New Zealand Multi-Centre Holidays

While you’re on the opposite side of the world, why not spend some time Down Under? There are loads of flights between Australia and New Zealand, so creating your grand adventure couldn’t be easier.

You could focus your attention on Australia’s beautiful east coast, famous for its sweeping beaches and lively cities. Tick off Sydney’s iconic landmarks, hike through the Blue Mountains, learn to surf at Byron Bay, and stroll around sun-soaked Brisbane. Want to see the Great Barrier Reef? Simply hop on an internal flight to Cairns and take a boat – or seaplane – from there.

Alternatively, you could head to Western Australia. The country’s largest state, WA is home to vibrant Perth – the sunniest city in Oz – along with world-class vineyards and UNESCO-protected reefs. And the wildlife is incredible. You can swim with wild whale sharks, see whales and dolphins, and meet adorable quokka on Rottenest Island.

With so many flights available across Australia, the options are endless. You could explore Darwin and the Top End, marvel at majestic Uluru, or go on a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road.

New Zealand’s North Island has its fair share of beautiful beaches – but, if it’s tropical sunshine you’re after, you should add on a visit to Fiji or the Cook Islands. Surrounded by the South Pacific, these idyllic isles are home to palm-dotted bays and bright coral reefs. And they’re much more accessible from New Zealand than the UK.

After an action-packed trip to New Zealand, you’ll certainly have earned the right to some downtime. And where better to go than Fiji? Just a three-hour flight from Auckland, these picture-perfect islands boast sugary sands, world-class hospitality and some of the best dive sites on the planet. You can spend your days swimming, sailing and snorkelling – or simply get comfy on your sun lounger with a cocktail and a good book.

Alternatively, you could pair New Zealand with the Cook Islands. Just under four hours’ from Auckland, the Cook Islands serve up some of the most pristine beaches you’ll ever see. But, if you manage to tear yourself away from the coast, you’ll also discover lush greenery and tumbling waterfalls.

Over half way between the UK and New Zealand, Singapore makes a great addition to your trip. You could spend a few days here at either the start or end of your New Zealand multi-centre holiday. Whichever order you choose, you’ll find that this vibrant city-state provides a fantastic contrast to tranquil New Zealand.

It’s possible to tick off the Lion City’s major attractions in a few days but, equally, you could easily fill a week here – so how long you stay is up to you. Once thing’s for sure, you’ll spend a fair amount of time eating. Singapore majors in fantastic cuisine, with influences from China, India and Malaysia. You can fill up on tasty street food at casual hawker centre, or treat yourself to a first-class dinner at one of Singapore’s Michelin-starred restaurants.

Make sure you also visit the Gardens by the Bay, where you can admire Singapore’s iconic Supertrees and all kinds of tropical gardens. Stroll around Singapore Zoo – one of the best in the world – and then cool off with a Singapore Sling in Raffles Hotel. It’s also worth spending a day on Sentosa Island. This place has something for everyone, from powdery beaches to exhilarating theme parks.

When planning your New Zealand multi-centre holiday, you want to be able to experience both destinations at their very best – so it’s important to think about the climate. Generally speaking, it’s best to go to New Zealand between November and April, when the weather is drier and warmer – ideal for exploring the great outdoors. Unless you’re planning on skiing in New Zealand, you should avoid going in June, July or August, as the winter weather can be unpredictable.

Conveniently, Singapore’s dry season runs from February to August – so, if you’re planning to visit the Lion City on your trip, you should travel between February and April. Alternatively, if you want to combine Australia and New Zealand into one exciting holiday, it’s best to book for April or October – autumn and spring respectively – to avoid Australia’s extreme summer heat.

Considering adding on some time in Fiji or the Cook Islands? Book your New Zealand multi-centre holiday for May or October, as the South Pacific’s wet season takes hold between November and April.