Holidays close to home

The scenic route 

If you can’t remember the last time you were down in Central Otago or over on the East Cape, pack the car and sort the playlist – it’s high time for a road trip. 

Classic New Zealand Wine Trail 

Route: Auckland to Marlborough via Wellington 

Highlights: Vineyards, gourmet dining, coastal scenery 

Perfect for vino fans, this culinary journey takes you through some of the country’s premier wine regions. Starting in Auckland, travel south, passing through the lush vineyards of Hawke‘s Bay, Wairarapa and Marlborough. Indulge in wine tastings, explore charming towns and enjoy stunning coastal views along the way. 

Piopiotahi Highway: Fiordland 

Route: Te Anau to Milford Sound 

Highlights: Fiordland National Park, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel 

Starting in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, this route takes you through lush forests, past serene lakes and over rugged mountains. Of course, must-see stops along the way include the reflective Mirror Lakes, the awe-inspiring Homer Tunnel and iconic Milford Sound with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. 

Pacific Coast Highway: East Cape 

Route: Whakatāne to Gisborne via East Cape 

Highlights: Remote beaches, Māori heritage sites, coastal vistas 

Explore the beauty of the East Cape on the Pacific Coast Highway. Kicking off in Whakatāne, this route takes you along rugged coastlines, past secluded bays and through small communities rich in Māori culture. Visit the East Cape Lighthouse, the most easterly point on mainland New Zealand, and catch the first sunrise before heading to Gisborne, famous for its wineries and surf beaches. 

Otago Heritage Trail 

Route: Dunedin to Queenstown via Central Otago 

Highlights: Historic gold mining towns, vineyards, scenic railways 

Travel back in time on the Otago Heritage Trail, which weaves through the historic heart of Central Otago. Begin in Dunedin, then make your way to characterful Clyde and Cromwell to take in some of the area’s gold mining history. Along the way, be sure to visit a local vineyard or two to pick up some world-class pinot noir before arriving in Queenstown. If a classic train trip is more your vibe, take the Taieri Gorge Railway from Dunedin to Pukerangi for sweeping views of the stunning Otago landscape. 

Gold-standard snacks  

Whether you’re exploring up north or taking in the South Island scenery, keep these popular foodie pit stops on your radar. 

Black Peak Gelato, Wānaka 

With an ever-evolving menu, this small lakeside store churns out everything from creamy classics and zesty fruit sorbets to more unusual options like whisky or Coca-Cola flavoured gelato. If an extra-large waffle cone isn’t enough, it also does take-home tubs to stock up the chilly bin or bach freezer. 

Fairlie Bakehouse, South Canterbury 

It‘s not uncommon to see a queue out the door at this much-loved local favourite. The bakery has scooped a slew of awards and is best known for its gourmet pies, including flavours such as venison and cranberry, pork belly, Mackenzie lamb and salmon and bacon. Vegetarians, vegans and sweet tooths are well catered for too. 

The Craypot, Jackson Bay, West Coast 

Serving up whitebait patties, crayfish tails and succulent blue cod, this tiny waterfront café is a hit with seafood lovers. Surrounded by wildly beautiful West Coast scenery, you might even spot dolphins or penguins just a stone’s throw from your beachside table. 

The Smoking Barrel, Motueka 

This popular cafe started out with a focus on smoked meats, but lately, its become a destination for some of the country’s best doughnuts. There’s savoury versions stuffed with bacon and perfectly runny eggs, all manner of chocolate, caramel or creamy creations and even boozy options laced with bourbon or Baileys. The on-site baker pumps out hundreds each morning, but you need to be quick as they tend to sell out fast. 

Johnny Nation’s Chocolate Eclairs, Ohakune 

As a local icon that’s been operating for more than 70 years, it’s the giant chocolate eclairs that really put it on the map. Each morning, the shop is buzzing with visitors waiting to get their mitts on the creamy delicacies, and they often sell out pronto. If eclairs aren’t your thing, it also does  
a wide range of bakery classics such as custard squares and caramel slice. 

C’est Cheese, Featherston 

No trip to the Wairarapa is complete without a visit to this haven of all things fromage. It’s packed to the gunnels with one of the country’s biggest ranges of speciality cheeses alongside locally made favourites from The Drunken Nanny in nearby Martinborough and gooey creations from its own brand, Remutaka Pass Creamery. If you don’t fancy stinking out the car with stilton, it also has great cheese scones. 

Mangonui Fish Shop, Northland 

You can’t beat a feed of freshly caught fish and crispy chips, and when it comes with views like this, it‘s even better. Park up on the balcony and watch the boats bobbing along in picturesque Doubtless Bay, and if you have any room left over, it also does a good line in thickshakes and desserts. 

Sheffield Pies, Canterbury 

Whether you prefer your pies spicy, creamy or stuffed with lamb’s fry and bacon, you’ll find a hearty bite to suit all sorts at this ‘world famous’ store. For those who prefer a sweet treat, it also has fruit pastries, cakes and slices, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options. The award-winning bakery has been operating for 40 years and is so popular it has opened a second shop in nearby Oxford. 

Pooch-friendly getaways 

Can’t leave the fur baby? Here are some top picks if you’ve got a 4-legged family member in tow. Be sure to double-check the details with each place before you arrive – some spots only allow dogs under 20 kg, while others may include an extra fee for canine companions. 

QT Hotels (Wellington and Auckland) 

Located in the heart of the capital and at Auckland’s Viaduct, QT combines high-end hotel vibes with an arty flourish. Plus, the hotel offers a special “Pup Yeah!” package, which includes pet-friendly rooms equipped with dog beds, bowls and treats. 

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat (Kinloch, Queenstown) 

Just outside Queenstown, Kinloch Retreat is a boutique hotel by the lake, surrounded by stunning Queenstown scenery. The hotel welcomes pets in select rooms, making it perfect for long walks with your pooch. 

Scenic Hotel (Punakaiki, West Coast) 

Off to the West Coast with a canine companion? Scenic Hotel Punakaiki has dedicated dog-friendly rooms just metres from Punakaiki Beach and conveniently located on the ground floor. Wake up to ocean views and enjoy beachside strolls with your pet in this picturesque coastal settlement. 

Doubtless Bay Villas (Doubtless Bay, Northland) 

Situated in Cable Bay, Doubtless Bay Villas offers boutique accommodation with stunning waterfront views. It also has pet-friendly rooms so your pooch can relax with you while you unwind  
and soak up the scenery. 

Braemar Lodge and Spa  (Hanmer Springs, Canterbury) 

If you’re headed to Hanmer, your dog (or cat!) can join you in select suites at upscale Braemar Lodge. Located 10 minutes’ drive from Hanmer Springs village, the hotel has spacious rooms and picturesque mountain views, making it a relaxing spot for pets and humans alike. 

Creative pursuits 

Aotearoa New Zealand boasts a wealth of galleries and museums – don’t miss these top spots for an arty stopover this summer. 

Whanganui: Sarjeant Gallery 

Exhibition: Nō Konei – From Here 

Dates: 9 November 2024 – 11 May 2025 

After widespread renovations and a significant expansion, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery reopens with an ambitious exhibition featuring over 200 artworks. Spanning 4 centuries of European and New Zealand art history, the collection ranges from traditional gilt-framed paintings to contemporary multimedia pieces. 

Whangārei: Hundertwasser Art Centre 

The Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is an architectural gem – and 1 of only 2 buildings in the southern hemisphere designed by the renowned Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. An embodiment of Hundertwasser‘s visionary philosophy, the building rejects straight lines and uniformity, and features a forested roof to highlight its harmony with nature. 

New Plymouth: Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre  

You don’t have to be arty to be captivated by the unique kinetic sculptures of Len Lye, and the Govett-Brewster boasts the largest collection of the Kiwi visionary’s work. There’s also a revolving roster of exhibitions, including Lalaga: Le Hui Fono (2 November 2024 – 11 May 2025), which celebrates Pasifika artists from throughout Aotearoa and beyond. 

New Plymouth: Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre  

You don’t have to be arty to be captivated by the unique kinetic sculptures of Len Lye, and the Govett-Brewster boasts the largest collection of the Kiwi visionary’s work. There’s also a revolving roster of exhibitions, including Lalaga: Le Hui Fono (2 November 2024 – 11 May 2025), which celebrates Pasifika artists from throughout Aotearoa and beyond. 

Gore: Eastern Southland Gallery 

Discover the extensive John Money Collection, gifted by Baltimore-based expatriate New Zealand academic Dr John Money in 2003. Amassed over 50 years, the collection features a wide array of New Zealand, Australian, African and American artworks. The gallery also boasts one of the largest collections of works by acclaimed New Zealand contemporary artist Ralph Hotere. 

Nelson: Suter Art Gallery 

Exhibition: Stop Making Sense: Surrealist Legacies 

Dates: 19 October 2024 – 9 February 2025 

Weird and wonderful Surrealism is a major aspect of contemporary art, and you can see a slice of it for yourself this summer at Nelson’s Suter Art Gallery. The exhibition features 15 works from the Chartwell Collection alongside other striking pieces, and not understanding it is actually part of the point – the exhibition is all about exploring the bizarre, dreamlike and unexpected. 

Dunedin: Dunedin Public Art Gallery 

Exhibition: Rewilding 

Dates: 14 September 2024 – 28 February 2025 

One for the gardening fans, Rewilding looks at how artists explore gardens, the environment and the concept of nature prevailing over human intervention. From carefully clipped lawns to wild spaces and wilted flowers, the exhibition hints at how gardens represent broader social happenings of the time.