Inside our itineraries – Get to know New Zealand
Get the inside track on the Land of the Long White Cloud with expert knowledge from our veteran New Zealand tour manager, Henry.
With a bounty of natural wonders and a vibrant cosmopolitan culture, New Zealand is a destination which simply must be seen to be believed. Better yet, you can now experience the memorable highlights of this Australasian treasure in style and comfort on one of our escorted tours. Our team are excited to share our brand-new tour, New Zealand Odyssey – North to South Islands, and they’ve been fully focused on this fascinating corner of the world.
With that in mind, we recently spoke to our expert local tour manager, Henry, who has led wish-list trips across glorious Aotearoa for over 25 years. From his favourite spots off the beaten path to his must-sees and suitcase essentials, here are some of Henry’s top tips for making the most of your time in New Zealand.
1. What inspired you to become a tour manager, and what do you love most about guiding guests through New Zealand?
Having grown up in New Zealand, I was inspired by the joy I felt exploring my own backyard and a desire to share that joy with others. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching visitors see New Zealand’s beauty for the first time and I also absolutely love sharing my knowledge of my country’s history, wildlife, and legends with each guest. Guiding people from all over the world through New Zealand is a privilege; I get to see my home country through fresh eyes each tour, and their excitement rekindles my own passion every single time. There’s a Māori concept called manaakitanga, which is all about hospitality and caring for your guests, and I try to live by that on every trip by making everyone feel welcome.
2. How long have you been leading tours in New Zealand?
I’ve been leading tours in New Zealand for 25 years now, and I’m still hitting the road with groups – and loving it. I’ve guided countless tours, from the tip of the North Island to the bottom of the South, and have seen tourism in NZ evolve and grow, but what never changes is the awe in people’s eyes when they experience this country’s beauty. Even after all this time, I still find new things to learn and new stories to share – New Zealand keeps me inspired.
3. What makes the New Zealand tour special?
Newmarket Holiday’s New Zealand Odyssey tour is special because it truly gives you the best of our nation in one thoughtfully crafted journey. We start our adventure in the North Island and wind our way to the South Island, covering an incredible range of experiences along the way. What sets this tour apart is that it includes both the iconic highlights and the off-the-beaten-path gems. Of course, we see famous sights like geothermal Rotorua and majestic Milford Sound, but we also venture to places many independent travellers miss, such as the idyllic Bay of Islands and Abel Tasman National Park. I would say this itinerary is a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure - a comprehensive Kiwi experience from north to south!
We also have local guides and experts join us at key sites, sharing insider knowledge and stories. These personal touches give depth to the trip, and the tour is paced in a way that balances structured sightseeing with downtime. It’s the best of both worlds: an organized adventure with all the logistics sorted, and the freedom to follow your own curiosity at times.
4. What’s your favourite part of managing this tour?
Honestly, it’s seeing the transformation in our guests from start to finish. At the beginning, many are strangers to each other and New Zealand but by the end, they’re sharing inside jokes and making incredible memories! If I had to pick a single element, though, I’d say I especially look forward to our days on the water. I’m a big water person, so I get excited for places like the Bay of Islands and Abel Tasman National Park on the itinerary. There’s something magical about taking guests out on a boat ride in the Bay of Islands, for example – the sun on the water, the dolphins playing in our wake, and everyone grinning ear to ear. Watching my group experience that magic is the best feeling for me as a tour manager.
I also really enjoy the moments when we connect with the local Māori culture. During our cultural experience in Rotorua or at Waitangi, I love seeing guests genuinely engage – asking questions, learning a haka, or even trying a few words in te reo Māori. When I see guests enthralled by a story or legend that a Māori elder shared with us, it reminds me why I do this. Those are the moments that stick with you. Ultimately, my favourite part is being able to share my New Zealand with people – whether that’s a secret scenic lookout I’ve found over the years or introducing them to a local friend who has a story to tell. Managing this tour allows me to facilitate those unforgettable experiences. The smiles, laughter, and sometimes happy tears at the end of the day – that’s what I live for in this job.
5. Can you share a must-see or wish-list moment from this tour?
There are so many “wow” moments on this tour, but one must-see highlight I always tell people about is our visit to the Bay of Islands. In fact, I’d call it a personal wish-list item for any New Zealand traveller. Early in the tour we head to this subtropical paradise, and it never disappoints. We take a cruise through the Bay of Islands, weaving among dozens of emerald islands and rocky outcrops in glittering blue water. There’s one spot called the Hole in the Rock – a massive natural archway island – that we often navigate through by boat, and it’s just breathtaking. On many trips, we’re lucky enough to encounter wildlife too.
6. What local insights or hidden gems can customers discover on this itinerary?
One of the best parts of this tour is the chance to discover some local secrets and lesser-known gems of New Zealand. One of our itinerary’s major highlights is Abel Tasman National Park at the top of the South Island. Many visitors haven’t heard of it before their trip, but once we’re there it often becomes one of their favourite spots. Picture golden-sand beaches, crystal-clear calm waters, and native forest coming right down to the shore. Often the water is so tranquil it’s like glass, and we might spot wildlife such as penguins or playful fur seals in the coves. It’s a truly special place that a lot of tourists travelling independently might skip due to its remote access, but we make it easy to explore.
7. Do you have any tips for making the most of a visit to New Zealand?
Absolutely! First and foremost, come with an open mind and a spirit of adventure. New Zealand has so much variety, from Māori cultural experiences to thrilling outdoor activities, and you’ll enjoy it more if you dive in wholeheartedly. Be ready to try new things, whether it’s tasting our kiwi cuisine (yes, do try the lamb and seafood, and don’t miss a scoop of hokey pokey ice cream!) or giving a go at speaking a few Māori words. Kiwis are very friendly and love when visitors engage, so don’t be shy about chatting with locals you meet; it could lead to a great conversation or even a new friendship.
Another tip: pack for all types of weather. We like to say NZ can have four seasons in one day, especially in the South Island. So bring layers and a light rain jacket so a surprise drizzle or temperature change won’t slow you down. It can be tempting to rush around checking sights off a list, but some of the best memories come from just pausing to take in the scenery.
8. How do you create a welcoming and engaging experience for guests?
When a new group of guests arrives, I like to greet each person individually, learn everyone’s name as soon as possible, and often teach them a cheerful “Kia ora!” (hello) in Māori as an ice-breaker. I share a bit about myself and encourage guests to share what they’re excited about – this immediately creates a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. My approach is to treat everyone like part of the family - I’m there not just as a tour manager but as a host! Throughout the trip I try to embody that famous Kiwi warmth. Little things count, like checking in often to make sure people are comfortable, and being approachable so guests feel they can come to me with any question or even just to chat.
Engagement is also about adaptability – I pay attention to the group’s energy. If I sense people are tired one morning, maybe I’ll lighten the schedule a bit or add a coffee stop at my favourite café to perk everyone up. Moreover, I encourage a no-stress, positive vibe by handling all the behind-the-scenes logistics smoothly so my guests can relax. My goal is that everyone feels at ease and involved – whether you’re an avid adventurer or a more relaxed sightseer, I want each guest to feel the tour is catering to them.
9. How do you balance structured sightseeing with free time for customers to explore on their own?
Achieving that balance is a key part of the tour, and something I’m very mindful of as a tour manager. The itinerary is structured so that we have plenty of exciting included excursions, but also regular downtime for guests to recharge or do their own thing. One way we balance this is by staying multiple nights in many destinations. This gives a less rushed feel – guests can unpack a bit, and there’s time in the schedule for personal exploration. Typically, our days will include group activities or travel in the morning and afternoon, and then I ensure most evenings are free for you to choose your own dinner spot or wander around town at leisure. After we’ve done a guided city tour together, I’ll let everyone know they have the evening free and make sure to arm them with recommendations tailored to their interests, from craft beer bars to botanical gardens.
10. What’s one essential item customers should pack to enhance their experience on this tour?
If I have to pick just one must-pack item, I’d say a good lightweight waterproof jacket is absolutely essential for a New Zealand adventure. This tour covers a lot of different regions and the weather can be famously unpredictable. Having a rain jacket (or at least a windbreaker) handy means you’ll be prepared for anything, meaning you won’t miss out on anything. Some of New Zealand’s scenery is even more spectacular in the rain, so you don’t want to be hiding indoors. With a waterproof layer, you’ll embrace whatever the day brings and enjoy every moment.
I’d also say that comfortable broken-in walking shoes are a close second essential. We do a fair bit of walking – not hardcore trekking, but exploring towns, forest trails, and sites like geothermal parks – so happy feet make for happy travellers!
Kickstart your adventures in Aotearoa with Newmarket Holidays
New Zealand’s finest stretches are yours to explore, and there’s no better way to do so than on an unforgettable escorted tour. If you’re feeling inspired, or simply wish to talk through your options, give one of our friendly travel experts a call to get the ball rolling on your next wish-list escape. Alternatively, for a more in-depth look at our brand-new itinerary, visit our dedicated tour page or check out more of our destinations.
