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How to do a New Zealand Winter better than everyone else

With everything from mountains to lakes, forests to fields, and every season happening all at the same time, New Zealand is like Australia’s ‘Girl Next Door’.  Beautiful, exciting, and gets […]

With everything from mountains to lakes, forests to fields, and every season happening all at the same time, New Zealand is like Australia’s ‘Girl Next Door’.  Beautiful, exciting, and gets your blood pumping like crazy!

But are you sick of the same old pics that everyone takes when travellers cross the Tasman? It’s time to discover some of the lesser known gems that New Zealand is home to. It doesn’t matter who you are, how big your family is or what budget you have, there are unique experiences for every type of traveller to enjoy. 

Would you like to explore the thermal pools in Rotorua, perhaps skydive over Mount Doom, or witness the beautiful landscape of the North Island? If these activities are on your list, then do yourself a favour and read on to discover the BEST parts of New Zealand. 

 

AUCKLAND

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Only 3 hours from us and with a climate on par with Sydney, it’s a city without rival. You can bungee jump off a bridge in the morning and spend the afternoon sipping wine on Waiheke. You can surf a black sand beach the next morning, and that afternoon climb Mount Eden or one of the gazillion extinct volcanoes (there’s 48 of them).

With enough photo stops to satisfy any tourist with a telescopic lens, Auckland really is the perfect place to start and end a trip.

 

POLYNESIAN SPA

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Learn how to relax in the North Islands very own Geothermal springs. Just outside of Rotorua, they’re an easy 3 hour drive from Auckland.

With 2 springs feeding 28 pools ranging from adults only pools to family friendly ones, there’s something to fit everyone. 

 

THE GONDOLA AT SKYLINE ROTORUA

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New Zealand really does have some absolutely amazing views, and Rotorua has the best of them! Locally known as Rotovegas, its home to an epic Gondola.

With all the exciting bits and bobs when you get to the top (think luges, zip lines, star-gazing, sky swings and dining), the Gondola in Rotorua is one of the best, and a great way to get a 360-degree view of the beautiful city.

 

TAUPO

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Had to give Taupo its own little heading because there’s SO MUCH to do in this little lakeside town for type of traveller and budget, check this out:

Skydive Taupo – Look out over the Winter Wonderland from 15,000 feet! Closer to the sun should be warmer… right?

Huka Falls Jet boating – This isn’t your standard jet boat through a canyon…. this thing gets up close and personal with the Huka Falls! The water might be cold as it sprays you, but you won’t notice with the adrenaline running through your body.

Tongariro river rafting – Adding beautiful scenery to the adventure of white water rafting, the Tongariro park just outside of Taupo is the perfect place to get another adrenaline hit!

Mine Bay Maori rock carvings – A giant tattooed face carved into the side of a cliff, only accessible by water. This secret little spiritual hideaway is a must see.

 

FORGOTTEN WORLD ADVENTURES

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The North Islands best kept secret.

Imagine yourself on a golf cart… now put that golf cart on a train track… now run that train track through the middle of New Zealand’s colonial history.

Experience everything from the local Maori culture through to the more modern history of the area. With expeditions ranging from 5 hours up to 2 days, Rail Cart Tours have something for everyone who’s looking to get off the beaten track!

And there you have it folks, winter in New Zealand in an amazing, action and culture packed nutshell. A step-by-step guide to be better than your friends and family in New Zealand.

 

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Struggling to work out how all this is going to fit into an amazing adventure? Jump on the phone and call Qantas Holidays, 13 27 87, every bolded section above is half a day! Half a day in Auckland exploring the city, half a day bungy jumping, so on and so on.

Discovering New Zealand’s hot spots is EASY when you hit up the North Island with Qantas Holidays, and what’s more is Qantas Holidays Winter North Island packages on sale until 22nd February 2019! so what are you waiting for? Check out the below to see how you can get yourself there and take advantage of this offer! 

 

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Written by KARRYON contributor Bob Baddams

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