Skiing or snowboarding at world-class ski fields is usually the focus of a New Zealand winter weekend break. But, beyond the more traditional winter getaways, there are also a wide range of other exciting outdoor activities available to get your motor revving and then help you relax.
Experience New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and natural environment, get your adrenaline pumping by taking the plunge and bungy jumping or canyoning. Take in jaw-dropping views by helicopter, or a soak in geothermal hot pools to relax your cares away. Most of all, don’t let winter weather stop you from getting out and exploring what’s in your own backyard. Do some shopping, eat out at top-class restaurants, cafes and bars, and forget the stresses of everyday life. Accommodation choices range from luxury mountain lodges and hotels to fully equipped motels, cosy bed and breakfast lodgings, homestays, backpacker hostels, campsites and motorparks.
So go on New Zealand, get out there and enjoy a winter weekend getaway!
Kaikoura - Wet and Wildlife
Kaikoura is set on a rocky peninsula and was originally a Maori settlement that became a whaling centre on the arrival of European settlers. The history of Kaikoura’s past can be traced at the Kaikoura Museum and the historic Fyffe House. Kaikoura is also a centre for arts and crafts, and there are many galleries in the town displaying pottery, paintings and jewellery.
However, Kaikoura is most famous for its wildlife, especially whale and dolphin-watching. The tours go out to sea all year round, but you might find that the water temperature is too cold to go swimming with the dolphins during the winter months! Several different species of whale can be viewed in the waters off Kaikoura including orcas and pilot whales. But it is the huge sperm whales that are resident all year round, living off the plentiful food supply and diving to incredible depths. These are the type that are most usually seen. There is also a large population of dusky dolphins and the rare, tiny Hector’s Dolphin can also sometimes be seen. Fur seals, although once nearly hunted to extinction, are now plentiful and can be seen basking on the rocky shore.
There are many other activities available in Kaikoura, such as walking, kayaking, quad biking, fishing and rafting, all of which can be done in the winter months. There is plenty of accommodation of all different grades and a selection of bars and restaurants.
Rotorua - Soak Away Your Cares
Rotorua sits on the shores of Lake Rotorua and is famous for its geothermal activity. This unusual city is dominated by the smell in the air – because of all the geothermal action the scent of sulphur permeates the town. Throughout the city steam rises from the earth, boiling mud bubbles away, geysers blow their tops and hot thermal pools help weary travellers relax. Chill out in the warmth of these thermal waters at the Blue Baths and the Polynesian Spa in the Government Gardens.
While you’re here, be sure to visit the Rotorua Museum of Art and History and experience the Maori way of life at one of the cultural evenings that often include enjoying a traditional Maori feast, a hangi. For the adrenalin junkies, adventure activites and the great outdoors reign supreme here. With an array of walking tracks, fishing, white-water rafting, skydiving, horse riding, jet-boat tours, kayaking, Zorbing, mountain biking and quad biking on offer, your to-do list might just be endless!
Wellington - Get Cultured
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, can be found on the southern tip of the North Island. From here you can take the ferry to the South Island, but before you do make sure you spend plenty of time truly getting to know this amazing urban centre. Set around a harbour and backed by hills, Wellington is naturally beautiful. If you’re looking for a cultural experience this is the place to be.
Check out the many shops, bars and restaurants, museums (especially Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum), art galleries, theatres and cinemas. To stretch your legs and get outdoors, head for one of the many walking trails along the coast and in the hills. Wellington also has a large zoo for people of all ages to enjoy, and you can visit the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve as well!
Other helpful hints...
Family Fun
If you’ve got a full tank of gas and you’re keen to throw out the road maps and follow your adventurous spirit, let the kids decide where you go. They can choose north or south, and each time you come to a roundabout or major turning point in the road have them call out ‘right’ or ‘left’. Who knows where you might end up or what kind of local characters you might meet along the way! Discovering new things is all about letting go – this is a fun way to get the whole family involved.
Small Town, NZ
Get off the beaten track and stay in smaller towns. If you’re skiing Mt Ruapehu, try bunking down in Ohakune in a shared lodge, or if you’re in Queenstown stay on the outskirts of town. You’ll meet interesting people and really get a feel for small-town New Zealand as well as for the local hospitality in these areas.
