12 Must-Do New Zealand Experiences

There is so much to see and do in New Zealand, from wine-tasting to bungy jumping, whale-watching to glacier hikes, gorgeous beaches to glow-worm caves, it can be difficult to choose.  Check out our recommended lists of experiences and talk to one of our free New Zealand travel experts for more advice.

  1. Try wine-tasting on Waiheke

33965094345_0662efc902_w

Photo copyright S Kaya

 

  1. Go bungy jumping in Queenstown

399050980_e59004f604_w

Photo copyright michael 7601

 

  1. Say ‘kia ora’ to Māori culture in Rotorua

46833510885_0c357fe6da_w

Photo copyright scott1346

 

  1. Kayak around Milford Sound

SONY DSC

Photo copyright Bernard Spragg, NZ

 

  1. Explore the geysers of Rotorua

35694932536_797db87cfb_w (1)

Photo copyright Daniel Fernandes de Oliveira

 

6. Tour the The Lord of the Rings Hobbiton in Matamata

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Photo copyright othree

 

7. Heli-hike Fox Glacier

15133367268_747caf2ccc_w

Photo copyright Dani

 

  1. Cruise with whales in Kaikoura

381236998_59b7e4f3c8_w

Photo copyright Anita Gould

 

  1. Kayak the Bay of Islands

40898202841_72fc86f409_w

Photo copyright Teseum

 

  1. Sip wine among the vines in Marlborough

 

16150294741_b040a552d4_w

Photo copyright Chris Gin

 

  1. Hike ancient lava flows at The Tongariro Alpine Crossing

 

5157081248_8abd148d76_w

Photo copyright Jeff P

 

  1. Relax at The Coromandel’s Cathedral Cove

27417656233_62f3fc57ed_w

Photo copyright Sandra Vallaure

 

For hotels in New Zealand visit https://www.visualitineraries.com/Explore.asp?only1country=NZ 

Find out more things to do at https://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/new-zealand-must-do-experiences/

What’s Better than a Honeymoon? How about a Buddymoon?

What’s better than a honeymoon with the person you love? How about bringing your closest friends along with you? This relatively new trend has been dubbed a buddymoon, and a lot of people are on board. A recent Priceline survey of more than 1,000 Americans found that 12% of people said they’d attended a group honeymoon (or buddymoon) in the last five years. In fact, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux decided to opt for a buddymoon when they invited friends like Chelsea Handler, Jason Bateman, and Courteney Cox to the Four Seasons Bora Bora for their honeymoon in August 2015.  “We had thought about it; we could just do a normal honeymoon or we could go with friends, keep the party going, relax, and have fun,” Theroux told Extra.

d8e34519-6943-4688-b2d3-2a3de7391988-screen-shot-2019-07-29-at-101716-am

Photo copyright Velas Resorts

Velas Resorts in Mexico have decided to jump on this trend and are now offering buddymoon packages for couples hosting their destination weddings at four of their resorts – Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Grand Velas Los Cabos, and Casa Velas.  Each of the four Velas Resorts in Mexico have their own version of the buddymoon, including activities such as private cocktail parties, eco-tours, picnics, meditation retreats, private cooking classes, golf trips, spa days and many more. 

So where would you go for a buddymoon?

 

5873492928_a88479672f_z

Photo copyright Antonio Rivera

10 Things to Know Before Going to Fiji

Your flight and hotel are booked, your bags are packed, and you are ready to go! Before you head out to the beautiful islands of Fiji, it’s important to know a little bit about the culture.  We’ve done the research and gathered 10 helpful tips for you to have the best possible vacation! So read on:

6877981135_35c9ccee90_z (1)

Photo copyright Duncan Odds

 

  1. Get To and From the Airport

You don’t want to be stranded after your long flight, and if you’re in a pinch there are taxis for hire, but the best course of action is to have a driver waiting for you when you land.  Most hotels, especially those on the outer islands, will offer an airport service. Double check with your travel agent that this has been arranged before you set off on your trip.  

31655953331_c85541f98b_z

Photo copyright Roderick Eime

 

  1. Fijians Drive on the Left

This can come as a shock to people who are accustomed to driving on the right side, and it’s all the more reason to hire a driver if this is something you’re not used to. You’ll probably adapt to it quickly enough, but if you’re nervous about the prospect of driving, it’s best to sit back, relax and to hire a local.  

6888867323_18eba31f38_z

Photo copyright Kyle Post

 

  1. Forget About Vibrant Nightlife 

Fijians generally go to bed early and wake up with the sun, so if you plan on partying until the sun comes up, you might be on your own. Instead, plan to enjoy your drinks by the pool or on the beautiful beaches by the light of day and save partying for another time.

3362069210_84d925455c_z

Photo copyright Chris Isherwood

  1. Go Hiking with a Local Guide 

Fiji is full of wonderful natural beauty and hiking is a great way to experience the gorgeous tropical rain-forests. However, it’s important to know that many of the paths aren’t well-maintained and the terrain can be hazardous, so hiring a local guide is going to be the safest and most enjoyable option.  Ask your travel agent for help on finding great deals on local tours.  

43845985474_a51e02ffd5_z

Copyright Pablo Marx

 

  1. Be Mindful of Your Attire in the Local Villages

Sundresses, shorts and tank tops are fine in and around the resorts but if you decide to visit a local village it’s best to dress a little more conservatively in order to show respect. Visitors should plan to remove all hats and sunglasses while in the village and plan to wear clothing that covers both shoulders and knees.  

188615749_3e20111243_z

Photo copyright Kanaka Rastamon

 

  1. Visit the Outer Islands 

Many people have the impulse to stay on the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu on their trip to Fiji but the real magic is on the outer islands.  Steer clear of the urban areas and opt for a seaplane or speedboat ride to places like the Mamanuca Islands, known for their scuba diving, snorkeling and coral reefs or check out Yasawa, known for its pristine beaches and jungles.  With more than 300 islands, there is no shortage of places to explore. 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Photo copyright Joyce T

 

  1. Embrace ‘Island Time’

It can be difficult to slow down when you’re used to fast-paced living but that’s why you’re taking a vacation from the hustle and bustle, right? In Fiji, like most of the South Pacific, people live by ‘island time,’ a slowed down, relaxed mentality and they are happier for it. So relax, take a load off and embrace the slow pace living, you might just learn to love it!

8211987329_99dc9fd52f_z

Photo copyright MickiTakesPictures

 

  1. Attend a Kava Ceremony

Kava is a legal and traditional herbal drink made from the ground root of a spicy pepper plant and is used for medicinal and cultural purposes throughout the Pacific. It has relaxing effects similar to alcohol, but without the risk of intoxication or hangover.  In Fiji, a formal kava ceremony will often accompany important social functions, usually involving drinking kava and a ritual presentation of bundled roots as a gift. If you have the opportunity to attend a kava ceremony, I highly recommend it. 

43472941_230b030727_z

Photo copyright Melody Tan

 

  1. Respect the Locals

Fijians are some of the most welcoming, friendly people I have ever met, and are quick to greet you with “bula,” (meaning hello) and a huge smile on their faces.  Just know that while they are making sure your vacation goes smoothly, they are often away from their families for weeks at a time. It should go without saying to treat them with the respect deserved to all people, but especially those in the service industries. 

8079634_a8935415df_z

Photo copyright Tomas Maltby

 

  1. Watch the Sunrise

Vacations are for sleeping in, right? Yes, but we recommend devoting at least one morning to watch the magnificent light reflecting off the tropical waters. The colors in the sky will make waking up well worth it, just don’t forget to have your camera ready!

7003965691_8dc608b619_z

Photo copyright Kyle Post