We know how hard our students work during the semester. So, by the time study break arrives, we all want to get out of town and relax on the beach. Well, not all of us. Some of us would prefer to put the pedal to the metal and take advantage of all of the adventure tourism New Zealand has to offer. New Zealand is absolutely full of great places to spend some time while you’re on break, but where is the best of the best? We go over five killer locations to spend a holiday!
Have a beach day (or two) in the Coromandel
The Coromandel peninsula is an otherworldly paradise full of white sand beaches, dramatic coastlines, native bush, and plenty of sun. Even better, it’s just a few hours from either Auckland, Hamilton, or Tauranga. So, where’s good?
Whangamata is one of the spiritual centres of New Zealand surfing and has great restaurants and bars. Just five minutes north from there, you’ll find Opoutere, a deserted, tree-lined beach which is a hidden gem. On the other side of the peninsula, the beautiful Pinnacles walk leaves from the Thames, and who could forget Cathedral Cove in Hahei—known worldwide since it was used as a filming location for the Chronicles of Narnia.
Wellington: A Capital experience
This one’s great for those doing a barista course, or anyone with a taste for culture and urbane living. While Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, Wellington is known as the cultural capital. It has a strong coffee culture, and while you’re there, make sure you try out a few of the many cafes the city has to offer. The restaurant and bar scene is also thriving, and the nightlife is considered the best in the country.
However, it’s not to say that Wellington doesn’t have anything in the way of natural beauty to offer. Taking a drive around the scenic south coast reveals a rugged and windswept landscape that is utterly captivating. At Red Rocks, you can even see seals. Closer to town, the walk up Mt. Victoria is a must, providing stunning views of the city and surrounds that will make you fall in love with the place.
Go thrillseeking in Queenstown
New Zealand has an international reputation as a country to visit if you’re seeking thrills. Adrenaline junkies unite, because Queenstown has everything you could ever want. This is not an exhaustive list, but here you can go: bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, white water rafting, ziplining, and much more. Whether you’re after that one experience you’ll remember for your whole life, or you’re trying to fit in as many as you can in the time you have, you’re sure to leave with that adventure itch well scratched.
Of course, Queenstown is more than just adventure tourism. It’s nestled right in the Southern Alps, New Zealand’s biggest and most dramatic mountain range. That means it’s an international snow sports and mountain biking destination, depending on the season. Even if you have no bike or skis, a hike up some of the mountains will do the trick. Try the Ben Lomond climb, located right next to town.
A volcanic experience
One of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in New Zealand has to be the central volcanic plateau. Dominated by the three volcanoes Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe, this twisted landscape was the filming location for Mordor in the Lord of the Rings for good reason. The Tongariro Crossing is New Zealand’s most famous hike and is a well-maintained trail suitable for anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness. Afterwards, relax in the natural hot springs in Tokaanu—some believe they have healing properties.
Just to the north of the mountains lies Lake Taupo, the largest in the country. The town of Taupo, on the north side of the lake, has accommodation, bars, restaurants, and everything else you could need on your getaway. While you’re there, consider checking out the mighty Huka Falls and the Craters of the Moon geothermal walkway for a lunar landscape of bubbling mud and geothermal vents.
Ready, willing, and Abel
Located just outside of Nelson is the Abel Tasman National Park, home to golden beaches and blue water that will make you feel like you’re in a dream. The park is most famous for the Abel Tasman track, one of New Zealand’s great walks. The coastal walkway takes between 3 to 5 days and is world-renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery and beaches.
Nearby are the towns of Takaka and Motueka. These places have an old-school hippie character, and many wandering travellers have blown in and stayed for years longer than they intended. Takaka is the gateway to Golden Bay, a true holiday destination of the finest kind. A shallow coastal area separated from the rest of the South Island by a sharp mountain range, you’ll enjoy Golden Bay’s rugged isolation as much as you enjoy its golden sand and shining seas.
Don’t have a study break to go on?
Study break is the best time of the year, but you don’t get one if you’re not studying. Crown Institute of Studies offers a variety of courses in New Zealand from tourism, to hospitality, to business and English language courses. With us, you’ll get work experience in the industry you choose while you study for your qualification, allowing you to go straight into work when you’re done. Contact us to enrol today and start your New Zealand adventure!
