After three and a half months of lockdown and restrictions for Aucklanders, plenty of our best laid travel plans have been kicked to the curb with six in 10 (60%) Kiwi travellers admitting they didn’t realise how important travel was to their wellbeing until it was no longer an option.
Whether you had planned on jumping across the ditch, kicking your feet up on a tropical island getaway or simply flying from the North Island to the South (WILD, we know), Delta very firmly stopped our plans in their tracks. But with 15 December bringing travel freedom we’ve now got some time on our hands (and money burning a hole in our wallets) to think of all the revenge spending we can do once freedom arrives.
And what better way than planning a luxurious getaway to look forward to? A recent study revealed the majority (82%) of Kiwis find having a holiday planned has a positive impact on their emotional wellbeing. So what are you waiting for?
To help get you started, Booking.com has picked out five of the best trips you can take around New Zealand this summer, so you can show Covid and lockdown the finger!
Sip your way through Hawke’s Bay
There is no such thing as spending too much money on wine, and after countless weeks of enjoying it on your lonesome at your house, it’s time to gather the girls for the ultimate revenge spend trip to the Hawke’s Bay. Indulge in endless delicious platters, get your gram on in the gorgeous vineyards and sip some of New Zealand’s finest wines.
And why stop there? Splurge on your girls weekend digs and stay at the Beautiful Beach Townhouse in Napier, just a short walk to the nearby beach and a 10-minute taxi ride to some of the finest wineries including Mission Estate and Church Road.
Pretend you’re famous in the North
We’ve all seen the magazines when famous celebrities come to little old Aotearoa and stay at boujee resorts or private estates, so why not treat yourself to a once in a lifetime celeb-inspired trip? Head up to beautiful Northland and book yourself a stay at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs.
Located on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, this luxurious accommodation offers 180-degree ocean views, 3 private beaches, an 18-hole golf course and 2 tennis courts. Did we mention the infinity pool with a spa pool and a day spa? If you really want to get the best revenge on the pandemic for spoiling your holidays, why not spoil yourself with this luxury getaway.
Escape to the scenic South for a luxury weekend
We know you’ve probably done the Queenstown trip a few times already but hear us out, because it’s time to do the Queenstown trip again but this time with a little more sparkle. Say yes to those wineries, splash out on the swanky hotel and yes, you do need to fork out for a scenic chopper ride because revenge is best served aboard a private helicopter whisking you over snowy mountains with unbeatable views. If you’re looking for hotel inspiration, we highly recommend The Spire Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel right in the heart of Queenstown.
Outdoor escape to Rotovegas
Even if you’re not the outdoors type, most Aucklanders will have been cooped up in their own 5km radius for so long that they’ll be dying to stretch those legs anywhere that isn’t the 09. And where better for an outdoor escape than the adventure capital of Aotearoa, Rotorua.
After your outdoor fun, relax and unwind in the 5 star Pullman Rotorua. Just a short walk from the iconic Polynesian Spa, you can soak in the revitalising geothermal pools before making your way back to the hotel for delicious cocktails at the hotel’s Barrel & Co. restaurant and bar.
Soak up the arts and culture in Wellington
After what feels like months of your own home cooking and takeaways, it’s about time to dress up and experience the culinary wonders of Wellington. From Logan Brown to Hiakai, One80 to Atlas, the options are endless in our country’s Capital. If a whirlwind weekend of arts and culture is what you’re after, a visit to Te Papa should be top on your list before you cruise down the iconic Cuba Street.
If you want to feel like you’re staying in an art gallery, then book yourself into the QT Hotel with an eclectic collection of New Zealand art all over the hotel and playful patterns adorning the walls of each room.
Main image courtesy of The Spire Hotel
