Top Things to Do in the Summer Holidays
The summer is here, which means it’s time for barbeques, soaking up the sun, diving into natural bathtubs, and getting our bare feet in the sand. In New Zealand, activities differ according to the seasons. Though New Zealand is an incredible destination to travel to at any time of the year, exploring in the peak summers of January is especially enjoyable. With school holidays in full swing, it’s also the busiest time of year to travel. So here are our top picks for things to do in the summer holidays; we know you will love them.
Must-do’s in Taupo this summer
Taupo lake, at the region’s centre, starts buzzing with boats, kayaks, swimmers, and water skiers during the summer holidays. Walkers and cyclists form a steady procession along the lakefront, and outside bar tables, restaurants, and cafes are packed with people chowing down on some good food.
Plunge across the Taupo Lake
Every summer holidays, participants swim 4.2 kilometres from Acacia Bay to Three Mile Bay in cold, fresh water. It is undoubtedly as refreshing as it sounds on a sizzling summer afternoon.
Taupo Summer Concert 2023
Hot and sunny summer conditions usually greet the artists and crowds alike. One of the most famous is the Taupo Summer Concert 2023, starring fantastic international acts at the Taupo amphitheatre. It will surely be an exciting event for all music lovers, bringing together some of the best musicians from around the world for a night of incredible music. Get lost in some of the best rock music in the recent past.
Orakei Korako: The Hidden Valley
Enjoy Ōrakei Korako’s vibrant shades of nature, a geothermal experience catered for the whole family. Orakei Korako means “The Glittering Place of Adorning” in Māori, and it is easy to see why. Set on Lake Ohakuri just outside Taupo, Orakei Korako is a volcanic world of geysers, bubbling mud, and hot springs.
Marvel at the power of water at the Huka Falls
A must-see feat of engineering, the Aratiatia Dam harnesses the energy of the mighty river to create hydroelectric power. Try to time your arrival for the gates opening – in summer; water is released at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm – to experience a calm stream turn into a raging torrent.
Go fishing at Huka Prawn Park
Huka Prawn Park is a one-of-a-kind attraction located on the banks of the Waikato River, just north of Lake Taupo. Take a guided tour through the nursery, hatchery, and hand-feed baby prawns, play on the aqua trikes, pedal boats, and stand-up paddle boards, fire off water cannons, explore the interactive adventure trail, and so much more!
Unwind in Taupo
After a hot summer afternoon in Taupo, shelter yourself in our lakeside Silver Fern Lodge to enjoy a beautiful sunset and charge yourself for the next adventure. We have plenty of rooms specially designed for 3 to 8 guests; no matter whom you are travelling with, we have ample space.
Summer Events in Auckland that you should attend.
Summers in Auckland are delightful, as most of us are just back from our holidays or are still enjoying them, and a lot is happening around the town. But there are a few things worth experiencing during summer, so we’ve decided to jot them down for you.
Waiheke Island
There is plenty to keep you busy on Waiheke Island, but what interests us the most is the Sculpture on the Gulf (SOTG) or the Matiatia Coastal Walkway. The SOTG walk includes sculptures along the beautiful Waiheke coastline and extends up into Oneroa Village and its surroundings. Explore the dramatic works touring through the heart and minds of eminent New Zealand artists.
New Zealand’s marine reserve Cape Rodney
Cape Rodney – Okakari Point, popularly known as Goat Island, north of Auckland, or the remarkable Poor Knights Islands in Northland, located in the Hauraki Gulf along the coast, are home a spectacular marine reserve ecosystem. The reserve offers the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots close to Auckland and is worth diving in.
Join the Auckland Lantern Festival
Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland; 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. The sign of the Rabbit is a symbol of long life, harmony, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. Running from February 2nd – 5th, the family-friendly event gives you a deep dive into Asian culture. It features handmade Chinese lanterns, along with dance performances, cultural music, and food stalls.
Go wild at Splore
Set in a beguiling bay on the shores of Tāpapakanga Regional Park, is a boutique music & arts festival like no other. Splore is a celebration of community with a strong ethos of mindfulness, kindness, and joy. People gather to dance to the sounds of some of the world’s best musicians, camp under the stars, and partake in a performance art extravaganza.
Needing a place to stay while you’re visiting Auckland?
VR Hotels and Resorts, located throughout Auckland CBD and near the airport, makes it the obvious choice for an Auckland city hotel, motel, or serviced apartment. All of our hotels have different perks, The Quadrant Auckland Hotels & Suites provide you with luxury right in the city centre, whereas Auckland Airport Hotel and Motel make your transits quick and easy. Discover our Auckland accommodation options for your summer holidays and enjoy a 20% discount on your stay in the Auckland CBD from 15th Dec to 15th Jan 2023 with the code AKL20. Our defining promise is to make you feel at ease in our Auckland accommodation.
Queenstown summer adventures
The most exciting things to do in Queenstown in summer make it an adventure playground where visitors can enjoy both a relaxing and thrilling summer vacation. Consider scenic hikes to Bob’s peak and lakeside attractions such as horseback riding, ziplining, jet boating, and a majestic boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, to name a few. Enjoy summers on a cruise to the Milford Sounds and get lost in the beauty of this picture-perfect paradise.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view from Bob’s Peak
Bob’s Peak offer a spectacular 220-degree panoramic view 500 metres above Queenstown, with views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peaks, and, of course, Queenstown. Sip a beverage at the mountaintop café before choosing various exciting activities on offer, such as paragliding and luging.
Tour the beautiful network of cycle trails
Queenstown Trail, six themed trails, run 130 km around the region. Ride alongside Lake Wakatipu, work up an appetite on the climb to Arrowtown or wind your way through vineyards into Gibbston.
Eat al fresco and discover the legendary nightlife
Long southern summer evenings are the ideal excuse to stay out late, and Queenstown’s nightlife never disappoints. While watching the sunset over the lake, sip a sundowner at Atlas Beer Café or Perky’s Floating Bar. Then, after a nightcap, go out for live music and dancing in one of the many friendly pubs and bars.
Experience the falls with whitewater rafting
Get up close and personal with two of New Zealand’s most famous rivers on a whitewater rafting trip. Whitewater rafting on Queenstown’s famous Shotover River is only advised for those seeking additional excitement and thrills. As you conquer the wild and untamed Shotover River and take in the rugged beauty of Skippers Canyon, you will float through majestic mountain scenery and lofty rocky canyons.
Our Queenstown hotels, motels, and apartments in the heart of the action will give you luxury for less to suit every budget and every type of traveller, whether it’s for a family getaway, romantic staycation, or to just explore the New Zealand’s adventure capital. Though most hotels have good views of Queenstown’s beauty, it’s worth trying out VR Lofts Apartments and Lakefront Apartments & Lodges.
All our VR Hotels are centrally located, making them easily accessible. The rooms are individually decorated, equipped with the necessary amenities, and have an elegant atmosphere.