New Zealand Christmas Holidays

North Island

New Zealand’s North Island is famed for its volcanoes and thermal attractions, and Wai-O-Tapu is the perfect place to settle down in a natural hot spring and wash the UK Christmas blues away. Head out with a guide to explore the pathways around the large park, seeking out neon-coloured lakes, rippling muds pools and geysers that erupt like clockwork, as well as bubbling hot springs and fumaroles. For a culture hit, head to Aukland, otherwise known as the ‘City of Sails’, where you can dive into Maori sailing history on a cultural tour or keep rugby-lovers happy by heading to Eden Park for a glimpse of some of the most spectacular sporting performances in New Zealand. The sunshine and balmy temperatures on a New Zealand Christmas holiday make for perfect exploring conditions.

South Island

Windy Wellington is a great place to start when exploring the South Island on a New Zealand Christmas holiday. Hop aboard the funicular that takes you to the hills of Kelburn where you can enjoy breath-taking views over the city below or experience the famed coffee culture in a pretty little café in the centre of the city. If you’re keen to stretch your legs and get your blood pumping, don your boots and head out for a few days of hiking and kayaking in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park with an expert guide. Grab your binos and keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, dolphins and even penguins along the way. If the warm weather is making you feel a tad home sick, take the specially-adapted glacier truck (or even a helicopter if you’re feeling fancy) up onto Fox Glacier for panoramic views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.