CLOSED BORDERS AT CHRISTMAS

Closed Borders At Christmas

Before 2020 when we thought of the ‘Summer Holidays’ the possibilities were endless. We could travel over the ditch to Aussie land for some surf and sun, perhaps somewhere like Hawaii for a tropical escape or even (for the winter lovers out there) places like New York City to chase the snow and hot chocolates. But then pretty quickly a little virus grew into a big one and now here we are, stuck in the Land of the Long White Cloud. I’m sure most of us have seen the ads “Do something new New Zealand!” or “Explore your backyard!”. We probably rolled our eyes and forgot about them, but maybe this Summer Holiday is a great time to discover more of Aotearoa! If you don't want to stay cooped up in your house here are 7 great places in NZ that are perfect to travel to this sunny December. 

In no particular order…

​

1. The Mount (Tauranga, North Island)

​ https://nzpocketguide.com/free-things-to-do-in-tauranga-and-mt-maunganui/ 

The Mount is a must see location for your next summer getaway. There's plenty of walks with beautiful scenery, to name a few: Mount Maunganui hike, McLaren Falls park, Blowholes on Leisure Island, Kaiate Falls and more. Some must see tourist attractions at The Mount include: the Saltwater Hot Pools, Little Big Market, Te Puna Quarry Park, Memorial Park and The Historic Village. And of course the beach! 

2. Coromandel (North Island)

https://www.thecoromandel.com/activities/must-do/coromandel-must-dos/ 

Coromandel is full of nature walks and awesome swim spots. Coromandel Coastal Walkway, Hauraki Trail, the Pinnacles and Karangahake Gorge are a few scenic walkways perfect for daytime adventures. When visiting Coromandel you must go to Hot Water Beach, bring along a shovel to dig down through the sand to find the hot water and create your very own spa pool. Cathedral Cove is another must go location, go on the short walk down to the beach and spend a day swimming and soaking in some sun! 

3. Gisborne (North Island)

https://www.theroadtrip.co.nz/visit/top-10-things-gisborne/ 

Gisborne is full of fun activities that are great for your summer holidays. Fishing at Tolaga Bay, discovering New Zealand History on Gisborne Historical walk and climbing Kaiti Hill are only the beginning of all Gisborne has to offer. An activity you have to do when visiting Gisborne is the Rere Rockslide, grab a bodyboard and slide down the rocks to the pool before for an awesome thrill! Wainui Beach and Tairawhiti Museum are also great places to visit during your stay at the City of Rivers.

4. Nelson (South Island) https://www.nelsontasman.nz/visit-nelson-tasman/things-to-do/ 

Nelson is definitely a great place to visit during the summer. Bikes, Boards and Kayaks are perfect compliments for your trip to Nelson. The various beaches make for great days relaxing in the sun and the bike paths are great for a nice summer adventure. Skydiving, the Buller Canyon Jet, helicopter tours and Ultimate Descents Aotearoa are great for if you are feeling like a bit of a daredevil. Falls River Swing Bridge, Rawhiti Cave, Travers Falls and Mount Olympus are only a few of must visit spots for breathtaking views.  

5. Kaiteriteri (South Island)

https://www.nelsontasman.nz/visit-nelson-tasman/destinations/kaiteriteri/top-10-kaiteriteri/ 

Just 47 minutes north of Nelson is Kaiteriteri, the stunning golden beaches and Kaiteriteri Bay make for a relaxing break. Abel Tasman National Park and the Abel Tasman Coast track are great for some physical activity with rewards of stunning scenery. Tasman’s Great Taste Trail and Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Path are great for taking the bikes out for a ride and perfect for any level of biker. And after a long day of exercise you won’t be disappointed with the beautiful sunset to really ‘put the cherry on top’.

6. Taupo (North Island)

​https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/see-do/ 

When someone says ‘Taupo’, the first thing that often comes to mind is Lake Taupo. Well, in Summer it's time to put the Lake to some good use. You can go fishing, water skiing/sea biscuiting or even just a nice swim! Taupo also has plenty of bike trails and walking tracks perfect for when you want to appreciate the breathtaking NZ landscape. And after a long day of activities head to one of the many Geothermal Hot pools to relax your body and mind. 

7. Milford Sounds (South Island)

https://www.milfordlodge.com/news-stories/top-10-free-things-to-do-in-milford-sound/ 

Milford Sounds is a great place to travel to during summer to take some beautiful vacation photos that everyone will love! Lake Marian, Stirling Falls, Gertrude Saddle and Mitre Peak are only the beginning of your picturesque Summer holiday. Glowworm caves and forests filled with Native NZ animals are perfect for appreciating the unique and beautiful creatures of our country.  One tourist sight that you must visit is the Cleddau River, this river is made up of the purest water in NZ! So don't forget to bring the water bottles on this trip! 

Bon Voyage!