All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your Journey Down Under starts here.
Close your eyes and picture you and your friends on an adventure in New Zealand. Are you conquering New Zealand’s 10 ‘Great Walks’? Floating above the snowy-peaks in a hot air balloon? Boarding a boat to sail through a majestic national park? Meeting with the Maori people? Exploring iconic cities like Auckland and Queenstown? Kayaking through the fjords? Spotting the elusive Kiwi bird? Doing anything your heart desires? The possibilities are limitless.
Experience the renowned Kiwi hospitality
Kia ora! Experience what this truly means when welcomed by Kiwi friendliness. Travel at a relaxed pace in one of the world's safest and most friendly countries. Be astounded by the natural beauty and rich culture of New Zealand. Enjoy great adventures, stay with local hosts at unique locations and create new stories together.
Meet Michael, your New Zealand travel specialist
"After 5 years living DownUnder, working in the travel industry, I wanted to help others, who have dreamed of travelling there, to have the best possible experience."
Contact Michael
A journey as unique as you are
Your journey to New Zealand should represent you and your friends - and everything you like to do together. Because we are specialists in the art of travel, you'll experience a bespoke holiday that is significantly yours. Are you ready to travel New Zealand in a uniquely local way? Let’s put your dreams on paper.
Let's design your holiday together
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with your friends and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
What do you get from us?
- A well-designed holiday, just for you and your friends
- Small-scale accommodations with local hosts who can help with anything
- Carefully recommended activities and experiences based on your group's interests
- A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
- Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday
- 30 years of experience in travel to New Zealand
- Peace of mind with a local network in New Zealand and a 24/7 emergency number
Your holiday is protected by ATOL
Book with confidence: A Journey DownUnder is affiliated with Air Travel Organiser Licensing - licence No. 11760. Your holiday with us is fully protected by the ATOL scheme under the trading name - Little Travel UK LTD.
Book now - and stay flexible
If you book a holiday to Australia and New Zealand and it is cancelled due to COVID-19, you can reschedule free of charge at any time, or if you prefer, you will receive a full refund with a cancellation. If, when it comes time to go on your holiday, you are not confident that you will have a good time due to current COVID-19 restrictions in your destination country, you can postpone your holiday free of charge. Take advantage of the A Journey DownUnder flexibility guarantee.
"At A Journey DownUnder, we don’t just plan your dream holiday to New Zealand. We are with you every step of the way, from the moment you leave your front door to the moment you arrive home a changed person. We take care of every detail so you can focus on having the journey of a lifetime.”
Andrew Morten, Founder and New Zealander
New Zealand’s border is open
We have entered a new era of travel. How can you make sure you're prepared? What will the border experience be like? Will covid impact your holiday? Everything you need to know is found here.
More informationWhere can we stay?
At A Journey DownUnder, we focus on small-scale accommodation and personally know the local hosts renowned for their Kiwi hospitality. From staying in a log cabin nestled deep into the forest, to sharing a hot tub under the Milky Way, and being woken up by penguins on your veranda. Escape the ordinary and experience the natural wonders of New Zealand.
A unique spot to connect with your friends and the local people
Enjoy a barbecue together on the veranda at sunset, sit around the fire and share stories with your friends and fellow travellers. These accommodations are an experience in themselves and the greatest way to discover the hidden gems in New Zealand.
What can we see and do?
With the diversity of New Zealand, you can see and do just about anything your heart desires. Immerse yourself in the Maori culture with Indigenous guides. Spot the rare yellow-eyed penguin on a hike to the Caitlin Coast of South Island. Cycle along an old railway line, through tunnels and over bridges between Dunedin and Central Otago. Sail the waters as you spot whales, dolphins and albatrosses.
Authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the locals
Don't fall for the tourist traps! Let your travel specialist know your interests and they will advise what is best for you as a group and individually. There are private tours available as well as small group tours which offer a great chance to meet other travellers. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and have fun.
When is the best travel time?
New Zealand is a beautifully diverse country that is great for travel at any time of the year. During the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, the temperatures are ideal for enjoying the outdoors. There are plenty of opportunities to take in the wonder of nature and immerse yourself in the culture.
Nature's open-air playground is waiting to be explored
Would you like to explore Auckland? Discover Mount Cook? Fly in a helicopter over the Franz Josef glacier? Hike one of New Zealand's great walks? Based on your specific interests, your travel specialist can advise you on the best time to travel and the best regions to discover.
How long do we need in New Zealand?
You could spend months travelling the ever-changing landscape of New Zealand and not see the same place twice. For your holiday, the question becomes: "How long do we have?"
A great holiday comes with enough time to reset and get into a new rhythm. Rejuvenate yourself with the fresh air and reawaken your senses in pristine nature. No need to rush from highlight to highlight.
Travel at a relaxed pace
To venture deep into the depths of New Zealand and unravel the authentic Kiwi lifestyle, we recommend travelling at a relaxed pace for a minimum of six weeks. If you have slightly less time, your travel specialist can help you choose the best regions that suit your wishes.
Good to know
A British passport entitles you to no less than a six-month stay in New Zealand. This allows you plenty of time to discover all the hidden gems and take it easy to experience the real New Zealand lifestyle.
Did you know?
New Zealand’s land area is approximately 270,000 km2, only slightly larger than the United Kingdom. We recommend starting your adventure in the South Island. Travelling for a minimum of 6 weeks enables you to see the best locations and hidden gems of both the North and South Island.
How do we travel around?
With every turn of the road, New Zealand’s landscape changes. A dramatic array of scenery that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From coastal roads to panoramic rainforest passes, and awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes - New Zealand is best explored by car. Self-driving means you're able to reach places that group trips and campervans cannot.
Take advantage of our special deals and travel comfortably in a spacious SUV, complete with:
- A navigation system
- Air-conditioning
- Full insurance and low fuel costs
- Hire cars that are less than six months old
- Safe and secure roads
- A route with only a couple of hours between each location
- Discover off the beaten track places that motorhomes often cannot reach
Drive less, see more
A relaxed travel pace is the greatest way to see New Zealand. And your travel specialist will design your holiday with two or more nights at each location. Explore each local area and get the most out of where you are. This way you get to drive less but see more. Because that's what a great holiday is all about at A Journey DownUnder.
If you are thinking of renting a campervan, talk to us now and discover why driving in a rental car is the best way to see New Zealand.
Get inspired for your dream holiday
Would you like to discover more about New Zealand? Let Michael inspire you on a virtual journey through the country and answer all of your questions.
Join Michael at an online presentation
Great flights and stopovers to New Zealand
Flying is a fun experience on its own. Nothing else makes you truly feel like you are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey than stepping onto the plane. A comfortable flight makes all the difference, no matter which class you fly.
Take advantage of our first-hand experience and airline connections:
- The best flight schedule
- The most spacious seats in each class
- Guaranteed seats next to each other
- A private HD display
- A good selection of food and drinks for the journey
- The best price
- Carbon neutral flights each time
Take a break and enjoy a stopover
On your way, you can choose a stopover in Asia to break up the journey and add a cultural experience to your holiday. From the tropical vibes in Bali and world-class shopping in Singapore to the friendly locals on the Cook Islands and the cultural mecca of Hong Kong. The possibilities are limitless.
How comfortable would you like to fly?
Sample itineraries
You're unique; your journey to New Zealand will be too. Take a look at some favourite past trips to get inspired for your own journey. With holidays ranging from three to seven weeks based on various themes, you can change comfort levels, and add activities, rental cars, and flights to sense the possibilities that await.
Start your dream journey here
Bring your ideas to us, take advantage of our local knowledge, and together we will create your unique, personalised holiday that is yours and yours alone. Get in touch with us here.
Should you visit the North Island or South Island?
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Travel experiences
Inga and Friends in New Zealand
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Frequently asked questions
Specialist knowledge means the details that need specific attention are always taken care of - you don't have to worry about anything. But of course, you may have a lot of questions right now as you get an idea of the possibilities that await you. Find the answers to your questions here. Or contact us for more information.
Tourism can be great for the environment. With us, you make a positive difference.
Let's accentuate the positive, reduce the negative, and offset what's left.
Sustainability in actionUseful facts
Safety and ease of travel
New Zealand is a safe and secure country. New Zealanders are generally friendly, open-minded and helpful. This allows you the freedom to explore the country peacefully. But of course, it is important to take as much care as you would in any other country and keep yourself and your possessions safe.
New Zealand isn’t the largest country, making it the perfect destination for a self-drive holiday. You won’t need to travel for long periods to see big changes in the landscape. Take your time and enjoy the views.
Visa and passports
When travelling outside of Europe, there is a list of countries that require a visa, and New Zealand is part of that list. But, not to worry this process is quick and easy.
The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Authority) can be applied for via the New Zealand Immigration website or via the NZeTA app.
Please allow up to 72 hours for processing time. You will both also be required to have a passport that is valid for 6 months or more, to travel to New Zealand.
Culinary
New Zealand burst into the culinary scene with a fusion of local produce, innovation and flair. A multicultural country that blends flavours from all over the world. New Zealand has some of the best oysters in the world - Bluff oysters, and don’t forget to indulge in fresh whitebait fritters.
Kiwi’s love to invite friends and family over for a barbecue. Don’t be surprised if you receive an invite too! To blend in as a local, enjoy fish and chips with a side of tomato sauce or a mince and cheese pie is a popular choice.
Experience a traditional Maori Hangi, a process of cooking in a steamed pit with heated stones. Or are you more interested in wine? The top 5 wine regions are Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago, Gisborne and Canterbury. Soak up the romance on a world-class vineyard.
Cost of living and currency
The cost of living in New Zealand is slightly higher than in the United Kingdom but this can vary depending on the region. Petrol prices are around NZ$2 per litre. A cappuccino costs around NZ$4.50 and you can expect to pay anywhere between NZ$150 to NZ$450, for one night of accommodation, depending on comfort level. Lunch at a cafe is approximately $20 per person.
The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar. It is possible to pay by cash or card almost everywhere. Mastercard, Visa and American Express are widely accepted. You will find many ATM’s in banks, and in shopping malls or shopping streets. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 4:30 pm.
Travel Guide
No matter what your level of travel experience is - Even if you have never travelled outside of Europe, we will provide you with everything you need. All the information, resources and guidance to ensure you have a fantastic holiday to New Zealand and Australia. We will adapt to your needs and travel experience accordingly. That’s one less thing to worry about!
Ask the locals
New Zealanders are renowned for being very friendly. However, they are also very helpful. Whether you need directions or if you're having trouble deciding where to go. So, if you ever need help along the way, just ask a local Kiwi. They are more than happy to help. And of course, they love to share a story (or three) too!
Your hosts are local experts with an abundance of information about the area to share with you. Ask them, they know their home better than anyone else. And they love to share their local knowledge with you so you can make the most of your time DownUnder.
Why book with us?
When you book your trip with us, your travel specialist has only one goal: to create your dream holiday through New Zealand and to do it properly. Make the most of your time Down Under by choosing a travel specialist that has local experience and knows New Zealand like the back of their hand. We are travel nerds and from our first-hand experience believe that small details lead to big differences. Get in touch to make your holiday dream become a reality.
All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your Journey Down Under starts here.
Contact us
We would love to discuss your dream journey