Curated by Locals. Loved by Travelers.

ABOUT US

At Away Zealand, we craft meaningful journeys across New Zealand for travelers seeking deeper connections.

Led by founder Maria Barciela — a seasoned traveler and storyteller with deep roots in Aotearoa — our Itineraries are personal, immersive, and thoughtfully tailored for those who value quality over quantity.

We’re not for everyone, and we’re proud of that.

We work exclusively with a select group of trusted travel advisors who share our values: attention to detail, cultural respect, and a commitment to delivering unforgettable, soul-filled experiences to their clients.

WHAT WE DO

  • Locally Grounded, Globally Aware

    Our team is based in New Zealand with deep knowledge of the land, people, and hidden gems; blending insider access with a global expat perspective.

  • Founder-Led, Story-Driven

    Every journey reflects Maria’s personal touch and our strong relationships with boutique lodges, winemakers, artisans, and Māori hosts.

  • Seamless, Stylish, Soulful

    From luxury vineyard stays to wellness retreats, heli-picnics to immersive cultural moments, we create journeys that are as effortless as they are meaningful.

  • Full-Service Support

    We manage every detail of the experience, which is especially important in a long-haul, high-touch destination like New Zealand — including handling all
    logistics across time zones.

Let’s work together.

Due to the personalized nature of our work, we limit the number of advisor partnerships we take on each year. We are currently taking on new partners for journeys starting in 2027. If you feel Away Zealand could be the right fit for your agency or boutique firm, we’d love to hear from you.