If you think New Zealand is just an adventure playground for bungee-jumping backpackers, think again.
New Zealand’s south and north islands also offer lively cities, great food and wine, rich cultural history and – of course – fabulous landscapes and wildlife.
Here, operators and tourist offices share their knowledge and expertise.
1. Online training
Further your knowledge of New Zealand and increase your sales by completing the tourist board’s online training programme. Visit newzealand.com/travel/trade
2. Take a long trip
“Always encourage clients to spend longer than they think in New Zealand,” said Travel 2 product manager Julian Lawman. “It’s better to focus on one island, rather than trying to fit in both.”
3. Adventure sports
Adrenalin junkies will relish the chance to try adventure sports such as bungee jumping or white-water rafting. Book these add-ons through dosomethingdifferent.com/makememoney or through operators such as Travel 2, Gold Medal or Exodus.
4. Maori culture
Clients can learn more about Maori culture and history by booking a half-day tour visiting ancient sights in Kaikoura on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Thomson Tailormade offers tours from £33 for adults and £18 for kids.
5. New sightseeing tours
Keith Prowse Attraction Tickets has launched four sightseeing tours and experiences in New Zealand for 2008. Book a Milford Sound cruise from £85 (child £46) or catch a Magic Mountain sightseeing flight from £235 (child £165). Visit keithprowse.com/agents
6. City life: restaurants, bars and galleries
New Zealand’s cities are full of hip restaurants and art galleries. Auckland has two harbours and a lively waterfront, while the capital Wellington has an inspiring national museum, Te Papa Tonga Rewa. Night owls should head to Courtney Place, which has a string of great bars.
7. Wine tours
Wine enthusiasts can go on dedicated tasting tours. Try Marlborough’s famous sauvignon blanc at the vineyards where the grapes are grown. Kuoni offers a 10-day Classic New Zealand Wine Trail from £1,053 per person.
8. Explore the South Island
The South Island is less populated and more mountainous. Activities include hot-air ballooning, cruises along Milford Sound or a visit to Stewart Island where you can see the kiwi in its natural environment.
9. Visit the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are flush with boutique, self-catering and five-star properties. They’re also perfect for weddings – you only need three days’ residency before tying the knot. Visit cookislands.travel or call 020 7367 0932.
10. Hit the North Island
North Island has dramatic landscapes as well as a rich culture. Hawkes Bay is known for its wineries, while Tongariro National Park has alpine lakes, snow-capped volcanoes and glaciers.
11. Book a stopover
Suggest a stopover at the Cook Islands en route to New Zealand. As well as stunning beaches, the islands offer safari tours and an abundance of sporting activities. The best time to travel is April to December.
12. Arrange a self-drive holiday
New Zealand is ideally suited to a self-drive holiday. Roads are scenic and well maintained, and kiwis drive on the left. Most people travel from Auckland in the north to Christchurch in the south.
- Related feature: Driving holidays on the North Island
13. Luxury accommodation
Well-heeled clients are well catered for in New Zealand – there’s a fantastic range of boutique accommodation, in the form of personalised lodges and themed chalets. Operators such as Kuoni offer a number of luxury lodges.
14. Hit the beach
For a total chill-out break, take a 45-minute ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island. Pay a visit to one of the island’s boutique wineries or admire the beach-front cottages.
15. Birdwatching
Bird lovers can see Yellow Eyed Penguins in Penguin Place on Coastal Otago; the Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head or kiwis at Rotorua’s Kiwi Encounter.
16. Great value for money
Don’t think of the South Pacific purely as a stopover destination. The Cook Islands offer the best value for money of all the South Pacific destinations.
17. Island-hop in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a popular stopover, but it’s also emerging as an island-hopping destination. French Polynesia is best known by the name of its main island, Tahiti. Travel 2 and Kuoni both offer tours to Tahiti and French Polynesia.
18. Fiji’s back in action
Visitor numbers to Fiji are back on track after its coup d’etat in 2006. The island has world-class diving, beaches and delicious food.
19. Take a cruise around Tahiti
Suggest a cruise around Tahiti and its islands. Star Clippers has a seven-night cruise from £750 per person for any month in 2009 when booked by October 31.
20. Volcanic action
Land on an active volcano in a helicopter in White Island, Rotorua, and then trek up to the crater for an hour. Book it as an add-on with Gold Medal.
