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Hi,
It's that time of year again – the hustle and bustle of Christmas is well and truly behind us and most of us are back at work… that means it's the perfect time for a holiday! The crowds at holiday hot spots have thinned, the sun is still shining and accommodation is readily available – check out our Hot Travel Deals for great offers. After all summer isn't over yet, so get out there and make the most of it! For all you keen summer travellers, we're interested in finding out whether you would join an online travel club – please let us know by taking the poll on the right.
Failing a late summer holiday, there's plenty of things that you can do on your weekends to maximise your endless summer. Take a day trip and explore some fantastic scenery close to home, take a surfing safari or plan an amazing outdoor party complete with delicious summer cocktails - I know I will be!
Kristy Turton, Editor, DestinatioNZ |
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A great way to make the most of these long, balmy days is to take a day trip and head out on one of New Zealand's many Department of Conservation short walks. With spectacular scenery around every corner, this is the perfect country for making the most of the great outdoors. |
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Photo © Tourism Coromandel |
Short walks are the perfect way to spend a summer's day and get some exercise, and the best part is you can still be home by dinnertime. Short walks can be completed in two hours or less. The DOC maintains well-signposted short and easily accessible walks all over the country, so there's no excuse not to get out there and try one. On a serious note, the weather can change quickly at any time of the year. Make sure that you are prepared for unseasonal weather and always let someone know your plans and when you plan to return, just in case.
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| Check out our latest Hot Travel Deals! |
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Drive North FREE with Budget
Exclusive free car hire Read More
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Summer Weekends in Auckland City with Scenic Circle Hotels
Bed and Breakfast treat in Auckland for just $119 Read More
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Mokai Gravity Canyon, Taihape
Pick any 2 Adventures in Velocity and receive a free DVD valued at $35.00 Read More
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Valentine's Day Specials from just $109 (inc GST), New Zealand-wide
It's the perfect time to indulge in a break away! Read More
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Small Town Big Sounds Concert at Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka
$85 for ticket, transport and bed and breakfast. Read More
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Extend Your Summer with Millennium Hotels & Resorts NZ
Enjoy daylight savings from just $65 per room! Read More
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The Rees Central Otago Wine Experience
Two-night package for $225 per person per night. Read More
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Marlborough Romantics Getaway at Ugbrooke Country Estate
Just $180 per person per night. Read More
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Head to Raglan - New Zealand's surfing Mecca - for the ultimate surfing experience. This idyllic West Coast town is world famous as a surfing capital, with different beaches to choose from in the area with world-renowned left-hand breaks and long, smooth rides.
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Photo © JoMertens.com |
The best thing is, Raglan is consistently pumping, with very rarely a dull day. Just out from Raglan's township are many surf breaks to choose from, including Manu Bay - featured in the cult surfing movie The Endless Summer. There are different reefs and point breaks along the coastline, each offering amazing swells - absolute heaven for a surfer!
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Get the calendar out – this February and March are jam-packed full of exciting festivals! There's bound to be something exciting happening near you, or why not take a trip to experience one of these awesome events? It's a great excuse for a holiday, and they're definitely worth it. For even more fantastic summer events, Click here
01 Endless Summer Festival, Whangarei, February-March
02 Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival, 20 February-1 March
03 Auckland Festival 2009, 5-22 March
04 Womad, New Plymouth, 13-15 March
05 Pasifika Festival, Auckland, 13-14 March
06 Art Deco Weekend, Napier 19-22 February
07 Hokonui Moonshiners Festival, Gore, 21 February
08 Ellerslie International Flower Show, Christchurch 11-15 March
09 Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, 14 March
10 MarchFest, Nelson, 28 March
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Photo © Jane Dove-Juneau |
There's only four days to go until the most romantic day of the year! Don't worry if you haven't planned anything yet, you still have time... just! Go on, organise something special – after all, they're worth it, aren't they? I'll help you by giving you some suggestions that I just know your other half will love, and they don't have to break the bank.
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Photo © Destination Northland |
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| Summer is undoubtedly the party season, and with summer soon to be on its way out, it's time to start planning the perfect party! It's easy to do – first decide on a theme (I'm going with Indian – great food, cocktails and decorations). Then make a guest list, pick out some delicious dishes, hit the $2 shops or your local emporium for some cheap decorations, and don't forget the cocktail ingredients! |
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Know Before You Go
It has never been so easy to find out where and when the best surf is at. Log on to surf.co.nz to enjoy daily reports, free webcams, latest news and much more…
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Mangawhai Magic!
Win a fabulous weekend for two in Magical Mangawhai, now 15 minutes closer via the Toll Road. Prize includes 4-star Qualmark-rated accommodation, dinner, scenic tour & more…
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Vote Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature' nominee. Have your vote and put this beautiful destination into the limelight worldwide.
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Book Accommodation Online
Choose from a great range of New Zealand accommodation options and book online securely with AA. It's easy to book and you'll receive instant confirmation.
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