Island wine, the Viaduct Harbour, and New Zealand's most cosmopolitan waterfront.
Dolphins, the Cream Trip, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and the clearest tropical water in the country.
Where the earth breathes — Wai-O-Tapu, Pōhutu Geyser, Māori culture, and the Polynesian Spa.
Te Papa, Cuba Street, world-class coffee, Weta Workshop, and the Interislander ferry south.
The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries connect Wellington to Picton three times daily. The three-hour crossing through the Marlborough Sounds is one of the great scenic passages in the Pacific — a journey as much as a transit.
3 hrs · Daily sailingsBungy jumping, heli-skiing, Millbrook Golf, The Remarkables, and the world's most dramatically situated town.
The world's Sauvignon Blanc capital, the Marlborough Sounds, and New Zealand's sunniest corner.
The reborn garden city, the TranzAlpine rail journey, Mt Hutt skiing, and the Canterbury wine country.
Milford Sound, the Milford Track, Doubtful Sound, and one of the last true wildernesses on earth.
Whether you come for the fairways, the fiords, or the food — our three specialist tour categories are each built around a different way of experiencing the country. All three cross both islands. All three are fully guided with private transport and handpicked accommodation. All three are custom-built around your dates, pace, and priorities.
Waitangi to Millbrook. 14-day grand circuit or custom stages — New Zealand's finest coastal and alpine courses.
Explore Golf ToursBay of Islands sailing to Queenstown bungy, Wānaka paragliding, and Franz Josef heli-hike — the full South Pacific thrill.
Explore AdventuresWaiheke Island to Marlborough, Hawke's Bay harvest estates, Wellington's culinary district — New Zealand's finest table.
Explore Food & WineEvery NZTravelling itinerary is custom-built around your dates and preferences — but these three classic routes give a sense of what's possible at different durations. All are available as fully guided, private-transport journeys with our team handling every detail. All can be extended, condensed, or combined with our specialist tour categories.
Auckland is the main international gateway. Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth daily. Flight time approx. 3–3.5 hours from east coast Australia. Also served by Singapore, Dubai, LA, London and Hong Kong.
The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries run Wellington–Picton year-round. 3 hours through the Marlborough Sounds — a stunning crossing in its own right. Book ahead in summer. Foot passenger or vehicle.
December–February for peak summer warmth (both islands). March–May is excellent — settled, warm, fewer crowds. Winter is mild in the North Island and dramatic in the South. New Zealand is a year-round destination.
Australian passport holders do not require a visa for New Zealand. Bring a valid Australian passport. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. EFTPOS and credit cards accepted almost everywhere.
Tell us how many days you have, which island calls loudest, and whether golf, adventure, food, or a combination drives your travel — and we'll craft an itinerary worthy of both islands. No obligation, 48-hour turnaround, 30+ years of New Zealand expertise behind every recommendation.