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 your adventure with friends 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? Kayaking through the fjords? Spotting the elusive Kiwi bird? Doing anything your heart desires? The possibilities are limitless.
Experience New Zealand like a local.
Your well-organised holiday to New Zealand should represent you and your friends - and everything you like to do together. Stay in small-scale accommodations that offer the perfect blend of genuine Kiwi hospitality and authentic local experiences other tourists don't know about. Short drives and mapped-out routes make sure you hit all your bucket-list items while travelling at a relaxed pace. Surrounding nature provides the perfect backdrop to learn new things about the world, your friends, and yourself in turn. Let’s put your dreams on paper.
New Zealand’s borders are opening early 2022.
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 information
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 - and always at the best value for your money. 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. Then 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.
"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
What do you get from us?
- A well-organised holiday, designed just for you
- Small-scale accommodations with local hosts who can help with anything
- Carefully recommended activities and experiences based on your interests
- A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
- Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday, so you know you're taking care of the environment along the way
- The benefit of 30 years of experience in travel to New Zealand with a focus on quality, and the advantages of an owner-operated travel company with no middlemen
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 actionWhen is the best travel time?
New Zealand is a beautifully diverse country that is great for travel at any time of the year. It has a far warmer climate than Northern Europe. The sun's rays feel hot even in the winter. During the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, the temperatures are ideal for enjoying the outdoors. Spring brings baby lambs and the first dip in the sea. The summer warmth still lingers in Autumn, for a perfect day hiking or kayaking.
Based on your specific interests, we can advise you on the best time to travel. Do you want to surf? Explore the cities? Discover the wilderness? Since the options are endless, click below to get a glimpse of what each season in New Zealand can offer you on your adventure with friends.
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?". The more time you have means the more you'll be able to see and do.
To truly experience the essence of New Zealand, we recommend travelling at a relaxed pace for a minimum of three weeks. Or, if you have slightly less time, you can visit a few places in-depth and come back again one day.
What can we see and do?
With the diversity of New Zealand, you can see and do just about anything your heart desires - from snow-capped mountains, to deserted white sandy beaches, and ancient rainforests - all within a few short hours of each other. 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.
Your options are endless, with personally selected private or small-group local activities, ranging from easy-going to adventurous. Let us know your interests and discover what is best for you. We can schedule all your activities and take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and have fun.
Where can we stay?
Trust us, you don't want to spend your holiday in a stuffy hotel room with cheap wooden furniture and mass-produced paisley carpets. We know the places you're envisioning, because they are our vision too. A unique spot to experience the natural wonders of New Zealand. A place that feels welcoming; like home. Where you can truly unwind, and sink into the couch a little bit deeper while laughing with friends. Staying in small-scale accommodations with local hosts and renowned Kiwi hospitality is the greatest way to see New Zealand.
From waking up to sea views in a charming village, to enjoying a barbecue on the veranda at sunset, and picking pears from your backyard where a herd of sheep roam, experience what these unique places have in store for you. Click below to get a glimpse of the best accommodations for friends, from comfortable to luxurious.
Ask travel expert, Michael
Interested in more information about your journey to New Zealand? Michael is happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Get in touch
How do we travel around?
From coastal roads, to panoramic mountain passes, and awe-inspiring rocky landscapes, New Zealand is best explored by car or SUV. New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road - the same as you. The roads are safe and the views from your car are often magnificent.
Driving yourself means you're able to reach places that group trips and public transport cannot. You can go at your own pace and stop when necessary. With only a couple of hours between each location, you'll have more time to relax and explore, which is what you should be doing on your holiday.
Flying to New Zealand
A comfortable flight makes all the difference, no matter which class you fly. At A Journey DownUnder, our hard work and connections with airlines ensure you the best flight schedule, the most spacious seats in each class, a private HD display, delicious food and drinks for the journey, and of course, the best price. All of your flights are carbon neutral.
How comfortable would you like to fly?
Sample itineraries
Your journey to New Zealand represents you and your friends - and everything you like to do together. 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.
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.
Why book with us?
When you book with us, your travel specialist has only one goal: to create your dream holiday through New Zealand, and to do it properly. You want someone local, someone with experience, someone well-versed in expertise and service. You want a travel nerd that believes small details lead to big differences. That’s us! Get in touch to experience the difference.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
More 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 common questions here.
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