It’s time to take a short break across the ditch!

Spring is (finally!) in the air so it’s time to shrug off those winter blues and start looking forward to some warmer weather (and remember – the jolly fat man with the smell of reindeer on his boots in only 15 Tuesday’s away!). 

If a dreary old winter has chilled you to the bone this year, maybe it’s time to start thinking about a short break to energise your spirit, clear your mind and put a great big smile on your dial. In our view there’s honestly no better holiday destination than a trip to New Zealand. 

From most Australian capitals and many large regional cities you’ll find pretty cheap flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with some locations also offering direct flights to Queenstown – so that NZ holiday might be a lot closer than you think!  

From the Eastern seaboard the flight time is under 4 hours so there isn’t really enough time to get bored and uncomfortable, even if you’re travelling on a budget airline. There is so much to see and do in the land of the long white cloud that we recommend spending as little as possible on your flights so you’ve got extra to spend when you hit the ground. 

Wondering what to do when you get there?  This is what’s on the top of our NZ holiday to do list: 

The Bay of Islands 

Known for its’ stunning beauty, the Bay of Islands is a 3-hour drive north of Auckland and encompasses 144 islands and a number of boutique towns. It’s a sub-tropical marine adventure playground that will fill your short break with some amazing sights and experiences. 

Auckland 

Auckland is NZ’s largest city and is based around 2 harbours. It is home to extinct volcanos, seaside promenades, super yachts and an eclectic mix of laid back and fine dining restaurants. Don’t forget to take a few trips out on the spectacular Hauraki Gulf, and drop in to some of the wineries on the ever-popular Waiheke Island. 

Coromandel Peninsula 

The Coromandel is one of NZ’s favourite holiday destinations, and is an easy 90-minute drive from Auckland. Combining native rainforest with alluring white sandy beaches, it’s rustic, pristine and peaceful. Make sure you check out Hot Water Beach as well as Cathedral Cove - a place that is full of meaning and history to its Maori guardians. 

Wellington 

Wellington is the capital of NZ but be warned – it’s not called “Windy Wellington” for nothing. Strong winds often blow up from Cook Strait but this gem of a city is definitely worth a visit for its foodie culture, coffee and craft beer as well as its dynamic film and theatre scene. The Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongawera is a highlight and includes the ground-breaking exhibition Gallipoli: The scale of our war, that tells the story of the Gallipoli campaign in World War I through the eyes and words of eight ordinary New Zealanders. And its definitely worth investing some time visiting 'Middle-earth' on a half-day 'The Lord of the Rings' tour from Wellington. 

Christchurch 

Almost a decade ago, severe earthquakes rocked the beautiful city of Christchurch but it has rebuilt itself and is just as good as it ever was. Known for its beautiful parks and gardens, Christchurch is the perfect place for a spring vacation and has a wide range of things to see and do within an easy drive from the heart of the city. 

Queenstown 

Queenstown is called the adventure capital of the world for good reason and you can’t tick NZ off your bucket list until you’ve tried at least one adrenalin-pumping activity in this winter wonderland that’s perfect all year round. Choose from bungy jumping, white water rafting, canyon swinging or taking a spin in a jet boat through the spectacular Shotover River - you’ll never be short on options in Queenstown! 

Getting there 

If heading off across the ditch for a short break sounds like a good idea but you’re a little short on cash, then we’re here to help. Just check out our flexible mini-loans to 5K to see how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, we can usually deposit the cash into your bank account within a few hours - so you can start chatting to your travel agent today!