New Zealand may be a small country but it certainly isn’t short on heart-warming natural beauty, stunning scenery, and exciting experiences. Whilst there is plenty to do in the great outdoors, you will definitely want to relax at a comfortable address, before your next big adventure. Here are some of our suggestions for where to stay when visiting the popular cities in New Zealand.
Bay of Islands
We’re kicking off with one of New Zealand’s most popular summer destinations: Bay of Islands. About 200km above Auckland you can find some of the most stunning coastlines. It’s called Bay of Islands for a reason, and you can guess what that is With its location up north you are almost guaranteed nice weather here. Be aware that it will get crowded here during the summer holidays, so make sure to book your accommodation in advance.
Golden Bay
The Golden Bay area is a bit off the track, located above the Tasman Bay and the Abel Tasman National Park, but definitely worth a visit! Firstly, the scenic route takes you via Takaka up to the bay and you can find the most scenic lookouts along the way with beautiful waterfalls and the clearest springs you’ve ever seen.
Stay out of trouble on Hot Water Beach
The name says it all – dig into the sand of this beach in Mercury Bay and be treated to gloriously hot water welling up from underground hot springs. Make a big enough hole and you’ve got yourself a geothermal bath.
Fall for Huka Falls
This series of waterfalls on the Waikato River offers both brilliantly blue and dramatically crashing waters, narrowing to a canyon just 15 meters across. A tourist bridge here is a great spot to appreciate it all.
Go canyoning in Auckland
Outside of the city, you’ll find some incredible landscapes, including rivers, canyons, and waterfalls. What better way to explore them than abseiling down them? It’s only a little bit scary, we promise.