New Zealand and Australia could open borders + 5 Things to Do on your Next Trip
Australians love New Zealand and the feeling is mutual, with both countries recognising the other as their number 1 inbound travellers. Scott Morrison and Jacinda Arden both want to relax border restrictions to create a Trans-Tasman bubble.
While domestic travel will return first, opening of the skies between the countries would be a huge boost in re-establishing the tourism industry for both sides. Cam Wallace, Chief Revenue Officer of Air New Zealand says there is ‘pent up demand” for travel between the two countries as they have about 20% of their available seats given to Trans-Tasman routes.
New Zealand is impossibly beautiful from the tip of the North Islands to the ruggedness of the South. Whether a robust hike is on your agenda, or relaxing wine tasting in a luxury chalet is more your style, here are some of our top activities to help you plan your next itinerary across the ditch:
While domestic travel will return first, opening of the skies between the countries would be a huge boost in re-establishing the tourism industry for both sides. Cam Wallace, Chief Revenue Officer of Air New Zealand says there is ‘pent up demand” for travel between the two countries as they have about 20% of their available seats given to Trans-Tasman routes.
New Zealand is impossibly beautiful from the tip of the North Islands to the ruggedness of the South. Whether a robust hike is on your agenda, or relaxing wine tasting in a luxury chalet is more your style, here are some of our top activities to help you plan your next itinerary across the ditch:
Knoll Ridge Chalet, Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa Ski Fields
1. Mountains
New Zealand hosts some of the world’s most majestic beauty with their sky-scraping peaks.
Whether short alpine walks like the Mount Cook village walk, or a spectacular multi-day hike is more your thing, New Zealand offers walks, drives and heli-tours over 23 skyscraping peaks.
Our Tips: Travel by gondola to Knoll Ridge Chalet at Whakapapa for an unmissable dining experience at New Zealand’s highest eatery, The Remarkables for ski-field views and Fiordland National Park for spectacular waterfalls.
Whether short alpine walks like the Mount Cook village walk, or a spectacular multi-day hike is more your thing, New Zealand offers walks, drives and heli-tours over 23 skyscraping peaks.
Our Tips: Travel by gondola to Knoll Ridge Chalet at Whakapapa for an unmissable dining experience at New Zealand’s highest eatery, The Remarkables for ski-field views and Fiordland National Park for spectacular waterfalls.
2. Great Walks
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Known world-wide for the diversity of its landscapes, New Zealand offers incredible walks. Adventuring through active volcanic regions, native rainforest bush and along mighty meandering rivers in the North Island. South Island’s scenic offerings extend to beech forests, secluded tussocks and majestic mountains.
We recommend tackling some of these great walks on your next trip Tongariro Circuit – either for a one day stroll or an extended 3-4 day hike with magnificent volcanic crater views, Abel Tasman Coast Track to enjoy golden sand beaches and Kepler Track for a choice of multi day hikes from lake shores, to mountaintops and even limestone cave viewing. |
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3. Beaches
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With over 15,000km of dramatic coastline, the 9th longest in the world, New Zealand sports secret beaches and endless freshwater swimming options. It seems that there’s a magical swimming spot at every corner you turn. However, we recommend ensuring a stop at one of the world’s most unique sandy beaches, Hot Water Beach. For two hours each side of low tide, you can find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Hire a spade from the local shop and dig your own spa pool in these natural springs for an experience not to be missed.
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4.Glaciers
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Amongst snowy peaks and green rainforest, there is no need to travel across the other side of the world to be awed by the natural phenomenon of a glacier as there are 3,144 to choose from in New Zealand. Most are located in the South Island, although Mount Ruapehu supports 18 glaciers just in its region.
The Tasman Glacier is the 2nd largest alpine glacier in the world and the largest in New Zealand with over 101km2 of mighty ice flow that is easily accessible. For heart stopping adventure, try a heli-tour over the world heritage wonder, Franz Josef Glacier, hike the easily accessible Fox Glacier and photograph Cook Glacier, to name just a few. |
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5. Wineries
Marlborough, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, is the largest wine producing region for the country. Home to over 500 growers of award-winning, exquisite Sauvignon Blanc wines, including Cloudy Bay, producing more than three-quarters of all New Zealand wines.
Easily accessible from Auckland, Waiheke Island is equally famous for it’s boutique wineries with daily cellar-door tastings (one of our favourites is Mudbrick Restaurant and Vineyard (if you have to choose just one!), as well as a range of exclusive accommodation options where you can sit back and enjoy the sunset over the beach, or book a whole house for your group.
Plannng your next trip? Check out all 11 wine regions of NZ here
Easily accessible from Auckland, Waiheke Island is equally famous for it’s boutique wineries with daily cellar-door tastings (one of our favourites is Mudbrick Restaurant and Vineyard (if you have to choose just one!), as well as a range of exclusive accommodation options where you can sit back and enjoy the sunset over the beach, or book a whole house for your group.
Plannng your next trip? Check out all 11 wine regions of NZ here