Matariki Journeys of Aotearoa

A different way to experience New Zealand

New Zealand is not a single journey.

It is many ways of moving through land, water, forest, and story – shaped by nature, culture, memory, and change.

At Great Kiwi Trips, we've used the nine stars of Matariki to create nine distinct ways of experiencing Aotearoa.

Each Signature Journey is inspired by a different Matariki star. Rather than choosing destinations first, you choose how you want to experience New Zealand – from food and wine to freshwater, forests, coastlines, heritage or personal renewal.

We then design and book a personalised New Zealand itinerary around that journey. You travel independently while we take care of the planning and logistics.

Choose your Matariki journey

Each journey reflects a different way of experiencing Aotearoa.

Each one shapes your route, pacing, and experiences – from coastlines and forests to cities, mountains, and remote landscapes.

You choose the journey that fits your travel style.

We design everything around it.

A family standing knee-deep in Lake Taupō, with one child about to skim a stone while the others stand nearby in a candid moment.

Gathering with Matariki

Connection · Reflection · New beginnings

A journey across Aotearoa that weaves together land, freshwater, ocean, forest, and atmosphere – connecting multiple environmental and cultural systems into a single integrated experience of New Zealand.

Best for: travellers seeking a whole-of-Aotearoa experience that moves between different landscapes, perspectives, and ways of understanding place

Travel style: fully curated experience (non self-drive)

Flexible duration: typically 15–27 nights depending on itinerary depth

Father and son standing in a forest, both looking and pointing upward at something in the canopy, possibly a bird or tree.

Rising with Tupuārangi

Canopy · Perspective · Elevation

A journey through New Zealand’s forests, alpine terrain and elevated ecosystems – moving from ground to canopy to sky, and exploring native birdlife and layered natural environments.

Best for: nature travellers, birdlife enthusiasts, forest and alpine landscape explorers

Flexible duration: typically 15–30 nights depending on itinerary depth

Bird’s-eye view of Te Waihou Blue Spring with a boardwalk, a single person walking, and clear blue water flowing over green aquatic plants

Following the Flow of Waitī

Freshwater · Renewal · Lifeforce

A journey tracing New Zealand’s rivers, lakes, springs and alpine waterways – from geothermal sources in the North Island to glacial-fed lakes in the South.

Best for: nature travellers, freshwater enthusiasts, ecology-focused explorers and reflective slow travel seekers

Flexible duration: typically 15–30 nights depending on itinerary depth

A blurred waterfall tumbles down a mossy cliff, surrounded by dense New Zealand rainforest with ferns and rimu trees, evoking the immersive, rain-soaked atmosphere of Beneath Waipunarangi.

Beneath Waipunarangi

Rain · Atmosphere · Shifting landscapes

A journey through Aotearoa shaped by rain, mist and atmospheric conditions – from waterfalls and lush rainforests to cloud-covered alpine landscapes and weather-rich environments.

Best for: atmospheric travellers, waterfall and rainforest seekers, moody landscape lovers and immersive weather-driven journeys

Flexible duration: typically 15–30 nights depending on itinerary depth

Sailing yacht with bright red sails cutting through choppy Lake Taupō waters, passing the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay, under a breezy sky.

Riding the Winds of Ururangi

Movement · Change · Elemental landscapes

A journey shaped by wind and movement across Aotearoa’s open landscapes – following coastlines, high-country passes and wide terrains where air and motion define the travel experience.

Best for: active travellers, road-trippers, open landscape seekers and those drawn to movement, wind and changing environments

Flexible duration: typically 15–30 nights depending on itinerary depth

Pohutukawa tree in vivid red blossom in sharp focus against a blurred sunset background, with coastal scenery softly out of focus.

Under the Pōhutukawa

Memory · Heritage · Belonging

A journey across Aotearoa shaped by memory and reflection – exploring the places, stories and connections that link the present with ancestors and those who came before.

Best for: reflective travellers, those exploring ancestry and connection, and those drawn to meaningful, memory-rich journeys through Aotearoa

Flexible duration: typically 15–30 nights depending on itinerary depth

Sunset view over Wellington Harbour from Mount Victoria, with city buildings, coastline, and surrounding hills in warm golden light.

Looking to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi

Inspiration · Aspiration · Future horizons

A journey across Aotearoa shaped by aspiration and future intent – designed around personal growth, life direction and the experiences you want to bring into being.

Best for: goal-oriented travellers, life transition journeys, personal growth seekers and those designing a meaningful future direction through travel

Flexible duration: typically 15–30 nights depending on itinerary depth

Not sure where to start?

Each Matariki journey offers a different way to experience New Zealand.
If you’re unsure which one fits you, we can design a journey around how you like to travel.

Talk to us →

GREAT KIWI TRIPS

SEE NEW ZEALAND THROUGH KIWI EYES

Matariki Journeys of Aotearoa

A different way to experience New Zealand

New Zealand is not a single journey.

Choose your Matariki journey

Each journey reflects a different way of experiencing Aotearoa.

Not sure where to start?

GREAT KIWI TRIPS

THE SURPRISE TRAVEL COMPANY

GIFT VOUCHERS

CONTACT US

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

GREAT KIWI TRIPS

SEE NEW ZEALAND THROUGH KIWI EYES

Matariki Journeys of Aotearoa

A different way to experience New Zealand

New Zealand is not a single journey.

Choose your Matariki journey

Each journey reflects a different way of experiencing Aotearoa.

Not sure where to start?

​

GREAT KIWI TRIPS

THE SURPRISE TRAVEL COMPANY

GIFT VOUCHERS

CONTACT US

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS