Best 4 places to visit in New Zealand - Summer 2021-22

Your summer vacation in New Zealand awaits! From the beaches of Hawke's Bay, to the breathtaking beauty of Queenstown, and everything in between, the summer of 2021-22 will be one to remember. Our expert travel consultants at Everything New Zealand have put together a list of our favourite destinations for your family holiday, adventure with friends or romantic getaway this summer. We have even dropped in our top recommendations of things to do at each destination so you can start planning straight away!

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1. Abel Tasman National Park

So you're looking for a summer destination that is not only beautiful, but also offers family friendly activities? Well we have just the place. Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest and most accessible national park, ideal for families, friends and couples wanting to explore the outdoors. Located near Nelson at the top of New Zealand's South Island, this remote park is popular for its hiking trails, strange rock formations and turquoise waters home to an abundance of wildlife. 

Everything New Zealand top tips:

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Abel Tasman on a kayaking & bushwalking tour from Kaiteriteri and Marahau, or make your way further up to Golden Bay at the quiet northern end of the park. If you are looking for a little more adrenaline, take the plunge on an Abel Tasman skydive or embark on a canyoning adventure with Abel Tasman Canyons. While there are lots of Abel Tasman activities to choose from, you can also just sit back, relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery!

2. Blenheim

Everyone knows that the best part about summer vacations is soaking in the sun and tasting delicious food. The Marlborough region of New Zealand has plenty of both! And if you're looking for the perfect base, why not stay in Blenheim? Conveniently close to Marlborough’s renowned wineries, Blenheim is a great starting point for guided wine tours, biking around the vineyards and is only a 20 minute drive from the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. 

Everything New Zealand top tips:

During your stay in Blenheim, we recommend heading out into the Marlborough wine region on a small group wine tour with local guides to really gain a feel for what’s on offer. Back in the centre of town, another Blenheim must-do is a visit to the world-class Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. This museum features aircraft and artefacts from WW1 and WW2, including the personal collection of film director Peter Jackson. Looking to get back to nature and explore the Marlborough Sounds? Take a short drive up to the quaint village of Picton for dolphin watching, wildlife sanctuary tours or a taste of the famous Queen Charlotte Track.

3. Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is a region on the North Island’s east coast, sometimes referred to as the Art Deco capital of New Zealand. The cities of Napier and Hastings are rich in history and just a stone’s throw away from beautiful beaches that lend themselves to families or couples looking for a relaxing summer holiday. Hawke’s Bay is also known for its wine production, with rolling vineyards waiting to be explored on a guided bus tour or bike wine tour. So if you love wine, food, culture, beaches, wildlife and hiking, Hawke’s Bay is the destination for you.

Everything New Zealand top tips:

One of the best places to start your summer vacation in Hawke’s Bay is the seafront town of Napier. From here, you can easily enjoy nearby beaches, taste delicious seafood and make your way along the coast of Hawke’s Bay. At Cape Kidnappers, join a 4WD tour to see the world’s largest mainland colony of gannets, at 20,000 strong! Another must-do in Hawke’s Bay is a wine tasting tour, either by bike or bus, with plenty of options for beer, cider or gin tasting to suit everyone’s individual tastes. For those looking for a more active holiday, Hawke’s Bay has plenty of awe inspiring hikes to tick off the list, or head further north into the Wairoa hills, Lake Waikaremoana or Te Urewera National Park.

4. Queenstown

Queenstown is affectionately known as the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, attracting thrillseekers from far and wide. With bungy jumping, skydiving, canyon swings, white water rafting and jet boating, you can rest assured you will find the adrenaline rush of a lifetime in this exciting town. But if you are looking for more of a relaxing summer holiday or some downtime after all the excitement, there are so many activities in Queenstown to suit everyone, including (but not limited to!) day hikes, lake cruises, the nearby Gibbston wine region and even massage & day spas.

Everything New Zealand top tips:

For a Queenstown bucket list activity that's a little bit different and awesome fun, we at Everything New Zealand love the Shotover Canyon Swing. This is the world’s highest cliff jump where you can choose from over 70 different jump styles, one example being the Sparta. Queenstown is also the gateway to Milford Sound, with a scenic flight & cruise day tour providing views of the fiordland, waterfalls and wildlife that are sure to leave you feeling awestruck. If you are taking some time to explore the town, walk up Queenstown Hill or the Tiki Trail to soak in the magnificent Wakatipu Basin scenery. At the top of the Tiki Trail, you can even squeeze in a luge ride, ziplining tour or paragliding flight!

 

With so many amazing New Zealand summer destinations and activities to choose from, chat to our expert travel consultants at Everything New Zealand today to find out what works for you. Get ready for summer 2021-22 and book now!

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