New Zealand’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic has proved one of the most successful in the world. 

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve – not to mention the two newest dark sky sanctuaries of Stewart Island/ Rakiura (in the deep south) and Great Barrier Island (north of Auckland).

When the first Lord of the Rings movie was released in 2001 New Zealand became known as the ‘Home of Middle‑earth.

Within a day or two’s drive you can see spectacular glaciers, picturesque fjords, rugged mountains, vast plains, rolling hills, subtropical forests, a volcanic plateau, and miles of coastline with sandy beaches. Much of these landscapes are protected by National Parks with thousands of kilometres of walks and trails opening their beauty to the public. 

New Zealanders love their tramping (walking or hiking to the rest of us).

New Zealand has many spectacular walkways and tracks providing access to unique wilderness areas and virgin forests.

Energetic hikers (or trampers) can discover glacier-carved valleys and traverse mountain passes, while more sedate day-walkers can explore golden beaches, bush walks and other sites of scenic, historic and cultural interest.

He’s the man who brought bungy jumping to the world and now the company that bears his name is taking the A.J. Hackett brand of adrenaline-pumping action up a notch with the new Nevis Catapult. Set 150m above the Kawarau River in the Nevis Valley outside of Queenstown, it’s the world’s biggest catapult thrill, reaching speeds of 100kmh in 1.5 seconds, all with 3Gs of force. Want more? Then consider Wild Wire’s Lord of the Rungs waterfall climb – 450m to the top of the Twin Falls outside of Wanaka – or, in Rotorua, OGO’s new Mega Track, the longest (and fastest)

Discover 10 must-see movie locations for any film buff. Lyall Bay – King Kong, Oreti Beach – The World’s Fastest Indian, Karekare beach – The Piano, Kaitoke Regional Park – The Lord of The Rings & The Hobbit, Flock Hill – Chronicles of Narnia, Aoraki, Mount Cook – Vertical Limit, Paradise -Wolverine & The Hobbit Trilogy, Mount Taranaki – The Last Samurai, Hobbiton Movie Set – The Lord of The Rings & The Hobbit, Cathedral Cove – Chronicles of Narnia

Hoteliers in New Zealand are putting the planet before profit by embracing the    sustainability trend. The newly opened Camp Glenorchy near Queenstown is built to a world-first sustainability code and features energy-efficient building designs, smart lighting systems, composting toilets and a solar garden.

The Rugby World Cup only comes around every four years and what better place to prepare for the next contest in 2023 than in the spiritual home of rugby? As well as the world-beating All Blacks, New Zealand has no fewer than three other World Cup-winning rugby teams – the female national team, Black Ferns, and the Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams. Experience the country’s football culture by attending a Super Rugby game, where New Zealand regional sides square off against teams from South Africa, Australia, Japan and Argentina.

fitted with guide wheels that will have you scooting along a disused section of railway on the east coast of the North Island. On Rail Bike Adventures’ new two-day tour, ride 100km of railway track between Gisborne and Wairoa, with an overnight stay in pretty Mahia, taking in breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline along the way (there’s also a one-day option from Gisborne to Mahia). The new adventure hit the rails in late 2018.

Professional golfers will compete for the prestigious title while a minimum of 140 amateurs and professionals will also play alongside one another in a unique Pro-Am format. Set on 200ha, the 27-hole Millbrook course was designed by master golfer Sir Bob Charles and is ringed by snowy mountains, while the privately owned Hills course is set in a glacial valley and features Sir Michael Hill’s contemporary sculpture collection.

With access to some of the world’s finest hops, New Zealand’s craft beer brewers are getting an international reputation for their brews. From Northland’s award-winning small batch brewery McLeod’s to the Catlins Brewery that started in a garage in Kaka Point in South Island, you’re never far from a decent drop. 

There are two more good reasons to visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington. The first is a new gallery, Toi Art, which opened in 2018. The mammoth new space – about the size of 15 tennis courts – has been billed as a game-changer for art in New Zealand. 

The ideal build-up to the America’s Cup, which Emirates Team New Zealand will defend on the Hauraki Gulf (Tīkapa Moana) in 2021, the event is likely to be used by many countries as a selection regatta for the 2020 Olympics. You can get behind the helm of an authentic America’s Cup sailing yacht on Waitemata Harbour for a two-hour sail or a three-hour match race.

The gourmet dining, award-winning vineyards and charming local delicacies in New Zealand create luxury food journeys that leave the taste buds singing.

We will take you to a food pilgrimage from the islands’ tip to tail, showcasing the best luxury food and wine experiences in New Zealand.