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10 Days | New Zealand Signature South Island Tour

Christchurch - Franz Josef - Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel - Lake Tekapo

Fully Escorted Tour with flights ex Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne

Enjoy 9 Nights 4-Star Accommodation with breakfast daily

32 Seater Premium Coach with expert driver & guide

A range of fantastic included meals, activities & much more!

Book NOW with only a deposit

From $5,289 Typically $6,299 pp twin share

Description, for a limited time only receive the extremely popular  gpt jacket for  free  .

Begin your journey in vibrant Christchurch, a city full of museums, outdoor art installations and beautiful gardens before continuing onwards to some of the world's most breath-taking scenery. Visit the incredible Franz Josef glacier, wander the stunning streets of Queenstown, sail the iconic Milford Sound, explore the scandalous history of Larnach Castle in Dunedin, be inspired with a visit to Mt Cook and much, much more. 

Read our latest Blogs about New Zealand at  'Wake Up Here'

Travel in premium comfort on a custom-designed coach, with an expert driver and guide, fantastic accommodation, plus a range of meals, included activities and more. This south-island itinerary will guarantee you memories for a lifetime. Book now - all you need is a small deposit to lock in this fantastic trip! 

Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10

Australia Christchurch

On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

Hotel: Distinction Hotel Christchurch Meals included: Dinner *Flights included ex Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane only. 

Christchurch Arthurs Pass Franz Josef

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur's Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Hotel:  Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Franz Josef  Queenstown

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Hotel:  Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights) 

Meals included: Breakfast

Queenstown (at leisure)

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will assist with the many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoya short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Hotel:  Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Queenstown  Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Hotel:  Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau (2 nights) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Te Anau Milford Sound Te Anau 

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

Hotel:  Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Te Anau Dunedin 

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea.

Hotel:  Scenic Hotel Southern Cross Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Dunedin Mt Cook Twizel 

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Hotel:  Mackenzie Country Hotel

Twizel Christchurch 

Continue to Lake Tekapo, view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch for a city tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel  Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Christchurch

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. Want to stay longer? Ask us how today!

Inclusions & Exclusions

Fully escorted tour includes transfers in New Zealand, 32 -seat premium coach travel, 4 star accommodation, most meals, sightseeing and attractions.

Inclusions: 

• Professional Coach Captain
• Tour Leader
• Flights from either Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane with Air New Zealand
• 9 nights 4 star accommodation
• Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
• Return airport transfers in New Zealand
• All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
• Extensive Optional Activities
• Signature Documentation Pack

Meals: 

• 9 cooked breakfasts
• 8 dinners 
• 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle

Pre-paid Tours:

• TranzAlpine Rail Journey 
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw 
• Lakes District Museum 
• Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch 
• Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea 
• Dunedin City Sights Tour 
• Christchurch City Sights Tour 
• Pre/ Post Accommodation: (FROM per night)
•  Christchurch: $130 pp twin share / $260 Single Room 
• Meals not mentioned
• Any additional requests
• Travel Insurance 
• Items of a personal nature, ie souvenirs 

Important Information

All departure dates are guaranteed*

Room Types and max occupancy:   Twin or double, maximum occupancy of 2

Child Policy: Children under 16 years are not permitted.

Passport and Visa Requirements:  All visitors require a passport to enter New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date that you intend to leave New Zealand. For Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand. Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to travelling to New Zealand. For visitors from non-visa waiver countries it is recommended you contact your Travel Agent or NZ Immigration for full entry requirements. If you are not an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, you may also have to pay for an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Please check with your Travel Agent for up to date immigration requirements.

*unless government-mandated border restrictions are in effect

Travel Insurance:  We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click  HERE.

WAKE UP HERE!  Read the latest from the Official Traveldream Blog

Departure Dates

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New Zealand Travel Advice: How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, what you need to know about planning a trip to new zealand.

So you’re thinking of travelling to New Zealand! That’s awesome! This guide to how to plan a trip to New Zealand is a great place to start. Follow this New Zealand travel advice and you’ll see just how easy a trip to New Zealand can be. This guide will be a complete introduction for anyone just thinking about making dreams of a trip to New Zealand a reality. We’ll go through the nitty-gritty of what to consider when planning a trip, linking to a whole bunch of information if you really want to take a deep dive into our New Zealand travel advice.

This article aims to be as broad as possible taking into account different time frames for travelling New Zealand. We mainly focus on budget travel but the information can be applied to all kinds of travel in New Zealand. If you prefer a listicle version of your New Zealand travel advice, see the  31 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand .

About New Zealand

First, let’s cover a little bit about New Zealand! New Zealand consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island , as well as a whole bunch of smaller surrounding islands. For instance, Stewart Island and Waiheke Island are among the most popular.

Why Do Travellers Come to New Zealand?

New Zealand is most famous for its outstanding natural beauty! Despite being a small country of around 260,000km2 (100,387 sq mi), New Zealand boasts a variety of landscapes from mountains to beaches, volcanoes to lakes, and so much more. Thanks to this outdoor playground, New Zealand is well-known for its outdoor activities.

Who are the Population of New Zealand?

The first human settlers to New Zealand were the Maori, Polynesian people , who first discovered New Zealand around the 1300s. European settlers, mostly the British, colonised New Zealand in the 1800s. For this reason, the language in New Zealand is English, while the Maori language is still used and taught in schools. New Zealand has a mostly westernised culture with a mix of Polynesian culture from the Maori heritage. Check out more about the history of New Zealand in this article .

When is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

New Zealand has a famous saying: “four seasons in a day”. This means that you will pretty much experience a variety of weather no matter what the season is. For this reason, we do not recommend planning your trip to New Zealand around the weather. Nevertheless, here is what you can typically expect in each season:

Summer (December-February)

Summer is the warmest time of year reaching highs of 25ºC (77ºF). It is also the most popular time to travel New Zealand meaning it feels busier and flights/rentals tend to be more expensive.

Autumn (March-May)

Autumn has milder weather anywhere between 6ºC (43ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF). It’s considered the shoulder season in New Zealand when tourist attractions get quieter and the prices lower.

Winter (June-August)

Temperatures can be anywhere between -3ºC (27ºF) and 15ºC (59ºF) depending on which parts of the country you are in. While most of the country is quiet during the low season, ski field hubs experience a busier season. Prices are usually at their lowest in winter.

Spring (September-November)

Temperatures rise again, yet prices are still pretty low during this shoulder season until November.

For more information about the New Zealand climate, check out What is the Weather Like in New Zealand? Plus, we dig deeper into the best time to visit New Zealand here .

What Do You Need to Bring with You to New Zealand?

Of course, packing is a personal choice, so we won’t dive into clothes packing too much in this section. For that, see our Packing List . The most important thing to remember is layers! Whatever the season, have some extra layers for those unexpected cold or rainy days. Instead, we’ll talk about the things you need to bring to New Zealand that you might have not thought about.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit New Zealand?

A tourist visa is activated automatically upon entry to New Zealand for most countries. This usually allows visitors to stay for up to three months. Find out if this applies to you in our Visitor visa article . Visitors also need to pay for an NZeTA and IVL before arrival in New Zealand – see more information on the NZeTA here . Other popular visa options to stay in New Zealand longer are the Working Holiday Visa and Student Visas .

Travel Insurance for New Zealand

Although the ACC in New Zealand partly covers accidental injury medical bills, many travellers opt for travel insurance for extra peace of mind should anything go wrong on their trip. For more information, head to Medical and Travel Insurance for New Zealand .

Identification

Your passport is obviously coming to New Zealand with you. If you plan on driving, you should also bring your driving license. If your driving license is not written in English then it will need to be accompanied by an International Driving Permit . There are only three valid forms of ID to buy alcohol in New Zealand , so consider getting a Hospitality New Zealand 18+ Card if you are staying in New Zealand for a while.

The currency in New Zealand is New Zealand Dollars (NZD). There are plenty of ATMs in towns and cities where you’ll be able to withdraw cash. Credit cards will also be accepted in most places, however, there is a small fee with each credit card transaction. If you are staying in New Zealand for a few months, you will save a lot of money by opening a New Zealand bank account .

How Long Do You Have in New Zealand?

Unlike other holiday destinations where you stay in one place, New Zealand’s attractions are spread out across the country. It’s a place you will want to travel around. Although New Zealand is a small country, the winding roads and mountains make it a long time to get around. However, here are some tips for different time frames in New Zealand.

1-2 Weeks in New Zealand

In this time, you should explore just one of the main islands. Take a look at these itineraries for the North Island and South Island .

3-4 Weeks in New Zealand

There are a number of bus tour options which will allow you to see both islands in this timeframe, or you can rent a vehicle. Get an idea of what you will have time to see in New Zealand in Three Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary .

Just Over a Month

Take a hop-on hop-off bus or InterCity bus around both islands or rent a vehicle. Get some inspiration in New Zealand in a Month: Road Trip Itinerary .

Now you have the option to travel by bus or buy your own car to see a great deal of the country.

Ways to Get Around New Zealand

There’s no right or wrong way to get around New Zealand. It depends on your personal style, budget and what experience you want to get out of it. Here are your options:

Buy Your Own Car or Campervan

Secondhand cars and campervans are easy to buy and sell in New Zealand. They provide the ultimate freedom to travel where ever you want but at the risk of buying a lemon. They can work out very cost-effective if you plan to stay in New Zealand a while. Check out Travel By Car in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide and Travel by Campervan in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide .

Rent a Car or Campervan

Although this is usually the more expensive way to travel New Zealand, it provides freedom for independent travel. Learn more in our Guide to Renting a Car/Campervan in New Zealand .

National Coaches

This is a cheap way of getting from A to B. Buses like Skip Bus or InterCity form the most extensive public transport network in New Zealand. Find out more in Bus Networks in New Zealand .

Hop-on Hop-off Buses

This is bus tour on a set route with the option to hop-off at any point for as long as you want. You choose as you go what activities you want to be booked. Learn more in What is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?

This is a structured tour around New Zealand often with food and accommodation included. It’s a stress-free way to travel the country with other people. Get started with your research using The Best National Bus Tours in New Zealand .

Domestic Flights

While not as popular as other countries, domestic flights in New Zealand are only a good idea is travelling between islands or long distances.

The train network in New Zealand is very limited but make for a scenic experience.

Accommodation in New Zealand

Accommodation comes in a variety of forms in New Zealand, from free campsites to luxury lodges. Start browsing the types of accommodation available in the following accommodation categories of the website:

• Luxury Accommodation
• Holiday Parks
• Boutique Accommodation
• Freedom Camping

Things to Do in New Zealand

It’s hard to know where to begin with the things to do in New Zealand. There’s just so much. Start with taking a look at the Top 10 Things to Do in New Zealand .

The main New Zealand attractions include:

• Outdoors activities
• Adventure activities
• Wildlife activities
• Scenery/natural attractions
• Maori cultural experiences
• Wine and craft beer .

And if that wasn’t enough, then you need the  101 Things to Do in New Zealand in your life.

Where to Visit in New Zealand?

While we also recommend getting off the beaten track if you can, some of the highlights include…

North Island

• Bay of Islands for its islands and beaches
• Auckland for its volcanoes and city life
• Rotorua for the geothermal activity and Maori culture
• Tongariro National Park for volcanic landscapes
• Whanganui National Park for canoeing in the wilderness
• Taranaki for volcanoes and surf
• Wellington for capital city vibes.

South Island

• Picton for its water activities
• Abel Tasman National Park for beaches and forest
• Kaikoura for marine wildlife
• Franz Josef & Fox Glacier for glaciers
• Queenstown for adrenaline activities
• Fiordland National Park for untouched wilderness
• Aoraki Mt Cook for mountains
• Stewart Island for remote wilderness and wildlife.

For more ideas, see the  10 Awesome New Zealand Travel Ideas .

Food in New Zealand

New Zealand mostly has Westernised food, including fried food like fish and chips, burgers and pizzas. You can, however, find much more culturally diverse food in larger cities. Learn more in our guide to food in New Zealand .

For food, you have to try in New Zealand, like New Zealand traditional dishes, see here .

In terms of budgeting on food, see our food shopping guide for supermarkets and the typical cost of groceries.

Eating out usually costs between NZ$20-$30 per person per main meal. However, for some cheap eats, see here .

Finally, Cellphone and Internet

Free WiFi that is decent is hard to find in New Zealand. Your best options are in accommodations, libraries, some cafes and in the largest cities in New Zealand. Check out more options in 10 Free Wi-Fi Spots in New Zealand Where You’ll Actually Have a Good Connection . To save on data on your phone, we recommend downloading GPS maps onto your phone when you have WiFi.

If you plan to use your phone a lot in New Zealand, first make sure it’s going to be compatible with New Zealand SIM cards , then get yourself a New Zealand SIM card where you can choose a prepay option and save heaps of money on calls, text and data compared to roaming. We compare the phone networks in New Zealand here.

That’s it for our New Zealand travel advice on how to plan a trip to New Zealand. For even more tips, be sure to bookmark The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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I had yearned to visit New Zealand since age 11. Thirty-four years later, I manifested my dream

Aug 17, 2023 • 9 min read

After decades of dreaming about New Zealand, the author manifested her destiny © Deesha Dyer

Deesha Dyer is the co-founder and executive director of beGirl.world Global Scholars , an organization that empowers teen girls through education and travel. BeGirl has partnered with Lonely Planet to raise awareness about their passport-equity project and to celebrate and continue its mission. In this first-person essay, Dyer shares how she made her travel dream of a trip to New Zealand a reality, confirming that manifesting your travel destiny sometimes really does work.

Science was always my favorite class, especially in middle school, as my inquisitive and creative mind started to mature enough to understand how the world and everything in it connected.

One day in 1990, we were learning about plants: how sun and water conspire to create everything we see around us. When my fabulous teacher Ms Moser instructed us to open our textbooks, I was immediately struck by a photo of a large, lush field with all types of colorful flowers. It curved up a hill and seemed to go on for miles.

Where was this place?

I glanced down to the corner to read the small italicized writing: New Zealand . I folded the corner of the page so I could look at again it from time to time. 

A long-distance love affair

This started a love affair with this beautiful country in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. But I was just a kid from Philadelphia ; New Zealand was so far away. Traveling to me was going to the Jersey Shore or to visit family in Queens , New York – certainly not boarding a plane or crossing an ocean to leave the country.

In seventh grade, I kept a spinning globe in my room – the cheap kind, with the plastic peel on sections that would slowly creep up after a few years, only to be held down by scotch tape (less expensive than buying a new one). I kept North America pointing toward me, for if I had to turn the globe left or right to see another country, that was a sign that I couldn’t afford to go there. New Zealand seemed like another planet away, one you would need a million dollars and a rocket ship to get to.

I had neither. 

As I grew up, graduated from high school (in 1995) and learned more about travel, I realized that while I didn’t need either of those things to explore, I certainly had to find another path to see the world – because I still couldn’t afford it. I jokingly (and, um, seriously) prayed for a job that would pay me to travel. I spent the early 2000s watching Travel Channel host Samantha Brown , who seemed to have the best job in the world: eating, drinking and galavanting around the globe. Someone please pay me to do this! I thought.

This led me to short stints with American Airlines and the Omni Netherland Plaza hotels, where I flew and stayed in places for a huge discount. Yet I was never able to use the benefits for international travel.

Yes, we can (travel internationally) 

In 2007, at age 29, after a slew of professional stops (including as a hip-hop journalist, peer counselor, secretary and retail worker), I decided to return to school part-time, at the Community College of Philadelphia. At this point, I had left the airline and hotel worlds, and had on my time off visited international destinations on a budget, including Mexico , Bermuda , France and England . The realm of what was possible and how far I could go began to grow. Then, in 2009, I landed an opportunity that finally  did pay me to travel: I went to intern at the White House for the president and first lady of the United States, Barack and Michelle Obama.

I was placed in the Department of Scheduling and Advance, which was charged with creating and managing the president’s daily schedule and arranging travel and event logistics for the first couple. This involved a team traveling ahead of the event (hence, “advancing”). If the event was in the US, we would travel seven days ahead; for international trips (referred to as OCONUS – outside the continental United States), we would leave two weeks before the event.

I traveled all over the world with the White House, and absolutely loved it. In 2011, the president was planning an official trip to Australia , and I joined as part of the advance team working and playing in cities like Canberra and Sydney . Although this was the closest yet I would get to New Zealand, I couldn’t make it there. On the way home, I craned my neck by the window to catch any glimpse of it I could from above. Silly perhaps – but hopeful. 

Going places 

Fast forward 11 years, to 2022, when I was planning my wedding. I told my now-husband Wes that the only place on Earth I wanted to go was New Zealand. I didn’t care how much it cost; we were going. I had never forgotten the feeling I had at age 10 when I first turned to that page in science class. 

We set a budget, put our wedding on a credit card to get the points (yes, we paid it right off) and started to strategize our trip. Because Obama, my former boss, had a speaking engagement in Australia a few months after our wedding, I had taken the chance to “advance” the trip by the former president to get to that part of the world. Which meant we would only need to pay for Wes’ flights and lodging, among other things. 

So, in March 2023, I finally touched down on New Zealand soil.

The trip got off to a rocky start, when Wes’ long-anticipated scuba excursion got canceled because of bad visibility. (This is pretty common; if scuba diving is on your New Zealand agenda, you should have a back-up plan.) And given the late hour we arrived, it was hard to find something to eat on the outskirts of Auckland . Thankfully, we came across Sakebar Nippon Epsom , which hit the spot with fresh sushi and beer. The next morning, we cruised to Taupō . On the drive, we saw endless fields of green and lush trees and flowers in bloom. It was an emotional and reflective moment.

I had made it. 

Appetite for adventure

En route to Taupō, we stopped for a delicious meal at a roadside diner, Kaiaua Fisheries, before checking out the pristine sands of Waihi Beach . The fall season meant it was less crowded and a little chilly, yet still enjoyable for swimming, walking, fishing, lounging and people-watching. 

Back on the road, we observed more farms – and took in the unique scent of sulfur, signaling our entrance into the land of hot springs that were sacred to the Māori and Indigenous people that first occupied the land. (A tip for anyone setting out on a New Zealand road trip: fill up on gas whenever and wherever you can; stations were few and far between, with many closed.)

Before I go further, it is important to note that, like many places in the world, New Zealand was colonized in a destructive fashion. While we could feel, see and hear the presence of the Māori people all around the island through everyday people, the music, the names of streets and landmarks, the effects of land seizures as well as suppressed language, tradition and culture were equally prevalent. 

We broke up the drive from Auckland with a visit to a community flea market in the small town of Pōkeno, where we ate delicious home-baked goods. We dipped into Countdown, a chain grocery store, to get some provisions for the week before arriving at the famous Whakarewarewa Forest . We took a walking-bridge tour between each tree (at night – a bit scary, but beautifully lit), and learned that the redwoods (the only ones to be found outside of North America) were imported and planted in the early 1900s. Sure, it was a little touristy – but also the perfect spot for outdoor activities like running and biking. 

Paradise found in and around Taupō

We checked into The Village Resort , surrounded by downtown restaurants and walking paths overlooking Lake Taupo . The next five days of our trip were simply magical. We plunged into Hell’s Gate , an active geothermal spa in the Bay of Plenty between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti. (Another tip: rent a bathing suit and wear clothes that you don’t mind throwing away later: ours smelled of sulfur for weeks, and we ultimately got rid of them). The mud was surprisingly relaxing, and my skin felt great afterward.

We visited several waterfalls, including Okere, Owharoa, Ketetahi and Tawhai (aka Gollum’s Pool) in Tongariro National Park. The park also has endless trails for both beginners (like me!) and experienced hikers. My husband, a lawn bowling enthusiast, joined a game at the small Rotorua East Lawn Bowling Club . Back in Taupō, he relaxed at the Otumuheke Stream while I enjoyed a therapeutic massage at Thai Healing Concepts . 

Best-laid plans…

We were most excited about our final day in New Zealand, when we would take a ferry to Waiheke Island . This was the one place that everyone we spoke with consistently recommended. From the photos, it looked like an absolute dream. I got all dressed up and was ready for the fabulous pictures we were going to take on this island…but nature had other plans.

A torrential six-hour downpour completely ruined our itinerary.

We soldiered on in the hope that the rain would eventually stop or lighten up. It did not. In between scrambling to put on our rain gear, running through puddles and the 45-minute ferry ride with a bunch of other drenched people, we tried to make the most of it. 

We enjoyed a meal at Fenice , a yummy Italian restaurant, capped off with drinks and dessert at the stunning (if damp) Mudbrick Vineyard . Later, we walked down the town street for as long as our squishy shoes would allow. We boarded the ferry back and laughed. What a way to end a trip!

Since we had booked the trip on separate tickets, Wes and I had to fly home separately. This allowed me an extra day by myself to reflect on this journey, which had begun in seventh grade. There wasn’t enough time to explore everything: and this just means I have to go back. In New Zealand, the beauty of the land goes on and on. It’s a place where the sky kisses the mountains and marries the sea.

Sights that are surely the manifestation of a lifetime. 

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Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Editor's note: The team at The Points Guy loves to travel, but now is not the time for unnecessary trips. Health officials say the fastest way to return to normalcy is to stop coming in contact with others. That includes ceasing travel. We are publishing travel guides because we should all use this time to think about and plan our next adventures. TPG doesn't advise booking travel until later this year — and even then, be mindful of cancellation policies.

Life happens fast. One minute, you're calculating the cost of two round-trip business-class flights to New Zealand , and the next you're quarantining at home, calculating how long your toilet paper supply is going to last.

Before the coronavirus swept across the world and brought travel nearly to a halt, I was in the middle of planning more than one bucket-list adventure. I was daydreaming about a birthday trip to Japan , and stocking up on Chase Ultimate Rewards points for a trip to New Zealand. Of course, neither of these trips have happened — and they probably won't happen anytime soon.

Visit TPG's guide to all coronavirus news and updates

But I've found myself with a lot of extra downtime lately. And, like so many of my colleagues here at TPG, one of my favorite ways to fill these hours at home is planning future trips.

When it's safe to get out and explore the world again, New Zealand will stay at the top of the list.

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When I started rooting around for business-class awards to New Zealand, my colleagues told me I was hunting for a unicorn. Challenge accepted, thank you very much. My original plan had been to fly to New Zealand on United metal in Polaris (business class) — but that was before United basically scrapped its award chart . Still, I decided my best strategy was to focus on growing my stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

I already had a nice heap from my Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, and I was almost out from under Chase's 48-month Sapphire sign-up bonus restriction.

So, while I waited to downgrade my Preferred card and apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, I added the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card to my wallet — and pocketed an extra 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points from the sign-up bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements (offer no longer available). The card is currently offering a bonus of 100,000 points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

My new plan is to fly on Air New Zealand's new nonstop flight from New York-Newark (EWR) to Auckland (AKL). Originally, it was scheduled to launch in October, but the airline recently announced that it is delaying the start date to at least 2021.

Though the herringbone-style cabin configuration isn't ideal on the airline's Boeing 787-9, I love the idea of flying the first-ever nonstop flight between New York and New Zealand. Sadly, business-class awards to New Zealand are even more rare than hand sanitizer these days. But, like I said, I have nothing but time — might as well spend it searching for mythical creatures.

In theory, when this route is available, I could snag a round-trip ticket for 180,000 United miles, which transfer from Chase at a 1:1 ratio, plus around $70 in taxes and fees — though finding a Business Saver Award for this flight online could definitely be a fairy tale.

During my most recent online award hunt, I spotted a flight in Polaris from Newark (EWR) to Tokyo (NRT) in business class for 80,000 United miles, followed by an economy-class flight from Japan to New Zealand. Close, but no cigar.

The most common price I'm seeing for United business-class flights to New Zealand is around 400,000 miles round-trip. Here's an example in December:

Because Air New Zealand is a Star Alliance member, I could also book flights through Aeroplan or Avianca LifeMiles (and probably at a slightly better rate than United), though these programs aren't transfer partners of Chase Ultimate Rewards. If I wanted to go this route, I'd need to have enough points in either my American Express Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou accounts, so I could transfer points into those programs.

I could also potentially use Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles program to book flights on United or Air New Zealand for better rates, but I don't have enough points in Citi or Marriott to transfer into Turkish.

I also found some availability to Auckland via Los Angeles (LAX) on American Airlines in September, but it would require long layovers and additional stops with 40,000 miles in coach on the outbound and 80,000 miles on the return in business. And prices on American in November were much higher: 472,000 miles for round-trip flights to Auckland as a "web special."

Regular business-class tickets were a whopping 675,000 miles. Hello, dynamic pricing! (I don't even know if I'd spend that much on an actual, real-life unicorn.)

I feel like I could spend the rest of my life waiting to stay at the Park Hyatt Auckland (we've been anxiously awaiting its debut since at least 2018 ). The harborfront, 195-room hotel in the Wynward Quarter is almost guaranteed to be one of the top points properties in New Zealand when it finally welcomes guests. The World of Hyatt Category 5 property will be available from 20,000 points, or around $350, per night.

I'll also probably spend a significant number of my nights camping and taking advantage of the country's extensive system of well-maintained backcountry huts.

But New Zealand is also known for its stunning, remote lodges, including Blanket Bay.

Rooms here feature gleaming hardwood floors and private terraces or balconies, and suites have stone fireplaces as well. You're not going to be able to use your hotel points to stay here, but you can maximize the expense by booking through the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program if you have either The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

You'll earn 5x points on a prepaid reservation when booking directly through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (a good way to maximize the not-inexpensive rate, which starts around $1,200 during peak season). You'll also get exclusive perks like daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade upon arrival (based on availability), and a property credit, among other benefits.

This is a dream trip , after all, so I've also been looking at The Lindis, an architecturally stunning luxury lodge on the South Island that signaled a new, even more luxurious turn for tourism in New Zealand when it opened in 2018.

I can't really think of a better way to end a multi-day backpacking trip than with a night or two in one of the property's pods. These mirrored-glass cubes emerge from the Ahuriri Valley and have outdoor seating areas with private soaking tubs. Go ahead, ask me how much I love a hotel bathtub . Rates for these accommodations start around $1,200 (or $2,000 New Zealand dollars). Before you break into a cold sweat, keep in mind that daily breakfast, a multi-course dinner, minibar, pre-dinner drinks and appetizers, and self-guided activities are included in the price.

The itinerary

I've been itching to plan another backpacking trip since my boyfriend and I did a four-day circuit in a remote corner of central Chilean Patagonia . And there are few places on Earth that seem better suited for backpackers than New Zealand.

The lunar-like volcanic North Island is a great place to start, especially since I plan to fly into Auckland. New Zealand's oldest national park, Tongariro, is a must-see for any hiking enthusiast headed to New Zealand. There's also a stunning two- to three-day hike in Egmont National Park.

If I'm going to really take my time exploring New Zealand, I may hop aboard the Northern Explorer for a more extensive introduction to the North Island. This train winds along one of the most scenic rail routes on Earth . I could catch the train in Auckland and take it south to the capital city, Wellington, passing through such key attractions as Tongariro and Waitomo .

But some of the best backpacking and rock climbing is on the South Island, where you'll find cinematic landscapes from some of the most visually striking blockbusters of the decade, such as "A Wrinkle in Time" and "The Hobbit."

At the top of my list are New Zealand's incredible Fiordland National Park and climbing the Southern Alps in Mount Aspiring National Park. Here, trekkers are rewarded with turquoise-colored lakes and vast glaciers -- the kind of scenery I've been craving since my trip to Patagonia. It's also driving distance from Blanket Bay.

Far from the city, I'd also want to make time to see the imposing skies of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which is considered one of the planet's most incredible destinations for stargazing .

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Start Dreaming About New Zealand

Dreaming of New Zealand? Start preparing now for when borders re-open in 2022. Enjoy the cultural immersion and history of the North Island before jumping-perhaps literally-headfirst into the adventures and dramatic landscapes of the South Island.

Eager to turn those lockdown travel dreams into reality?

With vaccinations in full swing, it’s only a matter of time before New Zealand begins welcoming international visitors to its shores again. New Zealanders have a proud tradition of welcoming visitors to their beautiful country, so they’ve sorely missed sharing it with international travellers. What have the kiwis been doing while they wait? They’ve been taking the opportunity to explore their own country, from the rich cultural attractions of Rotorua to the soaring peaks of Queenstown and the Southern Alps.

There’s just been one thing missing. You!

Essence of New Zealand

FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Travel from Auckland to Christchurch, visiting Rotorua, Queenstown and Milford Sound in between. Visit the rainforest and black sand beaches in Auckland, experience the Maori culture in Rotorua, cruise the magnificent Milford Sound with its rugged mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls, pass through the beautiful landscape of Otago before arriving in Christchurch.

If you’re dreaming about that first trip to New Zealand, Goway’s Essence of New Zealand offers an ideal introduction to the best of both major islands. If you’ve already had a taste of New Zealand and have been longing for a return trip, this itinerary includes the most popular sights of the Auckland, Rotorua, and Queenstown regions, conveniently organised into day tours and scenic transfers.

Why Auckland is the Best of Both Worlds

Ever dream about living with a perfectly balanced indoor and outdoor lifestyle? Aucklanders have the formula down pat. Built on 52 dormant volcano cones with a glistening harbour on either side, Auckland has been voted the world’s most liveable city on numerous such lists. With lively rainforests and panoramic views within 30 minutes of downtown, that’s not surprising. But before you decide to pack up and move to Auckland for yourself, learn a little about the Maori who’ve called the region home since the 1300s. Traditional carvings and artworks in the region speak to that history, and one can imagine how it felt to arrive here and first feel the black volcanic sands beneath one’s feet. With impressive landscapes in every direction, New Zealand’s largest city still feels immersed in nature.

Hobbits, Hot Springs, and Hangi

New Zealand’s film industry has been prolific in recent years for a country of its size. That’s been heavily driven by the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit series of films. The Hobbiton movie set is preserved for visitors as the world’s largest ‘green set,’ which invites you to stop in and visit the Shire, complete with a drink at the Green Dragon tavern.

A far more ancient attraction is Te Puia at Rotorua. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into Maori culture, this is the place to do it. Amid the bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers of New Zealand’s natural geothermal lab, Te Puia offers a showcase of Maori arts, culture, and tradition. Visitors to the Tamaki Maori Village receive a traditional greeting and demonstrations of artforms rooted in centuries of Maori history. It’s all capped off with a delicious Hangi feast, baked with heated rocks in a pit oven.

After such sensory overload, you might be dreaming of some recovery and ‘you’ time. Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa is the ideal spot, where the signature mud wrap gently lifts your cares away.

Awesome Adventures in Queenstown

You’d expect the town that invented bungee jumping to offer some pretty amazing adventure sports options, and Queenstown doesn’t disappoint. If your New Zealand dreams are filled with peaks soaring above you while you zip through a canyon or clearing in the forest, Queenstown is sure to be your highlight. On the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, you couldn’t ask for a much more idyllic location to try zip lining, kayaking, bungee jumping, jet-boating, or whatever else gets your blood pumping.

But Queenstown is also close to Fiordland National Park, home to one of New Zealand’s largest and most revered treasures, Milford Sound. Many great sights get dubbed ‘The 8 th Wonder of the World,’ but since this one earned the title from that great dreamer and traveller Rudyard Kipling, we’re inclined to trust his take. Going out to the Tasman Sea under the watch of soaring Mitre Peak, a Milford Sound cruise is included as a day trip on this itinerary. Keep a lookout for dolphins, seals, and other wildlife enjoying the serenity of the incredible Fiordlands.

Much of New Zealand’s allure is in getting from one place to another. When we imagine that incredible Kiwi landscape, much of it lies between the most popular tourist destinations, making the journey itself one of New Zealand’s big attractions. Of course, New Zealanders have known this all their lives, but travellers on the Essence of New Zealand itinerary will see it first hand on an escorted tour from Queenstown to Christchurch through the Otago region, via Mount Cook. There are even options for an airborne tour, to gain the ultimate perspective on the Southern Alps.

28 Jun 2021, 3 p.m.

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Thailand is a destination to return to throughout your life. It rewards those repeat travelers who want to delve into different regions, enjoy different experiences, and see a destination through the new eyes that age brings.

Venture Beyond Sydney & Discover More of New South Wales, Australia

That first view of the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House will take your breath away. One of the world’s most famous and beautiful performance venues truly is a sight to behold, and at the core of what makes Sydney such a fabulous city to visit. But it’s not all that Sydney and New South Wales has going for it—far from it. Beyond the famed Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and Taronga Zoo lies a city and a state where history, nature, and culture combine in remarkable ways.

Classic New Zealand

FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: This is the ultimate classic New Zealand tour. Begin in Auckland and then it’s on to Rotorua, next head South to the capital, Wellington before embarking on the scenic South Island with stops in Queenstown, the West Coast and Christchurch. Experience one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world as the TransAlpine takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch.

Ultimate New Zealand: Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Queenstown

DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Embark on a journey through the scenic attractions of diverse New Zealand, staying at some of the most luxurious accommodation available in Auckland, Hawkes Bay and Queenstown. Participate as one of the crew on an authentic America's yacht in Auckland, experience one of New Zealand's best wine regions, fly over the snow capped Southern Alps and cruise magnificent Milford Sound.

Bay of Plenty New Zealand Long Stay

MODERATE | LONG-STAY: The Bay of Plenty, one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations and a thriving port city, the Bay continues to offer its bounty of beaches, restaurants, cafes and boutique shopping to visitors from near and far.

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• 3 Dream Places to Stay in New Zealand

By Shona Hore

9 minute read

Get hold of your free New Zealand Trails brochure here

Aotearoa (New Zealand) has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, which still feel remote and untouched. Wondering where to stay in New Zealand? Nestled amongst these landscapes are three unique and very different accommodations in off the beaten track locations, which we love to show off to our guests for our adventure tours. We think these are truly some of the best places to stay in New Zealand.

1. Lake Ohau Shearers Quarters

Winding your way along a dirt road skirting the picturesque Lake Ohau, you make your way up the pristine valley; mountains rising up either side, you eventually find civilization slipping away behind you and this unassuming lodge appear in the distance as you come up and over a rise in the road. Tucked away on a remote station (the New Zealand version of a ranch) at the head of Lake Ohau is where you will find this gem of a lodge. Season after season, without fail, this delightful hideout has been a favourite of our guests here at New Zealand Trails and here are some reasons why.

Famous locals

With such a small population it is a surprise that Okarito is home to some famous names – probably the most notable is Kerry Hume, who won the Booker Prize in 1985 for her novel ‘The Bone People’. Another notable local is landscape photographer Andris (Andy) Apse. Andy showcases his incredible landscapes in his gallery in Okarito and if you visit his gallery you may just get to meet him. Andy will usually talk about the painstakingly precise methods that go into creating these images and answer any questions you may have. Andy also has an incredible personal tale of his journey to New Zealand after being displaced by World War II from his homeland of Latvia. For those who love historical biographies you can read about Andy’s story in the Ron Crosby book ‘Andris, Where Are You?’

Kiwi spotting

Okarito is also home to our rarest of 5 species of Kiwi, the Rowi (Okarito Brown Kiwi) with their breeding habitat located in the forest surrounding the Okarito Lagoon. There are only around 450 birds left and programs such as Operation Nest Egg have been working hard to help the Kiwi come back from the brink of extinction. If you are really lucky, sometimes you can hear their call at night time from the deck of the Beach House, but for those night owls (as Kiwi are nocturnal) who are keen to try their luck seeing these elusive birds in the wild, there are Kiwi tours available. The key to good Kiwi spotting is being quiet, dressing warm, having patience and most of all a great deal of luck, don’t be upset if you don’t see a Kiwi as most New Zealanders have never seen one in the wild either.

Friendly people

Meet the locals while wandering through the village, most of the village is familiar with New Zealand Trails (with our Masterpiece , World Heritage and Kiwi Classic tours all staying here) and quite often like to stop and have a yarn and hear about your adventures in New Zealand. Sometimes locals will join us for dinners at the Beach House, this location will really feel like a home away from home.

If you are interested in visiting Andy Apse’s gallery or doing a Kiwi tour then make sure to give your New Zealand Trails guides advanced notice, so you have a greater chance of being able to participate in these activities.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, as there are many great locations we frequent on our tours, these are just a few of our favourites and we are sure they will be yours too.

Check our trip schedules and availability on our   availability page . To work out which trip suits you best, check out   Which Trip is Right For Me .

Request your FREE NEW ZEALAND TRAILS Brochure here now for articles, stories and information on our 5 guided trip options. 

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Let’s talk – we’d love to hear what you think. Pop your details in below and have your say.

We are 3 walkers hoping to combine the Milford and the Routeburn Tracks with a day or two in-between. The private lodge accomodation would be our preference and we are hoping to do these hikes in September 2022 or 2023. Are you able to send me information on the possibility of organising this with a price guide. Regards, Pam

Looking for interesting hikes. What's the best time to visit

My dream trip is to travel to New Zealand, particularly the stomping grounds of one of my authors, Janet Frame.

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10 days - customer favorite., north & south island road trip..

A self drive vacation; Includes Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Fiordland Rainforests, Queenstown Adventures, Milford Sound.

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North & South Island Scenery and Vineyards Self Drive Tour

13 day self drive. Includes Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Central Otago wine regions, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown, Fiordland

North & South Island - Self drive tour including Alpine Wonders

15 day self drive itinerary. Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Hawkes Bay Vineyards, Wellington, Queenstown, Aoraki Mt Cook, Hooker Valley Walk, Christchurch.

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A 17 day self drive itinerary. Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay Vineyards, Wellington, Dunedin, Yellow Eyed Penguins, Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier, Christchurch

Off The Beaten Path Self Drive Tour

25 day self drive. Includes Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Otago, Catlins, Stewart Is, Queenstown, Mt Cook, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim, Queen Charlotte Drive, Abel Tasman Park

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Lindsay Barron

Santa Barbara CA, USA

In 2015,  Tourism New Zealand  recognized Lindsay's experience and passion for New Zealand when he was granted a lifetime "Gold Status" New Zealand specialist award ...

Jane Cousens

Christchurch, New Zealand

Another highly experienced Kiwi specialist with a background in retail travel, Jane has been described as “the ultimate travellers advocate” sharing as she does Lindsay’s passion for...

Jerry Bridge

Wellington, New Zealand

After travelling to all corners of the world, in 1989 Jerry founded his first travel business in London, UK called ‘Bridge the World’ selling worldwide flights and holidays. With an annual...

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Plan Your Dream Vacation To New Zealand 🇳🇿 – A Stepwise Guide!

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New Zealand is one such country in the world that is probably on everyone’s bucket list – the backpackers, the solo vacationers, the honeymooners, the adventurers and all different categories of travelers. So, if you someday plan to visit New Zealand in this lifetime, this blog is for you!

However experienced you may be as a traveler, planning a trip to New Zealand is way tricky than it sounds and you can be spoiled for choices. We recently did a couple-trip to New Zealand as a part of our anniversary celebrations and trust me, we are still hung-over on the idyllic landscapes and the scenic wonders. Though it is a very small island country located in the Southern Hemisphere, there are too many places to visit, too many things to do and too many itinerary recommendations that are bound to drive you nuts! And not just that, going to NZ has a lot of money involved and every unique experience comes with a huge price tag, so it is always better to plan it by yourself rather than falling prey to the travel agencies.

Well, I am not playing with your hopes but only giving you a reality check. Let’s leave the fancy talks behind and instead go for a conventional way of planning a perfect trip to this island country; just like my husband and me did. Let’s get started –

Step 1: Study the Map of New Zealand

Yes, you read that right! The easiest way to explore NZ is by knowing its basic geography and gradually tick marking places that you would like to visit.

As mentioned previously, NZ is an island country and comprises of two chunks – North Island & South Island. North Island is known for its gorgeous coastline, stunning white-sand beaches, geothermal hotspots, volcanoes, natural hot water springs, glow-worm caves and the essence of traditional Maori arts & culture. Whereas, South Island is home to majestic mountains, serene fjords, pristine and colorful lakes, dark & starry skies, snowy peaks & glaciers, and thrilling experiences and adventures.

Read and research about each island separately and jot down the places you would like to see or visit on both. Generally, one makes times for both islands on a single trip, but we also met travelers who were only doing one island as they had limited time and budget. But if you are flying all the way from India or any place that is far, try doing both islands on a single trip as it will reduce your travel costs to a great extent.

While I was doing my readings on New Zealand, I maintained a diary where I used to make notes about the places that really interest me. I made a separate list for both the North and South Islands so that I could decide how long should I stay in NZ and where should I spend more days. From what I experienced, prioritize North Island if you are a beach person and like to be in the waters and prioritize South Island if you are a Mountain person and like to drive through the woods!

I had the following places on my list:

North Island – Auckland, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Waikehe Islands, Bay of Islands, and The Coromandel.

South Island – Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Mt. Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch, and Franz Josef.

Well, your selection can be the same or totally different.

What I would also like to mention here is do check the seasons and temperatures while you study the map. Seasons can largely affect the sceneries and completely transform a place and the beauty associated with it. We went to New Zealand in mid-March, which was the onset of their autumn. Just sharing a quick season guide for your reference:

Summer (December to February) – the best time to be at the beaches. The temperature is ideal, and it is the peak tourist season in NZ.

Autumn (March to May) – the scenic beauty is at its best and driving will be fun. It is less touristy, and the weather can get coldish and windy.

Winter (June to August) – it is the skiing season in NZ, and the landscapes get magical. Days are short and gets freaking cold.

Spring (September to November) – nature at its best and with fewer tourists. The weather is usually dicey and switches between hot & cold.

Step 2: Fix a Budget

Once you roughly have an idea about the places you want to visit, it is time to decide your spend limit for the trip. Honestly, New Zealand is more expensive than one thinks; be it flight tickets, car rentals/transportation, accommodation, activities, food, etc. Everything is priced heavily and therefore, fixing a budget is a key step to plan the itinerary further. Your budget may also vary depending on the type of traveler you are. Some people like to stay at lavish hotels and eat at good restaurants but can even travel in buses and compromise on activities whereas others may be okay staying anywhere and eating anything but would want to spend more on the activities and experiences. And there are also the ones who don’t want to compromise on anything. Well, that is for you to decide, but keeping a balance will help cut costs.

Flight tickets are usually priced seasonally and as per the demand so you cannot really do any major savings. The only way is to check for some deals online or book them way in advance.

Travel budget will also be determined by the mode of transport, type of vehicle, distance traveled, fuel cost, and insurance cover. If you want to get around on a budget and follow a fixed route, buses are an economical option. But if you wish to map the roads yourself, be flexible with your schedule and explore the country, car rental is a great choice. For those who prefer luxury and do not really count the money spent, there are some amazing scenic flights and helicopter rides for various routes and places. Well, we were on a medium budget, and we rented a car (Sedan) for both North and South Island trips.

Areas where you can do some real savings would be accommodation, activities, and food. We, as a couple, decided to save on accommodation by staying at Airbnb across New Zealand and also saved a lot on eating by cooking our own food.

While you are working on the budget, you can Apply for Visitor Visa and complete all the necessary documentation. It is best to do it by yourself just by visiting their website and not relying on any travel agents or third party. Once you submit an online application, you also need to visit the New Zealand High Commission of the selected city for passport and document submission. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for more details.

My husband applied for Visitor Visa under his name, and I was an additional traveler for a fee of 160$ (11K). The Immigration department issues Visa in the form of a letter and does not stamp it on your passport. The Visitor Visa is valid for four months and expires one month after each arrival. Therefore, do not apply too many months in advance; otherwise, it will expire even before you start your trip. We had to travel in March, so we applied for it only in February.

We set an upper limit for the entire trip and decided to pick our activities and adventure sports accordingly. We roughly allocated the budget for three major categories –Transport (Visa, Flight Tickets, Car Rentals, Fuel, and Insurance), Accommodation (Airbnb Home Stays and Hotels) and Activities (Sightseeing Tours, Adventure Sports, and Leisure Activities). Food and Shopping were listed as sundry expenses. This whole process made our final booking step very easy and convenient because we had an allotted budget to look at. We tried our best to stay within the upper limit and not spend anything beyond it.

Just for your information, our Medium Budget NZ trip cost us approximately INR 5 Lakhs (per couple) inclusive of everything.

Step 3: Make a List of Activities

Your budget will dictate the activities you want to do, and those activities will dictate the number of days you spend in NZ, places you should finally be and spend more time at and in general, the island that you must favor. You will get a rough idea once you start reading more about the places. Now go back to your previous list and start writing the things you want to do at each place, along with a rough cost estimate per person and also the time taken to do it. The thumb rule is – One Place at a Time!

But to shorten your reading time, let me share my notes with you –

North Island

Auckland – City Life, Piha Beach

Rotorua – Glowworm Caves, Geothermal Park, Maori Village, Redwoods Tree Walk, Hot Water Pools, Hobbiton, Lord of the Rings Tour, Luge Ride, Gondola, Polynesian Spa

Lake Taupo – Sky Diving, Waterfalls, Tongariro National Park (Hiking) Waiheke Islands – Wine Tour

Bay of Islands – Beaches, Dolphin Eco-Experience

The Coromandel – Cathedral Cove, Beaches

South Island

Queenstown – Jet Boating, Canyon Swing, Canyon Fox, Bungee Jump, Hiking

Milford Sound – Te Anau Village, Scenic Drive, and Cruise

Wanaka – That Wanaka Tree, Lake Visits, Hikes

Mt. Cook National Park – Hooker Valley Track

Lake Tekapo – Star Gazing, Southern Lights

Franz Josef – Fox Glacier, Helicopter Ride

Christchurch – Victoria Park, City Tour, Art Walk

Once you are done making a list, add all the activity cost and time estimates, and compare it with the first budget and time limit that you had set. If it exceeds drastically, try chucking out activities that you can do without. It is crucial to prioritize them as per your budget and time.

For e.g., I chose Sky Diving and Canyon Swing for adventure sports (all with photo and video package) and canceled the Bungee Jump as it exceeded my budget. Since I had some extra time left after the Swing, I also did Canyon Fox as they offered it at a lower price. My husband only did Sky Diving but from a much higher altitude which obviously cost way more and skipped the Canyon Swing + Fox and Bungee Jump as he had already done those in another country.

Quick Tip: Check the activity costs on the official websites and compare their prices with sites such as BookMe, Backpacker Deals, Grabone NZ, etc. These websites offer great deals and last minute discounts; be it adventure sports, food coupons, leisure activities, events, etc. and sometimes you can even crack a booking at just half the price or even less. We made some of our reservations through BookMe.

Step 4: Chalk out a Route Plan

The next step is to write down the distances and time estimations for each place. If two places look closer on a map, doesn’t necessarily mean they are close. Sometimes bad weather or geographical placements actually affect the time taken, so you need to plan wisely.

For e.g. Milford Sound and Queenstown look closer on the map but it is approximately a 4 hours 15 minutes’ drive due to winding roads and with all the scenic spots and photo ops, takes nearly half a day for a return trip from Queenstown.

Secondly, your mode of travel also has to play a role in the same. Let’s first understand that there is no direct road connectivity between the North and the South Island that leaves you with two options – Flight transfer (faster and economic) or Cruise transfer (slower and luxurious). Well, what you choose is totally up to you!

But if you are looking for the distances within the North or the South Island, almost all places are within a time frame of 4-5 hours by road. The Route you plan greatly relies on the number of days you plan to spend on each island and the activities that you wish to do.

The next big step and probably the hardest one is to make choices. Chalk out a rough route and re-check if all the places you want to visit and things you want to do fall on your route and if you have enough time to accomplish what you wished for. The ideal way is to measure distances realistically and the travel time between the spots, select the ones that you really want to visit, cross-mark the ones you won’t mind skipping and finally make a draft itinerary and followed by a day-wise plan. Along with your route map, also create an Activity Calendar so that you know on which day you are doing which activity and distribute your time accordingly.

Here’s a quick chart of distances and time estimate (By Road) –

• Auckland to Taupo – 3h 20 m (278 km)
• Taupo to Rotorua – 1h (82 km)
• Rotorua to Auckland – 2h 44 m (228 km)

We had to skip Coromandel, Waiheke Islands and Bay of Islands as they didn’t fall on our route and we didn’t have the time for. Instead, we were able to do the beaches at Bay of Plenty (Tauranga) that was only a short detour from Rotorua but much similar and feasible. We even skipped Maori Village visit and Redwoods Tree walk and instead did a Three-cave tour at Rotorua. We also skipped Hobbiton, LOTR as they were expensive.

• Queenstown to Milford Sound – 4h 15 m (287 km)
• Queenstown to Wanaka – 1h (67 km)
• Wanaka to Mt. Cook National Park – 2h 30m (209 km)
• Mt. Cook National Park to Lake Tekapo – 1h 15m (105 km)
• Lake Tekapo to Christchurch – 2h 50m (227 km)

We had ample time in South Island, so we were able to add many exciting stops on our route such as Glenorchy (Queenstown Surrounding Region), Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, Lake Pukaki, Lake Twizel, Lake Hawea, Fairlie and Woodbury to our trip. We skipped Franz Josef and Fox Glacier because we didn’t have the time and budget for the scenic flights and Heliski. To experience a scenic drive and learn about the area, we took a fully guided glass roof bus tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound and way back.

Quick Tip: Always keep room for extra activities and places if you are having your own car. You cannot really trust the weather in NZ and might have to cancel a few activities or find replacements. We were unfortunate towards the end of our trip as there was a thunderstorm in South Island. We could not do the Hooker Valley Track, and our Star Gazing tour also got canceled due to heavy rains. So in the remaining time, we explored Lake Pukaki, Mount John Observatory, Astro Cafe and simply enjoyed the scenic drive to Mount Cook.

Ideally, one should spend a minimum of two weeks in New Zealand, but we spent 11 nights and 12 days in New Zealand out of which we gave four nights to North Island and seven nights to South Island. We took an onward China Southern Flight from New Delhi to Auckland via Guangzhou and return flight from Christchurch to New Delhi again via Guangzhou. So basically, we began our trip from Auckland (North) and ended it at Christchurch (South).

There is no written rule on where to start and end the trip. Many people prefer a round trip from the same place to save travel costs, and many people go from South to North Island. It is up to you which way you want to travel and how much time do you have. You are free to follow our itinerary and extend it by 2 to 3 days by adding Coromandel and Franz Josef or just do any of the two islands.

If you are still clueless where to begin and end the trip, let me help you out with my route plan –

Step 5: Proceed with Bookings

Once you know the route and where you are headed, it is time to check accommodation for each place and if it fits your activity calendar. After going through hotel booking websites such as Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, Agoda, etc., we still felt that the hotel accommodations are damn expensive and we decided to look only for Airbnb. When I exactly knew the places I had to visit, I started searching for homes in the region and nearby areas, compared prices and saved the ones I liked the most. It took me almost a month to shortlist the homestays at all different places in the country.

The pricing starts from as low as INR 2,000 per night as goes as high as it can totally depending upon the location and the facilities. For those on a medium budget, INR 3,000- INR 7,000 per night should be a price bracket which may vary place to place and season to season as a few towns will be cheaper, and others will be expensive. Since we already had a budget estimate for Accommodation, we were clear in our heads where to book what.

Quick Tip: The homes in the main towns and cities will be expensive. Therefore, you can even go for the homes that are located slightly away from the main area because if you have your own car, driving won’t be a problem. For Auckland, we had to choose a home close to the airport as we had an early morning flight. But for other locations, we actually went for homes in the suburbs as they were not only cheaper but were also placed on some amazing scenic backdrops in the outskirts.

E.g., For Rotorua, we booked a homestay at Lake Okareka, which was a 10 min drive from the city and had a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains as its backdrop. We booked an Airbnb at Lake Hayes Estate; a suburb in Queenstown instead of the main town just to cut costs. It was only a 15 min drive to the downtown. Similarly, at Wanaka, we stayed at a Rural Cottage located near Lake Hawea (a 20 min drive) because we wanted to experience village life and off the grid living.

The only place we found to be the most expensive was the Lake Tekapo. Even the home stays here cost way more than a decent hotel would because it is a small village popular for star gazing and the property cost is very high. Hotels get sold out quickly due to limited availability, so it is advisable to book a room in advance. Since we got late for this one, we had no choice but to book a basic hotel room that alone cost us INR 12,000 per night. And that was the cheapest deal for that place.

Ideally, you should only book anything once you have a Visa letter in hand, but sometime any delay will cause unnecessary price hike and sometimes unavailability. But my husband was confident about the Visa, so we started making bookings even before we had the Visa; even our flight was booked prior to the visa arrival! If there is free cancellation or easy cancellation policy for Airbnb and Hotels, there is no harm booking them in advance. Take the risk only if you are confident.

Now once you have the Visa and you are sure about going to New Zealand, you must proceed with booking all the activities and adventure packages.

Quick Tip: Sometimes, booking last minute can be cheaper than booking in advance. We got a few last minute deals for activities such as Jet Boating and Star Gazing only because there were empty slots for the day. Therefore, always keep your eyes on offers on different websites. And we actually booked the Three Cave Tour on the spot at one of the booking centers in Rotorua. So do try your luck!

Are you ready to visit New Zealand?

Well, that was a lengthy blog to read, but I am sure the simple Step format will be easy to follow and to look up to whenever you plan a trip to NZ. My homework about the places really helped me explore everything better, and I hope it will do the same to you. Happy Travelling!

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American sportsmen discover new zealand’s hunting and fishing paradise.

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The world's largest red deer stags are the prized attraction for international hunters visiting New ... [+] Zealand.

Long before Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy put New Zealand on everyone’s travel list, hunters and anglers long coveted the island nation’s riches of fish and game. It is a sportsman’s Jurassic Park, where beasts grow to near-mythic dimensions and the stunning landscape inspired the fictitious land of Middle-earth.

New Zealand’s temperate climate, rich volcanic soils, lack of apex predators, and lush pasturelands proved the perfect habitat on which to introduce all manner of the Old World’s famous game—especially red deer.

New Zealand's many mountain-framed lakes provide stunning backdrops for many adventures.

In the early 1900s, the red deer, chamois from the Alps, fallow deer, the large-bodied sambar deer, reclusive rusa stags, Himalayan tahr (a mountain goat-like animal), elk from North America, and wild boar were all brought to New Zealand, a country that originally had but one species of mammal—a bat.

Essentially, game keepers and biologists saw New Zealand as a blank canvas on which to create a wild game masterpiece, so they did. Without natural predators nor severe winters to slow the population growth of the country’s new cast of horned and antlered creatures populations of many of the introduced species exploded. So prolific were the red deer, for instance, that a few decades ago game managers were forced to conduct extensive culling operations to bring the deer numbers back to levels the habitat could support.

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John Scurr poses with a pair of pukeko or swamphens, one of several indigenous game birds found in ... [+] New Zealand.

Today, these same red deer have become a popular draw for hunters from across the world—especially Americans. Thousands of U.S. hunters travel to New Zealand annually to partake in big game hunting.

“Most hunters know of New Zealand as the home of the world’s biggest stags,” says John Scurr , a Kiwi native and veteran hunting operator who specializes in arranging custom hunting and fishing experiences for all manner of the nation’s fish and game. “But we have many game species that are thriving here on both the North and South islands.”

Wine tours are just one of many diversions available to visiting sportsmen.

For Scurr, however, it’s about customizing diverse New Zealand tour packages that allow visiting hunters and anglers to immerse themselves in a wide range of attractions and activities that complement rod and gun adventures.

“New Zealand is a his and her (and family) destination, so if a hunter wants to bring a non-hunting spouse or friend here,” says Scurr, “we can arrange a wide assortment of activities from helicopter junkets to volcanos and glaciers, lake excursions, wine tours, glacier climbing, jet boating, hiking and biking, bungy jumping, parasailing, or drives through the countryside to explore any number of our inviting communities.”

New Zealand's wealth of breathtaking scenery is reason enough to visit.

Sportsmen’s dollars, then, are helping support the entire tourism economy, the nation’s second largest industry behind agriculture. In addition, hunting provides the financial incentive to keep lands wild, supporting myriad non-game species that depend on the same cover as deer and other game.

“Rather than sitting in a lodge for a week and then returning home,” says Scurr, “many of our sporting clients want to experience more of New Zealand before they go. And most of our hunting areas are conveniently located near other great attractions.”

The bustling and beautiful town of Wanaka with a population of some 12,000 is located on the shores of stunning Lake Wanaka, a 74-square-mile body of water, and is home base for Scurr’s South Island adventures.

Scurr poses with accomplished Oklahoma hunter Suzie Brewster and her giant stag.

“We put some of our hunters up in well-appointed lakeside condos,” he says, “and we dine in restaurants that are all within easy walking distance. And our hunting areas are located just a ten-minute drive from town. This has been a very popular package for us as non-hunting spouses can enjoy a wide range of amenities offered in Wanaka (spas, shops, restaurants, tours, art, and cultural opportunities) and then come together with their husbands after the hunt to share an evening on the town.”

Nearly as famous as its stag hunting, New Zealand is a celebrated fly-fishing destination for outsized rainbow and brown trout. The plethora of gin-clear rivers and lakes along with a handful of famous lodges, put the country high on most trout anglers’ must-visit list.

The inviting and bustling community of Wanaka is home base for Scurr's South Island offerings.

Adding some bird hunting to the menu is a simple proposition as well, for New Zealand has a mix of endemic and introduced game bird species including the highly prized (and striking) paradise duck.

For hunters who don’t want the hassle of flying with their own firearms, Scurr has a wide assortment of rifles and shotguns for rent. “We find that most hunters choose to use our guns because it saves a lot of headaches dealing with gun licensing and customs. But if a hunter would rather bring his favorite rifle, we’ll assist with the permit process as well.”

For Scurr, sharing the best of New Zealand is his life's passion.

For Scurr, it’s about sharing the wealth of sporting and recreational opportunities that his native New Zealand has to offer. “We have a unique landscape and with that comes special opportunities for visiting sportsmen and others,” he says. “And when someone books with us we want them to go home and share the experience with their friends as they plan their next adventure to New Zealand.”

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The rise and rise of premium economy: Why Kiwis love flying in the middle class

While business class and first-class airfares are just too expensive for most of us, more and more Kiwi travellers are paying extra to escape the "cattle class" experience with premium economy airfares.

The in-between cabin gives passengers more space as well as better food and drink than economy, fancy onboard amenities and usually other benefits like premium check-in and extra baggage allowance.

It's a taste of some of the luxury found in business class but for half the price or less. What it costs to upgrade from standard economy is also much more manageable for anyone with a decent amount of frequent flyer points.

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As part of a global trend, premium economy has been rapidly growing in popularity in the New Zealand market since the travel restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic came to an end. An industry report released in December mapped out the boom of the "middle cabin" and argued it could soon deliver more profit for airlines than business class.

Airlines are, of course, reacting.

Singapore Airlines recently upgraded its premium economy, making it more of a business class-lite experience rather than economy-plus. Its passengers are now greeted with a glass of Charles de Cazanove Brut Tradition NV champagne after take-off, before being able to choose from more than 200 dining options which are served on custom-made porcelain.

George Robertson, Singapore Airlines New Zealand General Manager, chatted with Newshub after the airline's first major revamp of premium economy since first launching it in 2015.

"We've been really heartened to see a very good response to our premium economy product," Robertson said.

"The added space, the extra comfort, the enhanced food and beverage options - different customers have different value drivers of what they like most about premium economy. Post-COVID we've seen a very strong rebound in what we call premium leisure demand, especially with passengers going to Europe.

"We've seen an uplift of about 19 percent with premium economy passenger carriage on our Auckland and Christchurch flights over the last 12 months compared to the same period before COVID, which I think is reflective of an overall increase in travel demand.

"People have been itching to get back out there, especially to get back to Europe and North Asia. A lot of premium leisure travellers are flying premium economy - they might be off to join a cruise or flying to one city and coming back from another. 

"They really value the additional amenities and comfort that comes with premium economy."

A 19 percent increase is significant - and that's only one of many airlines offering premium economy to Kiwis. Emirates also launched its premium economy class on New Zealand flights in 2023 and now has a total of 112 premium economy seats going into and out of Aotearoa every single day.

Air NZ, which was recently heralded by AirlineRatings.com as having the world's best premium economy in 2024, said its middle class is also gaining popularity and it's adding capacity as a result. 

"Over the last couple of years we've seen more customers select premium economy as their cabin of choice," Scott Carr, Air NZ's general manager of long haul, told Newshub.

"Our premium economy offering has always been popular on our long-haul routes however over the past couple of years we've seen it grow in popularity on flights to the Pacific Islands and Australia as well.

"Demand for premium economy has also been strong to and from Japan and as a result we are adding 12,000 more premium economy seats on this route between November 2024 and March 2025."

Former Newshub travel editor Dan Lake reckons premium economy's popularity with New Zealanders can be somewhat attributed to geography.

"Becoming a good traveller is something that's almost forced on Kiwis due to Aotearoa's isolated location. Most destinations involve being on a plane for many hours," said Lake, who is now the digital editor of Australia's Traveltalk Magazine.

"I think because of this, Kiwi travellers value the additional comfort that premium economy brings. They're fine leaving business class to those who can afford to splash out on a full flatbed situation and go with an airline that offers premium experience at something that's closer to the economy airfare.

"Kiwis may have also built-up frequent flyer points to spend on upgrades and in the post-COVID world people are willing to spend more on a greater travel experience, so you can see why premium economy is becoming more popular."

The premium economy class was first introduced by Virgin Atlantic and Taiwan's EVA Air in the early 1990s and since then has been innovatively pioneered upon by the likes of Qantas, Cathay Pacific and Japan's ANA.

Air NZ has been credited with innovating air travel many times over the years including with its premium economy product, such as the 'Spaceseat' launched in 2010. Those were later phased out but hard-shell seats are set to return in the airline's upcoming refresh of its fleet.

Many people who upgrade to premium economy appreciate the higher quality of food, and better meals are a clear focus of the recent Singapore Airlines revamp.

"We aspire to consistently have an industry-leading standard of food and beverage across our network. We're pleased to be able to offer a very varied and wide selection of international cuisines," said Robertson.

A treat previously only for first and business class passengers is "book the cook", now also offered to Singapore Airlines premium economy passengers flying out of Auckland or Christchurch .  

That offers a selection of up to 20 dishes available on rotation that customers can pre-order at least 24 hours before departure. Think Singaporean favourites like seafood hor fun or chicken biryani, as well as the likes of slow braised lamb ragout, sake teriyaki and plant-based wellness dishes like mushroom eggplant meatballs.

"Book the cook I think is really highly valued because it means you can be certain that the dish that excites you the most will be delivered to you onboard," said Robertson.

"I suppose it adds excitement to the planning process before you get to the airport as part of your preparation for travel, too."

It's this sort of "affordable luxury" the cabin offers over economy class that an increasing number of people are willing to pay for. And as the demand for premium economy grows, competition among the airlines will become fiercer, which should mean even better onboard experiences as well as lower prices and more frequent sales.

In addition to the appealing profitability of premium economy, airlines are reportedly motivated by another factor in expanding capacity: reducing frequent flyer point balances. Those, along with outstanding COVID-19 travel credits, represent liabilities for airlines, so offering premium economy seats provides an efficient means for passengers to redeem them.

It all adds up to more premium economy options for Kiwi travellers and, hopefully, a lot more of us enjoying the comforts of the middle class soon.

New Zealand’s canoe ace Lisa Carrington on embracing pressure: “I don’t limit myself from what is possible”

Canoe legend Lisa Carrington is eying more success at the Olympic Games, this time at Paris 2024 .

The New Zealand native became her nation’s most decorated Olympian after Tokyo 2020, picking up three golds to bring her total medal tally to six - five of which are gold.

Named in the Kiwi canoe team headed to Paris this summer, Carrington is ready to take on the pressure that comes with her success.

“Sometimes I don’t think I notice pressure until I am in a tight spot,” she told the media on Wednesday (24 April) .

“It doesn’t help having won multiple medals before but for me, it is making sure I don’t limit myself from what is possible.

“It’s obvious from the past performance there will be pressure - people are going to be watching, but it also brings more support, which is a really cool thing.”

• Medal moment | Tokyo 2020: Canoe Sprint Kayak Single 500m
• New Zealand leads 100 days to Paris 2024 celebrations

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 24: (L-R) Aimee Fisher, Lucy Matehaere, Alicia Hoskin, Lisa Carrington, Tara Vaughan and Olivia Brett pose during a Paris 2024 Canoe Sprint Women Selection Announcement at Lake Pupuke on April 24, 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images for NZOC) (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images for NZOC)

A sprint specialist, it is not lost on the 34-year-old how special competing at the Olympic Games is.

Carrington has represented New Zealand on three different occasions (2012, 2016, 2021), with Paris 2024 being the fourth, though she’s not yet ruling out a push for LA 2028 either.

“Every Olympics has been a privilege,” she continued.

“With sport, you never know if you might be injured one day or if you can get back to it.

“I know how finite it is, how special it is.”

The veteran will be joined by five female teammates in Europe, making it the biggest Kiwi Olympic team of canoe sprinters to date.

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Fantasy Cricket Tips

PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction, Dream11 Playing XI, Today Match 5, Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series 2024

Karan Rawat

Dream11 fantasy XI tips and guide for the 5th T20I of the PAK vs NZ T20I series 2024 to be played in Lahore.

The five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand has come to an unexpected stage where the visitors are trailing the series 2-1 with one game to be played. Cricket is a funny game, and this series has certainly shown it.

New Zealand, who are playing with their second string side, have slammed the full-strength Pakistan team in two consecutive games now. With this, they have an unassailable lead of 2-1. The final game will take place on Saturday at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Pakistan will certainly look to avoid an embarrassing series defeat.

PAK vs NZ: Match Details

Match : Pakistan (PAK) vs New Zealand (NZ), 5th T20I, Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series 2024

Match Date : April 27, 2024 (Saturday)

Time : 08:00 P.M. IST / 07:30 PM LOCAL

Venue : Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

PAK vs NZ: Head-to-Head: PAK (22) – NZ (19)

Two consecutive wins helped New Zealand increase their win tally to 19 against Pakistan. These two teams have played 43 games so far. Pakistan have won 22 games, New Zealand have won 19, and two games were washed out.

PAK vs NZ: Weather Report

There is 20 percent chances for rain on Saturday. The temperature will be around 35°C with a humidity level of 37 percent, and the wind speed will be 19 km/h.

PAK vs NZ: Pitch Report

The pitch is good for batting, but there is enough help for the bowlers. There will be some swing early on, but as the ball gets older, it will grip the surface. Hence, batting first might be difficult.

PAK vs NZ: Predicted XIs:

Pakistan : Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir

New Zealand : Tim Robinson, Tom Blundell (wk), Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell (c), Josh Clarkson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William O’Rourke

Suggested  Dream11  Fantasy Team No. 1 PAK vs NZ  Dream11 :

Wicket-keeper : Tom Blundell

Batters : Babar Azam, Mark Chapman, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Tim Robinson

All-rounders : James Neesham, M Bracewell, Shadab Khan

Bowlers : Shaheen Afridi, Mohammed Amir

Captain First-Choice : Mark Chapman ||  Captain Second-Choice : Saim Ayub

Vice-Captain First-Choice:  Babar Azam ||  Vice-captain Second-Choice : Tim Robinson

Suggested  Dream11  Fantasy Team No. 2 PAK vs NZ  Dream11 :

All-rounders : James Neesham, M Bracewell, Dean Foxcroft

Bowlers : Shaheen Afridi, Ish Sodhi

Captain First-Choice : Saim Ayub ||  Captain   Second-Choice : Fakhar Zaman

Vice-Captain First-Choice:  Fakhar Zaman ||  Vice-captain Second-Choice : James Neesham

PAK vs NZ:  Dream11  Prediction – Who Will Win?

After two consecutive defeats, Pakistan will go into the next game with all match-winners to avoid the series defeat. That is why we back the hosts to win the final game of the series.

For more updates, follow  Khel Now Cricket for IPL 2024 Live Score & IPL Points Table ,  on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram ,  Youtube ; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App  and join our community on Whatsapp &  Telegram .

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We Asked Flight Attendants to Reveal the Shoes They Wear on Long Travel Days — Here, 11 Comfy Picks From $30

The travel professionals have spoken.

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Travel + Leisure

This morning I hoofed it from the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park down to my new hotel, NH Collection New York Madison Avenue . I dropped off my luggage, then I walked west to the Neil Simon Theatre to pick up my tickets for MJ The Musical before strolling east on 42nd Street to get to Summit One Vanderbilt where I enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the Big Apple (where I’ll probably log another 10,000 steps before noon tomorrow). Still, I wasn’t worried about my feet. I treat them to flight attendant-approved footwear . 

Why are flight attendants the next best thing to podiatrists in my book? They’re on their feet all day. Yesterday, I flew Qantas’ 16-hour flight from Auckland to JFK. I never saw any of the flight attendants sitting or even leaning against the lavatory. They were always standing or walking, and more importantly, doing it with gusto. Their secret? It isn’t Red Bull (I’ve guzzled gallons and have never grown a single feather let alone wings). It’s their shoes. 

Unfortunately, or fortunately, airlines don’t give flight attendants footwear with their uniforms. Instead, flight attendants have to use trial and error to find the comfiest, cutest shoes that adhere to their airlines’ dress codes. But thanks to word-of-mouth — flight attendants love to share best practices — they usually succeed. The result? Walking a mile in their shoes isn’t painful, it’s actually pleasant. I recently polled several flight attendants to see which pair(s) they wear for travel, both for work and leisure, and below are the results.

Hoka Bondi 8 Sneakers

“They feel like walking on a yoga mat,” Favian Flores, a flight attendant for United, told me. He packs these APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association)-approved shoes because “consolidation is key” and he likes being able to wear them for sightseeing as well as for workouts. His bonus tip? “Opt for a white or off-white color to match all your outfits.” On Zappos, they come in 23 colors and have more than 2,700 five-star ratings. “I noticed many nurses wearing Hoka,” wrote one shopper who spent two weeks visiting her mom. “My feet had been hurting, so I gave them a try…and loved them. Just returned from a two-week vacation, walking much more than normal, and my feet feel great.” 

NAOT Footwear Women's Argus Sneaker

Meanwhile, Katie Storck, a Southwest flight attendant for more than a decade, told me not even a pair of Louboutins can get between her and her favorite sneakers. “They’re easy and quick to remove as well as being super comfortable for walking through airports and breathable to keep on your feet for long flights.” Despite the lace-up look, they’re slip-on and the knit fabric means they’re slightly stretchy, which comes in handy when your feet swell. The removable footbed “molds to the shape” of your foot, and the padded cups keep your heels from hurting. While they’re relatively new and only have one rating (albeit five stars) so far, NAOT has been in business since 1942.

Dansko Women's Professional Clog Slip-on

Jennifer Vincenzo McLucas’ mom didn’t retire from her flight attendant career until she was 76. These shoes were one of the reasons she lasted so long. “Her crewmates would be cranking about their aching feet, and she — at often twice their age — would be tootling right along.” Dansko’s “anti-fatigue rocker bottom” helps with stability, and the reinforced toe box is great for durability. Currently, they come in dozens of colors and styles. I had a fun felt confetti back in college and wore them all over New York City where I went to school. More than 70 percent of this clog’s ratings are perfect five-star ratings with most coming from professionals who work on their feet. “These shoes served me well in medical school,” said one shopper . “When I’m traveling, I have noticed that I prefer to wear these rather than tennis shoes. On the airplane, my feet swell and I constantly have to fiddle with my shoelaces to readjust. These shoes are great during security screening, fast to take off, fast to put on.” 

Franco Sarto Women's Bocca Slip-on Loafer

After 35 years of service, Delta flight attendant Hermann Ortiz can confidently say that rubber soles are the way to go. And Ortiz loves a slip-on. This particular pair of Italian-designed loafers for women features a reasonable 1-inch heel, a rounded toe, and 100 percent leather. It’s available in 11 colors and has nearly 3,000 five-star ratings. “I’ve been a flight attendant for over 20 years and these are the only shoes that don’t kill my feet after working 14-plus-hour nights on the plane,” wrote a flight attendant . 

ECCO Men's New Jersey Slip-on Loafer

Personally, Ortiz sports these slip-on ECCO loafers. “My flights are long haul, usually between 9 to 17 hours, so comfort is important,” he told me. They’re made with full-grain leather, the heel is 1.25 inches, and they have Ortiz’s favorite: rubber soles. Many of the more than 2,000 five-star ratings come from professionals who work on their feet all day. “These got me through three trade shows over three weekends in a row,” recalled one satisfied shopper who says they’re their “go-to” shoes for traveling because, in addition to being comfortable, “they look classy enough to wear with a suit, or to dress down with a pair of jeans.” 

Clarks Men's Whiddon Step Loafer

When it comes to dress shoes, Flores doesn’t sugarcoat it. “They can often be uncomfortable,” he admitted before telling me that he prefers Clarks when he’s working. “They are affordable, durable, and the slip-on design without laces makes them incredibly convenient for traveling.” Available in four colors, they all feature Clarks’ removable signature OrthoLite footbed which minimizes shock impact and wicks away moisture. They have more than 1,000 five-star ratings including this five-star review by another flight attendant who wears them daily praising their “ perfect fit .” 

Soda Top Shoes Jaber Ankle Boot 

When it came to choosing a career, Allison Uno chose to follow in her flight attendant mom’s footsteps. She’s been servicing Hawaiian Airlines travelers for nearly 20 years now, and she has lots of opinions when it comes to footwear. When she wears pants while traveling, she prefers a pair of boots like these faux leather ankle boots with a nice chunky heel. They’re surprisingly lightweight for being so sturdy and having a 2.5-inch heel. Choose from nine colors, and know that because they’re slip-on, they’re perfect for going through TSA. Many of the 2,300 five-star ratings refer to a short break-in period, and they’re overwhelmingly positive. “Day two: I got 20,000 steps and could have kept going,” reads a review titled “ Cute and durable .” 

Dream Pairs Women's Chunky Heel Knee-high and Up Boots

In the winter, you’ll find Storck rocking this look. “The chunk heel makes them comfortable for long days of work and travel,” she told me before confessing that she also wears them off the job. This particular pair has a 2.5-inch heel and features a soft, faux-fur lining and insole. The zipper makes them easy to put on and take off. They’re currently available in seven colors, and more than a few of the nearly 3,500 five-star ratings come from flight attendants. “Comfortable and classy,” described one flight attendant who appreciates all the compliments they get on these shoes. “These really are a dream pair of boots,” they said. 

LifeStride Women's Rozz Mary Jane Pumps

Come summertime, Storck is usually sporting these best-selling (they have more than 3,600 five-star ratings) Mary Jane pumps from LifeStride. “The block heels help increase the surface area your foot is applying pressure to and makes them comfortable enough to be on your feet for hours,” she explained to me. By far her favorite heels, they feature a 2-inch heel, faux leather upper, rounded toe, and adjustable buckle strap. Plus, they come in both medium and wide widths in three colors. “I can wear these for a three-day trip at work and not have pain or foot fatigue like so many other shoes,” wrote one flight attendant who says they’re also her favorite after trying “literally dozens and dozens of different kinds of shoes.” 

Clarks Women's Emslie Lulin Pump

When Uno wears her uniform, which includes a knee-length skirt, she opts for these practical 100-percent Mary Jane pumps. They’re made of leather and include Clarks’ signature “impact-absorbing OrthoLite footbed.” With a 2.16-inch heel, they make your legs look longer and give you added height, but they’re not so tall you risk twisting your ankle. Many of their 1,100 five-star ratings come from flight attendants. “Love these,” wrote a flight attendant in training , who said, “Now everyone from my class has ordered a pair, too.”

Rockport Women's Total Motion 75mm Pointed-toe Pumps

Siobhan Grogan, a flight attendant for JetBlue, has tried her fair share of Clarks and Naturalizers (two brands beloved by flight attendants) before ending on this 3-inch pair of heels which she told me “hit spot on.” More specifically, she said, “I have high arches, and I can walk through airports in these shoes and on the aircraft all day, sometimes 12 hours, and these heels are the best” On Amazon, they come in 20 different colors and materials including leather, suede, and faux snakeskin. Many of the 530 five-star ratings praise the removable padded insole. “It’s like walking in my slippers,” summed up one flight attendant who describes themself as a “self-proclaimed full-time fashionista.” 

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U.S. tourist faces 12 years in prison after taking ammunition to Turks and Caicos

An Oklahoma man faces up to 12 years in prison on a Caribbean island after customs officials found ammunition in his luggage.

Ryan Watson traveled to Turks and Caicos with his wife, Valerie, to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. They went with two friends who had also turned 40.

The vacation came to an abrupt end when airport staff members found a zip-close bag containing bullets in the couple's carry-on luggage. Watson said it was hunting ammunition he had accidentally brought with him — but under a strict law in Turks and Caicos, a court may still impose a mandatory 12-year sentence.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," Watson told NBC Boston in an interview conducted last week that aired after their first court appearance Tuesday.

"I recognized them, and I thought, 'Oh, man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there,'" he said.

The couple were arrested and charged with possession of ammunition. Authorities seized their passports and explained the penalties they faced.

Valerie Watson said in the interview: "When I heard that, I immediately was terrified, because I was like we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home, and this is such an innocent mistake."

The charges against her were dropped, and she returned home to Oklahoma City on Tuesday after the court hearing to be reunited with her two young children.

"Our goal is to get Ryan home, because we can’t be a family without Dad," she said.

The couple also spoke about the financial burden of a much longer-than-planned trip. "This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan Watson said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning to travelers in September about a law that strongly prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition in Turks and Caicos, an overseas British territory southeast of the Bahamas that is a popular vacation spot.

It said: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest."

The embassy added: "If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody."

The embassy and the government in Turks and Caicos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The same thing happened to another American, Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, who was arrested after ammunition was found in his luggage before he tried to board a flight out of Turks and Caicos in February. He said he accidentally left it in his bag.

Hagerich was on a family vacation with his wife and two young children but has now been in the country for 70 days. He spent eight days in prison before he posted bail.

"It’s incredibly scary. You know, you just don’t know what the next day may bring — you know, what path this may take," Hagerich told NBC Boston.

"You know, it’s certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It’s been the worst 70 days of my life," he said.

Hagerich, once a professional baseball player, was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the MLB 2007 June amateur draft from the University of Delaware.

His case goes to trial May 3.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

A Gen Xer who got $250,000 in student loans forgiven said he can now finally start saving for retirement — and consider his dream of studying in India

• Joel Lambdin, 49, received $250,000 in student-loan forgiveness in January.
• It's a result of the Education Department's one-time account adjustments.
• Lambdin said the relief would allow him to save for retirement and consider long-term dreams.

Joel Lambdin finished graduate school in 1998 — but as a professional musician, he was hardly making enough money to pay off his student loans and other bills.

So Lambdin, now 49, said his only option to make ends meet was to put his student loans in forbearance — in which he was not making payments but interest was still accumulating .

"It was just so that I could subsist, so that I could survive," Lambdin told Business Insider. "With the hope that at some point, I would be making enough money that I would be able to take them out of forbearance and start paying them down."

But he grew to realize that the only way he could make a significant dent in his student loans was by switching careers. He didn't want to do that because he loved working in music, so he decided to keep his larger student loan in forbearance and begin paying off his smaller loan with a lower monthly payment.

He continued making those payments until the pandemic pause on student-loan payments , at which point he and his wife started making a plan of action to tackle the larger debt once the pause ended. That led them to discover the Education Department's initiative allowing some borrowers a one-time account adjustment . It lets the department evaluate borrowers' accounts and update payment progress toward forgiveness on income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, including any payments made during a forbearance period.

That account adjustment led to a letter Lambdin received on January 31, reviewed by BI, from his student-loan servicer Aidvantage. It said: "Congratulations! The Biden-Harris Administration has forgiven your federal student loan(s) listed below with Aidvantage in full."

For Lambdin, that letter meant his $249,255 outstanding student-loan balance was effectively wiped out.

"It had started to feel like my fate was being decided for me by the cold hand of finance," Lambdin said, "and that was a weight that I didn't realize was there until it wasn't there."

He added: "The feeling was much more like putting down a backpack that was really full of books that you got used to. And then you put it down, and you're like, 'Oh, man, that feels so much better.' It's more like that, rather than sort of a jump-for-joy kind of situation."

While Lambdin is still working to determine what exactly the relief will mean for him and his wife, he said, discussing retirement is "a much more present conversation now" because contributing to savings is viable after the relief. He can also begin to look into buying a home.

Related stories

The Education Department continues to cancel student debt through its one-time account adjustments, a process it plans to complete this summer. Most recently, the department wiped out $7.4 billion in student debt for 277,000 borrowers , some of whom benefited from the adjustments.

Beyond financial goals, Lambdin said the relief was also allowing him the freedom to pursue some of his long-term dreams, including taking a sabbatical to study with his meditation teacher in India.

"It's something that I wouldn't have been able to even consider doing if we had to pay off student loans, but without them, it's something that I can really seriously consider doing," he said. "And so those are the kinds of things that I think get really lost in the monetary side of the conversation about debt relief."

'I've been really lucky'

While Lambdin said he felt as though he earned the relief given his decades of payments, he recognized that it's not that easy for many other borrowers.

For example, as BI has previously reported , some borrowers who might qualify for relief through different repayment programs may not have gotten it yet because of paperwork backlogs and administrative errors. On top of that, funding for federal student-loan servicers is strained — meaning many borrowers face hourslong hold times and cannot get clear answers from customer service regarding their payment progress.

"There are some real horror stories out there, and I've been really lucky in that I haven't experienced the kinds of shenanigans that other people have experienced," Lambdin said. "So I actually feel very lucky that things have transpired the way they have."

Some of those horror stories include inaccurate payment projections and delayed billing statements . When it comes to student-loan forgiveness, some borrowers told BI that their servicer made a mistake with the forgiveness , reinstating their payments months later.

The Education Department has said it's aware of the challenges borrowers face and has established an accountability framework to punish servicers when they fail to fulfill their contractual obligations.

The department is also in the process of crafting its new plan for student-loan forgiveness — it recently released the draft text of the rules , which included relief for borrowers with unpaid interest and those who have been in repayment for at least 20 years.

As for Lambdin, he's still figuring out how to approach life without student debt hanging over his head. But now he can consider various options, and he can thank the loan forgiveness for that freedom.

"There's a certain amount of waiting for the other shoe to drop because it's not that I don't trust that it's happening but just that the debt has been with me for so long, and then it's not there," Lambdin said. "And it's something that I think really takes some getting used to."

Watch: Biden announces who can have $10,000 erased in student loans

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