It really wasn't fair for me to tempt you with all those mouthwatering New Zealand details and pictures, then not provide you with any details on how YOU can get there! Sorry about that... Here are two options for you, although the possibilities are really endless! 

Collette Vacations has been in the escorted tours business for over 91 years-check out their vintage ad below!  They offer some really amazing destinations and tours, including a South Pacific Wonders tour that covers New Zealand & Australia.  Check it out here:  South Pacific Wonders.  Their current special, which must be booked by 10/31/2009, might make it a bit easier for you to get to NZ next year:  buy 1 airfare & your companion flies for as little as $699! 

Another option for a journey to New Zealand is through Gap Adventures.  Check out their New Zealand Travel & Destination Guide.  Although not QUITE in the same price range or category, you probably won't be able to help yourself from ALSO perusing their 3 Trips & Tours for Space!!!  I'll have to see if they offer a really great travel agent discount for that one!

Enjoy!

My husband & I went to New Zealand on our honeymoon.  Nothing like a 20+ hour plane ride to bring a newly-married couple closer, right? ;)

So, why would YOU want to go to New Zealand?

First, let's get the very few perceived 'negatives' out of the way:

-New Zealand is far away, which=loooong plane ride.  But hey, what better time to catch up on that 1000 page novel you've been meaning to tackle?!

-They drive on the 'wrong' side of the road, which can take a bit of getting used to.  But what a learning experience, right?

-There are more sheep than people in New Zealand.  Again, is that really a negative?

Now, on to the good stuff--the many wonderful, indescribable reasons to vacation in New Zealand, including some of my favorite locations:

-NZ is refreshingly non-touristy, especially since there are not many chain hotels. We stayed in wonderful boutique hotels and Bed & Breakfasts all over both islands, which was a great opportunity to chat with the locals.

-Don't forget how close NZ is to Australia!  It would be a great idea to do both countries on one vacation. 

-There is a huge variety of activities for just about every taste, including:
*The Marlborough Wine Region (known for their Sauvignon Blanc)
*Milford Sound:  an amazing Fiordland where you can stay overnight on the Milford Mariner or walk & camp along the Milford Track
*Glacier Adventures:  hike or helicopter to the top of the South Islands' Franz Josef or Fox Glaciers
*Take a thrill ride on a Hukafalls Jet
*One of the best ways to experience the unbelievable beauty of New Zealand is through a scenic flight tour on Glenorchy Air
*Did you know bungy-jumping originted in Queenstown, South Island? So if you are looking for the more adventurous side of New Zealand, this is the place to go!