New Zealand experiences often top the must-do travel lists — and with good reason. From adventures in nature to sipping nature’s bounty, there’s no shortage of things to do in New Zealand. These are our top five once-in-a-lifetime experiences to experience on your New Zealand tour. 

Adventure in nature

It may come as no surprise that exploring New Zealand’s rich landscapes makes the top of our list. Our 19-day tour will immerse you in all of these rich New Zealand adventures. Take to the water for a serene cruise of Milford Sound’s Lake Manapouri lined with plummeting waterfalls, coves and beaches dotted along its shore. This magnificent scenery of the Fiordland National Park’s forest-clad mountains and islands is a must-do on any trip to The Long White Cloud. You’ll also cruise along Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Straight watching the coves, bays and lush green forests rising from the tranquil waters. For adrenaline junkies, zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin on a Haast River jet boat safari. 

Stay at the ultimate nature retreat at Milford Sound Lodge. 

There’s plenty to discover on land, too. Understand what the ice age must have felt like experiencing the mighty natural wonder and grand scale of the Franz Josef Glacier. You’ll also visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal system. Discover the world’s largest hot spring, volcanic crater lakes and the most incredible flora and fauna that have been untouched by man as you stroll along boardwalks.

Uncover Māori culture

When asking yourself “what to do in New Zealand?” experiencing the indigenous Māori culture is probably at the top of your list. You’ll have the opportunity to do just that on a visit to Tamaki Māori Village in Rotorua. Through this immersive experience, dine on a hearty and delicious meal warmed by the earth with a uniquely prepared Hāngī feast. Hāngī meals are made of meat, potatoes, and vegetables cooked traditionally in a pit oven using geothermal steam. As you dine, witness a captivating live cultural performance showcasing honored traditions, stories, songs and performing arts. See the fierce ‘Haka’ (war dance), action dances and stick games. This sensory evening will delight you with the magic of Māori storytelling and culture set deep within the forest. 

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Sip and Savor

Most seasoned travelers will agree day trips in New Zealand must include a little wine tasting. Embark on a boutique wine-tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region. Here you’ll sample the area’s finest Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc.  

Our tours even treat you to a dinner and wine pairing at Hawke’s Bay Craggy Range Winery with an intimate dinner at the award-winning restaurant. Taking in the grandeur of Te Mata Peak and feast on local produce as you drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards. You’ll also learn how this family-owned winery began with a search to start a winery in France, the U.S., Australia and finally the exceptional climate of New Zealand.    

More of a beer connoisseur? Sample some of Dunedin’s best local brews on an exclusive tour and tasting session at Emerson’s Brewery. You’ll witness each stage of the process as you’re guided behind the scenes from malt room to bottling at this award-winning microbrewery. 

National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa Visit

Add going behind-the-scenes on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa to your collection of New Zealand experiences. Meet the kiwi at this working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. This experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. This has become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, and the national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing. After your visit, you’ll understand how the nursery and hatchery is leading the conservation efforts of the national icon. You may even get to see a newly hatched kiwi chick. 

New Zealand, Wellington, North Island,

Waitomo Cave Visit with Private Boat Tour

Perhaps one of the most unexpected – and enchanting — New Zealand experiences is an exclusive, private guided tour of Waitomo Cave. You’ll tour the subterranean Waitomo Cave where you’ll be guided through the extensive network. The highlight is meeting the local glowworms that light up the cavern. Enter the cave through a natural chasm. Then view these fascinating glowing creatures as you glide quietly on a private tour by boat through the underground cave. You’ll even view the bones of one of New Zealand’s lost treasures, the ancient Moa. 

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A true Kiwi lover? Learn about Six Stunning Filming Locations To See In New Zealand and a World-class jockey who turned into a hands-on sustainable farmer.  

If you’re seeking the height of rustic luxury, a stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the perfect destination. A highlight accommodation on our Majesty of the Rockies tour, this grand 700-acre hotel combines Canada’s natural beauty with all the elegance of a top resort.  

The hotel  

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is perched on the shores of emerald green Beauvert Lake or “Lac Beauvert” with a stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. The resort’s grandeur extends from its epic scenery to its world-renowned golf course within the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. And yet, a cozy intimacy welcomes from its rooms and Signature Cabins reminiscent of luxury rustic homes.  

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The rooms 

Within the main hotel, the 442 comfortable, spacious guest rooms may also offer an outdoor patio or balcony. Some suites invite you to relax in front of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces with a separate sitting area offering views of Lac Beauvert. Beyond the main lodge, the village of cedar chalets and heritage log cabins are connected by winding paths. Inside, the cabins feel intimate and warm, boasting rustic luxury décor in a modern or alpine style. Lounge outside around a firepit in Adirondack chairs as the sun sets. Or, stay in and enjoy your rustic luxury kitchen, stone fireplace, leather furnishings and dramatic windows. Some Signature Cabins, such as the Outlook Cabin, have hosted notable guests. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stayed here in 1939 followed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 2005. 

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Dining  

Take in more of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s splendor at one of its fine restaurants. The Great Hall presents views of Lac Beauvert and Whistlers Mountain alongside sumptuous dishes. Here you’ll dine on sockeye salmon with maple rainbow carrots and warm scarlet quinoa salad or jerk shrimp and grits. Or, try their Elk hunter’s pie of braised Alberta elk with winter root vegetables and cheddar mash potatoes. 

For a taste of la dolce vita, Orso Trattoria tempts with modern Italian fare highlighting the finest just-harvested regional ingredients and the best steaks. Should you like to indulge in a decadent high tea, you can take afternoon tea of delicate sandwiches, cakes and cookies – and bubbly, if you like – in front of the grand fireplace or picture windows showcasing the Rockies. 

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Drinks 

For pre- or post-dinner drinks, the Emerald Lounge Bar is the spot for classic cocktails and innovative seasonal creations. Sip on the house beauvardier or toasted apple pie made with Calvados, sherry and apple spice syrup. Or, try the delicious burnt flower cocktail of Hornitos Black Barrel, Somba Mezcal, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon and hibiscus. 

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The spa  

Continue your luxurious stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge with a treatment at the on-site spa. Inspired by the surrounding nature, the treatments are designed to enliven your skin, restore your muscles and soothe your spirit. Treat yourself to a mineral foot soak and scrub, exfoliation, lotion application and moor mud mask. The relaxing Ultimate Facial enhances brightness using a blend of skin-illuminating botanicals along with a unique cooling mask.   

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Activities 

When you’re eager to get a little active and soak up the surrounding splendor of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, you have a range of activities to choose from right outside your room or cabin. As you may have guessed, you’re in an ideal spot for downhill skiing. Here within the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, you have the highest base elevation of any major Canadian ski area.   

In summer, the lodge boathouse rents canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards to explore and adventure on glacier-fed Lac Beauvert.  

Where else will you adventure in Jasper National Park? 

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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge golf course 

If you needed another reason to venture to this rustic resort, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club has been rated by SCOREGolf Magazine as the #1 Best Golf Resort in Canada. This premier golf course has been drawing enthusiasts since 1925 with elevated tee boxes, dramatic bunkering and holes aligned with distant mountain vistas. Stanley Thompson, Canada’s master golf course architect, designed the 18-hole course with wide fairways through thick forest while harmonizing with nature’s landscapes. If you’re a golfer, don’t miss your chance to try this award-winning course. And after a big day on the green or at the lake, take advantage of the resort’s Health Club that includes a heated outdoor pool and hot tub.    

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As you experience the beauty of Jasper and Jasper National Park, take time to enjoy Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. 

Looking for more beautiful national parks in Western Canada or more nature retreats? 

With the holiday season getting underway, you may well be thinking about the best champagnes to accompany your celebrations. The doyenne of festive drinks, fizzy and light, champagne is synonymous with the generous indulgence of the holiday season.

Don’t be lulled into thinking festive fizz is just an aperitif. The best bubbles can provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of dishes. Whether you are looking for a champagne to sip solo, toast your friends, or to pair with dessert, here are nine that are guaranteed to delight.

Dom Pérignon: Brut Vintage 2012

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The original: “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” — Dom Pérignon famously said upon discovering champagne. And it doesn’t get more luxurious than this. Perhaps the most famous Champagne in the world, this festive drink is one to be treasured and enjoyed on the most special of occasions.

Each vintage is a creation, singular and unique, and expresses both the character of the year, and the character of Dom Pérignon. The most recent release is the 2012 vintage (£220/$250), described as having a unique structure, channeled by acidity and bitterness that burst forth magnificently. The finish is marked by ginger, tobacco and toasted accents.

 Laurent-Perrier: Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature

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Delicious with seafood: Whatever you serve at the festive dinner table, salmon, oysters and other seafood make for a decadent treat. Fresh and light, the forte of a Blanc de Blancs is that it can be used widely and served as more than an aperitif.  For the best bubbles, try Laurent-Perrier’s dry and intensely fruity Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature (£80/$100). It’s simply divine with oysters.

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Pol Roger: Sir Winston Churchill 2013

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A real treat with cheese: Cheese and champagne may be debated, but for many it is a match made in heaven. For a truly decadent treat choose a Pol Roger, one of the world’s finest Champagnes. The drink’s crisp acidity and fluffy mouse is said to lighten the fattiness of the cheeses, without overpowering them aromatically. Hard mature cheeses deserve a powerful cuvée, so go all out for a bottle of Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2013 (£380/$460).

Drappier: Carte d’Or

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A more affordable cheese accompaniment: Renowned for its versatility, Drappier’s Carte d’Or (£55/$65) is another of the best Champagnes to pair with cheese. It offers a distinctive flavor with aromatic notes such as peaches, almonds, or orange peels. According to its makers, the original yellow tone of Carte d’Or stems from the quince, often used with a cheese board. Old Comté and Chaource make the perfect companions to Carte d’Or, and the perfect way to celebrate the holidays.

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Piper Heidseck: Sublime Demi-Sec NV

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Perfect with dessert: Matching dessert and Champagne is where your need to exercise caution, as most are too dry for truly sweet dishes. One of the best Champagnes is Piper-Heidsieck’s long-aged Sublime Demi-Sec NV (£55/$65). Generous with glorious burned-sugar aromatics, it is recommended to be served with a burnt crème brûlée.

Krug: Grande Cuvée Brut

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To raise a toast: For a toast to the season, or simply enjoyed for what it is, the Krug Grande Cuvée Brut (£180/$220) deserves to be appreciated entirely on its own. A glorious full-bodied Champagne, made with a blend of nearly 200 wines, it is perfect for those who prefer bubbles with a rounder flavor profile. It is rich with stone fruit and citrus, with just an edge of spice and hint of chocolate. In the words of Krug, enjoy craftsmanship without compromise. Pleasure beyond perfection. One of the world’s best champagnes.

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Pol Roger: Brut Réserve

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For the sunshine: Perfect anywhere, especially if you are spending the holiday season in the sunshine. This champagne smells of wildflowers, green apples, croissants and mineral touches. It tastes of peach, hazelnuts and honey, supporting the freshness of acidity. One of the best bubbles, try the stylish Brut Reserve (£180/$220).

Henri Giraud: Dame Jane Rosé

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Best of the Rosé: Rosé Champagne offers a wealth of versatility in terms of food pairing. Yet it is traditionally the most misunderstood of Champagne’s styles. The pink color encourages sweet, romantic connotations rather than vinous and gastronomic ones, however, there is so much to explore. Bursting with power and character, Henri Giraud’s sandstone-amphorae-fermented Dame-Jane Rosé NV (£65/$80) matches impeccably with charcuterie and roasted root vegetables.

Möet & Chandon: Brut Imperial

Best magnum for big gatherings: If your holiday season means big family gatherings, a magnum is perfect for furnishing loved ones with festive drinks. And Möet & Chandon Brut Imperial is one of the best champagnes you can offer. Described as having vibrant notes of apple and citrus fruits, accompanied by aromas of brioche and fresh nuts, typical of the aging process. On the palate, it is generous and subtle.

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