After much hard work, many late nights and hours of dedication, the Cheapflights Crew is proud to announce the launch of our very first dedicated New Zealand site.
From today, our friends in Middle Earth will have access to all the best travel deals around as we help more and more kiwis take to the skies.
With such a beautiful country to call home, you’d be surprised by just how many New Zealanders head off for adventures overseas.
For an adventure of your own, why not take a trip Down Under to see what all the fuss is about?
You can see, hear, taste, touch, and smell, a range of new experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. New Zealand is truly a destination that will delight all your senses.
SIGHT
As photogenic as the world’s top supermodels, New Zealand simply doesn’t have a ‘bad side’.
This tiny country is jam packed full of diverse, ever-changing sights – the scenery changes by the hour and within a day or two you can see glaciers, fiords, mountains, rolling hills, forests, volcanic plateaus, and miles upon miles of sandy beaches.
For the best views around you’ll want to head straight to the heart of the wilderness and test out your hiking shoes on one of the country’s Great Walks.
One of the most famous, the Milford Track, has been wowing travellers for more than 100 years. It has been called the finest walk in the world, with pristine lakes, towering mountain peaks, enormous valley views, and the misty Sutherland Falls – the tallest waterfall in New Zealand. Starting at Lake Te Anau, the 53.5km track takes 4 days to complete leading you across suspension bridges, board walks and a mountain pass.
If you’re looking for a more leisurely way to see the area, take an overnight cruise of Milford Sound.
From the islands and yachts of Auckland Harbour, the untouched beaches of the Far North, and the dramatic coastline of the East Coast, to the heart-stopping beauty of the South Island – make sure your camera is full charged so you don’t miss a shot.
SOUND
Leave the alarm clock at home and rouse yourself in a gentler fashion with New Zealand’s dawn chorus.
The members of this great ensemble include the korimako, (bellbird) known for its melodious song; the iconic tui, common throughout New Zealand, recognised by a distinctive white tuft on its neck; the kaka, a large parrot, known for its cheeky antics and cackling sound, the toutouwai (North Island robin), a small bird with a big voice; and the North Island weka, with its deep ‘tuug tuug’ cry.
Many of these birds can be heard in gardens and forests across the country, but if you want to experience the choir in all its glory, pay a visit to one of these destinations:
- Tiritiri Matangi, Auckland
- Maungatautari Eco Sanctuary, Waikato
- Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre, Wairarapa
- Kapiti Island Nature Reserve
- Zealandia – Karori Sanctuary Experience, Wellington
- Orokonui Ecosanctuary, Dunedin
- Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary, Stewart Island
TASTE
There’s more to kiwi kai (food) than fish ‘n’ chips and BBQs, but hey, those are pretty darn good too!
New Zealand is a paradise of tasty treats and tipples, with fresh, high-quality produce found everywhere.
Loosen your waistband and indulge in plenty of seafood, amazing cheeses and, of course, famous New Zealand lamb.
Dining is a laidback and casual affair, and you should expect friendly and personal service.
Make sure you tick these delicious items off your travel eats bucket list:
- Must-tries from the kai moana (seafood) family include Marlborough’s green-lipped mussels (famous for their health benefits and mouth-watering taste), Bluff oysters (among the finest oysters in the world), Whitebait (traditionally made into fritters), and scallops.
- Succulent roast lamb is a kiwi favourite and popular worldwide. You’ll find it on menus across the country, so make sure you order it at least once during your stay.
- For over 2000 years, Hangi was the traditional method of cooking used by Maori. The process involves placing heated rocks and baskets of food into a pit then covering everything with earth for a few hours. Hangi is still popular today, but mainly used for special occasions.
- Best eaten while sitting on a beach in the height of summer, NZ fish and chips are arguably the best in the world. Snapper, terakihi and hoki are the most common types of fish used and other favourite sides include potato fritters, pineapple fritters and spring rolls.
- Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy hokey pokey ice cream (vanilla ice cream with pieces of honeycomb), Pavlova, and plenty of healthy fresh fruit.
And don’t forget to pair every meal with a glass or two of the local wine or beer.
SMELL
What is that smell you ask? That’s Rotorua, home of Maori culture, hot springs and boiling mud pools – not to mention a rather eggy scent (don’t worry that’s the sulphur, you’ll get used to it).
Rotorua lies on the Volcanic Plateau and has some of the world’s lively geothermal activity. There are several parks on offer where you can get up close to bubbling mud pools, geysers, and steaming hot pools, but make sure to visit the Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, head to the Polynesian Spa for a bit of thermal pampering.
Rotorua has been home to the Te Arawa people for more than 600 years. Whakarewarewa Thermal Village is the perfect place to take a glimpse into the lives of locals, past and present, as they explain their customs, traditions and culture.
TOUCH
Nowhere on earth have the indigenous and immigrant communities come together as they have in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Maori are the tangata whenua (indigenous people) of New Zealand, landing 1000 years ago from the mythical Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki.
Today, Maori make up 14 per cent of the population – and their history, language and traditions are an essential part of New Zealand’s national identity.
Visitors to New Zealand will have plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with indigenous cultures and community, but if you want a truly memorable experience, a visit to a local wharenui (meeting house) will stay with you for a lifetime.
You’ll be welcomed onto the land with a powhiri (official welcoming ceremony) and once this is complete, hosts and guests greet each other with a hongi (pressing noses) before tucking into some delicious kai (food).
If you’re nervous about getting your first hongi wrong, don’t worry. Simply take the person’s right hand, put your left hand on their shoulder and press your foreheads and noses together.
During your travels, you’re bound to hear your fair share of te reo (Maori language) with many words and phrases now part of the local lingo – you may even pick up a few sayings yourself! Start with a friendly kia ora (hello) and you’ll be on your way in no time!
