Road Trips You Need to Try This Winter

Most people consider a roadie to be a Summer thing but boy are they wrong! New Zealand is the perfect place to have year round fun so whether you love the snow or you prefer a warm soak in a mineral pool, we have it all! With the borders still closed and many of our towns needing a little local love, now is the perfect time to start planning your Winter getaway.

 

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Rotorua

Rotorua is a tourist capital of NZ and there is something to do there all year long!

Book a day at the Polynesian spa and soak up the minerals in one of their hot pools – you can even book a private lake view one. Grab your bicycle and go mountain biking through the many beautiful tracks or if you are looking for some more thrilling, check out Rotorua’s Canopy tours where you can fly through native forest. For something that takes you from day-to-night, Skyline Rotorua’s gondola and luge experience is the perfect way to get a birds-eye view of the city.

Rotorua relies heavily on tourism so get your butt there and support local. Plus, it is always a fun time! 

Explore the local wineries

In winter, the vines will be barren but that doesn’t mean it isn’t the perfect time to explore all of our wonderful wineries.

Some are able to give you tours so you can learn more about how they make their wine and while you’re there, why not have a taste of their fave drop with a wine tasting? Central Otago offers their beautiful variety of reds while Marlborough is home to some of the land’s most famous white wines. For you Aucklanders, Waiheke is a must-visit when looking for wineries.

Most wineries you visit tend to have a restaurant, with plenty of indoor seating to keep you snug on the coldest days

 

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Tongariro

Tongariro is the perfect spot for any adventure junkie!

With the 19.4KM trek over the volcanic mountains, skiing or snowboarding at Mt Ruapehu just down the road and the waters of the Tongariro River rapids that provide one of nature’s finest, fun-filled rollercoaster rides. 

Stay in the national park at one of the many hostels and support the locals while pushing yourself to the limits!

This is a trip you won’t forget.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a bustling city in winter.

Whether you love the slopes of Cornet Park or The Remarkables, there’s plenty of things you can explore.

Queenstown offers thrill activities like bungy jumping, paragliding, or luge-ing. After the fun, you can grab a drink at the famous Ice Bar, and enjoy the nightlife. Or you can visit Onsen hot pools, which are famous for their incredible views and an unforgettable experience!

You can’t forget a little visit to the kiwi famous Fergburger, everyone and anyone goes here on their trip to Q-town.

 

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Cape Reinga

This roadie is just a must-do in every kiwis’ lifetime.

Head up to the most northern point of our country and see the pacific and Tasman sea merge together.

Visit the iconic lighthouse and check out the many walking tracks they have to offer. One of my favorite things to do is go sandboarding at Te Paki sand dunes, it’s thrilling, fun, and a little messy. If you have never sand-boarded before I’d definitely give it a try.

The sunsets here are to die for, and the locals are some of the nicest people around!

Kaikoura 

You have to check out the whales jumping and diving through the ocean. Many tours are offered so there is never a missed opportunity. Kaikoura is the only place in the world that you can see the amazing giant sperm whales IRL. Because peak winter is the time for migration, you might also be able to spot some other pretty cool species on your tour as well.

Kaikoura also offers some awesome attractions too like in infamous lavender fields and the coastal train where you can ride along the edge of the world.

SophiaWritten by Sophia Ivory

Curly hair and she don’t care, this stylish babe plays by her own rules. With a love for dance and all things body positive, you’ll usually find her searching out the latest fashion trends and digging through local thrift stores. Word of warning, don’t bring your dachshund around her, she’ll want to keep it.

Check out her Instagram for all things goals! @sophiaivory 

2022-07-11T11:49:06+12:00

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