You know that you don't want Summer to end! As it gets cooler where you are and everything begins to slow down, the New Zealand summer is just beginning.
From partying at world-class music events to relaxing on secluded beaches, road-trip adventures and watching the sunset with friends around a camp fire, there's always something fun to do during the 'great kiwi summer'.
Where to start?
Planning a vacation can be overwhelming at first, but it's incredibly easy to visit New Zealand, simple to get around and easy to experience all of the best bits. If you’re a self planner read on for some handy information. If you want some help then get in touch with your travel agent.
Getting here and getting around.
Air Asia X fly directly to Christchurch from Kuala Lupur.
Once you arrive in New Zealand there are plenty of fun ways to get around our beautiful country. Pick up a rental car or campervan/motorhome from the airport and hit the open road for a classic kiwi road trip. Or if you want the ease of a fully guided tour, take advantage of one of the many coach tours. For more flexibility, try a hop-on, hop-off bus pass.. Whether you’re looking for a one week tour or a one year flexible pass, there are many easy options to explore the country. No matter what you choose, you’ll make new friends and have a blast! Short on time? Domestic flights are usually inexpensive and are never longer than 90 minutes!
Accommodation
Our fantastic backpacker accommodations are plentiful and reasonably priced, which means more money for the fun stuff! (Hello Bungee!). Our high quality hostels are a great place to meet other travelers. And there's a huge variety of quality hotels and motels too. There’s something for every budget. If you've decided to rent a campervan or motorhome, then make sure you camp responsibly by parking at Holiday Parks, Department of Conservation camping grounds, or other designated areas.
What to do
We've got beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, lakes, rivers, fiords, mountains, glaciers, vineyards, crazy wildlife and a unique culture. And you won't believe what activities you can do in these stunning settings! Whether you've got five days or five weeks, you can pack a lot into your vacation.
Summer Music
New Zealand rocks during summer. Literally. We love to party in the summer months and have some great unique celebrations and festivals to do just that. While the rest of the world is still working, Kiwis can pop the bubbly and start the party early because New Zealand is the first place on earth to ring in the New Year. And what better way to bring in 2012 then partying in paradise.
Rhythm and Vines is a three-day New Year festival experience of a lifetime based on a beach side Gisborne vineyard on the East Coast of the North Island. It is definitely New Zealand's #1 festival to tick off your list! Read more about Rhythm & Vines. As well as R&V, festivals can be found the length of the country, all of them set in unique kiwi locations. Here are some of the main ones.
By Sara Essig Webb
By Ann-Louise Riddell
By Annabel Black