20 reasons to visit New Zealand, now that we finally can – The Telegraph

Join the bird bonanza on Kapiti Island

Its not easy to spot wild kiwi. Stewart Island is your best bet but, if youre not heading that way, Kapiti Island a nature sanctuary and marine reserve accessible from Wellington is a good option. Visitor numbers are limited, giving Kapiti an exclusive feel. With a local guide, learn about the Maori, whove inhabited this island for centuries; kayak and snorkel the protected waters; and stay overnight in a safari tent, cabin or classic bach bungalow for the chance to see endemic birdlife including bellbirds, takahe, parakeets, weka and, perhaps, little spotted kiwi.

A 21-night Wildlife Encounters self-drive with Discover the World (01737 214250; discover-the-world.com), visiting Kapiti, costs from 4,077pp excluding flights.

New Zealand is a really long way to go. So make the most of all that travel by contrasting the country with the equally far-flung South Pacific. After hopping around the Bay of Islands, raising a glass or three of Hawkes Bays finest and going full-throttle in adventure capital Queenstown (try mountain biking, rafting and kayaking), jet to Laucala, a private Fijian island retreat where villas sit amid lush mountains, white sand and coconut palms, and the diving and snorkelling is out of this world.

A 14-night Ultimate New Zealand and Fiji tailor-made trip with Abercrombie & Kent (01242 547760; abercrombiekent.co.uk) costs from 27,995pp including flights.

Virgin Atlantic (0344 874 7747; virginatlantic.com) flies to Auckland from London via San Francisco on a codeshare from 981 return.

Air New Zealand (0800 028 4149; airnewzealand.co.uk) flies to Auckland from London via Singapore on a codeshare from 1,113 return.

Fully vaccinated adults and children under 17 will be able to visit from 23:59 on May 1 without needing to isolate on arrival. However, they will be required to take three Covid tests: one before departure (PCR, LAMP or rapid antigen), another rapid antigen test on arrival, and a third on day five or six.

More information here.

This article is kept updated with the latest information.

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20 reasons to visit New Zealand, now that we finally can - The Telegraph