Explore Winter the way it should be
Exploring New Zealand’s Winter Wonderland or keeping the cold at bay is worth the trip, but we know it can be costly too. That’s what we’re here to help with! To start planning the best Winter escape possible, there are a few things you’ll need to think about. Jump up off the couch and into some of the best NZ has to offer with our top holiday tips – and you’ll be blowing away the Winter blues in no time! If you’re dreaming of a trip that’s out of your budget, a quick and easy MyFinance travel loan can help you do more with your holiday.
Will you chill out or warm-up?
1. Hit the slopes in Queenstown
Home to the famous slopes Cardrona, Treble Cone, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, a Winter escape to Queenstown really has it all! If you’re a ski bunny or an avid learner, these slopes aren’t to be missed and with a range of terrain and slopes to choose from you’ll be in a Winter wonderland in no time, no matter your experience level.
Ski gear can be expensive, but it’s an absolute necessity to keep you safe from the elements while you’re carving up the slopes. A brand-new kit is a great investment and means you’ll have your own quality set up for this season and the next. It can set you back a little bit though so if you need cash now to make that happen, talk to us about a personal loan, and you’ll be all set for this year’s ski season and many more to come.
Another way to get the gear you need to hit the slopes on a budget is renting it from the ski fields themselves. For as little as $80 a day you can get everything you need to stay safe and warm. Or, if you do want to own your own gear, secondhand stores or even TradeMe can sometimes have some secondhand gems in great condition.
2. Escape the cold in Rotorua
If skiing’s not for you but you’re looking for an unmissable adventure, Rotorua is a must-visit! Explore NZ’s native bush from the treetops and soar through the canopy on the famous Rotorua Canopy Tour zipline.
Escape the Winter chill afterwards in Rotorua’s volcanic hot pools. The natural thermal activity is perfect for relaxing or even healing your body after a day of fun. Kerosene Creek is set amongst the native bush and a free place to experience this wonder! If a luxury spa retreat is more for you, head to Hell’s Gate to unwind in their pools or indulge in a spa treatment or two!
One of the best money-saving hacks if you’re wanting to dabble in a few experiences is to hunt down bundles and group packages. Accommodation providers often do bundle deals, family passes or even packages with nearby experiences which can really keep the costs down. If you’ve got a bit of travel ahead of you, sites like Expedia and Wotif offer deals on flights and accommodation – taking the hassle out of planning and coordinating all your different bookings too. They also offer deals on rental cars to take away the stress of transfers and Ubers, while giving you the freedom to go where you want, when you want.
If you want to splash out a bit and have the trip of a lifetime without being restricted by cash, a travel loan from MyFinance can help you get to your dreams this season. Chat to us about how we can help you explore this Winter in style.
3. Stargazing for Matariki
Winter is Māori New Year and the time to celebrate Matariki, so why not plan your Winter trip to one of the best stargazing spots in the country? With little to no light pollution, Aoraki or Mount Cook is renowned as one of the best places to lay beneath the stars and try to spot the Matariki star cluster.
The southern part of the South Island is also the perfect spot to see the Southern Lights, so plan a tiki tour down to Lake Tekapo or even Dunedin and keep your eyes peeled for this natural phenomenon that dances across the sky.
If Matariki has you interested in learning more about Māori history, a trip up to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds could be on the cards too. This Winter is the perfect time to learn more about your heritage and what better place than at NZ’s most important historic site?
4. Explore the Winterless North
It’s always sunny in the far North, so head up to the Bay of Islands and beyond to explore the beautiful sights of Cape Reinga, the kauri forests and the stunning seaside towns of Russell and Paihia.
If bush walks and exploring a slice of NZ history sounds like you, you can’t miss the Tāne Mahuta Walk. Tucked away in the Waipoua Forest, this easy walk will bring you face to face with the Lord of the Forest – NZ’s largest known living kauri tree. It’s said to be somewhere between 1,250 and 2,500 years old and is a breathtaking spot to visit!
One thing’s for sure – no matter where you decide to go, you’ll be in for a great time with exceptional experiences. Ready for a Winter escape? Dream big and enjoy your time without budget restrictions with a travel loan from us!