Our Expert Guide to New Zealand
New Zealander by birth and trade, Travelmarvel’s Ajay Vagha unveils Aotearoa’s majestic natural beauty and captivating culture, and the journeys that bring them vividly to life.
The best thing about discovering New Zealand with Travelmarvel is how seamless it is from start to finish. Your Tour Director handles every detail – from hotel check-ins to priority access at select attractions. No need to check in, room keys are handed to you on arrival and luggage is delivered to your room and collected before departure
Along the way, your Tour Director shares local history, cultural insights and travel tips you wouldn’t get on your own. With queue skips, exclusive experiences and centrally located hotels – like Copthorne Hotel Queenstown Lakeview – comfort and convenience are a given.
The North Island offers rolling green hills, bubbling geothermal regions and vibrant cities that blend culture with nature. In the South Island, you might wake to alpine views reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, then travel aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train through mountain passes into a lush west coast rainforest, where glaciers descend into greenery – one of the few places on Earth where this rare sight occurs. Tranquil lakes, rugged coastlines and snow-dusted peaks create a cinematic backdrop at every turn. Guests explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, surrounded by glacier-fed rivers and towering mountains.
Meanwhile, vibrant cities and towns complement the landscape, offering modern comforts alongside breathtaking views. This rare blend of accessibility, contrast and natural wonder makes New Zealand truly distinctive – so close to home, yet unlike anywhere else.
Among New Zealand’s many wonders, cruising through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi always stands out for me. I’ve been there more times than I can remember, and yet every visit feels different. After rain, the waterfalls are absolutely epic and mist-covered peaks create a mystical ambience. Even on a clear day, the sheer cliffs and cascading falls create a postcard-perfect scene.
Equally powerful is the chance to connect with Māori culture – something I see as essential to truly appreciate Aotearoa – a rich culture that carries a deep connection to the land, a strong sense of community, and a worldview where people and nature are deeply intertwined. Travelmarvel guests experience this firsthand, gaining insight into the stories, values and spirit that shape modern New Zealand. New Zealand isn’t just a place to visit – it’s a world to explore, one extraordinary moment at a time.