Holidays in New Zealand
Posted by Team NZNC on 26th Apr 2022
Holidays are what keep us going. They're our respite from the world of work, bills and the general administration of our lives.
New Zealand has so much to offer, whether you are a local or a visitor. We have such a broad range of climates, experiences and natural beauty to showcase.
Visitor arrivals to our beautiful country were forecast to reach 5.1 million in 2024, representing an annual growth rate of 4.6%. If you're a tourist, make sure you're one of them. New Zealand welcomes you!
Sharing some of New Zealand's holiday destinations was a challenge because there are just so many choices. I've narrowed it down to the top three destinations I visit whenever I have the chance.
Here, you'll learn a little about each place and four popular activities to enjoy at each destination. I hope it helps you choose your next vacation station!
Taupo
Taupō is a town near the centre of New Zealand's North Island. It is distinguished by its beautiful lakefront setting and wide range of outdoor activities, from fishing to jet boating. The waters of Lake Taupō flow into the Waikato River and over the spectacular Huka Falls, which can be reached via walking and cycling trails.
There are plenty of accommodation options available all year round, along with a multitude of activities to enjoy. You can also easily arrange day trips to the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Napier from here.
Taupō also boasts numerous art trails, cafés, restaurants and fantastic shopping opportunities.
What to do in Taupo
There are so many great activities to enjoy in Taupō, but we've narrowed them down to four ‘must-dos’!
Huka Falls
Huka Falls is a spectacular waterfall on the Waikato River, which flows out of our famous Lake Taupō. A couple of hundred metres upstream from the falls, the Waikato River narrows dramatically from approximately 100 metres wide to just 15 metres as it rushes through a narrow canyon.
The falls are magnificent, offering a breathtaking display of New Zealand's natural beauty!
Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings
If you're looking for a healthy dose of New Zealand's rich cultural heritage, combined with some spectacular scenery, the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay are well worth a visit!
Māori carvings share many characteristics with traditional Polynesian carvings but, over time, have developed their own distinctive styles that reflect Māori culture and heritage.
Huka Prawn Park
Located just 10 minutes outside Taupō, Huka Prawn Park was a unique aquaculture venture established in 1987 and became well known as New Zealand's only prawn farm.
At its peak, the farm reportedly produced over 30 tonnes of prawns annually, with visitors able to enjoy freshly prepared prawns at the on-site restaurant after a leisurely riverside walk.
A hugely popular attraction, Huka Prawn Park offered visitors the opportunity to spend the day learning about prawn farming, enjoying water-based activities and sampling some truly delicious prawns!
The Taupō Market
The Taupō Market is overflowing with fresh local produce, handmade treasures and cheerful locals! It's a wonderful place to discover products grown, made or sourced in and around the district.
Vibrant, friendly and full of character, the Taupō Market is a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Come rain or shine, there's always something worth exploring!
Wanaka
Wānaka
Wānaka is a popular resort town in New Zealand's South Island. It's the gateway to the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park, a spectacular wilderness of glaciers, beech forests and alpine lakes.
Not quite as busy as Queenstown, but still bustling with activity, Wānaka is also a great base for exploring nearby regions, including Central Otago, the Maniototo and the Mackenzie Country.
There are some amazing scenic walks, alpine adventures and seasonal attractions to enjoy, along with plenty of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
What to do in Wanaka
Wānaka is a popular tourist destination, thanks to the wide variety of activities on offer. Whether you're keen on hiking, skiing or exploring the region's fascinating history, there's something for everyone!
Roy's Peak
Roy's Peak is a well-known mountain in New Zealand, standing majestically between Wānaka and Glendhu Bay. The hike is a full-day adventure, rewarding walkers with breathtaking panoramic views across Lake Wānaka and towards the magnificent Mount Aspiring/Tititea.
A day well spent for any avid hiker, particularly those who enjoy spectacular vistas that others can only dream of!
Puzzling World
Puzzling World is a popular tourist attraction near Wānaka, New Zealand. Created by Stuart Landsborough, it began as a single-storey maze in 1973.
Over the years, it has expanded into an award-winning attraction featuring fascinating optical illusions, mind-boggling puzzle rooms and the world's first 3D maze.
A fun-filled day out for the whole family, with plenty to keep visitors of all ages entertained!
Rippon
Rippon is a historic winery near Wānaka, renowned for its spectacular scenery and beautiful vineyard setting.
With breathtaking views and the opportunity to sample some exceptional local wines, it's a wonderful place to relax and soak up the surroundings. A truly delightful experience to linger over when you're in the holiday spirit!
Cardrona
Fancy a spot of skiing?
Cardrona Alpine Resort is a popular destination offering fantastic winter skiing and snowboarding, along with a range of exciting summer mountain activities.
Renowned as one of New Zealand's most popular ski areas, Cardrona is an alpine adventure not to be missed!
Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands encompasses more than 140 subtropical islands off the coast of New Zealand's North Island.
It's renowned for its pristine beaches, fantastic big-game fishing opportunities and rich Māori cultural heritage.
With its laid-back atmosphere, warmer climate and abundance of outdoor activities, the Bay of Islands is the perfect place to unwind. A true Kiwi summer holiday destination, where sunshine, stunning scenery and relaxation go hand in hand!
What to do in the Bay of Islands
Island hopping, fishing or simply relaxing with a good book on one of the many pristine beaches… all are wonderful ways to spend your time!
The islands are undoubtedly a major attraction in this beautiful part of New Zealand, and exploring them is a must. But they're certainly not the only adventures on offer…
Urupukapuka Island
Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in the Bay of Islands, located approximately 7.3 kilometres from Paihia.
The island is a popular stopover for sightseeing boats, including tours to the famous Hole in the Rock.
With its stunning beaches, picturesque walking tracks and breathtaking coastal scenery, Urupukapuka Island is a place of exceptional natural beauty and well worth exploring!
Motuarohia Island
You'll find this beautiful little island approximately 4 kilometres northeast of Russell. Measuring just 2 kilometres in length, its southern coastline features two picturesque bays and sandy beaches.
The northern coastline boasts dramatic cliffs reaching heights of up to 78 metres, while two shallow lagoons lie to the west.
A wonderful place to while away a few leisurely holiday hours, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Bay of Islands!
The Stone Store
Be sure to visit Kerikeri and make time to stop in at the historic Stone Store, New Zealand's oldest surviving stone building.
Originally built for the Church Missionary Society's second mission station in New Zealand, the store was designed by John Hobbs to replace an earlier wooden storehouse.
Constructed between 1832 and 1836 by a skilled stonemason, a carpenter and a team of Māori workers, the Stone Store remains a fascinating reminder of New Zealand's early history.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
On 6 February 1840, one of the most significant events in New Zealand's history took place here: the first signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi).
The Treaty was signed by representatives of the British Crown and Māori rangatira (chiefs). It remains one of New Zealand's founding documents and continues to play an important role in shaping our country's identity.
The Treaty is significant because it establishes the foundations of the relationship between Māori and the Crown, addressing matters of governance, Māori rights and the protection of people living in New Zealand.
Today, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer visitors a fascinating opportunity to learn about this important chapter in our nation's history and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand's cultural heritage.
No matter where you come from or what your interests are, New Zealand always has a trick up its sleeve to steal your heart!
We've barely scratched the surface of what our beautiful country has to offer, whether you're a visitor from overseas or a local exploring your own backyard. So, get out there and discover a little more of what makes New Zealand so special!
Our climate varies considerably from region to region and season to season, so it's always important to be properly kitted out for wherever your adventures take you. Look after your feet if you're hiking, stay cool and comfortable if you're exploring the islands, and invest in a quality thermal base layer if you're heading for the ski slopes.
We hope we've inspired you to get out there and experience some of the wonderful adventures our marvellous country has to offer!
And don't forget, New Zealand Natural Clothing is here to help with all your practical travel clothing needs, from keeping you warm and comfortable to looking after those hard-working, adventurous feet!