Explore New Zealand

One look at New Zealand’s stunning beauty and you are immediately reminded of Middle Earth, Hobbits and Elves from the famous movie Lord of the Rings. This ludicrously photogenic country is a dream destination for the traveller. Whether he comes looking for natural beauty, for some much needed R & R or to get his adrenaline pumping, New Zealand has something on its platter for them all.
Known more for its adventure sports specially sky diving, zorbing and bungee jumping, New Zealand is much more than that. It is a country that offers the visitors a rich Maori culture, passion for rugby, sheep outnumbering people, thermals, snow glaciers, fjords, beaches and exquisite Sauvignon Blanc. And with dream roads with even dreamier sceneries, it is all best explored through self-drive, stopping when you want, where you want.

Best Time to Visit
New Zealand has a maritime climate – the weather changes rapidly. Anyone tramping at any time of year needs to be well prepared for all weather conditions. On both islands it’s drier in the east than in the west, where mountain ranges snare moisture-laden winds from the Tasman Sea. It’s usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island.
The best time to visit NZ would be during the cooler, less touristy ‘shoulder’ periods of October/November and April/May.
Summer
From December to February, the warm season is perfect for outdoors. This is the period that the Kiwis crank up food and wine festivals, concerts and sports events. It also is a period for school holidays. Hence these months are always full and need to be booked in advance.
Winter
June to August marks the winter season and invariably the skiing season that begins.

Holidays@Leisure recommends..... “must see” places in New Zealand.

Experience the adrenaline rush as you bungee jump.

Feel the wind rushing by as you sky dive from a height of 15000 feet.

Your world goes round and round as you roll down a slope in a transparent ball while Zorbing.

See the dolphins swimming by early in the morning at Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most scenic fjord.

Take a flight over the scenic Tasman Glacier at Mt. Cook. The longest glacier in NZ, it winds its way down beside the Southern Alps for nearly 30km before culminating in the 18 square km terminal lake. The transition from glacier to lake produces impressive icebergs on a regular basis.

Experience life in a typical NZ Farm with a farm stay in the outskirts of Christchurch. You can bottle feed the lambs, see how the sheep dogs herd the sheep or participate in sheep shearing.

Go on a whale watch tour to see the magnificent Giant Sperm whale at Kaikoura. The Giant Sperm whales are the star of the show and are seen year round.

Paddle down the Dart River in a Funyak Safari in Queenstown. This unique and fun way lets you explore and experience the world heritage area more intimately. 

Drift silently in a boat on the underground river as the cave ceiling comes alive with the glow worms in the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.

See the Maori culture come alive in Rotorua.

Drive the Southern Scenic Route. This route links Queenstown to Dunedin and is filled with natural and cultural beauty spots. A drive on this route makes for an ideal holiday and along the way are remote beaches, lush rainforest, pristine lakes and stunning mountain vistas.

Go on self-guided wine tour in Marlborough. Home to the world renowned Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough is NZ’s largest wine growing region and has over 40 cellar doors.

Visit any of the national parks across the country. These national parks preserve the natural heritage, forests, wildlife and landscapes, close to as it was before man was here.