#1 LOOK TO THE STARS:  The Pods at The Lindis, Southern Alps

Immerse yourself in nature by day and the sublime wonders of the Milky Way by night, snuggled in your private universe within the pristine Ahuriri Valley in New Zealand’s South Island.

TREND: Many new accommodations in New Zealand are now turning towards a more sustainable approach in hospitality. They include the Night Sky Cottage, Park Hyatt Auckland and Sherwood Queenstown.

#2 CHILL OUT RESPONSIBLY: Splore Festival (21 – 23 February 2020)

Chill out on the beautiful shores of Tapapakanga Regional Park for three days of rocking good times. The boutique festival invites you to a weekend of arts and music on the ancestral land of the mana whenua, Ngāti Whanaunga and Ngāti Paoa. The themed eco-party encourages mindful partying and international guests are welcomed with a powhiri (Māori welcoming ceremony) every year.

#3 LIVE LIKE THE LOCALS: Laidback farm-life experiences

Meet the locals at home on a hosted farm experience with Ahika Journeys. Your hosts are experienced farmers, growers, producers, makers and creators who have lived, worked and cared for the land for generations. Relax with great wine and distillery tours, coastal adventures, premium food and laidback activities such as fishing during the day.

#4 GIVE BACK: Blue penguin conservation, Otago Peninsula   

Tiny, cute and endangered – these little blue penguins are the stars of Kaitiaki Tautoko. It is an exclusive hands-on conservation experience where participants can embark on a guided tour to witness and learn about the protected native species from experienced guides.

DID YOU KNOW: New Zealand is the ‘penguin kingdom’ with more penguin species and more accessible opportunities to see them than anywhere else in the world.

#5 SAIL BACK IN TIME: Waka Adventures Tairawhiti, Eastland 

Experience Māori culture and the renaissance of ancient voyaging and navigation with master mariner Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp, who has sailed the Pacific Ocean many times. Sailing out of Gisborne on a traditional Māori Waka Hourua, you will learn first-hand the ancient art of wayfinding that lead to the discovery of Aotearoa New Zealand around 1,000 years ago.

TREND: Waka Adventures Tairawhiti embodies a new wave of authentic Maori culture products and experiences developing in New Zealand that combines travel with edutainment to provide newfound appreciation for Maori cultural heritage. 

#6 FIND SANCTUARY: Earth Energies NZ Sanctuary, Waikato

Rejuvenate your senses with a tranquil healing experience in this intimate countryside retreat overlooking the Hauraki Plains. On an organic farm, Earth Energies offers you a wellness journey like no other with serene sanctuary retreats and deep relaxation therapy sessions.

Interested in more awesome New Zealand itineraries? Check them out here!