As the new year draws closer, it’s time to make our new year resolutions and travelling, without a doubt, always ends up on that checklist. What better way to start planning for next year’s vacations than with these 6 amazing reasons to (finally) visit New Zealand in 2020?
1) Look To The Stars: The Pods at The Lindis, Southern Alps
Immerse yourself in nature by day and the sublime wonders of the Milky Way by night, snuggled in your private universe within the pristine Ahuriri Valley in New Zealand’s South Island. Many new accommodations in New Zealand are now turning towards a more sustainable approach in hospitality. They include the Night Sky Cottage, Park Hyatt Auckland and Sherwood Queenstown.
2) Live Like The Locals: Laidback Farm-Life Experiences
Meet the locals at home on a hosted farm experience with Ahika Journeys. Your hosts are experienced farmers, growers, producers, makers and creators who have lived, worked and cared for the land for generations. Relax with great wine and distillery tours, coastal adventures, premium food and laidback activities such as fishing during the day.
3) Give Back: Blue Penguin Conservation, Otago Peninsula
Tiny, cute and endangered – these little blue penguins are the stars of Kaitiaki Tautoko. It is an exclusive hands-on conservation experience where participants can embark on a guided tour to witness and learn about the protected native species from experienced guides. New Zealand is the ‘penguin kingdom’ with more penguin species and more accessible opportunities to see them than anywhere else in the world.
4) Sail Back In Time: Waka Adventures Tairawhiti, Eastland
Experience Māori culture and the renaissance of ancient voyaging and navigation with master mariner Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp, who has sailed the Pacific Ocean many times. Sailing out of Gisborne on a traditional Māori Waka Hourua, you will learn first-hand the ancient art of wayfinding that lead to the discovery of Aotearoa New Zealand around 1,000 years ago. Waka Adventures Tairawhiti embodies a new wave of authentic Maori culture products and experiences developing in New Zealand that combines travel with edutainment to provide newfound appreciation for Maori cultural heritage.
5) Multi-Gen Natural Relaxation: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Soak, slide or indulge naturally at Hanmer Springs, a popular all-ages family attraction and New Zealand’s largest alpine spa. Soak away your worries in naturally-heated mineral waters at five beautiful new bathing pools in a natural wooded riverside setting. Dive into the Conical Thrill tube and raft ride that launches you at 13.5m, traveling at high speed, dropping and climbing all the way to the finish. Hanmer Springs also offers other attractions in the form of excellent wineries, thrilling jetboat rides and bungee-jumping activities.
6) Camp Out On Holy Ground: Staydium Glamping at Eden Park
Cosy up for a romantic sleepover in New Zealand’s original Garden of Eden, otherwise known as Eden Park – the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby. Choose to watch either a rugby or cricket match in a well-appointed glamping dome overlooking the field or combine your stay with a ‘Haka on the Park’ behind-the-scenes experience and learn to do the famous pre-match activity on the celebrated turf.
