Discover ten long weekend destinations that would cater to your various tastes.
New Zealand boasts some of the best sceneries in the world. If you’re searching for a long weekend getaway, you can choose from the pristine beaches to the top class mountains. In this guide, you’ll discover ten-weekend destinations that would cater to your various tastes.
Tauranga – Best Beach Break
The Tauranga beach, located close to Mt Maunganui, is loved for its white-sand beaches. You’ll find something to enjoy in the Bay area. Here, you’ll find a great variety of fishing spots, paddle zones, and shops. It is an ideal place for a long weekend trip with family and friends.
Catlins Coast – Best for Hikers
The Catlins is located between Kaka Point and Fort Rose next to Invercargill in southwest New Zealand. If you love kayaking, forest hikes, and horse riding, this is your ideal place. You can also do eco-tours on Curio Bay. The Catlins are still unexploited, and a visit there would be worth your while.
Waiheke – Best for Digital Detox
Waiheke Island was designed for people who want a digital break. On the island, you’ll find boutique hotels, luxuriant wineries, and world-class restaurants. If you want to cycle around, you can hire bikes from local shops. Visitors enjoy local burgundy, olives, and other delicacies. If you need a digital detox, Waiheke would be your ideal destination.
Te Anau – Best for Photography
Te Anau is a perfect weekend getaway location for individuals who love picturesque sceneries. On this destination, you’ll travel around the Milford Sound, Kepler Track, and Glowworm Caves. Even for people who prefer staying in their hotel rooms, the cottages just about the lake presents some of the most stunning views you’ve ever seen.
Kerikeri – Best for Escaping the Daily Hustle And Bustle
Kerikeri is not your ideal destination if you are looking for adventure. Here, visitors bask in the serene appeal of cottages, countryside taverns, and the coast. You can journey down memory lane at the Kemp House- New Zealand’s oldest European structure built in 1821.
West Coast – Best for Visitors Who’ve Seen It All
If you think you’ve seen everything New Zealand has to offer, then you should visit the west coast. In this South Island’s jagged west coast, travelers explore glaciers, go for hikes or relax on the beaches as they enjoy the paranormal rock formations. You can venture further into the Pancake Rocks and Gemstone Beach to find out some New Zealand corners.
Coromandel Coast – Best for Romantic Trips
If you’re looking for a special location to spend quality time with your loved one, then the Coromandel Coast should be in your bucket list. The coast is stunning, and a lot of the bays have restricted access. Here, you’ll enjoy long walks on the private beaches and bays.
Wellington – Best for Foodies
Even though Wellington has some of the most beautiful bike tracks and walks down the coast, the real fun is in the food. There are restaurants and cafes lined up on Cuba Street and Courtenay Place, offering every cuisine you can think of. You’ll find fried chicken, Indonesian nasi goring, among other treats. If you are a foodie, Wellington will give you an unmatched experience.
Queenstown – Best for Adventure
When you take a trip to Queenstown, you can stay in the city and join the social crowd, or if you crave some adventure, you can take a short ride to the neighborhood. You’ll find Bob’s Cove nearby where you’ll find tramps, creeks and the other southern lakes.
Oakura –Best for Surfing
If you are a surfing enthusiast, you’ll love Oakura, a little surf township on North Island. It is next to Raglan, a popular destination for the real wave riders. You’ll also love the creativity of the coastal dwellers. Visitors spend their mornings sampling stuff at cafes and small boutiques. You can also explore Mount Taranaki on foot or the charming Forgotten World Highway drive.
