Did you know you can book an exciting self-famil to New Zealand? Thanks to Tourism New Zealand’s epic Explore Self-Famil Programme, you can now receive over 400 discounts from participating Qualmark tourism businesses nationwide! We’ve got everything you need to know to book your trip.
Tourism New Zealand, with the support of Qualmark tourism businesses, extends a high-vibing invitation to all travel sellers seeking exciting adventures, new connections, and are ready to experience manaakitanga (a deep expression of hospitality) on the ultimate self-famil of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Tourism New Zealand is collaborating with tourism businesses who are ready and willing to offer you (yes, YOU) 400 discounts on their products via the Explore programme.
As we’ve come to expect from our neighbours, they’re generous with it, too: your travel companion also receives the same deal (mostly)! Who will you bring? Your bestie? Mum? Partner?
Got a burning how, why, what, what question? We’ve got all the answers right here.
What kind of discounts?
Here’s the good stuff… the Qualmark tourism business discounts are typically free or between 30-50% off! That’s huge, and these savings are usually extended to your travel buddy.
As the programme just hit the mega milestone of over 400 discounts across 25 regions, there’s plenty to suit your trip goals, style, and budget. From accommodation to experiences, airfares, and land transportation, you’ve got easy access to the best of New Zealand.
New operators who’ve joined the programme include:
- Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Accommodation in Gisborne
- EcoZip Adventures Kaikōura
- Wildwire waterfall cable climb in Wānaka
Old favourites include:
- thl, offering discounts across Apollo, Britz Campervans, Cheapa Campa, Maui Motorhomes, and Mighty Campers
- AJ Hackett Bungy in Auckland, Queenstown, and Taupō
- Redwoods Altitude, Treewalk and Nightlights in Rotorua
- Great Journeys scenic rail trips (TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific, and Northern Explorer)
When can I travel?
Experience the very best of what Aotearoa New Zealand offers in the off-peak season, with a long March to November self-famil season.
Besides the close-out period between December and February, you can freely choose when you vacay, and also travel at your own pace.
What are the benefits?
There are many perks with Explore, including:
- Flexibility: Visit Aotearoa New Zealand when it suits between March and November.
- Stay longer: You can spend up to 30 days in New Zealand on a self-famil. Unlike a hosted fam with specific departure dates, you can decide when to travel and how long to stay for.
- Choose your experiences: A self-famil allows you to build your own itinerary. Hate mornings? No one is going to make you get up early! Or cram too much in (unless you want to). Always wanted to sandboard in Cape Reinga? Or hike Rob Roy Glacier near Wānaka? You can!
- New connections: Your relationships with each Qualmark tourism operator will enable you to build curated client itineraries.
How do I apply?
Ready to Explore New Zealand? Great. If you’re a full-time travel seller (travel agent, wholesaler, or product manager), you’re invited to apply!
It’s easy to get your self-famil opportunity underway:
- First, you’ll need to become a Graduate Specialist by completing eight 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme online learning modules. Note: the criteria have changed; find out what’s new here.
- It’s also a requirement to sign up for Tourism New Zealand’s Trade Newsletter.
- And become a member of Tourism New Zealand’s Travel Trade Facebook Group.
- After those steps are complete, submit your application. You’ll find it on Tourism New Zealand’s travel trade website on the Explore Self-Famil Discount Programme page. Scroll to the bottom for the application page.
- Tourism New Zealand will verify and vet you. Once approved, you’ll gain access to over 400 discounts across 25 regions.
- Woohoo! It’s on. You can now build your dream self-famil using your unique Explore ID. You’ll find templates to book directly with participating operators or via this webpage for Air New Zealand flight discounts from Australia.
For more information, head to the Tourism New Zealand FAQs page here.
Travel planning tips
While the eligibility steps are simple, allow time to complete the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme and get approved.
Bookings must be made at least 30 days before your arrival to New Zealand (and up to 10 months out), though it’s recommended that you apply for Explore at least two months before your arrival date.
That’ll give you time to research the 400+ discounts available across 25 regions. These handy road trip guides can help with your itinerary planning.
Itinerary Inspo
- Auckland & Northland: This 5-day itinerary sees you discover New Zealand’s largest city, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, before heading to sub-tropical Northland. Here, spectacular coastlines, rich heritage, and marine wonders await.
- Queenstown & Fiordland: Wow-worthy landscapes, jaw-dropping hikes, nail-biting adventures, and luxury stays make for an impressive 5-day itinerary.
- Rotorua, Taupō, & Waikato: Over six fabulous days, experience impressive attractions and sights, from geothermal wonders, authentic cultural activities, and time in pristine nature.
Dig deeper
Seeking more inspiration and support? Access these helpful Tourism New Zealand’s travel trade resources:
- Get downloadable maps, regional fact sheets, and inspiring itineraries on the dedicated travel trade website.
- Get certified (and unlock benefits) on the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme.
- Get all the Aotearoa intel when you subscribe to the Travel Trade Newsletter.
- Make friends and ask questions in the dedicated Australian agent Facebook group.
Discover more
Whether you’re thinking of getting away soon or planning a big one, it’s never too early to get approved for the Explore Self-Famil Discount Programme. Especially now there are over 400 offers across accommodation, experiences, airfares and land transport.
Apply today and start planning your dream self-famil in New Zealand.
This article is brought to you by Tourism New Zealand.
