Best NZ Christmas holiday destinations
It’s almost time to get festive! The Christmas holidays are dashing towards us, and end of year plans (or lack thereof) are coming up quicker than we can say ‘Santa’.
Whether you need to be thinking about a local holiday within your regional borders or you’re able to travel a bit further, after the past few months, we’re all in need of a good Christmas break. In stunning NZ, we’re spoilt for choice for Summer holiday destinations, and we’ve gathered a few of our favourite spots to help take the stress out of the upcoming silly season for you.
Pending COVID-19 alert levels, all of our VR Hotels are open over the Christmas break, so let us take care of you! Plus, we even offer flexible dates when you book on our website, so if the unthinkable does happen and we can’t travel over the holidays, you can easily rebook for new dates or get a refund. Now that’s service!
Catch your breath at Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is the perfect holiday destination for you and your whānau this Christmas. With everything from wineries to bungy jumping, you’ll never run out of entertainment options for the whole family! Chase those thrills with Amuri Jet as you jet along the stunning Waiau Gorge, or rejuvenate at the excellent Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa with waterslides for the kids (big or small) and outdoor pools at a range of temperatures. Make a day of it and visit Hurunui, only a 45-minute drive from Hanmer Springs. You won’t want to pass up the beautiful landscapes, forest walks, and food & wine paradise that is Hurunui!
Set up base for your Christmas holiday at Hanmer Springs Retreat and experience luxury accommodation at the base of the Amuri Ranges. Our lodge-inspired property boasts luscious gardens and our onsite restaurant & bar, The Five Stags, is a local favourite! Gather all your loved ones for a delicious, fuss-free buffet lunch at The Five Stags on Christmas Day. Check out the decadent menu, it’s sure to get your stomach rumbling!
Take a break in Christchurch
Take your holidays down South to Christchurch and experience everything the beautiful Garden City has to offer. Take a stroll in the Botanic Gardens, home to a huge array of plant species – you won’t want to miss out on their Summer roses over the Christmas period. Explore life in Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre where you can visit the impressive storm room and say hello to some penguins. You’re bound to have a great day out with the whole family! Looking for a special weekend activity? Check out the Riccarton Sunday Market – NZ’s largest outdoor market that attracts up to 10,000 visitors per day! There’s so much to do in Christchurch, why wouldn’t you plan a Christmas getaway there?
Ready to book some accommodation in Christchurch for your Christmas stay? Stay right opposite Hagley Park at VR’s luxury hotel, Parkview on Hagley, and be right in the centre of it all. With stunning refurbished rooms and complimentary parking, you’ll be all set for a place to relax after catching up with the rellys!
Unwind in Taupō
Nothing says family bonding than hiking the Tongariro Crossing, the best one-day hike in Aotearoa! Stare in awe as you traverse across volcanic landscapes and climb steep slopes to astonishing viewpoints. If alpine adventure isn’t your thing, sunbathing by Australasia’s biggest freshwater lake, Lake Taupō, or enjoying a sunny River Float Tour might just hit the spot. Take a leap of faith and challenge your family and friends to the Taupō Bungy, NZ’s only cliff-top Bungy jump! Christmas is calling – take your holidays in Taupō, the heart of New Zealand.
Looking for quality, affordable Christmas accommodation in the lake city? Book your stay at the Silver Fern Lodge and stay in contemporary rooms only a few minutes’ walk to the lake! As your home away from home, Silver Fern Lodge is the perfect place to spend your Christmas holiday.
Relax in Rotorua
Rotorua is one of the activity centres in Aotearoa and an excellent holiday destination this Christmas! From adventure to leisure, Rotorua has you covered however you and your loved ones prefer to catch up. Soak in the world-famous Polynesian Spa with 28 mineral hot pools to relax in. Explore the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest by bike or by foot with 150km of well-maintained tracks. Take the family on the Skyline Gondola & Luge – make sure you stop in at the Jelly Bean Store at the top for some sweet goodies! No matter how you and your loved ones like to spend your Christmas holidays, Rotorua has something for everyone. See for yourself this Christmas!
How does staying in luxury accommodation on the banks of Lake Rotoiti this Christmas sound? Just 15 minutes away from the centre of Rotorua, VR Rotorua Lake Resort is the perfect base for your 2021 Christmas holiday. Dine at the resort with The Grill, take a stroll along the lakefront, or indulge at our pool, spa & sauna facilities while you make the most of your family time. Book your Rotorua stay with us at VR Rotorua Lake Resort today and have the Christmas holiday you’ve been waiting for!