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 island are forecast to 5.1 million in 2024 which is a growth rate of 4.6% per year. Make sure you’re one of them if you’re a tourist, New Zealand welcomes you.
Sharing some of New Zealand’s holiday destinations was a challenge because there are just so many choices. I narrowed it down to the three top destinations I visit when I have the chance.
Here you will learn a bit about each place and four popular activities in each destination. I hope it helps you choose your next vacation station!
Taupo
Taupo is a town near the centre of New Zealand's North Island. It is differentiated by its lakefront setting and outdoor sports ranging from fishing to jet-boating. The expanse of waters of Lake Taupo drain into the Huka Falls which you can reach via hiking and biking trails.
There are a multitude of accommodation options all year round accompanied by loads of activities. You can easily procure day trips to Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Napier from here.
Taupo also boasts lots of art trails, cafes, restaurants and a fantastic shopping experience.
What to do in Taupo
There are so many great activities in Taupo but we’ve narrowed it down to 4 ‘must dos’!
Huka falls
The Huka falls are waterfalls on the Waikato River that drains our famous Lake Taupo. A couple of hundred metres upstream from the falls, the Waikato river narrows to a mere 15 metres from 100 metres in a canyon.
The falls are magnificent. They offer a natural beauty experience that is breathtaking!
Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
If you want a healthy dose of our diverse culture plus some scenic enjoyment then the Maori Rock Carvings are a great stop!
Maori carvings share characteristics with Polynesian carvings but over time became more distinctive to the Maori culture.
Huka prawn park
This aquaculture venture is 10 minutes outside of Taupo. It is New Zealand’s only prawn farm and was started in 1987.
The Huka prawn park produces over 30 tonnes of prawns a year and you can enjoy them at the restaurant after a river walk.
Hugely popular spot where you can spend the whole day learning about the venture, doing water activities and tasting some truly delightful prawns!
The Taupo market
The Taupo farmers market is overflowing with local produce, handmade items and cheerful locals! It’s a wonderful place to revel in products that are grown, made or sourced in and around this district!
The Taupo market is vibrant and friendly. You can catch it every Saturday morning regardless of the weather.
Wanaka
Wanaka is a popular resort town on New Zealand's South Island. It's the gateway to the Southern Alps Mount Aspiring National Park, a wilderness of glaciers, beech forests and alpine lakes.
Not as busy as Queenstown but still bustling, Wanaka offers day trips to Maniototo, Central Otago Mackenzie Country.
There are some amazing scenic walks, alpine activities and seasonal attractions plus lots of accommodation options.
What to do in Wanaka
Wanaka is a big tourist destination because of how varied the options are. You could go hiking, skiing or off on historical adventures!
Roy’s Peak
Roy's Peak is a well known mountain in New Zealand. It stands majestically between Wanaka and Glendhu Bay. It is a full-day's walk and you are rewarded with views across Lake Wanaka and up to the peak of Mount Aspiring/Tititea.
A day well spent if you’re an avid hiker particularly if you enjoy vistas you could only dream of!
Puzzling world
Puzzling World is a tourist attraction near Wanaka, New Zealand. Designed by Stuart Landsborough, it began as a single storey maze in 1973.
Over the years it has expanded to become an award-winning complex of optical illusions and puzzling rooms and the world's first 3-D maze.
A fun day out for the whole family!
Rippon
Rippon is a historical winery near Wanaka.
Inspiring scenery and wine tasting can be enjoyed. A true day out affair to languish over when you’re in the holiday spirit!
Cardrona
Fancy a spot of skiing?
Cardrona Alpine Resort is a ski resort that offers winter ski holidays AND summer mountain holidays.
Cardrona is New Zealand’s most popular ski area, not one to be missed!
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands encompasses more than 140 subtropical islands next to the country's North Island.
It’s known for its untarnished beaches, big-game fishing and Maori cultural artefacts.
An area that is laid back, warmer and offers fantastic fishing opportunities! A real summer holiday in the sunshine
What to do in the Bay of Islands
Island hopping, fishing, reading on the untouched beaches...all are very viable options!
Islands are a major part of this area and exploring them is a must but they are not the only adventures on offer…
Urupukapuka Island
This is the largest island in the Bay of Islands. Located 7.3 km from Paihai.
Boats often use this island as a stopover for tour boats to the hole in the rock. An area of phenomenal natural beauty.
Motuarohia Island
You’ll find this small island approximately 4 kms northeast of Russel. A mere 2km in length, the south coast offers two bays and sandy beaches.
The north coast boasts steep cliffs as high as 78 metres and two shallow lagoons lie to the west.
A wonderful place to wile away your holiday hours!
The Stone Store
Be sure to visit Kerikeri so that you can stop in at the Stone Store. This is New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building.
Originally part of the second Church Missionary Society in New Zealand, the store was designed by John Hobbs as a replacement for a wooden storehouse.
The Stone Store was built between 1832 and 1836 by a mason, a carpenter and a team of Māori.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
On the 6th of February 1840, New Zealand’s founding agreement was signed here. The treaty is an agreement between the British crown and the Maori chiefs.
The Treaty is important because it governs the relationship between Māori (indigenous people) and everyone else, and ensures the rights of both Māori are protected as citizens of New Zealand.
No matter where you come from or what your interests are, New Zealand has a trick up its sleeve to steal your heart.
This is a small scratch on the surface of what New Zealand has to offer both tourists and locals. Get out there and explore our beautiful country!
The climate varies across the country and due to seasons. Always make sure you are kitted out for where you are going. Protect your feet if you’re hiking, stay cool if you’re visiting the islands and invest in a second skin if you’re skiing.
We hope you’re inspired to visit our marvellous country for an adventure someday!
Don’t forget New Zealand Natural Clothing is here for all your practical traveling clothing needs, right down to your adventuring feet.