Why New Zealand should top your 2026 travel list
Our new Highlights of New Zealand: Rotorua, Milford Sound & Queenstown tour—and upcoming Black Friday deals—make now the perfect time to book.
With its wild beauty and dreamlike landscapes, New Zealand feels like a place beyond Earth. It’s the kind of place people talk about visiting “one day”—a dream that feels almost mythical until you finally go. With cinematic scenery, soul-stirring culture, and a deep sense of adventure, this island nation delivers that once-in-a-lifetime feeling. Luckily, our new Highlights of New Zealand: Rotorua, Milford Sound & Queenstown tour brings the dream within reach, wrapping the country’s best experiences into a single, bucket list trip.
The tour launched just in time for our Black Friday deals, so there’s never been a better time to make “one day” your plan for 2026 or 2027. Whether you’ve always wanted to cruise Milford Sound, share a traditional Maori meal in Rotorua, or sip wine among the vines of Waiheke Island, our New Zealand tours make it simple to experience it all.
Why New Zealand belongs on your travel list
There are few places in the world that transport you quite like New Zealand, and our trips to New Zealand capture the country’s magic—from its glacier-carved fjords to its sunlit vineyards and its warm, welcoming locals—so you can experience it all on one unforgettable journey.
New Zealand’s epic scenery
With diverse sites like Milford Sound’s impressive fjords, Lake Te Anau’s glowing caves, and Waiheke Island’s rolling hills, no two days on your New Zealand vacation will look alike. That’s exactly why admiring the scenery is one of the top things to do in New Zealand.
On our Highlights of New Zealand: Rotorua, Milford Sound & Queenstown tour, mountains, beaches, vineyards, and fjords all come together in breathtaking harmony, making every stop feel like a brand-new world. “The variety of landscapes we viewed and walked was incredible!” said traveler Wayne after visiting New Zealand on our New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes tour.
Rich Maori culture
Beyond its landscapes, New Zealand shines for its warmth and heritage. When you join our Highlights of New Zealand: Rotorua, Milford Sound & Queenstown tour, you’ll share a homemade Maori dinner cooked by the steam spouting from geothermal vents, see the haka dance’s power firsthand, and visit The National Kiwi Hatchery to see conservation in action.
The chance to respectfully and immersively experience Maori culture firsthand is one of our top reasons to visit New Zealand, and a reminder that travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about connecting with the people who bring them to life.
Can’t-miss New Zealand icons
From Queenstown’s adventurous spirit to historic Arrowtown’s gold-rush charm, our trips to New Zealand balance legendary landmarks with hidden gems.
Ride a ferry across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, stroll Rotorua’s serene Government Gardens, or join an excursion to Walter Peak, one of New Zealand’s historic high-country sheep and cattle stations. And that’s just the beginning—every stop on our New Zealand tours reveals another facet of this endlessly fascinating country.
The best time to visit New Zealand
One of the best parts about New Zealand tours? The country is a year-round delight. Our Highlights of New Zealand: Rotorua, Milford Sound & Queenstown tour is designed to shine, whether you’re chasing summer sunshine or seeking a coolcation. Check out our New Zealand Travel Guide for more info on the best time to visit New Zealand.
Summer in New Zealand = December to February
Expect long, golden days and lively cities. This is the best time to visit New Zealand if you love warm weather, al fresco dining, and the buzz of travelers exploring the country in full swing.
Join our Highlights of New Zealand: Rotorua, Milford Sound & Queenstown tour in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer to spend your free time relaxing on a sun-drenched beach or sipping wine in the crisp, mountain sunshine. This time of year also happens to be the best time to spot orcas in Milford Sound, so have your camera ready!
Winter in New Zealand = June to August
Winter in New Zealand transforms the landscape into a crisp, snow-dusted fantasy world. The Southern Alps sparkle with fresh powder, drawing skiers and snowboarders from around the world to Queenstown—the country’s adventure capital. Even if you’re not hitting the slopes, the cooler months bring a cozy charm.
When you join our Highlights of New Zealand: Rotorua, Milford Sound & Queenstown tour during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, you can spend your 48 hours in Queenstown taking in epic mountain views from a steaming cedar hot tub, sipping local pinot noir by a roaring fire, and exploring dramatic fjords with far fewer crowds. With its bright, clear skies and unique, calm energy, winter is one of the most magical and underrated times to visit New Zealand.
Shoulder seasons = spring (September–November) and fall (March–May)
Our shoulder season New Zealand travel packages take advantage of the country's mild temperatures, lighter crowds, and breathtaking scenery—particularly when fall foliage or spring blossoms set the scene. Plus, these months often bring extra value and a slower, more relaxed pace.
Whether you’re seeking a coolcation as temperatures rise in the Northern Hemisphere, or craving balmy spring weather while temperatures drop back home, a shoulder season New Zealand vacation is the perfect opportunity to relax in Rotorua’s thermal pools or take a stroll without breaking a sweat.
Why Black Friday is the time to book
If New Zealand has been calling your name, consider this your sign. Our New Zealand Black Friday deals offer the best value of the year—and spots on our 2026 departures are limited. Booking early not only locks in your savings but also gives you the peace of mind (and thrill!) of having your next great adventure on the calendar.
Picture it now: A year from today, you could be sailing past Mitre Peak or sharing stories over a glass of local pinot noir in the Central Otago Valley. This is your moment to plan big, dream boldly, and make that bucket list trip happen.
)
)
