Book NZ Bus Hire To Explore These Summer Destinations!
New Zealand is certainly one of the most fascinating holiday destinations in the world, with plenty on offer right through the year. As a developed nation, the impeccable tourism industry and flawless infrastructure cater to thousands of visitors from all across the globe. It’s an ideal blend of striking natural beauty, which has remained untouched following the structural developments. Even though it’s tourist-friendly throughout the year, New Zealand is a relaxing haven in summer. Let us take a look at some of the best summer spots in the country, which you can easily access by booking NZ bus hire.
The Bay Of Islands
Situated in Northland, the Bay of Islands holds a significant position in the history of New Zealand, apart from being a fantastic seaside resort for a summer getaway. This is the spot where the Waitangi Treaty was endorsed, and the early European settlers traversed through the Bay of Islands to enter New Zealand. The best option to explore the deserted islands is by a boat, since there are no inhabitants in the surrounding region. During the summer time, the most popular spot here is the Paihia Beach, which has cafes, restaurants and bars to keep you full throughout the day.
Queenstown
Located towards the south-west of the New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is a resort town renowned for adventure sports, with the most popular being bungee jumping. Summer is a good time to explore the region’s vineyards, lakes and glaciers, as you pass through the historic mining towns. With an extensive list of adrenaline-fuelled activities both on land and water, the town has all the ingredients of an ideal summer destination for friends and families.
Raglan Harbour
Located 48 km from the city of Hamilton, Raglan Harbour sits nicely in a small beachside town of Raglan, and is known as the best surfing spot in the country for the breaks in Indicators, Manu Bay and Vortex Bay. It also houses some of the best left handed breaks, you won’t find anywhere else. In the nearby regions, a community township has grown up with plenty of dining and wining options. But if you are looking for a peaceful summer experience, rent yourself a cottage near one of the cliffs or bays.
Hanmer Springs
Popularly renowned for its stunning landscapes and natural rock pools, the Hanmer Springs in Canterbury is a scenic alpine village, hardly a 90-minute drive from the city of Christchurch. The resort town is an attractive summer holiday destination for indulgence, adventure and relaxation. The main streets of the town are filled with cafes and boutique shops, along with towering forests and dramatic mountains bordering the area. Immerse yourself in the exotic beauty of Hanmer as you undertake adventure activities including jet boating, bungy jumping, horse trekking, mountain biking and forest hiking. Try a leisure round of golf, once you lose your breath!
Mount Maunganui
Occupying the peninsula at the southern end of Tauranga Harbour, The Mount Maunganui is a relaxed beach town, which was once a volcanic region. It’s basically a massive sandbar with a fabulous surf beach on the ocean side and a sheltered bay on the harbour side. Mauao is a distinctive peak at the summit of the peninsula, with different tracks leading to the same. It can be a challenging climb during the dry summers, but panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Harbour is worth the sweat. Board some game fishing boats to grab some meat or head towards the McClaren Falls for inland swimming pools.
Kaikoura
Two and a half hours drive from the city of Christchurch, Kaikoura in Canterbury is a perfect base for wildlife experiences. In terms of Maori language, ‘Kai’ refers to food and ‘koura’ refers to crayfish. With a truly spectacular environment, the village of Kaikoura is caught between the Pacific Ocean and jagged Seaward Kaikoura Range. Apart from the seafood, the key highlight of this place is an opportunity to encounter dolphins, fur seals and whales living in the coastal waters. It’s always entertaining to watch a seal colony, or spot humpback whales, if you are lucky enough.
Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
Located in West Auckland, the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is one of the most visited natural treasures in New Zealand, with an extensive stretch of coastline and native rainforest spread across an area of 16,000 hectares. This is a place where jagged black sand surfing beaches, blooming native wildlife and pristine bushlands come together to make you feel out of the world. The ranges are surrounded by stunning scenery, with over 250 kms of walking trails that you can explore on foot. The key highlights of the region include:
- Massive cliff-top gannet colony at Muriwai Beach
- The miraculous Fairy Falls and Kitekite falls where you can canyoe deep into the forest, gliding down a huge set of cascading waterfalls
- Numerous walking trails and tracks to suit all abilities. The 4-day Hillary Trail Tramp is the most popular one in the region
- The dramatically popular black sand beaches of the Bethells, Muriwai and Piha
Arrowtown
Known to be the best old-fashioned charming town in New Zealand, Arrowtown is enclosed beautifully between Queenstown and Wanaka. What once used to be a historic gold mining town is now a picturesque beauty with vintage mining sites and restored cottages. It was during the Otago gold rush in 1862 that the town was established, with a Chinese settlement at the edge of the Arrow River.
The entire region is something like a Victorian-era paradise, with the vibes of being an ideal tourist place in summer time. An eclectic mix of cobbled laneways, award-winning restaurants, cafes, traditional pubs, designer boutiques and galleries make it a must-visit for anyone travelling to New Zealand. Along with a preserved Chinese community on one end, there is a famous museum, which serves as a tribute to gold diggers of the past.
If you are travelling in a group to any of these summer destinations in New Zealand, hire a bus in NZ for a comfortable and convenient group ride at a reasonable cost!