Discover New Zealand 9 popular summer holiday destinations

Tucked away in the corner of the southern Pacific ocean Australians are the lucky few who can easily visit New Zealand on a short haul flight. New Zealand is easily accessible from either Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, the ‘hop across the ditch’ means plenty of Aussies abroad in New Zealand during the summer holiday season.

New Zealand summer temperatures hover around 25.5 °c (North Island). New Zealand has no snakes or dangerous animals creating a kiwi outdoor playground for locals and neighbouring Australia.

• Taupo is on the water, by the water, near the water, the massive Lake Taupo is where it all happens in summer
• Tongariro Crossing is a must-do day hike in the Central Plateau, North Island
• Lake Tekapo offers mountain splendour with towering snow dusted Mt Aoraki alpine glory. Enjoy a favourite walk, Hooker Valley trail
• Queenstown is the adventure capital for your NZ holiday. Mixed into the thrills are festivals, street food and the promise of a good time
• Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park seduces visitors with its timeless majestic scenery.

2. Bay of islands

Summer in a sub-tropical climate is sheer holiday bliss. Adventures from diving or snorkelling Poor Knights Islands to sailing around the Bay of Islands. Northland, Cape Reinga the tip of New Zealand is to travel on New Zealand’s beach roads, journey through sand dunes and listen to stories about Maori ties to the departure point for souls. Unearth history at Waitangi from the perspective of the traditional owners. where the Treaty of Waitangi and the relationship between the Crown (government) is explained. Beautiful carved waka (canoes), buildings and objects are part of the story of Waitangi. Spend time wandering around weekend farmers markets in Kerikeri and explore heritage Korokipo Precinct.

4. Rotorua

Discover a wealth of things to do in Rotorua. The earth’s energy is on full display. Lakes and forests invite you to zipline through forests and luge down mountain summits. Rotorua has adventure nailed. Rotorua attractions are showcased by extraordinary lunar landscapes where volcanic activity offers visitors a chance to experience nature at its most raw. Visitors will relish the quirky challenge of a mineralised mud bath or a soak in the geothermal hot springs that abound in Rotorua. The ultimate holiday destination offers visitors a choice of accommodation from budget camping to luxury hotels pampering to your every want. Year round the temperate climate ensures Rotorua will not disappoint. Rotorua is living the dream, world class in every way… read more about Things to do in Rotorua. Activities, Attractions & Places to Visit.

6. Tongariro crossing

Tongariro National Park

Summer adventures in NZ invariably beckon visitors to tramp outdoors. Hiking the 20 km Tongariro Crossing is a must for walking visitors. Transverse active volcanic zones, pass jewelled lakes, climb numerous steps and chained pathways to alpine vistas showcasing the Central Plateau glorious scenery. The walk is officially a day hike and summer weather offers the safest conditions for this sometimes arduous walk. Tongariro Crossing is one of the world’s ultimate day hikes yet for visitors who want to explore the area on short walks they will not miss out with several short walks in the vicinity of the Whakapapa Visitor Centre.

Tongariro Crossing 

Difficulty: Medium, there are two challenging ascents and alpine weather conditions throughout the year. For tips on recommended clothing and supplies check North Island ultimate day walks, what to wear, supplies and fitness required. Remember to check the local weather report before departing.

7. Lake Tekapo

MacKenzie country, alpine South Island is New Zealand’s high country. MacKenzie is a photographer’s delight with its depth of light, sweeping views of mountains, lakes and rivers and the contrast between winter and spring. The weather is four distinct seasons, Summer is alpine high country with hot dry summers, brightly lit days and cool summer evenings. The alpine climate has the ability to turn on and off the sunshine with a bout of crisp, sharp wind flurries.  Even in the depths of summer, anticipate four seasons in one day. Winter expects snow, ice and sub-zero conditions.

What to do, 6 must do highlights

• The classic outdoors alpine scenery is part and parcel of the charm of Lake Wakatipu and Remarkable mountain range, consider a summer lake cruise on TSS Earnslaw Cruises Queenstown to Walter Peak Farm
• An autumn walking trail to soak up the outdoors from Queenstown hill walking tracks to Ben Lomond Walkway.
• Splurge on a helicopter ride over the glaciers, the alps and the valleys. Get the adventure juices firing with a winter snowmobile trip.
• Jet boating, where else to sample an iconic river an exhilarating ride than Queenstown where doughnuts and spins are part of the course
• Bob’s Peak, skyline views and Queenstown Gondola rides offer selfie holiday moments
• Eat, drink and market in Queenstown from juice dripping Fergburgers, wood fired pizzas, fine dining lakeside and gourmet counter foods for an impromptu picnic.