Asia

Over the last 15 years, Vietnam has been our top destination outside Europe. It has fascinating cities, beautiful scenery, great beaches, French colonial & ‘American war’ history, exotic food and it’s affordability make it a real favourite.

Be energised in the busy streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have clothes tailored in the small colonial town of Hoi An, relax in Nha Trang and Con Dao, cruise Halong Bay on a traditional junk, or the Mekong on a river cruise. Visit the mountain retreat of Sapa to visit traditional hilltribe villages and share home cooked meals with the locals.

We love crafting tailor-made itineraries for families, couples, or groups of friends. Remember, you’ll need an e-visa for Vietnam—we can help with that too!

In Cambodia, the town of Siem Reap is the base for exploring the famous Angkor Temple complexes and has grown into a resort destination in itself with galleries, handicrafts and some lovely boutique hotels. The city of Phnom Penh is one of the few cities left where the atmosphere of old Indochina remains.. Sihanoukville on Cambodia’s coast is a total contrast from the rest of the country with palm fringed beaches. A visit to Cambodia is rewarding, touching and thought provoking.

Languid Laos has gentle people, a very relaxed atmosphere and combination of stunning temples and handsome French architecture. The star attraction of Luang Prabang is enchanting where hundreds of monks live and study in the many ancient temples. Vientiane is nestled on the banks of the Mekong River with rice fields hidden behind tree lined avenues. A highlight is the ‘Plain of Jars’, the mysterious ancient 300 stone jar dating back nearly 2,000 years.

Thailand conjures up notions of ‘paradise’ with jungle-covered karsts, clear waters and white sand and yes – Phi Phi’s limestone karsts really are that stunning and Thai food really is that amazing; check out Chiang Mai’s street stalls or the floating markets of Amphawa. A proud Buddhist nation with inspiring temples and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms but Thailand is probably even more renowned for its hospitality, beaches, incredible resorts and spas.

Bali, the ‘Land of the Gods’, is a stunning tropical island with something for everyone. Each region has its unique charm. Chill out in Canggu with its beach bars and cafes, shop in stylish Seminyak with its vibrant nightlife, or escape to Sanur, which retains its Balinese character and offers a calm beach experience.

Beyond the beaches, explore nearby islands, or head inland to see terraced rice paddies, lakes, and volcanic mountains. Ubud, set in the hills, offers lush landscapes and cultural experiences. There are plenty of activities and a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes.

Bali’s villas are becoming a popular choice. With private pools and kitchen facilities, villas offer luxury and privacy, often at a cost lower than hotels when shared among a group. Many include butler service or concierge services, and some offer shuttles or private drivers. Villas are perfect for a relaxed, home-like atmosphere, ideal for families or groups of friends.

Bali has an array of restaurants catering to all tastes. Don’t miss a traditional Warung for authentic Balinese food. Sunday brunches at resorts and beach bars are popular, and warehouse-turned-restaurants offer unique dining experiences. Dining outdoors is a treat in Bali’s warm evenings, and the prices are much lower than in New Zealand.

Bali has many luxury resorts, from beachfront properties with ocean views to cliff-top retreats with infinity pools. These resorts offer top-notch amenities, including award-winning spas and exceptional dining, providing a luxurious home away from home. Nusa Dua and Benoa are renowned for their luxury and beautiful beaches.

Bali is perfect for family holidays with warm weather, sandy beaches, and plenty of activities. Family resorts often have pools, slides, and kids’ clubs, while villas offer private pools and extra space. Locations near restaurants, beaches, and shops are ideal. Waterbom Waterpark and Finns Recreation Club are great for kids, with water slides, trampolines, bowling, and more.

Malaysia is a true melting pot with cultural influences from China and colonial history from the Dutch, Portuguese and British. You can witness these influences in the religions, the architecture and the cuisine – with delicious local specialties, great street food and fine dining.

The gateway of Kuala Lumpur will give you a big city fix before you head to the rainforests and jungles, the Cameron Highlands with its tea plantations, and of course the many tropical beaches along the coast.

With some of Asia’s last great rainforests, Malaysian Borneo is a land of natural biodiversity. There is also tribal culture, vast mountain ranges and coral and tropical fish rich seas. The island is divided into four sections. Kalimantan is the largest part and belongs to Indonesia whereas the most frequently visited areas of Borneo are Sabah and Sarawak, the two states that make up Malaysian Borneo. The smallest part is the sultanate of Brunei. Throughout Sabah and Sarawak, coastal and inland national parks have a huge amount of wildlife, from monitor lizards and turtles to clouded leopards, orangutan and pygmy on the many tropical islands just off the coast. For those seeking adventure, the summit of Mount Kinabalu, the highest in SE Asia, presents a literally breathtaking challenge.

Japan’s unique – it feels entirely different to anywhere else in Asia, where ancient eastern tradition and western modernity mingle among beautiful countryside. The cuisine is incredible and the history is fascinating so it’s easy to understand how it’s currently enjoying huge popularity. Enjoy a sake tasting at a local brewery, soak in a steaming hot onsen and marvel at World Heritage-listed temples thousands of years old, what’s not to love?

Spring time, March to May, is when the cherry blossoms bloom, with the first week of April hailing as the best time for viewing in the major cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. Viewing parties known as hanami are a popular way to admire the transient beauty of Japan’s iconic blooms.

Summer in Japan brings traditional festivals and firework displays, whereas Autumn brings the cooler crisper weather and the brilliant red and gold foliage known as Koyo. Late October to November is the peak time to view Koyo as the leaves change from the north and make their way southwards, painting the landscapes. Then all the ski junkies take their annual pilgrimage from around the world to descend on Japan for their powder snow and steaming onsens.

India is always an assault on the senses, with colour, chaos, sights, sounds and smells that you’ll never forget. Multiple rulers, religions, traditional beliefs and customs, music, dance, architecture and food all combine to make India unique. You can immerse yourself in local culture, ride the trains – the lifeblood of India, stay in luxury palace hotels, search for tigers in the national parks or enjoy a serene cruise through the Backwaters of Kerala, it’s a lot to take in!

We especially love India in the cooler months of October-November and February-March. Small group tours are popular, offering hassle-free organised travel and a chance to enjoy India’s sensory overload in a modicum of calm. Private group trips are also gaining popularity, inspired by films like ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’!

Sri Lanka is fast becoming a winter escape favourite for our clients. This teardrop-shaped island offers history, scenery, wildlife, beaches (and cricket!), making it a year-round destination. Here’s just some of the highlights.

• Anuradhapura: Once the capital for 1400 years, home to the Sacred Bodhi tree.
• Polonnaruwa: An ancient capital with well-preserved temples.
• Sigiriya: Famous rock fortress, featured in a Duran Duran video!
• Nuwara Eliya: A cool hill station with colonial charm.
• Kandy: Home to the Sacred Tooth Relic and a famous cricket venue.
• Wildlife and Beaches: 18 national parks, famous for leopards, elephants, and turtles.

Some travellers only explore the major cities of China – Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong,  as part of a stopover. With thousands of years of history and so many astonishing monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites – there is so much more to see and do in China.  Get away from the crowds amongst Guilin’s fantastic limestone hills, and watch fishermen on bamboo rafts. Imagine ancient history in Xian’s Terracotta Army, buried for 2000 years. Admire Beijing’s palaces and temples, as bright now as when they were built 600 years ago and marvel at Shanghai’s futuristic skyline from the colonial Bund. Walk the Great Wall on a day trip from Beijing and on the Yangtze, cruise to the massive Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel.  Wildlife lovers will have ample opportunity to see Pandas at the many zoos or spend a bit more time at the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu. Kiwis don’t even now need a visa to visit China on short visits.

Tibet – the gateway to Everest. The train across the Roof of the World whisks travellers in 21st century comfort over the world’s highest railway pass to Tibet, home of Lapsang Souchong tea, the holiest Buddhist temple of all and Potala Palace: each, in its own way, sublime.

Mongolia – not just ger’s and yaks! From snow-capped mountains, through the huge, harsh and desolate landscape of the Gobi, to traditional pasturelands where nomads follow both herds of horses and an age-old way of life, Mongolia is full of unforgettable sights and experiences.  It’s not called the Land of Blue Skies for nothing, so make the most of it. Trek on a woolly camel through the dunes and salt lakes of the Gobi, stay in a felt ger with a Mongol family, drift down the Yellow River on a sheepskin raft. Feeling brave? Knock back an airag: fermented mare’s milk. Or try marmot cooked on hot rocks, and earn a hangi story to beat them all! Time your trip to co-incide with the Nadaam Festival in July.

Trans Siberian – For an epic journey from Beijing to Moscow across the top of the world,  nearly 9000 kilometres of clackety-clack, enough to satisfy the most passionate railway buff. Drink hot tea from a glass in a silver holder and head to Ulaanbaatar, past Lake Baikal, Irkutsk, Volga and into Siberia and the Urals before arriving into Moscow – the end of the world’s longest railway.

Nepal has a special connection with New Zealand thanks to Sir Edmund Hillary. Here are some must-dos:

Kathmandu: Starting point for all treks, with many sights like Pashupatinath Temple and Durbar Square.

Pokhara: Starting point for Annapurna treks, great for post-trek relaxation.

Chitwan National Park: Nepal’s first national park, famous for rhino and tiger sightings.

Mt. Everest: Various treks offer close-up views of Everest. Sightseeing flights are also available.
Best times are March-April and October-November for clear mountain views.

Tiny Bhutan is quirky; it measures its success by Gross National Happiness. This Himalayan kingdom does things very differently. There’s a minimum visitor spend per day so it’s unlikely to ever suffer from overtourism. Having only been open to visitors for 45 years, Bhutan puts its environment, culture and wellbeing ahead of economics. It boasts a truly unique and carefully preserved history and culture with gentle people whose culture and traditions are deeply rooted in their Buddhist principles. Buddhist monks chant ancient prayers in the many monasteries while families survive by growing their own vegetables and raising their livestock. The scenery, architecture and customs are a delight but the most memorable thing about Bhutan is the people – generous, kind, peaceful and above all, happy. A Bhutan tour or trek is perfect for trampers, nature-lovers and Buddhist pilgrims. From the jaw-dropping Tiger’s Nest to the prayer halls of Gangte Goemba, you’ll experience moments and people that make happiness seem like the norm, not a pursuit.

The Silk Road – definitely off the beaten track! For thousands of years this route has linked East and West, a route followed by traders in silk, spices and slaves, plus explorers interested in new ideas as much as new territories.

Modern day travellers will begin their journey in Uzbekistan’s capital – Tashkent before heading off to Samarkand, worth a trip by itself with its jewel-box of Islamic mosques, mausoleums and a fabulous observatory and, for a place pushing 3000 years old, remarkably lively.  From the flatlands of Uzbekistan head to Kyrgyzstan’s rugged mountains and famous Lake Issyk Kul for restorative treatments.

Central Asia has many countries that end in “stan”, these are as exotic and foreign as you could imagine. With bustling markets selling silks, perfumes and kalashnikovs, ancient ruins, magnificent madrases and horrible Soviet monoliths – the contrasts are quite startling.

Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia – three countries that straddle the crossroads of East and West that’s created a potent history and distilled distinct cultures. Discover burgeoning modernity in cosmopolitan capitals and rural villages that time forgot. Unearth archaeological treasures in sensational surroundings. And enjoy many toasts to good health with some of the most hospitable people on the planet.