For many Kiwis, Christmas and the summer break are more than just a holiday; they are a time of year that brings us all together with sun, sand and whānau fun.
While some families prefer to celebrate Christmas at home, others love to get out & about and travel to different parts of the world. Whether you want to spend this Christmas and the summer months travelling overseas or locally, check out some of the most popular holiday destinations for Kiwis to travel to over the summer holidays.
Getaways with family and friends don’t come cheap though, so if you’re a little short on cash, don’t worry! Chat with us about a to suit your holiday and budget so you can have the summer you’ve always dreamed of.
Most popular holiday destinations for Kiwis in New Zealand
The summer holidays in NZ can be a time to explore your own backyard and get adventurous. Where ever you travel across the country, you’ll only be a stone’s throw away from a lovely beach to relax on! Many of us might not cross borders to celebrate Christmas this year, so here are some of our favourite local destinations that are worth a visit.
Explore the heart of Cape Reinga
You really haven’t seen all of NZ until you head to the northernmost point of the country. Cape Reinga is at the very tip of the North Island and is most famously home to a picturesque lighthouse, stunning coastal scenery, and giant sand dunes.
Sandboarding at the giant Te Paki Sand Dunes is one of the most daring activities on offer at Cape Reinga – so if you’re game, grab your boogie board and go!
Embrace the adventures of Rotorua
Although considered one of the best holiday destinations in NZ, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most overlooked summer spots. The locals here take summer adventures very seriously, so between bungy jumping, water rafting and the magical Redwoods Treewalk, you'll be spoiled for choice.
Rotorua is also known for its bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs, fascinating Māori culture, and breathtaking hikes, so it’s the ideal family adventure trip or spot for a romantic summer getaway.
Hike through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook National Park is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, but it probably only comes to mind as a winter destination. If summer hikes and picturesque scenery are for you, then why not make the trip during summer?
There are a few trails to choose from – both easy and challenging day hikes that require specific mountaineering experience. The trail to Kea Point (two hours return) and the walk over the swing bridges and up to the Hooker Valley are two of the most popular short walks from Mount Cook Village (four hours return).
