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.
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.
Kiwiana
Kiwiana' (pronounced: Kee-wee-ahh-na) is the term used to describe items relating to New Zealand’s unique culture and history. Here are some notable items of Kiwiana you will probably encounter on your trip to New Zealand.
Kiwi
This bizarre flightless, nocturnal bird is a New Zealand Kiwiana icon – New Zealanders even take their nickname from the little critter! Seldom seen in the wild – they’re very shy and only come out at night.
Silver Fern
Worn by many sports teams – including the world-famous All Blacks – the silver fern emblem is proudly flown at sporting events all over the world. Inspired by New Zealand indigenous ferns, the silver fern was first worn by the New Zealand Native Rugby Team on their 1888 tour of Britain.
Buzzy Bee
A popular children’s toy, the Buzzy Bee has been entertaining New Zealand youngsters since the 1940s. With wings that turn and make a clicking noise, it's a hit with kids everywhere and a definite inclusion in the Kiwiana Hall of Fame!
L&P
Short for 'Lemon and Paeroa', L&P is New Zealand’s very own iconic soft drink. Originally made using spring water from the North Island town of Paeroa, the origins of its name are obvious. Be sure to visit the giant L&P bottle in Paeroa – Kiwiana at its best!
Fish & Chips
You can’t get more Kiwi than Fish ‘n’ Chips – deep fried potato chips with battered fish. Costing next to nothing, and found in every New Zealand town – the corner Fish ‘n’ Chip shop is a New Zealand institution.
Rugby
New Zealand’s national sport, to some Kiwis rugby is a kind of religion! If you’re not familiar with the game, then a group of burly lads chasing an oval-shaped ball around a field might seem rather strange – but entertaining nonetheless. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the game, you will no doubt be familiar with the All Blacks – the hugely successful national team.
Black
Attend any sporting function and you will see that New Zealanders have an affinity with the colour black. Originally worn by the All Blacks, black has become the colour of New Zealand sportspeople.
Jandals
Favoured summertime footwear for most New Zealanders, the humble jandal (known to Aussies as 'thongs' and North Americans as 'flip-flops') is an important part of any Kiwi wardrobe. Available in a range of colours, the jandal can be worn just about anywhere – from the beach to the pub!
Paua Shell
Also known as Abalone, Paua shell is used by Maori in carving and jewellery. Pretty purple, aqua, green and blue tones make it popular with jewellery artists and craftspeople.
Pohutukawa
The 'New Zealand Christmas Tree', these beautiful trees burst into scarlet-red splendour over the Christmas period. Belonging to the Metrosideros excelsa family, they are commonly found along the coast – perfect shade from that hot summer sun!
Bungy Jumping
Only a New Zealander could turn jumping off a bridge into a world-wide phenomenon! Inspired by a ritual performed in Vanuatu, Queenstown entrepreneur AJ Hackett is responsible for bringing Bungy to the world.
Sheep
New Zealand has a human population of just over 4 million, and a sheep population of almost 40 million! The back bone of the New Zealand economy for over a century, sheep were first introduced by English settlers in the 19th century.
Marmite
This tasty yeast spread may be an acquired taste for most non-New Zealanders – but you’re bound to find Marmite (or the Australian-made rival, Vegemite) in the pantry of most New Zealand households. And yes, ours does taste different to Northern Hemisphere Marmite!
Kiwifruit
Originally known as Chinese gooseberries, kiwifruit were first introduced to the country by early settlers. Since then they have become synonymous with New Zealand, and are a major export earner.
Pavlova
This meringue-based dessert is a perennial Kiwiana favourite. Named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, the origins of this delicious dessert are hotly contested (Australia also lays claim to inventing it) – but any New Zealander will tell you the 'Pav' is definitely a Kiwi invention!
BBQ (Barbecue)
The ultimate summer pastime, BBQs herald the start of summer. Traditionally the domain of men, on any given summer night you’ll find a collection of blokes, beer-in-hand, standing around the obligatory backyard BBQ. Traditionally only sausages and steak were thrown on the hot plate, but these days seafood, kebabs, and even the occasional vegetable are making their way on to the BBQ menu.
Meat Pie
Synonymous with tuck shops, truck stops and cafeterias all over the country, the meat pie is a Kiwi culinary tradition. Available in a range of delectable flavours: chicken, mince, steak and cheese – and sometimes even vegetarian - they're especially enjoyed with a good smothering of Tomato Sauce (Ketchup)!
Gumboots
Traditional footwear of farmers everywhere, gumboots (or 'Wellingtons' to our international audience) are a tried and true piece of Kiwi attire. Though black is the preferred colour, gumboots come in a range of colours to suit any taste!
Hokey Pokey
Hokey Pokey ice cream is a perennial Kiwi favourite. Small pieces of crunchy toffee (hokey-pokey) are added to vanilla ice cream to create this popular treat. Best enjoyed melting down the sides of a waffle cone on a hot summer's day!
Netball
Netball is the female answer to rugby, and is the second most popular sport in New Zealand. A fast-paced court sport, New Zealand’s national team – the Silver Ferns - are often ranked first in the world.
Bach
'Bach' is the Kiwi colloquial term for 'summer house'. Traditionally a bach will possess minimal facilities, be situated near a beach or lake, and remain in the family for generations.
A&P Shows
New Zealand’s answer to the country fair, A & P (Agricultural and Pastoral) Shows are held all over the country throughout the summer. Showcasing rural livestock, innovations, art, craft, baking and produce, A & P Shows represent the best in rural New Zealand. Popular family events, most shows include equestrian events, sideshows, and the obligatory candy-floss (Cotton Candy) stall.
More Culture & Society
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Skiing, bungy jumping, hiking, jet boating... New Zealand is the ultimate destination for fun and adventure!
