Enchanting Aotearoa: A Journey Through New Zealand's Wonders

New Zealand — Aotearoa in the indigenous Maori language, meaning "land of the long white cloud" — makes for an incredible adventure. The last Pacific Island to be populated (around 1250-1300 CE) offers simply unimaginable natural landscapes, rich cultural traditions . . . and yes, has far more sheep than people (by a ratio of 5-to-1!).

Below, we offer a peek into the experience that awaits.

Explore the Unique Landscapes of North and South Islands

The South Island of New Zealand boasts majestic mountain ranges, awe-inspiring glaciers, and verdant forests, creating a panorama of exquisite natural beauty. Meanwhile, the North Island is celebrated for its breathtaking coastlines and geothermal treasures, offering a diverse and captivating landscape that mesmerizes every visitor.

Solitude | New Zealand

Stunning timelapse images by filmmaker Martin Heck of New Zealand's North Island: Tongariro NP, Mount Taranaki in Egmont NP and South Island: Lake Tekapo, Canterbury High Country, Lake Wakatipu and Skippers Canyon.

Awakening | New Zealand

Stunning timelapse images by filmmaker Martin Heck of the South Island's premier natural landscapes: Fiordland NP, Aoraki/Mount Cook NP, Arthur's Pass NP, Mavora Lakes and Lake Ohau.

Immerse in the Local Culture

New Zealand's Wines

In this Guildsomm podcast, Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with New Zealand expert Cameron Douglas. They cover all things New Zealand, including the country’s winemaking regions, the still-important role of Sauvignon Blanc and the wide range of styles being produced today.

Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Signed in 1840 by Captain William Hobson as consul for the British Crown and by Māori chiefs (rangatira) from the North Island of New Zealand, the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) is one of the most misunderstood documents in Aotearoa. This is an excellent explanation of why it's still a controversial document to this day.

New Zealand's Most Famous Bird

In the dead of night, the extremely rare, brown kiwi—the national bird of New Zealand—leaves his burrow for the pitch dark of the primeval New Zealand forest. Nat Geo WILD captures the action.

Haka: We Belong Here

An excellent short documentary on the ceremonial group dance performance, a defining feature of New Zealand's Māori culture.

Just Shorn New Zealand Wool: Sheep dogs

Working dogs play a critical part of New Zealand farm life—rearing thousands of free-ranging sheep without the help of good Huntaway and Heading dogs would be a great deal harder! Andy Scott introduces us to his team and explains how they work.

Learn simple Māori words and phrases

Māori, the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand, is an official language in the country. Blend in with the locals by learning Māori pronunciation and some simple greetings.

Learn more

Cinematic Prelude: Must-See Films Before Visiting

Once Were Warriors (1994)

This award-winning film follows a Maori family living in New Zealand's Auckland and the strong woman who is determined to keep it together despite societal challenges and abuse from her violent and alcoholic husband.

Boy (2010)

This award-winning breakout film set in North Island's Waihau Bay, New Zealand follows Boy—an 11-year-old who lives on a farm with his gran—whose father appears out of the blue. Having imagined a heroic version of his father during his absence, Boy comes face to face with the real version.

The Piano (1993)

The winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. After a long voyage from Scotland, pianist Ada and her young daughter are left with all their belongings, including a piano, on a New Zealand beach. Ada, who has been mute since childhood, has been sold into marriage to a local man. However, Ada soon becomes intrigued by his Maori-friendly acquaintance, leading to tense, life-altering conflicts.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The first of the highly acclaimed fantasy trilogy—directed by Peter Jackson, engineered by Wellington's Weta Workshop and shot principally in New Zealand's incredible natural landscapes—follows the hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and the Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring and its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron.