Prepare for an Unparalleled Summer Experience
With the summer season just around the corner, Aotearoa (New Zealand) offers a wealth of opportunities for creative outdoor activities that cater to various preferences and prioritise safety.
Amidst the ongoing circumstances, it's essential to plan ahead while maintaining flexibility. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your summer holidays:
- Exploring National Parks: Take advantage of Aotearoa's stunning landscapes by embarking on easy day hikes or multi-day trails. The Abel Tasman Coast Track, for instance, offers a blend of golden beaches, native bush, and hut-to-hut hiking or camping options[1].
- Water Adventures: Kayaking trips along Abel Tasman’s coastline or around Rangitoto Island near Auckland provide a unique blend of water adventure and scenic volcanic landscapes and native forests[1][3].
- Beach Holidays and Camping: The Coromandel Peninsula, famous for its white sand beaches like Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, offers a relaxed vibe with barbecues and local music[1].
- Adrenaline-Filled Activities: For those seeking excitement, white water rafting at destinations like Vector Wero Whitewater Park in Auckland offers courses suited to various skill levels[3].
- Wildlife Encounters: Whale watching and dolphin trips in Kaikōura provide an immersive Māori cultural experience while connecting with nature[5].
- Volcanic and Alpine Hikes: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers unique landscapes with a mix of adventure and accessibility, depending on your fitness and weather[2][4].
- Urban Escapes with a Twist: Cities like Wellington and Queenstown offer a base for both urban culture and nearby adventure sports like bungy jumping, jet boating, and mountain biking[1][4].
These ideas offer a mix of high-adventure and relaxing nature immersion, allowing you to tailor your summer plans with flexibility and prioritising safety by choosing day trips or controlled activities suited to your preferences and experience[1][3][5].
Remember to always pack essentials like masks, hand sanitizer, and stay updated on the new traffic light system. It's also recommended to have a backup plan for any travel or outdoor activities. Scan in wherever possible and be courteous of others, particularly in huts/where you might interact with others.
To help ease some of the annual holiday stresses, consider breaking up your big holiday into mini breaks to reduce travel and pressure. If you're planning an adventure, share your plans or stories for inspiration by contacting Rebekah.Wilson@our website.
This summer, let the great outdoors of Aotearoa be your playground. Embrace new experiences, discover new outdoor activities such as 'plogging', photography, or summiting a new peak, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
References: [1] https://www.newzealand.com/int/features/summer-in-new-zealand/ [2] https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/ [3] https://www.newzealand.com/int/features/new-zealand-adventures/ [4] https://www.newzealand.com/int/features/new-zealand-cities/ [5] https://www.newzealand.com/int/features/whale-watching-in-new-zealand/
