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.
New Zealand Etiquette
You will find that New Zealanders are generally very friendly, obliging and polite. In turn, it is expected that visitors behave in kind. Rude or demanding behaviour is not appreciated. Below is a brief guide to New Zealand etiquette. Below is some basic etiquette for dining out in New Zealand restaurants, and for visiting Maori meeting houses.
Dining Out in New Zealand
Tipping
It is not conventional to tip in New Zealand and restaurants do not add service charges to their bills. In the case of exceptional service a tip may be warranted, though it is not generally expected.
Dress Code
New Zealanders are generally laid back when it comes to dining. Most bars and restaurants require tidy dress, but very few require suits and ties.
BYO
Some restaurants are “BYO”. This is an acronym for “Bring Your Own” – meaning it is acceptable to bring your own wine (and occasionally beer). Generally a small corking fee is charged.
Maori Culture & Marae Protocol
As a tourist you may wish to visit and take photos of Maori landmarks or buildings. This is generally acceptable, as long as you first consult with the community and elders associated with the landmark or building.
Always remember:
- Many Maori sites are Tapu (sacred). Areas such as burial grounds are particularly Tapu and not to be touched.
- It is not acceptable to sit on surfaces used for eating or food preparation.
- Food is not consumed inside the meeting house (Wharenui).
- Footwear is always removed before entering the meeting house.
- Marae (meeting grounds) are not tourist attractions - they are a vital and extremely sacred part of Maori life. Always ask permission before entering a marae.
Marae Protocol
Another great option whilst in New Zealand is to partake in an organised Marae visit. Here you will experience a traditional welcome (powhiri) and learn about Maori protocols, culture and mythology.
A marae visit usually follows this structure:
Powhiri (Formal Welcome)
The formal welcome begins with a wero (challenge). During the wero a host warrior will challenge the guests (manuhiri). Carrying a spear (taiaha), the warrior will lay down a token for the guests to pick up - indicating they come in peace.
A group of host kuia (women) then perform a karanga (chant) of welcome. Women from the group of guests in turn respond as they move onto the marae.
Whaikorero (Speeches of Welcome)
Once inside the wharenui (meeting house), mihimihi (greetings) and whaikorero (speeches) are made. Waiata (songs) may also be sung.
After greeting the hosts with a hongi (traditional touching of noses) the guests will then present a koha (gift) to the hosts.
After the formal greetings kai (food) is shared.
More Culture & Society
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