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Thursday, November 27, 2025
As the end the year draws ever closer, we’ve been looking ahead to what next year will bring for travel and tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand. From the top of the North Island to Rakiura Stewart Island, we’ve worked with our on-the-ground Qualmark(opens in new window) Specialists to identify the most exciting travel trends showing up across the country. This is what your clients can expect from their 2026 holiday to New Zealand.
The operators featured in this article have been selected to showcase the breadth of experiences available throughout New Zealand for each individual travel trend. However, these are just a small sample of the activities and accommodations your clients can enjoy while visiting the country.
New Zealand tourism operators are showcasing how art and artisan food and drink go hand in hand – highly appealing to the 86% of travellers (like your clients) considering a trip to New Zealand who are also interested in sampling local cuisine. From boutique wine cellars offering painting classes to small group tours combining visits to local art galleries with guided olive oil tastings, the following experiences celebrate passionate businesses who place an emphasis on artistry.
Have your clients tap into their creative side on a boutique, guided Painting Outdoor Art Adventure Tour. Hosted over six hours with all art supplies provided, take inspiration from Queenstown’s stunning landscapes and enjoy a gourmet lunch that’s sure to fuel artistic efforts.
Slow down and connect to Waiheke Island’s landscapes, locals and creative spirit on a five and a half hour Waiheke Naturally Tour. Running in all weather, your clients will visit a local art studio, walk through private gardens, attend a guided olive oil tasting and sit down to a leisurely lunch.
Blending wine, art and scenic beauty this seven-hour Wine & Art Tour takes your clients on an enriching, sensory journey visiting world class wineries, artist galleries and sculpture parks. Sip a glass of sauvignon blanc and engage in kōrero (conversation) with talented local artists.
In a world of endless notifications, increasing screen time and constantly being “switched on” it can be hard to truly rest, relax and recharge even on holiday, which is one of the top emotional motivators for people travelling to New Zealand. The following experiences embrace the idea of disconnecting from the online world – think limited cell phone reception and (in some cases) no wi-fi – so your clients can reconnect with nature, themselves and their fellow travellers.
Tucked within stunning locations from Northland to Rakiura Stewart Island, this collection of off grid glass eco cabins deliver seclusion and immersion in nature. While there is limited to no mobile reception and no wi-fi, your clients can pre-order locally sourced dinners or breakfast hampers.
Set within 500 acres of native rainforest, stays at Maruia River Retreat are designed to be restorative. Sleep in one of just seven fully self-contained villas (no TVs or internet), dine on three-course dinners, take a meditative walk or relax with a private forest bathing experience.
Completely tailored to your clients, this is the only overnight glacier experience in New Zealand! The two-night package (available November – March) includes a thrilling helicopter flight, exploration of the glacier on foot and a one-of-a-kind camping experience on Franz Josef Glacier.
From friends and whānau (family) to strangers, travelling with like-minded people allows your clients to share memorable moments as a collective – in fact, nearly half (44%) of people visiting New Zealand travel as part of a group. Whether it’s for a couple of hours, a whole day or their entire trip, the following organised group tours also help provide your clients with more meaningful connections to people and place thanks to the expertise of knowledgeable guides.
Your clients will follow in the footsteps of Frodo and Sam as they journey through Middle‑earth™ with like-minded fans. Ranging from 6 – 14 days, tours travel to incredible filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies including Hobbiton and Laketown.
Hike the North Island’s stunning landscapes on a guided multi-day walking tour where everything from accommodation to (most) meals are taken care of – all you need to do is carry a day pack! Tours run between October or November until April and last between 4 – 12 days.
Experience the wine, history and scenery of the world’s southernmost wine region on an all-inclusive, small group tour (half or full day). Your clients will sip and savour their way around Central Otago led by a passionate and enthusiastic wine guide.
Incredible experiences aren’t limited to daylight hours when visiting New Zealand – from spotting nocturnal wildlife like the unusual kiwi to stargazing within an internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve, an activity that 77% of potential visitors to New Zealand are interested in doing while in the country. The following experiences illuminate the fact that there are plenty of magical moments your clients can experience once darkness has fallen and the stars come out.
Join an Evening Eco Kiwi Spotting Tour and go in search of New Zealand’s national bird. Listen out for the call of these flightless taonga (treasure) and gaze at the starlit sky during a two or three-hour small group tour. Drop off to on-island accommodation included following the tour.
Spotting celestial phenomena within the Wairarapa’s International Dark Sky Reserve has been named one of Lonely Planet’s top experiences for 2026. Join a 90-minute stargazing session and look out for planets, meteors and nebulae (gas clouds) using state-of-the-art telescopes.
Embark on a magical evening adventure during a guided kayaking tour of Rotorua’s lakes. Under the cover of darkness, paddle the waters, explore hidden caves home to glittering glow worms and on clear nights, look up at the stars. No prior experience is required for this three-hour tour.
Go holidaying off grid in remarkable landscapes where plentiful outdoor activities are on offer – including hiking, biking, skiing, horse riding and more! The following wilderness escapes embrace their unparalleled access to the great outdoors, inviting both exploration and adventure. What's more, your clients will still be within easy reach – whether by car, train or helicopter – from major towns and cities, making these experiences accessible for all.
Discover all that’s on offer at this 50,000-acre high-country farm with the Minaret Station Highlights experience. Exclusively available to guests, your clients will spend half a day exploring at their own pace while horse riding, e-biking, hiking, lake fishing, tree planting and four-wheel driving.
Surrounded by Whanganui National Park, Blue Duck Station is an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Your clients can make the most of their time with activities like horse riding, kayaking, bush safari 4WD tours, mountain biking and hiking – minimum and maximum numbers may apply.
Spend a night on the scenic Banks Peninsula, home to the largest colony of kōrora (little penguins) on mainland New Zealand. Walk part of the Banks Track with its spectacular clifftop views, enjoy a complimentary evening penguin tour and take advantage of discounted guided sea kayaking.
Looking for inspiration to help curate your clients’ next itinerary to Aotearoa New Zealand? Our “What’s New in New Zealand” articles are filled with the latest accommodation openings, exciting new experiences and seasonal highlights.