Best of New Zealand – Self Drive
Embark on the ultimate adventure with our Best of New Zealand - Self Drive holiday, spanning 17 days and 16 nights from Auckland to Christchurch.
Where to go in 2023
With the world at our fingertips, we have listed our must-visit places in 2023. Below you will find our month-by-month calendar to showcase the best time to visit our key destinations.
Have you been to all of these destinations? let us make that our plan for 2023.
JANUARY
Kick off the New Year in style with a trip to the islands of the Maldives, relax by the beach and feel a million miles away. If you are looking for somewhere a little further, Egypt is the place to be! From a sightseeing tour in Cairo to lapping up the white sandy beaches in Sharm El Sheikh.
Perhaps you would to escape even further, Australia is top of our list for January. Whether you want to experience their amazing summer activities, from beach days to mountain trekking or enjoy an encounter with a Koala or two!
FEBRUARY
Whether you opt for a holiday in Venice; or you choose to relax on the staggering Amalfi coastline; your February in Italy will be an experience you will be telling everyone about.
If you're looking for tropical jungles, chaotic cities and a heavenly coastline, Thailand is rich in rewards for adventure. From diving in the Andaman Sea to visiting a floating market, between Thailand and Italy you will have an unforgettable month.
MARCH
Are you looking to visit Ancient Cities, thriving bazaars and fairytale mountains? We recommend visiting Turkey in March. You'll find the site of one of the original Seven Wonders of the World in the city - and another one just down the road in Bodrum! While Cappadocia is an other-worldly landscape of fairy chimneys which you can explore by hot air balloon.
Equally, you will find Breathtaking scenery, epic coastlines and rich history when you visit the Emerald Isle of Ireland. With St Patrick’s Day happening on the 17th of March, experience Dublin and celebrate their 1,000 + year-long traditional holiday.
APRIL
In April we recommend visiting Spain, Jordan and New Zealand, being one of the most popular seasons to visit you will find plenty of activities for all the family. April is a perfect time to experience the many amazing cities of Spain without the usual crowds and expensive price tags. Hits the streets of Barcelona or island hop around the Mediterranean – Spain won’t disappoint.
If you are seeking more culture and history, you can’t miss a visit to Jordan. From the historical carvings of Petra and floating away in the Dead Sea, the weather in April is perfect for all. Last but not least, New Zealand in April should be on everyone’s list, it is the perfect time after their summer period to really appreciate nature, from mountain treks to enjoying the food scene in Auckland – New Zealand has it all.
MAY
Whether you choose to visit one, two or all three of our recommended destinations in May, you will not be disappointed! Whether it be a visit to Athens, Halkidiki in the North or Island hoping around Santorini or Mykonos – May is the ideal season to beat the crowds. Jump on a flight and land in the historical country of Malta, from many sightseeing tours and scuba diving hotspots Malta is famous for their warm climate and breathtaking landscapes. Not forgetting our favourite North African country, Morocco has a lot to offer any traveler who visits. A country that has an abundance of diversity, epic mountain ranges and sweeping deserts.
JUNE
There isn't a single travel destination that has the romantic pull of France. Idealised by millions all over the world, dreams of French holidays involve champagne on the Eiffel Tower, cruises on the Seine, bicycling through wine country and exploring the resorts of the Côte d'Azur. The beautiful island of Zanzibar is a gem in the sparkling Indian Ocean and a wonderful place to escape from the pressures of the modern world. Turquoise blue waters, shallow sandbars and the fascinating World Heritage Site of Stone Town are just some of the major attractions just begging to be discovered on this distinctive tropical island. Rounding off our June recommendations is New York, June is an ideal time to visit the Big Apple and take in all the Broadway shows, shopping opportunities and plenty of sightseeing activities.
JULY
In July we recommend visiting Japan and Kenya. Japan is known worldwide for its traditional arts, including tea ceremonies, calligraphy and flower arranging. The country has a legacy of distinctive gardens, sculpture and poetry. Japan is home to more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites and is the birthplace of sushi, one of its most famous culinary exports. Looking for some adventure, Kenya is the place to be! Kenya offers some of the finest scenery in East Africa, including Samburu National Park, the spectacular setting for the film Born Free; Amboseli National Park, 160 miles from Nairobi, offering iconic safaris and cultural encounters with local Masai tribespeople, in a region teeming with elephants, zebra, giraffe, plus much more.
AUGUST
We have three amazing destinations which are perfect to visit in August! One of the best things about Scotland is its diversity. The rolling countryside, bustling cities, icy mountain peaks and charming villages all combine to provide an excellent destination for your cottage holiday in the UK, whether you're looking for an action-packed break, a cultural adventure or a relaxing retreat. What makes Malaysia so fascinating is its diversity. In the same country, you can explore thriving, modern cities, explore colonial architecture, relax on some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and hike through lush green jungles. August is a great time to visit Alaska. Peak season continues right into mid-August for good reason: mild weather, all of Alaska's summer activities, and beautiful landscapes.
SEPTEMBER
September is a lovely time to explore Germany, with quieter natural surroundings once the summer crowds have disappeared, with meandering drives in the Black Forest and 13 wine regions and activities in the Alps before the snow arrives. September is a lovely month and is considered the best time to travel to Namibia. It isn't yet too hot, but the humidity is still low, keeping it very pleasant. It is dry and the skies are clear, with perfect sightseeing opportunities to visit the Fish River Canyon, Etosha Pan and National Park – a chance to see many African animals, from meerkats to lions and elephants. Visiting Georgia in September will allow you to take all the wonderful sites and avoid the summer heat and humidity. Explore Old Tbilisi before heading to Dry Bridge Market and then relaxing in the Sulfur Baths.
OCTOBER
Calling all explorers! South Africa has a total of eight UNESCO-registered World Heritage Sites. They cover staggering natural beauty with Mapungubwe National Park, historical gravity with Robben Island and links to the struggles of Nelson Mandela, and the origins of humanity itself with the Cradle of Humankind paleontological site. South Africa is a country with the power to fascinate and inspire on many different levels. With so many attractions to visit in India, October is the perfect time to explore the Taj Mahal, Amer Palace, Hawa Mahal, Red Fort, Agra Fort, City Palace, Ranthambore National Park, Qutub Minar, and many more. Exploring India will surely make you fall in love with the country
NOVEMBER
Go on an epic road trip, see the northern lights, walk on a glacier, visit more waterfalls than you can count, journey into the unique landscape of the Highlands, stand on the volcano, relax in a hot spring, or hike some of the most scenic trails in the world…these all make the list of the best things to do in Iceland. The mysterious islands of Indonesia each hold their own charms: the resorts of Bali offer nightclubs and beaches; the sprawling metropolis of Jakarta is a melting pot of Indonesian language, food, and architecture; the jungles of Sumatra are home to elephants, tigers, orangutans and other wild creatures
DECEMBER
End 2023 with a bang! We have two unique destinations to really celebrate the end of the year. Owing to its location above the Arctic Circle, Lapland is best known for its magical winter landscapes and northern lights viewing. If you can think of a winter outdoor activity, you can probably find it here, including reindeer and dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and snowshoeing – the perfect time to celebrate the festive season. Looking to end the year on a high, literally? Think Machu Picchu and The Sacred Valley in Peru. Nestled high in the lush cloud forest of the Andes mountains, the centuries-old stone city of Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the main highlight of Peru. With its mysterious architecture, this destination remains at the top of any traveler's “things to do in Peru”
To book your 2023 adventure, get in touch today.
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