New Zealand is a bucket list travel destination that is certain to leave you with indelible and unparalleled experiences in this haven for nature, culture, and outdoor adventure. Known as Aotearoa by the indigenous Maori people, who arrived in the country from Polynesia around 1,000 years ago, New Zealand is a country that retains a strong indigenous culture based around kinship ties and connection with the land. The natural beauty of the island is unmistakably unique, with the North Island known for its warmer climate where hot springs, geysers, and lush forests proliferate. Travel to the South Island to be awed by its towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and formidable fjords.

Whether you're traveling to visit the magical Middle-Earth filming locations of The Lord of the Rings, or you're game for great gastronomy and wonderful wines, a trip to New Zealand has you covered. Perhaps you're planning to spot dolphins, penguins, and whales diving in their natural habitat around the Canterbury coast, or maybe you're skiing, walking, or cycling the country's internationally renowned trails. In short, New Zealand provides inexhaustible activities for the fortunate travelers who visit its varied regions.

Lovers of outdoor adventure should consider biking in Queenstown, the country’s adrenaline capital that abounds with high-energy pursuits. Take a trip to the Bay of Islands, three hours north of Auckland, for a guided tour along some of the best coastal scenery on offer. No visit to the land of the Kiwis would be complete without a stop at the capital city, Wellington. Located on the Cook Strait, this coastal capital is home to the country’s progressive parliament, boasts several bustling bays, and is at the heart of the country’s creative culture. Take a bike tour of the city to weigh in on the best of Wellington’s sightseeing, or if you’re keen to soak up the captivating coastline surrounding the city, take a bicycle tour to Miramar Peninsula, where you’ll admire rugged coastline, undulating hills, and vast, panoramic views over the bay.