New Zealand Vacation Packages from USA
Our New Zealand vacation packages take you from the mountains of the South Island to the green hills and Māori culture in the North Island. See it for yourself with our New Zealand trips from the USA!
400+ Five-star Reviews Across All Our Trips
Fully customizable itineraries
Flexible payment plans
Your own Travel Advisor
included
Hotels
included
Tours & Transfers
Fully customizable itineraries
Flexible payment plans
Your own Travel Advisor
included
Hotels
included
Tours & Transfers
Map of New Zealand
About Australia is proud to be a Key Distribution Partner for Tourism Australia, a Tourism New Zealand Partner, and an ARC Accredited Agency, part of the most select group of dedicated professionals in the U.S. travel industry recognized as having met stringent financial, personnel, and security requirements. About Australia’s ARC# 45581863.
Over 400+ 5-Star reviews on Shopper Approved
“We loved our time in New Zealand. Some of the highlights were Hobbiton, Queenstown, Zealandia in Wellington, and the Maori evening in Rotorua. Hobbiton was even better than we had expected. We also visited the Weta workshop in Wellington where many special effects for LOTR were created. The entire trip, we were surrounded by beautiful scenery both rugged and pastoral. Our transfers were faithful, our hotels clean and well-equipped. I never had problems using WiFi or being without a hair drier…. May was a perfect season with bright leaf color in the south while green grass covered the hills.”
“When trying to fulfill a wish for creating lifetime memories with our youngest daughter and her partner we landed with About Australia. We had two weeks and on discussing the destination, New Zealand came up. It would be for everybody a first time. In searching the Web I came across About Australia and looked at their offerings. One of the offerings was a 13-Day trip across the North- and South Island. The Agent that we spoke (Tyler) was extremely helpful and together we were able to put our trip together. All arrangements were made and our adventure started. The trip turned out to be the trip of a lifetime.”
New Zealand Vacation Packages
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a room, and include round-trip economy flights from Los Angeles, hotels, transfers and the tours listed. Your Travel Advisor can quote premium economy or business class, other U.S. departure cities, and changes to any itinerary.
Best Seller!
11 DAYS, 9 NIGHTS | From $3,000 – $5,000 per person
FLIGHTS + HOTELS INCLUDED
BOOKING CODE: AA-41219
New Zealand’s Big Three Itinerary
Our best-selling first-timer trip. Most travelers use it as the base and extend to three weeks with more of the South Island, or with Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef.
DESTINATIONS: Auckland (3 Nights), Rotorua (2), Queenstown (4)
STYLE: Independent Travel
EXPERIENCE: Cities, Art & History | Nature | Indigenous Culture
FLIGHTS + HOTELS INCLUDED
BOOKING CODE: AA-31069
Kiwi Road Trip Adventure
COUNTRIES: New Zealand
DESTINATIONS: Auckland (2 Nights), Rotorua (2), Wellington (1), Blenheim (2), Nelson (3), Christchurch (1), Franz Josef (2), Wanaka (1), Manapouri Doubtful Sound (1), Te Anau (1), Queenstown (3)
STYLE: Independent Travel| Self Drive
EXPERIENCE: Food & Wine | Adventure | Wildlife | Cities, Art & History | Nature
FLIGHTS + HOTELS INCLUDED
BOOKING CODE: AA-31095
Auckland & Queenstown New Zealand Vacation Package
COUNTRIES: New Zealand
DESTINATIONS: Auckland (2 Nights), Queenstown (3)
STYLE: Independent Travel
EXPERIENCE: Cities, Art & History
FLIGHTS + HOTELS INCLUDED
BOOKING CODE: AA-41160
New Zealand North to South Adventure
DESTINATIONS: Auckland (2 Nights), Rotorua (2), Christchurch (3), Queenstown (3)
STYLE: Independent Travel
EXPERIENCE: Trains | Nature | Cities, Art & History | Indigenous Culture
FLIGHTS + HOTELS INCLUDED
BOOKING CODE: AA-31108-SGPR19
Inclusive Signature New Zealand Group Tour
DESTINATIONS: Auckland (1 Night), Bay of Islands (2), Auckland (1), Rotorua (2), Masterton (1), Wellington (1), Blenheim (1), Christchurch (1), Franz Josef (1), Queenstown (2), Te Anau (2), Dunedin (1), Twizel (1), Christchurch (1)
STYLE: Escorted Group Travel
EXPERIENCE: Trains | Food & Wine | Cities, Art & History | Escorted | Nature | Indigenous Culture
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
Over 400+ 5-Star reviews on Shopper Approved
“Stephanie and her team made our dream of a wildlife-focused adventure across Eastern Australia and the North Island of New Zealand happen! We weren’t much interested in seeing the big cities in Oz, and instead sought out spaces where we could see the unique wildlife in rainforests and riverbeds, as well as seek out local bush tucker to eat, and learn more about indigenous communities and their histories at Adelaide’s Museum of South Australia and Auckland’s War Memorial Museum. The two-year payment schedule worked for our budget, and was worth the wait! We highly recommend their services and packages, and may yet visit again.”
“Our experience in New Zealand was incredible. Tours and hotels were great. Highly recommend the helicopter tour in Taupo, the Hobbiton tour and Waimangu experience. Our experience in Australia had some cancellations due to tour operator issues and weather issues. About Australia was able to offer options to replace the tours and communication with About Australia via email was excellent.”
“We visited New Zealand and Australia for nearly seven weeks in February-March 2024. From initial contact with Ana 14 months prior to our departure, we were very pleased with her professionalism, recommendations, and eager and quick responses at making many adjustments to our requests. Our trip was ambitious, and she transformed a travel itinerary into a true dream trip, one which had been at the top of our bucket list for over 30 years. Ana was not just a trip advisor, she became a real friend. Everything she did was to ensure our satisfaction.”
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Adding Australia to Your New Zealand Vacation?
With three weeks, most travelers spend about 10 days in Australia (Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and often Melbourne or Uluru) and 10–12 days in New Zealand.
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How it Works
1. Book Your Free Travel Consultation
We design the itinerary. Custom from start to finish – no generic packages, no compromises.
3. Enjoy Your “No Worries Journey”
Receive a step-by-step itinerary with detailed instructions for each day. Relax with the knowledge that every flight, hotel, transfer, and experience is ready for you.
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
Why Book With About Australia
We’d love to work with you to create an amazing New Zealand adventure! When you book with About Australia, you’re working directly with a specialist who has spent years (often decades) living, traveling, and designing itineraries across New Zealand. Here are a few more reasons you should choose us!
ARC Accredited
Trust is sacred in the travel realm. As an ARC Accredited Travel Company, we wear our badge of honor proudly, assuring you that you’re dealing with a reputable and trustworthy agency. About Australia’s ARC # 45581863
Best Value for your money
Thanks to our direct connections in New Zealand, we secure excellent rates for your trip. Our insider knowledge ensures your itinerary is designed to maximize savings. We’re dedicated to providing you with the best value for your travel investment.
Insider Knowledge and Expertise
We partner with Tourism New Zealand and other regional tourism organizations. With a laser focus on New Zealand and the South Pacific, our team boasts close connections and insider knowledge, ensuring you experience the best each destination has to offer.
Bespoke Itineraries
No cookie-cutter New Zealand vacations here! Our team is in the business of crafting tailor-made itineraries that dance to the beat of your interests, budgets, and timelines. Your dream vacation isn’t a fantasy; it’s our specialty.
Exceptional Customer Service
At About Australia, we’re more than a travel agency; we’re your travel companions. Our team of travel experts is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring your travel planning experience is not just hassle-free but an absolute joyride.
No Worries Journeys
We live by the motto ‘No Worries Journeys.’ Our ethos is simple – inspire, inform, entertain, and leave the worries at the departure gate. When you choose us, you’re not just a client; you’re our friend – our mate! So, let’s embark on your ‘No Worries Journey’ together!
Thinking of booking through Expedia, Google, or directly with airlines? What it doesn’t get you is someone who has personally traveled New Zealand, knows which Milford Sound operator is worth the premium, understands the difference between a 3-hour and a 6-hour Maori cultural experience, or can tell you which February week to avoid because of Lunar New Year holiday crowds.
Our specialists average over a decade of experience planning New Zealand travel for American travelers. That knowledge is included in every package we build, at no extra charge.
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
Meet Your Travel Specialists
Ana Musgray
Senior Travel Advisor – Australia Specialist, New Zealand Advanced Specialist
With 25 years in the travel industry, Ana specializes in luxury and adventure travel for individuals, couples, and groups.
Stephanie Moreno
Travel Advisor – Australia Specialist, New Zealand Advanced Specialist
Stephanie has spent 20 years crafting off-the-beaten-path vacations and is especially skilled at New Zealand self-drive itineraries and long, immersive trips spanning 60 to 90 days.
Caitlin Lamprecht
Travel Advisor – Aussie Specialist, Fiji Bronze Specialist, Advanced New Zealand Specialist
Caitlin’s background in destination management, group travel, and New Zealand expertise gives her a sharp eye for logistics and a gift for pacing a trip just right.
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
Visit New Zealand
Compressed into two islands roughly the size of Colorado is New Zealand, a wildly diverse destination. For those who crave the outdoors, few places on earth match the raw drama of New Zealand’s landscapes. Hike along the turquoise shores of Abel Tasman, stand beneath the towering peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook, or cruise the still, mirror-like waters of Milford Sound – often called the eighth wonder of the world.
For the culturally curious, New Zealand offers something genuinely rare: a living, breathing indigenous culture woven into every corner of the country. For lovers of food, wine, and the finer things, New Zealand punches well above its weight. A well-crafted New Zealand itinerary gives you all of it, without the stress of figuring out how to put it together. Our Travel Advisors design custom trips that match exactly what you want to experience – so you can focus on the adventure, not the logistics.
New Zealand Travel Guide
Welcome to New Zealand, a land of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, we’ll help you make the most of your experience in this beautiful country.
Most Popular Places to Visit in New Zealand
Auckland
Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. Enjoy its stunning waterfront, vibrant arts scene, and numerous dining options. Don’t miss the Sky Tower for panoramic views.
Wellington
The capital city is famed for its artistic vibe and culinary delights. Explore Te Papa, the national museum, and stroll along the picturesque waterfront.
Queenstown
The adventure capital of New Zealand offers adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, skiing, and hiking. The stunning backdrop of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range makes it a favorite among travelers.
Rotorua
Known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture, Rotorua offers stunning geysers, hot springs, and traditional Maori experiences.
Christchurch
Rebuilding after the 2011 earthquake, Christchurch is now a blend of old and new, with beautiful gardens, art galleries, and an emerging food scene.
Nelson
Nelson is a picturesque city known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to Abel Tasman National Park. It’s also renowned for its local wineries and craft breweries, offering a taste of New Zealand’s best wine.
Hobbiton
Step straight into the magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth at Hobbiton, surrounded in gorgeous natural scenery, colorful hobbit holes, and stunning details.
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook is a dream destination for hiking, stargazing, biking, and simply admiring its stunning scenery from Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki.
Milford Sound
Often described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is a majestic fjord located in the Fiordland National Park on the South Island.
Do You Want to Go to New Zealand?
Turn your dream of visiting New Zealand into a reality with About Australia. Founded by two Australians with a passion for authentic travel experiences, we know New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific because that’s all we do. Our Travel Advisors are here to design the ultimate New Zealand vacation for you!
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
Best Time to Visit New Zealand
The best time to visit New Zealand varies depending on what activities and experiences you are looking for. Generally, the best time for traveling to New Zealand is either summer and fall, which span from December to May.
- Summer (December to February): Summer in New Zealand is characterized by warm weather and long days, making it ideal for outdoor activities, such as hiking, beach outings, and exploring the stunning landscapes. Popular destinations like the Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula, and the vibrant cities of Auckland and Wellington come alive during this season. However, it’s worth noting that summer can be crowded, especially in tourist hotspots.
- Fall (March to May): Fall is often considered the best time to visit for those seeking a less crowded experience. The weather remains pleasant, with cooler temperatures perfect for exploring without the summer rush. Autumn also brings stunning foliage, particularly in regions like Central Otago and the Canterbury area, providing picturesque backdrops for your adventures.
- Winter (June to August): If skiing and snow sports are on your agenda, winter is the prime time to visit the Southern Alps. From June to September, you can enjoy some of the best skiing conditions, particularly in July and August when snowfall is at its peak. The temperatures during the day typically range from 23°F to 32°F (–5°C to 0°C), making it perfect for hitting the slopes.
- Spring (September to November): Spring offers a beautiful transition period with blooming flowers and moderate temperatures, making it a delightful time for outdoor activities. Visitors can also experience significant events, such as flower festivals and the awakening of wildlife.
Getting Around New Zealand
Most of our New Zealand vacations are Free and Independent Travel (FIT) itineraries, meaning you move between destinations on your own schedule, usually by domestic flight, with select regions well suited to self-drive.
Domestic Flights
The fastest way to cover New Zealand’s distances, especially between the North and South Islands. A flight from Auckland to Queenstown takes under 2 hours, versus a full day or more of driving and ferrying. We include any domestic flights that are part of your itinerary.
Self-Drive
For travelers who want to go at their own pace and reach spots off the main tourist route, a rental car opens up New Zealand’s back roads and lesser-known viewpoints. Our self-drive specialist, Stephanie, can build an itinerary around exactly the kind of driving trip you’re after.
Inter-Island Ferry
The Cook Strait ferry connects Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South Island) in about 3.5 hours – a scenic option if you’re driving and want to bring your rental car across, or simply prefer to see the strait rather than fly over it. Note that some rental companies don’t allow cars on the Cook Strait ferry. In that case, we arrange a drop-off in Wellington and a new car in Picton.
Currency
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas; carrying some local cash is useful for smaller towns.
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
Over 400+ 5-Star reviews on Shopper Approved
Read About the best of New Zealand
Learn more about New Zealand, then get in touch to have one of our Travel Advisors create a tailor-made New Zealand vacation package just for you!
Over 400+ 5-Star reviews on Shopper Approved
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best month to visit New Zealand?
December is definitely a winner for the best time to hit up New Zealand. It kicks off summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so you’ll get those long, sunny days perfect for chilling at the beach or trying out some outdoor adventures. With temps usually hanging out between 61°F and 75°F, you’ve got a sweet chance to enjoy everything from hiking and biking to swimming and surfing.
December is a super busy time for tourism in New Zealand, but it’s also when the country’s natural beauty really shines. You’ll find popular spots buzzing with energy, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead to lock down your stay and activities. All in all, December serves up a perfect mix of great weather, stunning landscapes, and that vibrant vibe, making it one of the top months to check out New Zealand!
How much does a trip to New Zealand cost?
Most of our New Zealand vacation packages cost $4,000 to $10,000 per person, including round-trip flights from the U.S. A week in Auckland and Queenstown starts at just under $3,000. Our best-selling 11-day Big Three trip starts at between $3,000 to $5,000 and three-week trips typically run $8,000 to $10,000. Escorted and luxury tours range from about $7,000 to $12,000 or more.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing, with economy flights from Los Angeles. Budget extra for most meals: about $30–$50 per person at most restaurants, or $60–$100 for higher-end dining.
Here are some general cost estimates to expect:
- A typical New Zealand trip costs around $3,000 per person for a 10-day trip.
- Longer tours (e.g., 14-day tours) can range from $4,000 to $5,000 or more.
- A typical meal costs around $30 to $50 at most restaurants.
- Higher-end dining can range from $60 to $100 per person.
- Short day tours such as city tours and walking tours can range from $100 to $200.
- Longer day tours such as kayaking in national parks or a Milford Sound cruise will range from $200 to $400.
Overall, the cost of a trip to New Zealand can start from around $3,000 per person for a budget 10-day vacation package and go up significantly depending on the type of experience you seek.
How many days do I need in New Zealand?
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
Can I visit Australia and New Zealand in one trip?
Yes! We love doing combo destination packages to both Australia and New Zealand. We generally recommend at least a three-week itinerary if you’re visiting both destinations. This lets you visit at least three different cities in each country, with days set aside for traveling from the U.S. Connect with our Travel Advisors to start creating your Australia and New Zealand package.
Are flights included in your New Zealand packages?
Yes! We include your round trip flight from the U.S. to New Zealand. Flights from New Zealand to the U.S. depart from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Honolulu, and Dallas. We do not typically include flights from your home city to one of these U.S. departure cities, however we can add them to your package on request.
We also do include any domestic New Zealand flights that are part of your trip itinerary.
Can I book my own flights?
Yes! We can customize your vacation package to remove flights if you have already booked your own flights to New Zealand. If you have already booked your own flights to get around in New Zealand, we can do a land-only package (a package with only hotels, tours, and airport transfers).
How do deposits and payments work?
Your deposit covers the cost of all flights in your itinerary, so we can lock in your airfares early. A second payment, agreed with your Travel Advisor, is due 90 days before departure. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. Booking a year or more ahead? Your advisor can set up a payment plan that spreads the cost over time.
How long is the flight from the U.S. to New Zealand?
Most flights to New Zealand typically depart from Los Angeles and arrive in Auckland. The flight time from Los Angeles to Auckland is 13 hours.
Are these group tours?
No, these New Zealand vacation packages are Free and Independent Travel (FIT). This means that it is only you and your travel companions on this trip (or only you if you are doing a solo package). Day tours and activities booked as part of your package may be shared experiences and include tour guides (such as on city tours or day cruises). The rest of your time on your trip is free to do as you choose!
Can I change up one of your tours?
Yes! All of our tours are customizable, meaning you can remove or add any tours, number of days, and destinations (additional costs to your tour may apply).
Do you offer group tours of New Zealand?
Yes! We have escorted group tours of New Zealand that include a tour guide throughout the whole journey. An escorted group tour is a great way to travel if your prefer a group experience and is an easy way to meet like-minded travelers. This is often a great choice for more mature travelers and those who want to see the main highlights of New Zealand.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Cancellations need to be made in writing using our cancellation form. Your deposit, ticketed flights, visa fees and credit card processing fees are non-refundable. Other charges depend on how far ahead we receive your notice: $200 per person at 60 days or more, rising to 25%, 50%, 75% and then 100% of the trip cost closer to departure. A 20% administrative fee also applies to cancelled components. See our full cancellation policy.
Because of this, we strongly recommend travel insurance. We provide a travel insurance quote to all U.S. residents after you place your deposit.
Is New Zealand good for a honeymoon?
Planning Your dream Trip to New Zealand?
Get expert help from a New Zealand Specialist who has the knowledge and experience to help you plan and book every detail of your trip.
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