Lonely beaches, lush rolling hills, geothermal wonderland, sand dunes, glaciers, fiordlands or majestic mountain ranges - Aotearoa is an exciting place to travel, no matter if you are a returning Kiwi or calling New Zealand home after relocating here.
Everybody is getting excited about the upcoming summer holidays, preparing to explore beyond their own backyard.
The Mobile team across the country has gathered their personal highlights and insider tips to inspire you wherever your summer journey might take you.
Here are our top 10 tips to explore the North and South Island.
North Island
A very classic Kiwi getaway over the holidays is Waiheke Island. Beautiful vineyards, white sand beaches, bush trails or zip lining adventures - the options of things to do on Waiheke are close to endless. Typically, you would book a bach or go camping, if you plan to stay for a few days. It’s only a short ferry ride from Auckland or, if you really want to spoil yourself, why not hop into a helicopter and enjoy the view from a bird’s eye perspective.
You’ll never go wrong visiting Wellington, the so-called coolest little capital in the world. If you’re in the mood for shopping you might want to hold till the 26 December, when shops will put their best deals out for Boxing Day. Are you rather looking to escape the city turmoil and dream yourself to another world? Then, in less than a two hour drive to Wairarapa and a stop for classic “Fush ‘n Chups” at the Lake Ferry Hotel, you’ll get to wander the outlandish rock formations Putangirua Pinnacles, one of the filming locations for the Lord of the Rings. And while you’re there, why not rent a bike and cruise along Martinborough’s vineyards?
Ever wondered what’s underneath Lake Taupo? The lake is literally the crater of a supervolcano and quite impressive from its size. An incredible way to experience this natural landmark by sailing. You’ll get to cool down in the fresh lake water, if you choose to go for a swim in the emerald green water and see the 14 m extraordinary contemporary Maori artwork - the Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carving.
Have you been to Tairāwhiti Gisborne yet? Although it’s rather remote from other places in New Zealand, it is a popular destination especially over New Years. Due to the current situation the annual music festival Rhythm and Vines, which attracts thousands every year, is cancelled. But there are plenty of other reasons to visit, so thrill-seekers might want to check out the 60 m Rere Rockslide or observe and interact with stingrays on a Reef Ecology tour. Early risers get to witness the world’s first sunrise of the year at the East Cape Lighthouse or on a rocky walk at Tuahine Point, a beautiful, relic lighthouse.
A beautiful way to learn about Maori culture is in Northland. Under the shade of the forest canopy, listen to the DOC staff sharing their knowledge about the God of the Forest - Tāne Mahuta, the most famous tree in New Zealand. They are excellent storytellers and will take you on a journey by breathing life into the legend and mythology. And while up in Northland, why not go even further north for some sandboarding on the giant sand dunes.
South Island
Abel Tasman with its golden sand beaches and turquoise, crystal clear water is one of the most popular summer destinations in the South Island. You can hop on a water taxi and choose your drop off station to do a day hike, walk the full Abel Tasman track or rent a kayak and paddle out to Split Apple Rock and explore secluded lagoons. It’s also worthwhile crossing Takaka Hill and soak up the vibe of the Golden Bay communities. Farewell spit offers incredible views and at Wharariki Beach you’ll get to watch playful seals and spot beautiful rock formations that even qualify as Microsoft screensavers!
The west coast of the South Island can be moody, but absolutely magical to drive or even cycle! With over 139 km the West Coast Wilderness Trail is the most accessible and popular cycle trails and a spectacular way to travel this part of the country. Apart from that Papatūānuku (mother earth) invites you to view her artful Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki and blow holes or, if you prefer to get crafty yourself, you can do some Pounamu (greenstone) carving in Hokitika.
As a city Christchurch has a lot to offer: funky street art, international communities and beautiful nature as a backdrop, to just name a few. About an hour drive from the city you’ll find yourself on Banks Peninsula, another volcanic feature of Aotearoa. Be sure to follow the Tourist Drive, an incredible scenic route along the bays all the way to the town of Akaroa, where you get to soak up some French flair.
The Mountains are calling! Some of the most scenic hikes are to be found in Otago with Mount Roy, Rob Roy Glacier and Routeburn track being among the most popular ones. You can watch the sun rise as you fly over Mt Aspiring National Park, challenge yourself cycling the Dunstan Trail, do the world’s highest waterfall cable climb or explore (literally) Paradise near Glenorchy. Whatever the adventure, you’ll find it in Otago.
Southland has an incredibly rich diversity of natural wonders. Although Milford Sound is always on top of the bucket list for New Zealand, the Doubtful Sound is just as spectacular. Whether it’s sunny with endless views or moody and mystical, an overnight trip through the fiordlands is worth every dollar.
Near the Otago border a short walk across sheep paddocks takes you to Slope Point, which marks the southernmost point and most likely welcomes you with a spanking breeze.
Wherever your summer holidays take you this year, you cannot really go wrong. Safe journey and enjoy a beautiful Kiwi summer.
Your Mobile Team
Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand. Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. bridget@mobile-relocation.com
Ready to move to New Zealand? Get our FREE Move to NZ Checklist here.