The world is awash with exciting travel destinations to add to your list for 2025 – but one that should be at the very top is beautiful New Zealand. Known for its breath-taking natural beauty, vibrant culture and excellent food and wine, it might be a long flight away but it’s more than worth the travel time – and if you’re flying first class then the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination itself.
A great choice for the discerning traveller, New Zealand caters effortlessly to those with refined tastes and is home to a myriad of high-end hotels in spectacular destinations, as well as vineyards, wineries and Michelin-starred eateries. Add to that is mountainous landscapes, pristine beaches and more significant developments currently afoot in both luxury and sustainable tourism , and it ticks all of the right boxes for the ideal travel destination for 2025.
From recentering yoga retreats to wilderness and cultural experiences, if you’re looking to pack out your itinerary with memorable activities and experiences then you’ll find no shortage of exceptional things to do. We asked expert insider New Zealand Daily to share their insider knowledge on what’s not to be missed – and what’s set to make New Zealand a must-visit destination in the year ahead.
Sustainable luxury travel and exclusive eco-lodge stays
New Zealand has been something of a trailblazer in sustainable tourism for some years now, but in 2025, it’s set to take things up a notch. As the government continues to invest in projects and initiatives that aim to lessen its overall impact on the planet, we’re also about to see the tourism industry make a deeper commitment to marrying sustainability with luxury, offering unique experiences that take an ethical approach to travel without compromising on modern comforts and five-star services.
The global appetite for eco-conscious travel continues to grow, and resorts like the Wharekauhau Country Estate, which offers an immersive experience in nature on New Zealand’s North Island, and Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses near Kaikoura on the South Island, already attract numerous high-end travellers each year. Next year, the number of eco-lodges and sustainable retreats available to book will reach an all time high, with a string of others set to open their doors and begin welcoming their first sets of guests.
Unique cultural experiences
New Zealand’s indigenous Maori heritage makes it an intriguing and captivating country to visit for those seeking a vibrant cultural scene that offers a myriad of unique experiences. If you plan to visit the country in 2025 then booking a bespoke tour with a private guide is a great way to become acquainted with the nation’s rich traditions and gain a thorough understanding of how it continues to influence life in New Zealand today.
The Tamaki Maori Village is a must to add to your itinerary. Located in Rotorua, in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island, here, you can enjoy exclusive tours and performances and join in with traditional Maori feasts and celebrations for a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
If you’re looking to further deepen your understanding of the Maori culture then head to Wellington and pay a visit to the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, where you can witness an awe-inspiring showcase of Maori art and history, and if you’re up to the challenge you can even book yourself in for a private carving or weaving workshop where you can learn these traditional skills directly from Maori artisans.
Food and wine: New Zealand’s exciting gourmet scene
If you’re a self-confessed foodie then you’ll be in for a treat in New Zealand, because the gourmet scene is quite something. Head straight to Queenstown – also dubbed the food and wine capital of New Zealand – to experience the very best of it, with stand-out fine dining restaurants such as Rata by celebrity chef Josh Emett promising to take you on a show-stopping culinary journey based around locally sourced ingredients and exemplifying creative flair.
Wine connoisseurs will know that New Zealand is also the home of the Marlborough region, which means there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy private vineyard and winery tours and sample some of the very best Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs you’ll have ever tasted. Better yet, you can check in for a luxurious stay at the winery itself, and immerse yourself in its verdant landscapes and idyllic lifestyle as you enjoy an extended dose of the finer things in life.
Major events in 2025
Any year is a good year to visit New Zealand, but with a host of major events set to take place in the country in 2025, there has never been a better time. Prestigious yacht racing event the America’s Cup will kick off in Auckland in March and is certain to attract an affluent crowd, with VIP packages available and including exclusive access to all areas and an array of high-end food and wine packages to ensure that you can celebrate the week in style.
The New Zealand International Arts Festival in Wellington is also a must and offers a chance to rub shoulders with the nation’s finest artists and performers, with VIP tickets affording you access to lavish black tie gala dinners and red carpet events.
