Discover New Zealand

Here are Kuoni's top 10 inspirational experiences that we recommend you do to really make your New Zealand holiday a memorable one.

1. Take a great train journey and discover the best of the North and South Islands when you embark on the Great New Zealand Rail Journey. Arrive in Auckland and embark the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth passing through stunning mountain scenery in the Southern Alps. Once in Picton on the South Island join the TranzCoastal which will travel through to Christchurch taking in the great scenery of the Canterbury Plains and the whale watching town of Kaikoura. You will even get a chance to ride on the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.

2. Visit the boutique wineries of Martinborough in the Wairarapa region, famous for its Pinot Noirs and perfect for those seeking great food and wine. This sleepy village has more than 30 boutique wineries just waiting to be discovered, with many in walking distance of local hotels so you can leave the car and sample some of the award winning wines of the area.

3. See the stunning architecture of Napier, the Art Deco town destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in Art Deco style. This city is world famous for its jazz age architecture and a guided walking tour is a must to really marvel at the buildings with their bold lines and elaborate detailing.

4. Visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum in Wellington, an award winning new wave interactive museum providing an incredible insight into New Zealands natural environment, Maori history and culture and the immigrant history. We recommend a private guided tour as the knowledgeable guides tailor the commentary to your background and interests

5. Stay in a New Zealand lodge and enjoy a unique luxury experience in the finest accommodation in the most comfortable surroundings, with the emphasis on gourmet food and wine and great Kiwi hospitality. All of Kuoni's chosen lodges are small and intimate and perfect for a special occasion or for blowing the bank.

6. Have a Maori experience - learn more about the Maori culture with a Footprints Twilight Encounter where you will take a guided walk the Waipoua forest and listen to Maori stories and the legends of the forest. The Treaty of Waitangi Night Show is a stunning night show recreating the story of New Zealand and is a great night's entertainment. Fr thise wanting a longer experience book a 3 night Te Aara Pounama West Coast Tour and learn about the Maori history and significance.

7. Walk on the ice on Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, the longest of New Zealand's West Coast glaciers - these spectacular glaciers can be reached either on foot or by helicopter. Fly over the lower icefall and circle the upper icefall before landing on a remote part of the glacier. Explore the amazing formations and ice caves, which can only be seen on this part of the glacier.

8. See the third island of New Zealand - yes New Zealand has more than 2 islands with Stewarts Island being one of them. Take a ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island, the only place in New Zealand where you will can easily see kiwi in their natural habitat. Visit Oban and cruise Peterson Inlet, where many rare and endangered species of birdlife flourish.

9. Stay overnight on the Sounds - see Doubtful or Milford Sound, magnificent fiords practically untouched by man providing dramatic and stunning scenery. These remote and unspoilt wildernesses provide peace and tranquillity and when you wake up the next morning it will be to the sound of silence.

10. Go whale spotting in Kaikoura, famous for its marine mammal encounters where whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Enjoy a morning whale watch cruise where you can see these majestic and beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.