Plan the summer getaway​

The Kiwi summer holiday must be undoubtedly one of the best ways to enjoy the holiday season. We have such a beautiful country and there is plenty of amazing places to explore, so we narrowed it down to just six places (as voted by Manaaki Whenua staff) that we know you’ll love just as much as we do!

Auckland’s best-kept secret, Āwhitu Peninsula​

Picture
​As the traffic congestion indicates, most holidaying Aucklanders flock either north to the beaches of Orewa, Omaha, and beyond, or southeast to the Coromandel Peninsula.  So rarely do they head south-west (via a slight detour) to the opposite side of the Manukau Harbour. ​​
​
Āwhitu Peninsula is a 40 km stretch of surprisingly high and variable land, a mix of farmland and forest reserves, and some attractive beaches – accessed via the charming town of Waiuku.  The peninsula’s western black sand surf beach has just two public access points – at Kariotahi and Hamilton’s Gap, while on the inner, harbour side there are several great uncrowded swimming and boating beaches at the north end, such as Orua Bay, the larger “Big Bay”, and Grahams Beach, along with Āwhitu Regional Park. Check out the restored Manukau Heads lighthouse, and view the location of NZ’s worst maritime disaster where HMS Orpheus was wrecked on the Manukau Harbour bar in 1863 with the loss of 189 naval personnel.  Enjoy the peace and quiet of Āwhitu Peninsula, yet with Auckland Airport and Sky Tower visible in the far distance on the eastern side of the Manukau.  

Golden Bay, Nelson

Picture
Golden Bay
Take your tent and togs to Golden Bay. 

Wharariki Beach
A favourite, even on a windy day, which it often is. Sea caves, swimming and for the kids there may even be seals in the pools. 
There’s a scenic hill walk to Pillar Point lighthouse near where the Farewell Spit ecosanctuary is in progress.

Nelson City new year
Check out the jazz festival after new year, swimming (and hydro-slide and racing cars for the kids) at Tahuna Beach and Rabbit Island, do the wine trail or taste craft beers. Or the hidden gem, tramping in Mt Richmond Forest Park where you can see both Blenheim and Nelson from the highest points

Great Taste bike trail
Just completed now from Wakefield to Kohatu through the old Spooners rail tunnel (take a torch).  Café refuel at Kohatu then return to Belgrove or Wakefield. Or closer to town, you can mountain bike the old Dun Mountain railway or the huge range of hill tracks which make Nelson a mountain bikers mecca.

Orton Bradley Park​, Christchurch

A fantastic family friendly spot, with large open spaces, in a vast park like setting.

Bring a picnic or enjoy the café in the historic homestead or even pitch a tent and camp.
It has over 25km of walking tracks cater for all ages and abilities. Ranging from the Rhododendron walk (20 minutes) to the Waterfall Gully Track (2 1/2 hours) and beyond to the DOC Packhorse Hut or Mt Herbert. 

It’s situated next to a 9 hole golf course and also has have tennis courts nearby. The property has a large children's adventure playground, with flying foxes, situated next to a small stream, and also has a number of short mountain bike tracks suitable for all members of the family.

It’s home to one of the largest trees in New Zealand and has 150 exotic trees and a number of native trees in the arboretum providing homes to a variety of bird life. 
​
A great spot !!

Alexandra, Otago

Known as the hottest, driest and coldest town in New Zealand!

For mountain biking buffs there’s plenty of flat cross country rides eg Otago Central rail trail, Clutha river trail (south from Alexandra, or north from Roxburgh dam), mountain cross country (Old Man Range, Dunstan Range) and lots more technical rides eg Flat Top Hill Conservation area, behind the Alexandra clock (although that needs a guide for the myriad of unmarked trails), left side of Clutha to Doctors Point historical mining, Bendigo historical mining near Cromwell, and many more. All of these can be walked too of course.

​Also great opportunities for lake and river paddling (some white water rapids for the game). Fishing camping around lakes with fewer tourists eg Poolburn, Manorburn, Falls Dam, Lake Onslow, Lake Maniherangi and others. 

Castlepoint, Wairarapa Coast

Picture
Voted one of the country's top 10 most loved beaches, with an impressive lighthouse (one of the last two remaining beam lighthouses in NZ), picturesque lagoon and a 162m high rock face, Castlepoint offers plenty to occupy this summer. 

Just a few hours from Wellington or Palmerston North, there's plenty to see and do along the way for wine lovers, foodies, nature lovers, and history-buffs. It's the perfect getaway, with swimming, fishing, surfing, walking trails galore, and a rugged east coast vibe. And remember to keep an eye out for seabirds and marine mammals with black shags, herons and fur seals as you explore the coastline.

Raglan, Waikato

Just a short drive west of Hamilton, is the seaside town of Raglan, where you can catch a wave on world-class surf, soak up the amazing scenery or simply sip a great espresso in one it’s boutique cafes. This laid-back surf town hosts a creative culture and lively arts scene – you can find locally-crafted pieces in the town’s galleries, shops, and markets.

Manu Bay has one of the longest left-hand breaks in the world, making it a surfing mecca. You might prefer kayaking and paddleboarding in the harbour, or just lazing on the beach.

Away from the water, there are many top walking trails including Bridal Veil Falls, which plunges 55m and Mt Karioi, a challenging full day hike up a forest-clad extinct volcano where you’ll be reward with breath-taking views. There’s plenty to do with canyoning trips, cycle trails, horse treks, rock climbing, and more.

Before you go:


Plant survival advice

  • Trim foliage of mature plants the day before leaving so they will require less water during your absence.
  • Water all mature plants and seedlings thoroughly the night before leaving.
  • Use a hydrogen peroxide mixture to kill any potential fungus gnat eggs lurking beneath the soil.
  • Place large jugs of water around the plants.
  • Cut long pieces of natural string to put inside the jug with just a few inches remaining outside.
  • Cover the jug openings, to slow down evaporation and put them next to your plants.
  • Put the other end of the string inside the soil of the plant, so it’s laying on the soil.
  • The water will travel through the twine and into the soil as needed.
  • Give the plants as much natural light as possible, but not where they will be in direct sun all day.

Around the home

  • Put your newspaper on hold and ask a neighbour to collect your mail. An overstuffed mail box is an advertisement that your home is empty;
  • Don’t leave the packaging for expensive items out in plain view. Christmas time is a notorious time for thieves to go hunting;
  • Remember to turn everything off at the wall. Not only for safety but to save a bit extra in electricity too!
  • Clean out your fridge and bins. There’s nothing worse than coming back from a relaxing holiday to mouldy food and a house that smells of hot rubbish (it’s summer after all).
  • Charge up your phone and IPad then pack the chargers somewhere easy to get to (and remember). You don’t want to be on 1% and fishing for your charger amongst little Johnny’s swim wear.
  • Lock all doors and windows, set alarms and use deadbolts. It’s also a good idea to secure any tools like, axes, hammers and saws – really anything that could help a thief break in.
  • Don’t advertise your absence on sites like Facebook, Twitter or anywhere else that isn’t secure.

Checklists

Make sure you have packed everything you need - check out these tips and lists from Kathmandu