Looking for travel ideas after Pandemic? Let’s make the absolute most of your weekend by going on a weekend getaway to one of New Zealand’s beautiful city destinations. Experience the beachside, the ocean and the scenic coastal landscape in the Coromandel Peninsula, explore the inland in and around Christchurch or enjoy a weekend escape to the capital city Wellington. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway away from the hustle and bustle, quality time with the family at a holiday park or a weekend to explore the best of New Zealand, your weekend escape is sorted!
We have wrapped up the very best things to do on your weekend getaway, which destinations to visit, where to eat and where to stay. Eat, explore and sleep. That’s what weekends are for! Read along!
1. Weekend getaway from Auckland
Photo via The Coromandel
The Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend getaway in New Zealand’s North Island. It is one of New Zealand’s many popular holiday destinations and it’s a haven if you are looking for a getaway outside the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Just imagine the sound of the ocean, the soft sand underneath your bare feet and the sunset in the distance. The destination is an absolute must-visit whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or quality time with the whole family.
Visit Hot Water Beach that presents a landscape and natural wonder like nowhere else in New Zealand. The place is not only a geographical phenomenon with hot volcanic water seeping through the sand on the beach, but it is also a place full of history of Aotearoa and ancient Maori Pa sites. Hot Water Beach offers a wide range of activities for all age groups. We recommend the spectacular 45-minute coastal walk from Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove. Or walk the Pinnacles, cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail, discover the Lost Springs, visit Karangahake Gorge or enjoy a unique train ride at Driving Creek Railway. You will also find many great restaurants and cafés to explore in the area such as dinner at the Pepper Tree Restaurant or breakfast at Hot Waves Cafe.
If you are looking for accommodation while visiting the Coromandel Peninsula. TOP 10 Holiday Parks offer various types of accommodation at Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park and Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park.
2.Weekend getaway from Christchurch
Photo via TOP 10 Holiday Parks
Christchurch in the Canterbury region is the South Island’s largest city. It is a unique destination for a romantic Christchurch weekend getaway, combining natural beauty with heritage, culture and a variety of things to explore. Expect street art, a bustling hospitality scene and wonderful natural scenery.
For your weekend getaway, we recommend visiting the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to discover flowering gardens, native trees and blooms, head to the Bridge of Remembrance War Memorial, relax at Sumner Beach and visit Godley Head. Or jump on the Christchurch Heritage Tram for a guided journey across the city or enjoy some shopping at the heritage New Regent Street full of beautiful Spanish Mission architecture. Explore Greater Christchurch and visit the French town of Akaroa, explore Waipara Wine Region and Waipara Valley. Escape to Hanmer Springs for a thermal soak or north to Kaikoura to encounter the local wildlife. Jump on the amazing train ride TranzAlpine to discover the beauty of the South Island. Enjoy a hearty, flavoursome meal at Twenty Seven Steps or a romantic dinner at the Japanese Tomi restaurant. For breakfast, visit Hello Sunday or if you are travelling by campervan or caravan, cook up your own delicious breakfast.
For your weekend getaway accommodation, experience Christchurch Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park close to the CBD and the beach; Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park on the Bank’s Peninsula; Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park on the east coast or Hanmer Spring accommodation at our Superior Park Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park.
3. Weekend getaway from Wellington
Photo via Relaxing Journey
Wellington is situated on the Cook Strait, in the North Island’s southernmost point. There is so much to do in and around the coolest capital of Wellington, it’s a great destination for a little weekend getaway, no matter if you are looking to explore the surroundings of Wellington by car or campervan or explore the city.
If you want to discover the best of Wellington, we recommend riding the historic Wellington Cable Car, see native wildlife at Zealandia Ecosanctuary or Wellington Zoo, enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Mount Victoria, get behind the scenes at the world-famous movie-making at Weta Workshop, visit the amazing Te Papa museum, explore Cuba street for a delicious meal or hike the Skyline Walkway for a scenic view of the city. If you are looking to explore Greater Wellington, enjoy a winery tour in Martinborough, explore Castle Beach, discover the breathtaking Putangirua Pinnacles or the Castlepoint Lighthouse. For the adventurous, experience the Paekakariki trail or the Remutaka Forest Park. Wellington is known for its huge food scene, so whether you are looking for cheap eats or something a little fancier, we recommend visiting La Boca Loca for a Mexican dinner, The Chippery for a delicious serve of Fish and Chips or breakfast at Fidel’s Cafe. No matter what you decide to do in Wellington, you are guaranteed to have a good time. The Wellington region has something for everyone.
TOP 10 Holiday Parks offer accommodation in and around Wellington. Not far from central Wellington, you will find Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park that offers campsites, cabins, units and motel rooms with all the amenities guests need for a relaxing stay. In Greater Wellington, guests can enjoy Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park.
All TOP 10 Holiday Parks offer a variety of accommodation options from campsites, motel rooms, cabins, villas and glamping. Plan your post-pandemic weekend Getaways with us and we will show you around beautiful New Zealand. Also read our lockdown ideas if you are staying at home.