Private Tour of New Zealand

Auckland, the biggest city in Polynesia, is situated in the north of North Island between two harbours. The city has been named the most multicultural one on earth and boasts a lively modern centre as well as spectacular natural attractions. At the Sky Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere, dine in a revolving restaurant or get involved in pulse-quickening base jumping or Sky Walking. Further adrenaline can be found at the famous Rainbows End theme park, as well as along the harbour (with watersports), at diving spots the (Great Barrier Reef and Goat Island Marine Reserve) and among the string of 45 volcanoes found here. Explore superb art galleries, live music venues, restaurants, and shops or picnic at the gorgeous Auckland Botanic Gardens. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World.

Waiheke Island offers stunning vineyards, gorgeous olive groves and spectacular beaches, all just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. This once sleepy destination is now a holiday hotspot for New Zealand’s wealthy upper class. Waiheke boasts an impressive array of gorgeous galleries, quirky craft stores and tempting cafes. It is also the proud host to 19 high quality, boutique vineyards, many with excellent restaurants on site offering stunning views and serving a variety of culinary delights. Make sure to try New Zealand's fresh Pacific Rim cuisine, famous for its fresh, subtle or spicy dishes. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, zip-lining, clay pigeon shooting, exploring lush nature reserves, and exploring the sheltered bays with small surf making them ideal for a relaxing swim.

The city of Rotorua has been a spa town since the 1800s, thanks to the many geysers, hot springs and mud pools that can be found in what is one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. The Maori, who considered the region sacred, make up 35% of the population and a popular attraction is discovering their rich culture and traditions. Rotorua is surrounded by lakes, mountains, forests and other natural features that afford visitors the opportunity to try out a number of outdoor activities between relaxing sessions in the hot springs and pools.

Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery at the foot of the majestic volcano, Mount Tarawera, lies the largest of the 18 magnificent lakes of the Rotorua region, Lake Tarawera. Visitors to the area spend their days: mountain biking or horse riding amidst the lush, native and exotic trees of the gorgeous Whakarewarewa Forest; exploring the fascinating living Māori village of Ohinemutu; taking scenic boat cruises to discover ancient Maori cave drawings; or relaxing at the secluded Hot Water beach, where geothermal springs warm the lake’s glistening waters. Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground with plenty of fishing, boating, and other watersports on offer. For an adventurous outdoor getaway in a spectacularly beautiful and peaceful natural environment, look no further than lovely Lake Tarawera,

Queenstown, an idyllic resort town, lies on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in the southwest of South Island, New Zealand, surrounded by beautiful alpine peaks. Considered by many as one of the world’s top adventure capitals, this nature-laden destination offers a wide choice of adrenaline-boosting activities including white water rafting, zip-lining, skiing, skydiving and bungee-jumping (and a particular highlight, the world’s largest rope swing at Nevis Valley). Those who prefer soaking up the gorgeous scenery without too much effort will enjoy the lush vineyards, pristine golf courses, the dazzling Queenstown Gardens and the town’s luxury spas and wellness centres. Culinary types will also be pleased with Queenstown’s exciting gourmand offerings - the lively bar and restaurant scene provide a variety of flavours and experiences.

Milford sound, New Zealand’s most well-known tourist destination, is not really a sound at all but a fjord as it was created by a succession of glaciers which carved through the rocks as they gouged a track to the sea leaving in their wake the impressive rock formations visible today. Home to some diverse and particularly unusual wildlife including fur seals and crested penguins, as well as bottlenose and dusky dolphins, this geographical gem is a must-see for nature lovers. With the striking Mitre Peak towering over head, sheer rocky cliffs rise vertically out of the calm dark waters while nearby, the waters of the exquisite Bowen Falls plunge down a 520-foot drop before crashing dramatically into the fjord below. With its remarkable geographical setting and its unbelievable abundance of wildlife, it is easy to see why writer Rudyard Kipling once called Milford Sound the “eighth natural wonder of the world.”

Although it is the smaller of New Zealand’s two main islands, North Island is home to three-quarters of the country’s overall population, and the majority of its Maori population, whose rich culture and traditions can be experienced in the East Cape. Cosmopolitan hubs such as Auckland and Wellington offer modern delights, while landscapes comprising of black-sand beaches, serene lakes, island sanctuaries, active volcanoes and geothermal regions make the region a wonderland for tourists seeking natural beauty and the thrill of outdoor adventures.

The Bay of Plenty or Te Moana-a-Toi is a region in the North Island of New Zealand that covers 9,500 km² of coastal marine area and 12,200 km² of land. Here the earth is alive with geothermal activity so expect steaming hot springs, salt water pools, geysers and active volcanoes. The area attracts local and international visitors looking for a relaxed seaside holiday combined with adventure activities. It’s no wonder that Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson chose this area to as the film’s location. The region is one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand, with the city of Tauranga its largest commercial centre.

The larger of New Zealand’s two main islands, the South Island encompasses incredible landscapes – from rainforests to snow-capped mountains, golden beaches and stunning glaciers. Many consider this the home of adventure tourism and adrenalin junkies will be spoilt for choice, with activities that include bungee jumping, kayaking and the six “Great Walks”. Although far less populated than its northern counterpart, the South Island boasts a number of towns and cities worth putting on your itinerary: visit Christchurch for its beautiful parks and gardens; pass through Dunedin to encounter penguin, albatross and seal colonies; or stop by Kaikoura for some of the best whale watching in the world