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Queenstown in Autumn. © Joel Staveley

Our 101 Must-Do's this Summer are here!

We want this summer to be your best yet. Our 101 Must-Do's will give you the inspiration to get out and make the most of it. More . . .

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Need accommodation? Earn AA Smartfuel discounts

Earn a 10 cents per litre AA Smartfuel discount for every $100 spent up to a maximum of $1.00 per litre when you book selected accommodation. More . . .

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Natural attractions

South Waikato: bliss in the farmlands

Oxford was the name first given to the small South Waikato town of Tīrau, a place that peeps out from the strong arms of Kiwi farming country. Read the story . . .

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Activities

Lake Taupō: how did we get so lucky?

It really is all about Lake Taupō in this part of the world, where the water’s mood governs the feel of the day: sunny and sparkling, or grey and intense. Read the story . . .

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Natural attractions

The Heaphy Track: in the footsteps of explorers

The Heaphy Track travels through expansive tussock downs, lush forests and nīkau palms to the roaring seas of the West Coast of the South Island. Read the story . . .

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Things to do

Great Escapes: five beaches to visit before the end of summer

We’ve rounded up our pick of New Zealand’s Must-Do beaches so you can make the most of the last days of summer. Read the story . . .

New Zealand produce: fresh is best

Fresh is best. That is undoubtedly the case when it comes to New Zealand produce – it’s one of the single greatest things our country has to offer. Read the story . . .

Buying fresh from Farmers' Markets is definitely best. © ChristchurchNZ

Must-Do's before the end of summer

Summer Must-Do's

Horse trekking in Hanmer Springs

Imagine summiting a steep hill set in an idyllic mountain landscape, in fresh air and sunshine, all without breaking a sweat. Read the story . . .

Summer Must-Do's

Hand-feed wild stingrays in Gisborne

At Tatapōuri, just 10 minutes north of Gisborne, you can get up close with the children of Tangaroa, the Māori god of the sea. Read the story . . .

Summer Must-Do's

Get your bearings at the geographical centre of New Zealand

While on a map it may look like it lies somewhere in the middle of the Cook Strait, the geographical centre of New Zealand is actually a hilltop just outside Nelson City. Read the story . . .

Summer Must-Do's

Enjoy an easy alpine walk on the Waitonga Falls Track

At 39 metres, Waitonga Falls is Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall. Read the story . . .

Where to stay in New Zealand

5.0 /5

Papamoa Beach

Pacific Palms Resort Visit website

Pacific Palms Resort offers 1, 2 and 3-bedroom fully self-contained apartments all with good-size balconies or patio areas providing privacy and views of the lush, subtropical gardens. The balconies and patios also add extra living and entertaining space and the . . . More . . .

Papamoa Beach

5.0 /5

Pacific Palms Resort

Pacific Palms Resort offers 1, 2 and 3-bedroom fully self-contained apartments all with good-size balconies or patio areas providing privacy and views of the lush, . . .

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4.6 /5

Franz Josef Glacier

4.6 /5

10 Cottages Visit website

All detached ensuite rooms backing on to native bush in a quiet residential location yet only 3 minutes walk to the centre of the Village, . . . More . . .

4.7 /5

Creel Lodge Motel & Retreat Visit website

Quiet, affordable relaxing retreat on the river. Trout fishing at its best. Rafting, snow skiing, Tongariro Crossing, kayaking, canoeing, biking, walking and tramping. . . . More . . .

From $140

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4.0 /5

Newlands

4.0 /5

Newlands Court Motel Visit website

Brand new set up with Mordern bathroom, kitchen and comfortable bed. We are conveniently located just 300m off SH 1 and set back from Newlands Road. . . . More . . .

4.6 /5

Village Motel Visit website

Village Motel is conveniently located in the centre of Havelock North (only 40 meters from Havelock Village). Dubbed the heart of Hawke's Bay Wine Country, . . . More . . .

From $145

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4.6 /5

Lake Tekapo

Peppers Bluewater Resort

Looking out to the breathtaking Lake Tekapo between Christchurch and Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island, Peppers Bluewater Resort offers architectural design reflective of the surrounding Mackenzie Basin landscape combined with exceptional facilities and services. Accommodation includes stylish studios, one, . . . More . . .

Lake Tekapo

4.6 /5

Peppers Bluewater Resort

Looking out to the breathtaking Lake Tekapo between Christchurch and Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island, Peppers Bluewater Resort offers architectural design reflective of the . . .

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