Here's how to experience New Zealand from a Kiwi's perspective.

New Zealanders have started embracing domestic tourism after spending years being trapped inside (and locked out).

In comparison to pre-COVID levels, Kiwis have spent an additional $1.1 billion on domestic travel, according to Sarah Handley, general manager of Tourism New Zealand in the Americas and Europe. "Over the past year, more than half had engaged in a novel tourism activity or traveled to a novel location."

A vacation to a nation with a radically different culture, like Thailand, or an "OE" (overseas experience) across Europe are typical examples of new experiences. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the limitations on foreign travel, New Zealanders have long preferred several regional locations.

The love of the land has never been more evident, whether it's traveling to pristine beaches, exploring the magnificent alpine peaks in the Southern Alps, or taking advantage of the low-key elegance that the remote area is famous for.

Here are some of the breathtaking locations in New Zealand that are still drawing residents.

Matakana

 

Think of it as New Zealand's equivalent of Napa Valley, but with beaches right nearby. It's only 45 minutes by car north of Auckland, and it's known for its distinctively Kiwi cuisine, including whitebait fritters, Manuka honey, Angus steak and rosemary pies, molten mellow puffs, and of course, excellent flat whites. The village is also home to local boutiques and an artisan farmers' market.

Beyond the settlement, Brick Bay is one of the most intriguing locations to reserve for lunch and wine tasting. It has an incredible sculpture path with 60 enormous works by New Zealand artists. A similar location that only recently opened is Sculptureum, which features six thematic galleries featuring modern artwork from all around the world and over a mile of sculpture gardens.

The region is also home to a large number of classic vineyards where you may taste locally produced wines while dining outdoors amidst gorgeous rural scenery. And for a day at the shore? Within ten minutes of the village are some of the prettiest white sand beaches, including Omaha (where many Aucklanders have second homes), Snell's Beach, Pakiri, and Tawharanui Regional Park. Goat Island, New Zealand's oldest designated marine reserve, is also nearby and a great site for kids to snorkel and take in the vibrant variety of marine life.

Queenstown

The majestic mountains are known as The Remarkables that cascade into the sapphire waters of Lake Wakitipu making Queenstown one of the most picturesque cities in the entire world. It's known as the country's adventure capital, and there are countless activities for thrill-seekers there, including skydiving from 15,000 feet into breathtaking alpine landscapes, bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge, paragliding around Coronet Peak, and jet boating along the Shotover River.

The best ski slopes in New Zealand are located there, therefore it is particularly crowded with skiers in the winter. And if you think Aspen's après-ski scene is good, wait till you visit Queenstown, which boasts a vibrant culinary scene, five-star hotels (including the renowned Eichardt's), chic cocktail lounges, upscale spas, and 75 wineries within a 20-minute drive. Additionally, there are some of the most prestigious golf clubs in the nation, contemporary art galleries, designer boutiques (including local shops and a gorgeous Louis Vuitton resort store), and more.

Traveling outside of the country is frequent for Kiwis because they typically have a car. One particularly well-liked day excursion is to the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown, which is dotted with shops and cafes. It is close to Millbrook Resort, where many New Zealanders hold real estate, and only requires 20 minutes to get there by automobile. Glenorchy, which can be reached by lake or land and offers wonderful walks, horse excursions, and the outstanding Blanket Bay, is another well-liked day trip from Queenstown. And locations that Instagram will always have geotagged photos of? Amisfield and the Onsen Hot Pools, which provide stunning views of snow-capped mountains, are the ideal locations for a leisurely, wine-soaked lunch.

Waiheke

Waiheke Island is a popular day trip for people who want to go away without truly getting away, and is only a 40-minute boat ride from the center of Auckland. The island is home to some of the most renowned vineyards in the area as well as beautiful rolling hills, golden sand beaches, and popular wedding and event locations.

The most picturesque wineries include Tantalus Estate, Mudbrick, Cable Bay, and Man O'War. There are also several wineries with top-notch restaurants, like The Shed at Te Motu and Poderi Crisci, which is known for its Sunday-long lunches. To ring in the New Year, some of the more rural wineries host music festivals modeled after Coachella, while Casita Miro offers live jazz performances throughout the entire season, drawing older crowds from all across the Hauraki Gulf.

On Waiheke, there are always activities that make for a chic day out, such as outdoor sculpture exhibitions, music festivals, and occasions that highlight the delectable food and wine of the island. Another draw for residents of Auckland? The stunning, family-friendly, and uncrowded beaches near the main township, include Palm Beach, Onetangi, and Oneroa. The Hamptons of New Zealand, this stunning island is high-end but low-key and ideal for a day of indulgence and leisure.
Island Bay

People from New Zealand who enjoy marine pursuits will feel right at home at The Bay of Islands. There are 144 islands in the glistening subtropical area between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, all of which are best explored by boat, therefore the name is rather literal.

Fishing, island hopping and sailing with dolphins, whales, and other wildlife are popular activities for visitors. It is a popular summer getaway for New Zealanders who live on the North Island and is a three-hour drive (or 35-minute flight) from Auckland. The region includes Russell, which served as the country's first capital, Paihia, and Kerikeri, all of which are close to the important historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Before that, the Duke of Marlborough, the nation's original pub, which opened in Russell in 1827 and is still a wildly popular place today, is where New Zealand's vibrant pub culture began.

Similar to many seaside communities in Europe, the coast is lined with yachts in the summer, and inhabitants come for extended vacations to enjoy the natural surroundings and laid-back lifestyle. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, one of only seven Relais & Chateaux properties in New Zealand, and Eagle's Nest are two particularly renowned hotels in the area that have won international praise.

Raglan

Raglan attracts surfers all year round because of its reliable waves and relaxed way of life. A tranquil beachfront community that has centered its identity on surf culture. You can feel the spirit as soon as you arrive thanks to the sidewalks lined with surfboards, boho shops, organic cafes, and energetic gastropubs playing reggae music. Raglan is the ideal location for Kiwis to live the #vanlife and enjoy the great outdoors on a budget. There are several campgrounds and vacation spots where folks may set up camp, cook outside, and have a few drinks before catching a wave the next day.

In recent years, glamping retreats have also proliferated; popular destinations for young couples include Nikau Sanctuary and The Round Tent, which provide luxurious yurts with outdoor spas and fire pits. Those who are expert surfers go to Manu Bay, whereas those who are just starting usually go to Ngarunui Beach. If you're interested in something less strenuous, you may hire paddleboards and kayaks or just relax on the beach and take in the view of the ancient limestone cliffs and black sand coastline from there. Local businesses like Raglan Surf School and Green Wave offer instruction. Before you depart, make sure to stop by Raglan Fish for a traditional Kiwi snack of fish and chips wrapped in newspaper.

Taupo

The largest lake in New Zealand, which is about the size of Singapore, is found in Taupo, which is situated in the center of the North Island between Auckland and Wellington. Huka Falls, the most popular natural landmark in the nation, is also located there. Here, water thunders through a small cleft at 220,000 liters per second, creating an amazing white and turquoise vortex. A renowned five-star luxury hotel called Huka Lodge is located along the same river (the Waikato), and among its many notable guests are Queen Elizabeth, Miuccia Prada, and Bill Gates. It's a highly praised getaway and a wonderful location to commemorate a significant occasion for many New Zealanders.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site with unearthly emerald lakes and red craters that can change a hiker's life, is another significant destination nearby. But Taupo attracts visitors more frequently because of its proximity to Mount Ruapehu, which is home to New Zealand's biggest commercial ski resort. And in the summer, New Zealanders who have purchased vacation houses there fill the nearby town of Kinloch, which is located on the northern side of Lake Taupo. In this region of the country, what is the ideal accessory? a speedboat for lakeside water skiing and trout fishing.

Hawthorne Bay

Hawke's Bay is a haven for those who enjoy the finest things in life; there are outstanding wineries, opulent resorts, beaches, golf courses, and stunning Art Deco buildings. It is the starting point of the well-known New Zealand Wine Trail and is home to a thriving hospitality industry, with The Farm at Cape Kidnappers at the forefront. Hawke's Bay is renowned among Kiwis for its exquisite wines and products, according to James Cavanaugh of Robertson Lodges, the parent company of The Farm. "The first location on earth to see the sun each day is another name for it. Setting an alarm for the ocean sunrises via sea mists or letting the local bird music wake you up in the morning is worthwhile." This absolutely lovely resort is well-liked for lengthy weekend getaways. People start on the Lake Waikaremoana walk, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, for more adventurous adventures in the area.