Search through the range of current accommodation specials to grab yourself a bargain.
The New Zealand Backpackers category includes budget "shared" accommodation in a hostel, lodge, or "hotel". Most offer a mixture of dormitories, double, twin and single rooms. Some rooms may include linen, or offer linen hire. 
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) provide "home-like" or "character" accommodation; think a garden cottage, converted villa or a 'homestay' arrangement. Bed & Breakfast accommodation will always include breakfast. 
At the top end of the price scale, Exclusive accommodation includes intimate, luxurious and highly individual establishments offering the finest locations, food and wine, facilities, activities and service.
Stay with a New Zealand family, in their home, with Farmstay and Homestay accommodation. Homestays are commonly located in urban areas, whereas farmstays let you experience real Kiwi life on a New Zealand farm!
Freedom camping in New Zealand means pitching a tent or parking a motorhome on public land, without paying. Visitors need to be careful where this is done, as many regions will fine campers staying in undesignated areas.
NZ Holiday Homes are rentable time-share and 'summer house' type accommodation. Typically self contained and un-serviced, holiday homes vary hugely in size and are often located near beaches, lakes and mountains.
The New Zealand Holiday Parks category includes camping grounds and motor camps. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundries and a variety of additional features.
A New Zealand Hotel is 'a property with at least one licensed bar and restaurant on the premises or adjacent, with charge-back facilities.' All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and on-site management at all times.
The New Zealand Motel category includes a wide range of accommodation - from budget to top end. New Zealand motels typically offer a 'unit' or room with a private bathroom and at least tea and coffee-making facilities. 
The Self Contained Units category includes studio units and self contained holiday cottages. 'Self Contained' implies full kitchen and bathroom facilities and can comprise a studio or multi-bedroom layout.
Serviced Apartments range from exclusive luxury suites to affordable family-size accommodation. Serviced daily, apartment accommodation should include a full ensuite bathroom and full kitchen facilities.
Search through the range of current specials on activities to see more of New Zealand, for less!
Adventure is all about getting out into the wild, pushing your limits and going places you only ever dreamed of! New Zealand has plenty of adventure activities to choose from.
From dirt bikes to armoured tanks - New Zealand has some amazing adventure driving experiences to rev you up!
Take to the air! Whether in a balloon, plane, glider or with a parachute attached, New Zealand looks spectacular from the air. You’ll find plenty of airborne activities throughout the country.
Visit New Zealand's array of attractions. Museums and markets, cathedrals and chocolate factories; there's something for everyone.
Take a wild mountain biking tour, try heli-biking, rent a scooter, motorcycle or push bike and explore the cycling paradise of New Zealand!
Bubbling mud, soothing thermal pools, natural hot springs... New Zealand is a geo-thermal wonderland. You’ll find geothermal areas in both the North and South Islands.
New Zealand boasts some of the top golf courses in the world. Try your luck at one of the many courses sprinkled around the country, from the Far North, to the Deep South.
New Zealand's landscape is purpose built for walking. Get the most out of your visit by taking a guided walk - learn about the landscape, the flora & fauna and - best of all - never get lost!
Horse riding and horse trekking are a great, eco-friendly way to see New Zealand’s backcountry. Each region offers vastly different experiences.
Tried and true entertainment for all the family, mini-golf is a popular and fun way to pass the time in New Zealand.
For a unique Kiwi experience, explore and climb New Zealand’s spectacular and diverse mountain ranges with a guided mountaineering expedition.
A great activity for nearly any age, paintball is a popular pastime in New Zealand. Beware of the bruises!
New Zealand is known for its exceptional ski resorts and heli-skiing opportunities. Get amongst it with this list of unforgettable skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing adventures.
Adventure tours to scenic tours; garden tours to wine & food tours - join a tour to experience your favourite things with like-minded people.
Venture into New Zealand's beautiful landscape on a walk or hike. Home to many world-famous bush walks, New Zealand is a spectacular walking holiday destination.
Get out and on the water! With thousands of kilometres of coastlines, numerous lakes and winding rivers, you’ll never run out of activities, be it diving, jet boating or kayaking.
New Zealand is home to some world-class wines and top restaurants. Sample a selection of wines on a wine tour in some of New Zealand's best wine regions.
Indulge yourself! Sink into a steaming hot pool; enjoy a relaxing massage; or treat yourself to a soothing spa treatment.
Search through the range of current transport specials to grab yourself a bargain.
New Zealand is well serviced with a strong network of domestic flights to all the main centres.
Exploring New Zealand by bus is easy and affordable. Several companies offer commercial, as well as scenic transport for visitor, covering the length and width of the country.
Travel to your own agenda with a New Zealand rental car. The choice and variety are broad to fit your style & budget.
Take a cruise on a New Zealand ferry. Journey between NZ's islands, or cruise Gulf Harbour.
Travel in luxurious style with a New Zealand limousine rental!
Explore New Zealand's back roads and highways on a motor cycle.
Motorhomes, campervans, RVs... whatever you call them, they're an excellent and popular way of discovering NZ.
Make your way around NZ on a multi-day overland package tour!
Sit back, relax and enjoy a train ride through stunning New Zealand.
Whether to the airport, across town or to another city, shuttles are a convenient and affordable transport option.
Taxis are available in all major towns & cities in New Zealand.
Browse through New Zealand event listings to find an event near you. Stay up to date with the best happenings in the country.
Catch up on travel news related to New Zealand and find out about local happenings without having to leave your house!
A selection of travel writers offer insights into some of New Zealand’s most scenic and often, quirky attractions. These stories are sure to amuse and inform you.
About the Chatham Islands
Situated 800kms off the eastern coast of mainland New Zealand is the Chatham Islands group. This archipelago of 10 small islands has officially been part of New Zealand since 1842, and they form the smallest and most isolated region in the country.
Only two islands, the largest Chatham, and Pitt Island are populated, with a combined total of about 600 people. A full 45-minutes ahead of NZ time, the Chathams are the first inhabited place in the world to see the sun rise, an experience not to be missed.
With such a small population, the islands exude a sense of community that is lost on the mainland. Make an effort to get to know the locals and experience the warm hospitality of yesteryears.
History
The Islands are rich with history. Traditionally the Chatham Islands were home to the Moriori people, a Polynesian race similar to mainland Maori, who created a peaceful and harmonious society. With the discovery of the Islands in 1791, its identity was altered by the arrival of sealers, whalers, missionaries, farmers and invading tribes.
The Moriori population was decimated, but many sites of historical and cultural importance remain as a tribute to the people. Several of the Islands’ inhabitants today can trace their roots back to the original Moriori. Don't miss visiting the J. M. Barker (Hapupu) National Historic Reserve which features ancient Rakau Moriori tree carvings, or dendroglyphs. Likewise, the ruins of missionary and whaling stations at Mission Bay, on the Northeast side of Chatham Island are must dos for history buffs.
Flora and Fauna
Because of the isolation of the Chathams, the wildlife has been able to flourish. The islands are home to many strange and beautiful plants, from immense nikau palm forests to the glossy Chatham Islands Forget-Me-Not. The bird life is equally as diverse, although much of it is protected on off-shore island sanctuaries. The many forests, conservation areas and wetlands will leave you with many options to explore.
Food
The Islands forge a deep connection with the ocean, and this connection is evident on the cuisine options available. There is a strong emphasis on seafood, with a bountiful array of fresh fish, paua, kina and crayfish available. No visit to the Islands would be complete without trying, or if you’re keen, catching these for yourself.
Pitt Island
A short 15 minute flight away from Chatham Island, Pitt Island, if it’s possible, is even more rugged and isolated. Home to just 30 people, the island boasts towering cliff tops, multiple reserves, and the chance to see some of the world’s rarest birdlife. No visit to the Chathams would be complete without a trip to Pitt Island, those who go rate it as a trip highlight.
More Information
Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust is the Regional Tourism Organisation for this region. Their website has more indepth regional information, events and local news.
Chatham Islands
Accommodation
The Islands offer a range of accommodation options, from secluded holiday homes, hotels and motels, to exclusive beach front properties.
Chatham Islands
Activities
The Chathams are booming with activities, featuring options such as pig hunting, charter fishing, scenic flights and back-country hiking.
