There's nowhere better than New Zealand in summer. Everyone is outside making the most of the long, warm summer days. Whether it's relaxing on the beach, going for a hike or escaping the summer heat with an ice-cream under a big shady tree, the summer-time has a special place in everyone's heart.
Here are our top tips for summer travel.
1. Stock up on supplies
With a vibrant shopping centre, Christchurch is the perfect place to swap your sneakers for sandals, your jeans for shorts and grab a bathing suit. Famed for outdoor activities, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stock up on summer sports equipment for everyone (cricket at the beach, anyone?).
2. Summer star gazing
Can't sleep on a hot night? Step out of your camper and gaze up at the majestic sky over Lake Tekapo. We guarantee the sky here will blow your mind. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the world's largest such reserve, the first in the southern hemisphere and is a recognition of the pristine skies of the Mackenzie which are essentially completely free of light pollution
3. Go jump in a lake
With views dominated by Mount Cook and amazing turquoise waters, cooling off in Lake Pukaki will be one of the incredible lakes you'll ever have the pleasure of splashing around in. Hobbit fans will be excited to be standing in the location of 'Lake Town' from the desolation of smaug.
4. Grab an ice cream and chill out
Food, glorious food – it's all around you in Wanaka. The vibrancy of local fresh food is reflected everywhere you go, so make the most of it – grab an ice cream, walk down to the lake and relax under a big shady tree. Wanaka is also home to 750kms of tracks, you can also walk/bike until your hearts content.
5. Get your adrenaline pumping
Home to the latest and greatest adventure activities, Queenstown has adrenaline activities for every thrill seeker. Go bungy jumping, white-water rafting, river surfing, canyon swinging or get your thrills on a jet boat. Queenstown has it all!
