Home Travel Blog

Leave Australia Behind: Your Guide to Taking a Short Break in New Zealand

Sometimes you need to get away, throw up your hands and live a little elsewhere, even if it’s for two to five days.

The land down under is expansive, beautiful, diverse and… well, home. You want to go on a short overseas jaunt, preferably somewhere spectacular, away from familiar streets and accents. But how easy is it? Friends and family say it’s quick to book online and yet, we come to another but – what if you don’t know where to start? Where to go? What to do? What should you see and what can you miss? How much should you pay for flights? Auckland or Christchurch? North or South?

We have the answers. We’ve listed what you need to know to secure the best short breaks to the great island nation of New Zealand with Relaxing Journeys.

Where Should You Go?

Only you can decide. The luscious north rolls off the tongue, tantalising those tastebuds with world-class wines and delighting your eyes in the nearby Rotorua – both locations are an easy, scenic drive from the northern capital of Auckland. Head south instead and channel your inner zen on the shores of Lake Tekapo or add a little adrenaline to your day with the Nevis Swing, just outside of Queenstown. If you’re uncertain about your holiday style or how to organise your itinerary, get in touch – we’re experts on all things New Zealand or Experience Auckland in 5 Days

Getting Around

Before you leave, let alone land, you need to nail down how you’ll navigate the rolling hills and lush valleys of your chosen destination. Hiring a car or camper doesn’t need to be difficult – we’ll help you simplify costs, pick-up, fuel allowance, extras and return. Get Going: New Zealand Self Drive Hire

What Should You Do

What you’ll do will be determined by where you’ve landed and what you like to do. Don’t let TripAdvisor be your only guide – speak to a New Zealand enthusiast about potential must-sees or any bucket-list entries you want to tick off. Maybe you’re a big Lord of the Rings fan or you’ve been dreaming of caverns of blue ice, identical to those found of the Franz Josef Glacier – there’s something for everybody in New Zealand.

What to Eat

New Zealand satisfies cravings with a cornucopia of dishes unique to the region. If you’ve elected Auckland as your short-break destination, make sure you sink your teeth into Tuatua, an indigenous shellfish, that may remind you of a creamier pippi. Or, if you feel like something a little homelier, take a deep-dive into Maori culture and have a hangi feast; the local people will bury a spread of chicken, pork, potatoes, sweet potato and other vegetables in an underground oven, cooking it all slowly for a number of hours. The result is mouth-watering.

Are you ready to get away from the grind? Speak to Relaxing Journeys today and line up a package to suit your needs