The period between 1320 and 1350 CE is where New Zealand’s human history lies. This was the beginning of the main settlement period following the discovery and settlement by Polynesians, who were responsible for developing the country’s Maori culture.

The Maori chiefs and representatives of the United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Waitangi in February 1840. The inception of a responsible government was seen in the 1850s. The 1930s saw the development of an extensive welfare state and the regulation of the economy.

From the 1950s, the Maori community began to migrate to the cities in large numbers, and the culture eventually went through a renaissance. As a result of this, the Maori protest movement occurred, which caused a bigger recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi in the later part of the 20th century.

As Britain entered the European Economic Community and inflation set in, the country’s economy suffered due to the effects of the 1973 global energy crisis.

Tourism in New Zealand has been a vital contributor to the country’s economy. While the export of wool, dairy, and meat has been ongoing, there has also been the export of other products, such as timber, wine, and fruits, to add to the diversification of the economy of New Zealand.

• New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules to protect the country’s ecosystem. There are rules regarding food items to prevent food-borne diseases and pests from harming their agriculture.
• Do not carry honey, fish, or meat into the country. Plant or animal products are also prohibited in New Zealand.
• Remember to carry an insect repellent spray for hiking or camping to protect yourself from sandflies.
• There are buses, trains, flights, cars and ferries for this purpose, and our tour agents can also assist you with guided tours.
• Learn some Maori words, as the locals will surely appreciate it if you attempt to learn more about their culture and history.
• Weather conditions in New Zealand can change throughout the day. Waterproof layers and boots are recommended, along with snacks and water if you get hungry during your hike, even if it’s short.
• Recycling is a priority in New Zealand – ensure you recycle things properly to avoid fines.

• Famous Tourist Attractions include Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Mamaku Ranges, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, Mount Cook, and Tongariro National Park.
• Things To Do – White water rafting, hiking, trekking, skiing, sledging.
• Famous Food – Hangi, New Zealand lamb, crayfish, fish and chips, meat pie.
• Places To Visit – Queenstown, Christchurch, Auckland, Rotorua.
• Souvenirs To Buy – Chocolate, manuka honey, merino wool, New Zealand wine.

• Currency – New Zealand Dollar
• Capital City – Wellington
• National Animal – The kiwi
• Official language – English

Who wouldn’t want to travel to a place with beaches and forests on one hand and glaciers, mountains, and lakes on the other, right? This is exactly the kind of diversity New Zealand offers in terms of scenery. With our New Zealand tour packages, you can feast your eyes on mesmerising rolling green pastures, hot springs, and volcanoes during your holiday. No wonder this country was chosen to portray the fictitious Middle Earth in the Lord of the Rings series.

Kiwis, a sweet term for New Zealanders, are some of the warmest and most welcoming people you will ever meet. The country is a potpourri of different cultures, with the Maori influence strongly present in various aspects of it.

Did you think bungee jumping is the only outdoor adventure in New Zealand? Oh no. This island country offers a wide array of activities, including kayaking, surfing, skiing, sailing, snowboarding, and much more.

The plant and bird species in New Zealand are so unique that you probably won’t find them anywhere else. While walking around the country’s forests, you might even spot a kiwi, which has become the national symbol of New Zealand.

Even if you’re a woman travelling alone, you don’t have to worry about your safety in New Zealand. The country’s remote areas don’t pose any threats to travellers or residents.

New Zealand’s temperate climate makes it an easily visitable destination. While it’s colder in the south and warmer in the north, the long summers offer the perfect period to walk around the country’s beaches. The lush green landscape is particularly visible during the spring and autumn seasons.

New Zealand is situated in the Southern Hemisphere, which means that the seasons it experiences occur during months that are pretty different from the rest of the world. It’s natural for you to wonder when the best time is to visit New Zealand if you’re perusing through our fantastic New Zealand tour packages.

While summer is usually when the island country receives the maximum visitors, you can also travel during the winter months, depending on the places you want to visit. The spring and autumn seasons are usually the shoulder seasons in New Zealand.

The temperature during the summer season in New Zealand ranges from 20 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius. January is usually the hottest month of the year when the temperature can reach 30 degrees Celsius. The sun shines for over 12 hours a day in the summer, making the nights shorter and the days longer.

While the rest of the world is engulfed in winter, you can escape to New Zealand during this time to enjoy the sunny weather and warm sunshine. Remember to munch on some juicy, delicious kiwis while at the beach during the New Zealand summer. This is the perfect time to engage in outdoor and water based activities, such as trekking, hiking, paragliding, biking, etc.

Since this is the peak tourist season, most of the areas will be crowded. Remember to bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat.

The temperature during the autumn months in New Zealand is between 17 degrees and 23 degrees Celsius. The weather remains somewhere between summer and winter, as it’s neither too hot nor too cold, providing an ideal balance.

For the ones who wish to witness the wildlife up close in New Zealand without the heat and sweat, you can consider the autumn time for your holiday. Many travellers also choose this period for biking, camping, rock climbing, mountain climbing, and hiking. Do have a few layers on if you decide to go for a walk to avoid a cold.

New Zealand’s average winter temperature is 7 to 13 degrees Celsius. However, the weather suddenly gets much colder, with temperatures going negative in the hilly and mountainous regions. With snow covered mountains all around, this is often the right time to indulge in snow related activities.

Tourists often take ski vacations in New Zealand at this time, as the snow-clad mountains provide the best skiing opportunities. Glacier tours are also offered during the winter months, and sledging is a popular activity. Just ensure you have plenty of warm layers so the cold doesn’t get to you, especially if you’re travelling from India, where most states aren’t accustomed to such low temperatures.

Spring brings longer days and more sunshine than the winter season, and the temperature remains between 15 degrees and 21 degrees Celsius. While it’s warm during the months of spring, a pleasant breeze makes the weather quite wonderful.

The lush greenery and spring bloom turn the hills and valleys into a sight. Trekking can be ideal in the springtime, and the other activities seen during these months are cycling and biking.

Whether you’re travelling with your friends and family or going solo to try various outdoor activities, New Zealand offers an eclectic array of experiences for all kinds of tourists. Read on to find out what you can do with your family and what thrilling adventures you can have with our New Zealand tour packages.

Located in Auckland, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is an aquarium. It was inaugurated in January 1985, and the construction took about 10 months to complete.

Kelly Tarlton, an explorer of the underworld, treasure hunter, and diver, built and conceptualised this underwater world. Visitors can find about 1500 fish belonging to 40 species in this aquarium.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located on the North Island of New Zealand. They are popular for housing a glowworm species that is found only in the country. Boat rides take travellers under the glowworms. A modern visitor centre, made primarily of wood, is situated at the entrance.

The Mamaku Ranges are perched on the North Island of New Zealand. They are a mountain range standing 2,000 ft tall and covered with thick forests. Most of the area is blanketed by the Kinleith Forest and the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park.

Wellington is home to the country’s national museum, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa. The museum was established in 1998 following the merger of the National Art Gallery and the National Museum of New Zealand. Over 1.5 million visitors visit the museum every year, making it the world’s 26th most visited art gallery.

Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, recorded at 2,218 feet in 2014. Our New Zealand tour packages allow you to witness this natural marvel. The mountain is a beloved spot for mountain climbers from all over the world.

Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in the country. It is situated on the central North Island and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Interestingly, it was the sixth national park in the world. The park also houses the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the most thrilling one day hikes.

New Zealand’s South Island is home to Westland Tai Poutini National Park. It was established in 1960 as Westland National Park to mark the 100th anniversary of the European settlement of the Westland District. The park covers an area of 1,320 square kilometres and mainly consists of forests and mountainous terrain.

The adventurous activities to dive into in New Zealand are:

• Ziplining
• Canyoning
• Bungee jumping
• Caving
• White water rafting
• Jet boating
• Skydiving
• Hiking
• Trekking
• Surfing

When you book your holiday to the land of the Kiwis with our extraordinary New Zealand tour packages, we are sure there will be plenty of things you will be waiting to explore. In addition to the glaciers, islands, and the Maori culture, there is yet another aspect you should remember to dive into: the shopping scene in New Zealand.

The country has some truly unique souvenirs that you can take back home with you, whether for yourself or your loved ones. We have listed some of the best souvenirs to buy from New Zealand, along with the shopping spots to hit during your stay.

If you have a sweet tooth, you must shop for chocolate in New Zealand. Whittaker’s is one of the most premium brands to look into for this purpose. The brand has existed since 1896, and it is easily available throughout the country. You can grab some from any of the supermarkets.

The many flavours to choose from include Hokey Pokey Crunch and Jelly Tip, and a couple of the other flavours to try out include sea salt, roasted almonds, and caramel. Their chocolates are exceptionally famous because of the high-quality cocoa beans they contain and the fact that they are processed in a controlled environment.

Not only is manuka honey one of the world’s most expensive foods, but it’s also a souvenir that most travellers like to grab from New Zealand. Known for its antibacterial properties, all the supermarkets in the country have manuka honey stacked on their shelves.

Manuka honey is produced exclusively in New Zealand and Australia, making it even more precious as a souvenir. It is derived when bees pollinate the manuka flowers. In addition to being consumed during breakfast, it is often bought to treat ailments such as cystic fibrosis and gastric ulcers. It is also used to make soaps and moisturisers.

Pounamu is another name for the greenstone or jade found in New Zealand, classifying itself as another desirable souvenir to purchase from the country. Forming a vital part of the Maori culture, the preciousness of pounamu is significant because it has earned the title of ‘taonga, ‘ which means precious. This is why getting a jade necklace made from pounamu is necessary for jewellery lovers visiting New Zealand.

The gemstone is usually carved into human like figures and worn as necklaces. In addition to being turned into ornaments, pounamu is used to make tools.

Merino wool is derived from a breed of domestic sheep. The wool we get from these animals is extremely fine and soft, so merino wool is an extremely sought-after souvenir in New Zealand. Merino wool is used to make underwear, socks, sweaters, sneakers, and many other items.

Are you a wine connoisseur? If so, a major purpose of your tour of New Zealand with our New Zealand tour packages should be to buy a bottle of wine. The country is known to be among the world’s largest wine producers. Therefore, explore one of their wineries and get a Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc bottle.

Even if you don’t visit a winery during your holiday, you can easily buy a wine bottle from the country’s liquor stores or supermarkets. Most vineyards also offer the option of having the wines shipped to your homeland.

The Buzzy Bee is undoubtedly the most famous and loved toy in New Zealand and is a part of pretty much every child’s toy collection. First produced in the 1930s, these colourful wooden toys are available at every toy store. They have rotating wings attached to them, and when you pull them, you can hear a clicking sound.

Looking for something more traditional to get for your family members from New Zealand? We recommend grabbing some exquisite Maori art and sculptures.

Maori tradition has a deep rooted love for wood carving, which is why wooden sculptures are commonly seen in New Zealand. These stunning carved sculptures have prints and designs connected to Maori art. The Maori weavers also create rugs, capes, baskets, and clothing you can access.

Have you read the Lord of the Rings series multiple times? Or had marathons of the movies with your friends? If you’re a true LOTR fan, you will know that the movies were filmed entirely in New Zealand. We will surely understand your excitement about visiting the country for this purpose alone.

In addition to visiting the spots where the movies were shot, you will want to bring back a souvenir related to the franchise, right? You can grab this opportunity in the form of the One Ring, available at the Weta Cave in Wellington. Although LOTR merchandise is available in many places around the world, you will find these items of the highest quality only in New Zealand.

• Christchurch Farmers’ Market: For organic fruit and vegetables, artisanal items, and baked goods.
• Kingsland: For Maori products, vintage furniture, jewellery, and beauty products.
• Rakai Jade: For pounamu, pendants, stylised fishhooks, and carved items.
• Otara Flea Market: For toys, jewellery, sarongs, shoes, and secondhand products.
• Cuba Street: For independent bookstores, boutique cafes, and art galleries.

• The best place to purchase greenstone is on the South Island.
• Buy the highest quality Maori items from reputable gift stores or well-known art galleries.
• When buying wine from New Zealand, ask the winery if they can pack it and send it home to you.
• The city of Nelson in New Zealand is one of the best places to go if you wish to buy jewellery, woodwork, pottery, and fine handblown glass.

Influenced by traditions pouring in from Asia, Europe, and the Pacific, New Zealand chefs constantly try to redefine the country’s cuisine. While exploring New Zealand with our New Zealand tour packages, you will notice that the influence of the British, in particular, is quite evident in the country’s food.

If you love to have fish in your meals and are travelling to New Zealand from a part of India, for instance, the island country will have you sorted with its preference for seafood.

Most households in New Zealand follow the tradition of having two vegetarian dishes and one meat dish on the dining table. You don’t have to hunt for fancy eateries or Michelin-star restaurants to have a satisfying meal in New Zealand. Even most hostels in the country offer culinary delights that will make your trip one of the best memories.

Let’s now explore the New Zealand foods you can try during your holiday with our New Zealand tour packages.

Hangi refers to a traditional Maori method of cooking food in which food is steamed in an underground pit, which is called an earth oven. The specific name for this underground pit oven in New Zealand is ‘umu’.

Making hangi begins with digging a deep and wide pit containing the fire along with all the ingredients. After the fire is built, large stones cover it, with volcanic rock being especially vital to note down.

Although different regions prepare hangi differently, some common elements include lamb or pork, banana leaves, and vegetables such as pumpkin and kumara.

The end result of this long process is a plate full of root vegetables and tender meat coated with a smoky sauce.

The lamb found in New Zealand is of extremely high quality. The conditions in New Zealand, with its temperate climate and lush greenery, are ideal for raising sheep. The sheep in the country are fed grass, which further enhances the tenderness and deliciousness of the lamb.

Travellers can consume lamb in New Zealand in the form of stew, roast, or even a traditional Kiwi meat pie. Roast lamb is a widely consumed form of lamb, containing seasonal roasted vegetables and rosemary. In fact, New Zealand is probably where you will find the freshest version of a lamb roast.

Given that New Zealand is surrounded by vast water bodies, it’s not surprising that the island country is home to plenty of seafood. One of the most popular kinds is crayfish. Although crayfish look pretty similar to lobsters, they are indeed different.

Often caught by divers and cooked with lemon juice or garlic butter, crayfish symbolises the coastal lifestyle in New Zealand. Kaikoura, a small town on the South Island, is famous for its delicious crayfish.

Because the fish’s flavour is delicate, many avoid having it with any sauce that would seem overwhelming to the taste. Instead, they consume it directly from the shell and with their fingers.

Remember us mentioning the British influence on New Zealand’s food? Well, it doesn’t get more British than fish and chips, does it? Having a generous serving of freshly battered fish wrapped along with chunky French fries is something you must try during your vacation through our New Zealand tour packages.

New Zealanders thoroughly enjoy having fish and chips during summer picnics in the park on a beach or even just at home while watching TV. Many restaurants around the country serve this dish, and we’re sure you will find the best local version quite quickly once you look around.

Yet another traditional food in New Zealand is whitebait. It’s a tiny fish with an almost translucent appearance, and when cooked in the form of fritters, it has a subtle taste. To make these fritters, whole whitebait is first coated in a perfectly seasoned batter and then fried in a buttery mix.

There is a particular season for this fish when it’s available in abundance across the country. New Zealand’s west coast is trendy for its white fritters.

Pies bring a slightly different picture to our minds. We usually imagine pies with sweet fillings, such as ones made of blueberries, cherries, or apples. New Zealand, however, has its own take on pies. The locals consume meat pies with much fervour.

New Zealand’s meat is similar to pot pies. The exterior is buttery pastry, and the interior is filled with meat and gravy sauce. Minced meat and cheese form the crux of the filling in a meat pie.

The gourmet versions of this today contain several fancy elements, from tender steak and pork belly to salmon and venison.

The hokey pokey ice cream in New Zealand is as sweet as the people of the country. The term ‘hokey pokey’ has been used in connection to honeycomb toffee since the late 19th century in New Zealand. While the origin of the term is unknown, this particular ice cream came into being in the mid-20th century.

The dish is vanilla ice cream paired with honeycomb toffee pieces. It’s so much more than simply a frequently consumed dessert in New Zealand. This is evident from the fact that it often tops the list of the highest selling ice cream flavours in the country. Remember to dive into this sugary goodness while touring the country with our New Zealand tour packages.

Sweet potatoes are known as kumara in New Zealand, and it’s impossible to make a list of the country’s cuisine without mentioning them. While they are available in various forms, such as roasted and mashed, the fried version is undoubtedly the most popular.

Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of Aotearoa, mainland New Zealand. From the minute you step into the country, you will hear the Maori language spoken around you. It could be a local wishing you good health with “kia ora” or witnessing a powhiri, a welcoming ceremony performed by the Maori.

Through our New Zealand tour packages, tourists can learn more about Maori culture, traditions, and way of life. You can do so by catching some of the best cultural attractions around the country, which include tours of cultural and historical sites, cultural performances, and marae visits, where you visit a Maori meeting house.

The Maori and European heritage of the country is seen in the vibrant arts scene in New Zealand. This is represented through studios, galleries, performing arts, and traditional arts and crafts, among other things.

You could come across international exhibitions and public galleries during your trip with our New Zealand tour packages, where you will spot modern and historic art collections. You can go around the local stores in the country to view pieces crafted by local sculptors, glassworkers, photographers, ceramicists, and jewellers. Tourists can also get an opportunity to interact with artists or see them at work while going around the galleries and studios of various artists.

Maori carvers create art pieces using wood and pounamu greenstones. To see their process in person, visit the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Do you like immersive and interactive experiences at museums? If yes, then you’re sure to enjoy the interactive exhibitions provided by New Zealand museums with a wide range of preserved items.

As you walk through the country’s museums, you will gain more information about the developing island country, as well as learn more about the early European settlers and the tales of ancient Maori people.