You may have seen all the instagram photos of the beautiful New Zealand summer and want to plan an exploration trip for yourself. Well, now is your chance, with these 5 ways to spend an epic summer holiday immersing in the Kiwi sun and natural beauty while living like a local.
1. Take a walk amongst amazing scenery
The photos that draw you to New Zealand are surely of nature, so what better way to introduce yourself to the country than to enjoy some walking amongst the scenery. You can cover anything from a 4 day volcano-top hike, to a short beach walk suited to jandals. Here is a list of our favourite New Zealand walks to add to your trip:
- Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Cathedral Cove
- Tongariro Crossing
- Franz Josef
- Lake Gunn Nature Walk
- Roy’s Peak Track
2. Vineyard hop
Waiheke, Hawkes Bay and Marlborough to name a few, New Zealand has some of the best wine on offer with some amazing buildings and scenery to match. Hawkes Bay and Marlborough provide great trails to follow along, driving amongst the vineyards on public roads winding to the coasts. Waiheke Island is a short ferry from Auckland, best visited for a weekend to wine-hop between vineyards. But if wine isn’t your thing - not to worry! They serve cold craft beers, and of course New Zealand’s best delicacy, the flat white coffee.
3. Get out on the water
For a little island in the bottom of the world, New Zealand has endless possibilities to enjoy the water from salt beaches to pristine lakes. Most popular at the end of the day, you’ll find Kiwi’s cooling off after work and having a dinner of fish and chips by the sea. If you fancy some water activities you can hire kayaks and stand up paddle boards at many beaches, or get out on a boat or ferry to a different island, and you may just be joined by some dolphins!
4. Do a roadtrip around the South Island
A trip to New Zealand is highlighted by the South Island. Covered in beautiful views from beaches to mountains and native birds like the Kea, the South Island is a haven of nature. Your road trip can wind you from Picton to Bluff, covering seal and whale watching, mountain treks, stays in Queenstown and Wanaka, and the best car views you can imagine. Take a look at the beautiful lake of Tekapo with soft blue water, and if you’re visiting at the end of the year you might notice the colourful blooms of Lupin flowers framing the waters edge. Allow your road trip to take you to the incredible Milford Sound. A stunning drive through the Homer tunnel brings you out of darkness and to one of the best views in the world of the Milford Sound mountain arrangement. Best viewed by boat, you can easily spend a day exploring and being in awe!
5. Indulge in a real fruit strawberry ice-cream
There’s no other way to top off your Kiwi summer experience than a real fruit strawberry ice cream! Available all over New Zealand, this is a summer favourite for all New Zealander’s young or old. Made from real hand picked strawberries and blended into creamy vanilla ice cream, this treat is a must! Some places even offer a chance to pick a punnet-full yourself. Make sure you keep an eye out for real fruit ice cream signs on your adventure!
Want to stay connected with your friends and family while visiting New Zealand? Check out our NZ SIM card for New Zealand options available here to make the most out of your trip.
