iStock International
A glimpse of pristine New Zealand landscapes
Smart Splurges in New Zealand
Buy Maori Pick up a distinctive quilt, blanket, or pillowcase embroidered with Maori trading motifs at Native Agent (from $127; nativeagent.co.nz), then splurge on a one-of-a-kind pounamu (jade) necklace by native artist Te Kaha at the nearby Royal Jewellery Studio (from $245; royaljewellerystudio.co.nz).
Take a Wine Tour Get insider access to local vineyards—and avoid drinking and driving—on a full-day winery tour run by a passionate local expert. We recommend Odyssey New Zealand in Hawke’s Bay (from $130/person; odysseynz.com), Marlborough Wine Tours in Marlborough (from $75/person; marlboroughwinetours.co.nz), and Appellation Central in Central Otago (from $185/person; appellationcentral.co.nz).
Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly See Milford Sound on Air Milford’s 4-hour combo package, which includes a jaw-dropping flight over South Island’s dramatic landscapes, plus a cruise through a majestic fjord ($278/person, Queenstown pick-up included; airmilford.co.nz).
Ship Wine Home Many of New Zealand’s best wines aren’t exported to the United States; ship home your favorites from Wine Tastes, a Queenstown boutique with the country’s most extensive wine selection (shipping from $135 for eight bottles, $192 for 15; winetastes.co.nz).
Top Tables New Zealand cuisine marries Pacific and European influences with first-rate local ingredients—outstanding examples are served at Terroir (entrées from $17; craggyrange.com), The Bunker (from $24; thebunker.co.nz), and Saffron (from $24; saffronrestaurant.co.nz).
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