New Zealand Specialist Alesha
Honestly, New Zealand is just home — and there's nowhere else like it. The scenery alone is reason enough to love it – there’s mountains, beaches, fjords and volcanoes all crammed into one small country. But it's not just that. It's the people, the laid-back vibe, the way Maori culture gives the place a real identity and soul. Growing up there means spending your weekends outdoors, never taking the nature for granted and being part of a community that's genuinely warm and unpretentious. It's a small country but it's got a massive heart.
I was born there!
I lived there until I was 11 and have returned to visit family over the years.
My favourite place has to be Abel Tasman. I'm a bit biased because I had family there growing up, so it holds a really special place in my heart. Even setting that aside, it's still stunning, with golden beaches, turquoise water and native bush. There are no roads through it, so it stays really peaceful and unspoiled.
To take their time and focus on a smaller region, a lot of people want to check everything off their list, but a lot of the beauty in New Zealand is spending time in smaller towns, exploring places deeper than just a night or two on a driving itinerary.
If you really want to get off the beaten track, head to the Catlins — most tourists completely miss it and that's exactly what makes it special. It's tucked away in the bottom corner of the South Island, between Dunedin and Invercargill, and it feels like a completely different world. Think dramatic coastline, ancient native forest, hidden waterfalls and wildlife everywhere — sea lions just chilling on the beach, yellow-eyed penguins and dolphins. It's rugged and wild and completely unspoiled. There's no big tourist infrastructure, no crowds, just raw New Zealand at its best. It's the kind of place locals know about and quietly keep to themselves — but it's too good not to share!
The best souvenir I bring back isn't something you can wrap up or put on a shelf. It's a concept called Tiaki — a Maori concept that means to care for, to guard and to protect. In New Zealand it's a whole way of thinking: that we're all guardians of the people, the culture and the land, and that we have a responsibility to leave things better than we found them and travel with an open heart and mind.
My top foodie experience has to be Amisfield, just outside Queenstown. It's a winery restaurant in Central Otago and the food is just next level — hyper local, beautifully crafted and paired with incredible Pinot Noir.
A hangi (a traditional Maori method of cooking), whitebait by the coast (only in September and October) and feijoas (a fruit also known as pineapple guava).
Stewart Island (also known as Rakiura) – over 85% of it is national park, kiwi birds actually outnumber humans there, and on a clear night you can see the Aurora Australis.
Both, there are wine tasting, hikes and romantic experiences for couples, and active adventures for children, including the world of the Lord of The Rings.
Monday – Friday: 9am to 6pm
Original Travel
111 Upper Richmond Rd
London SW15 2TL
Tel: 020 7978 7333
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