Travel Tips | Extend your Tour | Inclusion choices | Trip Protection | Enquiries
Special Offers | Inclusion choices | Pricing & Planning | Lowest cost airfares

A long but relatively narrow country covering 104,000 square miles (268,000 sq. km), New Zealand boasts a remarkably varied topography. Its North and South Islands offer the traveller dramatic changes of scenery within relatively short distances.

All the travel options

Getting around New Zealand is simple, no matter what your touring agenda. If you're the type who prefers to just sit back, enjoy the vacation and let others worry about all the logistics, then a fully packaged, pre-paid tour including air fares, accommodations, transfers, sightseeing and activities would be the perfect solution. This service is available from Vacation Australia, whose principal New Zealand travel advisor spent 12 months travelling and experiencing both the North and South islands. Vacation Australia, as an authorized agent, uses and recommends a number of carefully selected, local, expert, experienced and reliable New Zealand tour operators whose tours can be included in your New Zealand holiday itinerary.

There are numerous tour packages available, designed to fit your travel time, your budget and your main areas of interest. But if you're among the growing legions of travelers who like to find their own way around a new country, New Zealand makes it easy with an extensive, highly accessible network of air, train, coach and ferry transport. It is recommended that you pre-book accommodation and transport as early as possible, especially during peak visiting months (November to March).

Driving on the other side of the road

While driving in New Zealand means hassle free motoring, there are a few rules of the road you should know before renting a vehicle. First and foremost, New Zealanders, unlike North Americans, drive on the left side of the road. They yield to all to all traffic approaching or crossing from the right and, if turning, yield to all traffic not turning. Seatbelts must be worn at all times in New Zealand by both driver and passengers. Fuel is sold by the litre and costs can twice as much per US gallon depending on grade and location.

International or other approved overseas drivers' licences are acceptable in New Zealand, and the minimum age for renting a vehicle is 21.

If you're a member of an automobile association, you're entitled to free reciprocal membership privileges upon presentation of your current membership card. Services offered include detailed maps, accommodation guides, technical advice and touring information - all at no charge.

NZ AIRLINES

Air services operate throughout New Zealand. There has been upsets in airlines downunder of late, Ansett (now Rex) is no more and New Zealand's international and domestic carrier, Air NZ offers flights throughout both islands. Freedom Air is an Air NZ subsidiary that operates in a similar fashion as does SouthWest Airlines in the US. Pacificjets operates a private charter throughout New Zealand and the Pacific and Air Adventures operates flights in and out of Mount Cook Airport to Queenstown or Christchurch.

THE GREAT TRAIN REVIVAL

Train travel has been enjoying a revival in New Zealand, and with the resurgence has come the re-introduction of services on lines that haven't seen a passenger train in years. It's no wonder travellers are rediscovering this enduring mode of transport. Trains are fast and comfortable and offer breathtaking scenery. All services run both directions at least six days a week, and facilities include meal and bar services.

Full service ferries

The North and South islands are conveniently linked by modern ferries operating between Wellington and Picton. They carry passengers and vehicles using a driveon/drive-off service. The standard ferry crossings operated by the Interislander Line take about three hours with up to four sailings each way around the clock.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Whether you're in the market for world-class luxury accommodations, a secluded hideaway or a familiar chain name that will cater to the needs of a vacationing family, New Zealand offers a wide array of possibilities.

New Zealand certainly has no shortage of luxury chain hotels, including such respected ones as Regent, Hyatt, Sheraton, CarIton, Southern Pacific and Parkroyal. But those looking for a quintessential New Zealand experience should investigate the exclusive retreats and sporting lodges that are truly the countries forte.

Located in some of the most beautiful and tranquil settings imaginable, they offer exceptional ambience and facilities; from golfing and fishing to wine tasting and gourmet cuisine.

If you'd like a unique New Zealand living experience but on a modest budget, you might like to check out a classic, Kiwi-style country pub with its neat, clean rooms and warm, friendly atmosphere. Or you could take advantage of the selection of home and farmstays, providing a down-home taste of real New Zealand hospitality. You'll also find a variety of quality medium-priced hotels and motels, as well as moderately priced guest houses and B&B's, which are usually located in comfortable, nicely restored older buildings.

Local & international delights

While it has certainly put New Zealand on the international culinary map, spring lamb alone doesn't define the countrys many gastronomic delights, nor does meat pie and pavlova (the country's national dessert).

You can certainly taste the difference a fresh, clean environment has on seafood, fruits or vegetables, and, in addition to its own specialties, New Zealand plays host to virtually all types of ethnic cuisine, ranging from Mexican and Cajun to Mediterranean, Indian, Southeast Asian, Chinese and Japanese, and last but not least - good old American, with a McDonald's, Pizza Hut or Colonel Sanders always at hand.

Taste New Zealand

If you see a "Taste New Zealand" symbol in a restaurant, it means the establishment has been presented with an award for developing New Zealand cuisine - using local produce - to particularly high standards, and for serving customers with true New Zealand hospitality. Qualifying eateries run the gamut from five-star silver service restaurants to casual cafes, All awards-holders are listed in the Taste New Zealand Restaurant and Food Guide, available from the New Zealand Tourism Board and visitor information centers throughout New Zealand.

Visitor information

There are over 70 Visitor Information Network offices in most towns, cities and resorts throughout New Zealand. These approved centers are dedicared to providing you with quality, impartial information and friendly service. To take full advantage of your New Zealand experience, visit these centers as you travel the country. Their staff have expert knowledge of the area, including accommodation, transport, sightseeing, activities, the best places to chat, and much more. They also have information on the whole country and can ensure that your stay is a memorable one.

Vacation Australia's "Kangaroo Kelly" has comprehensively golf and travelled both Islands in NZ over a period of 44 years. He not only knows the popular tourist regions but also knows the favourite places of the crafty locals.

Groups 8 or more persons

His assistant, "Wallaby Wendy," is an experienced travel buyer who individually negotiates the lowest possible price for your group. We assure you that your itinerary price will be the most competitive possible.

Go to Enquiries & Quotation for your custom planned, competitively priced itinerary

Return to top