New Zealand is a world of its own with different climates, scenery and adventures waiting at every turn. A New Zealand itinerary can be customized to include everything from penguin spotting in Milford Sound to cruising around Hawkes Bay in a campervan. Here are some Cruise Planners suggestions to inspire your trip planning!

New Zealand's Calling You! 

Adrenaline seekers will get their high as they plunge low on a bungee jump. Other ways and see New Zealand from a thrilling perspective include whitewater rafting, quad biking, hot air ballooning and zorbing adventures.

Wine Connoisseurs can satisfy their palettes among the vineyards of Waiheke Island, Hawkes Bay and the Marlborough region as they taste world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir varieties.

Nature enthusiasts will be enthralled by the country’s vast mix of landscapes which include spectacular glaciers, picturesque fiords, rugged mountains, vast plains, rolling hillsides, subtropical forests, sprouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and miles of sandy coastline.

Travelers seeking an authentic experience will be captivated by Maori traditions as they visit meeting houses, enjoy a feast cooked in earth ovens and watch first hand the rhythmic dancing and harmonious singing of the Maori

Movie lovers will fall in love with of the dramatic scenery of Hobbiton and Queenstown, featured in movies such as Lord of the Rings and King Kong.

Splendor Every Season

Are you in search of the perfect place to hit the slopes in June or surf the waves in December? New Zealand’s location in the Southern Hemisphere means its backward seasons will have you turned upside down...on the globe that is. Here’s what should be on your itinerary for each season:

During the summer (December–February) the waves are just right for surfing and festivals are in full swing, including the Great Kiwi Beer Festival.

Fall (March–May) is the ideal time to put your boots on and hike one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. See glacier-carved valleys and waterfalls as you hike Kepler Track.

The slopes are at their finest during winter (June–August) in areas such as Queenstown and Wanaka.

In the spring (September–November), wander through the lush sub-tropical gardens of the North and South Islands.

With direct flights on Air New Zealand from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston, and connections from all major U.S. cities, not even the Pacific Ocean can keep you from exploring New Zealand. Contact your Cruise Planners Travel Advisor today to start crafting your customized itinerary. Don't forget to include stops in Australia or the Cook Islands!