New Zealand is one of the world’s hottest holiday destinations. As a beloved tourist spot, sometimes we forget to explore our own backyard. To plan your very own adventure, here are some of Swoosh’s favourite New Zealand holiday destinations to add to your list. And if you ever need a pick-me-up while you’re on the road, you can always apply for a same day loan.
Overview
North Island, New Zealand Holiday Destinations
1. Waitomo Caves
An hour away from Hamilton, the glowworm caves of Waitomo are a breathtaking experience. First explored in 1887 by local Maori chief Tinorau Tane and an English surveyor named Fred Mace, it was discovered that the local caves were dotted with glowworms.
Since then, tours have been run exploring the depths of the caves, where you’ll be walking, scaling stairs, and even taking a boat ride. Tours start at $81 for adults and $37 for kids, with most of the tour guides being descendants of Chief Tinorau Tane himself!
There is more to do in Waitomo than just the glowworm caves. There are two other caves to explore, the Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave, which you can purchase a combined experience for with the Waitomo caves. You can also go black water rafting, trek, walk on trails, find places to eat, and even stay the night in one of the Waitomo Homestead Cabins.
2. Wellington
The quirky capital of our country is not often thought of as a holiday destination – but it has a lot to offer! Wellington is known as a foodie haven. Everyone needs to check out the Press Hall – the former headquarters of Wellington Newspapers Group. It is now home to a bunch of eateries of various cuisines, from Syrian to Vietnamese.
Other things you can do in Wellington include:
- Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car
- Visit the Zealandia eco-sanctuary
- Enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Mount Victoria
- Wander down the Wellington Waterfront
3. Pouakai Circuit
If you have a taste for adventure, this might be for you! Not for the faint of heart, the Pouakai Circuit is a challenging 25km tramp that takes two to three days to complete. The weather is generally harsh, especially in the winter, when you’ll need special ice and snow gear to complete the hike.
The track starts at the North Edgemont Visitor Centre on Mount Taranaki, just half an hour from New Plymouth. You’ll hike through montane forest and waterfalls, beneath towering lava columns, and along the red waters of the Kokowai Stream. It’s a stunning area with a long history of volcanic activity. You will need to book your bunk at each hut in advance for overnight stays.
If you’d rather day walk, the Pouakai Crossing is a one-way hike that takes between 7 and a half to 10 hours.
4. Twin Coast Discovery Highway
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is more of a journey than a New Zealand holiday destination, but it’s a fantastic way of seeing and experiencing the North Island. This road trip will take you through the picturesque countryside, extending from Auckland north to Cape Reinga—also known as the “Neglected Far North”. We recommend giving this drive at least seven days.
Some unmissable stops include:
- Te Paki Sand Dunes on the way to Cape Reinga.
- The Bay of Islands for some fishing at the untouched beaches
- The world’s largest Kauri tree, Tāne Mahuta, in Waipoua Forest
In our opinion, the best way to explore New Zealand is through the roads rather than the sky. There are just so many beautiful sights to see along the way.
5. Rotorua
Rotorua is a famous New Zealand holiday destination for its geothermal activity – and for good reason. The city itself is situated in the remains of an ancient volcano, the cause of the city’s geysers and mud pools.
Visitors can:
- Soak in natural hot springs
- Watch bubbling pools of mud
- Witness explosive geysers
- Visit a Maori village
- Experience local art and culture at the Arts Village
- Fish, water ski, or swim at one of the 18 Lakes of Rotorua
Late spring and early autumn are the peak tourist season, so plan your trip accordingly.
South Island, New Zealand Holiday Destinations
6. Queenstown
Attracting three million visitors per year, Queenstown is the most popular—and most adventurous—New Zealand holiday destination.
Queenstown is most famous for its nearby world-class ski fields and resorts. Skiers and snowboarders take to the various slopes and terrain in the mid-June to early-October ski season.
But there is more to Queenstown than the winter—the summer season is even more popular. Just a few of the things you can do are:
- Valley of the Vines: Visit the Gibbston area wine region for a scenic experience between a mountain and gorge while you sip on Pinot Noir—their specialty.
- Queenstown Trail: Take a mountain bike through this iconic, relaxing and smooth trail, whether that’s for a couple hours, a day, or four days!
- Bungy jump, zipline, skydive: Conquer your fears or chase the thrill with some of the highest locations for these adrenaline-pumping experiences.
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu: Sightsee on a cruise or boat tour of your choice, or explore on your own while you fish, swim, kayak, paddleboat, paddleboard, or even aquabike.
You might be turned off Queenstown because of its international tourism, but we should all be tourists in our home country at least once! There is a reason it’s so popular, and you can only know why with first-hand experience.
7. Otago Central Rail Trail
We just had to include another journey in this list, but this time, in the South Island. Central Otago is New Zealand’s most inland region, and the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail takes you through it. It features mountainous countryside, friendly and historic townships, and a burgeoning arts scene. But really, this holiday is made for nature lovers. Littered with camping grounds, hiking trails, and scenic remote sites, this region is all about the outdoors. For the avid cyclists out there, you can add the Otago Central Rail Trail to the Queenstown Trail, doubling your journey.
The terrain in this area is a little different to the rest of the New Zealand holiday destinations on this list, characterised by its dry climate, golden and brown hues, and barren landscape, filled with steep mountains and valleys, rocky cliffs and wide plateaus
We highly recommend buying or hiring some camping equipment for your travels through Central Otago. When you settle for the night, make sure to look up. As a remote area, stargazing is absolutely stunning here.
8. Dunedin
If you want a taste of the UK but don’t want to go too far, the town of Dunedin is famous for its Scottish heritage. The unique Victorian and Edwardian architecture of the city, as well as its large student population and artsy culture, lends the place a bohemian air. Discover trendy bars, niche restaurants, and the hidden street art in every corner of the city.
Destinations you should check out in and around Dunedin include:
- Larnach Castle
- Port Chalmers
- Dundein Street Art Trail
- Brighton Beach
If Dunedin wasn’t already unique enough, it is also the wildlife capital of New Zealand. Home to a rare and diverse selection of native animals, you can see the northern royal albatross, Otago skink, little penguin, and so much more.
9. Te Anau and Milford Sound
The West Coast of the South Island is home to the Fiordland region, aptly named for its 14 fiords jutting into the 215km of coastline. The gem of this area is the dramatic Milford Sound. We recommend basing in Te Anau, the closest village to the fiord and the gateway to Fiordland.
In Te Anau, there is plenty to see during your stay, such as:
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
- Kepler Track
- Jet boating in Waiau River
On the way to Milford Sound, take your time and take in the sights. Stop over at the Mirror Lakes for an easy walk to the reflective waters, and Monkey Creek, a glacier-fed spring you can drink from!
In Milford Sound, you can take a boat cruise or scenic flight and view the breathtaking mountain ranges, stunning waterfalls, bottlenose dolphins and fur seals. You can also stay overnight in Milford Sound, but food and accommodation options are limited. However, the overnight cruise might be worth it!
If you want a less touristy, but just as beautiful, fiord to visit, take a cruise to Doubtful Sound instead—it will leave you speechless.
10. Tākaka
Tākaka is a small, quiet, and isolated town that serves as a great base for all the wonders around it. It sits at the bottom of the Golden Bay, a huge, shallow, and stunning bay filled with sweeping beaches, freshwater springs, and lush greenery.
Tākaka is artsy, alternative, and a little hippy, so there is no shortage of quirky and cute cafes, restaurants, bars, art galleries, and stores.
Hidden gems and highlights include:
- Rawhiti Caves: an exciting walking trail to stunning stalactites
- Waikoropupu Springs: the largest freshwater springs in NZ
- Wharariki Beach: filled with unique rock formations and near the Farewell Spit
- The Grove Scenic Reserve: an easy walk through wild vegetation and limestone formations
- Whainui Falls: walk to a thundering waterfall and even swim if the day is calm
If you want a moment to slow down and relax on the coast, this is the New Zealand holiday destination for you.
Ready to start the adventure?
It’s not always cheap to travel, even when it’s in our own country. If you need some help along the way, Swoosh Finance NZ has same day loans that are quick to process and even quicker to apply for. Apply now!