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Whether it’s Matariki, King’s Birthday or Labour Day, there’s always a long weekend on the horizon. How can you make the most of your extra day off? You need an adventure that you can pack into three days, without wasting too much time in reaching your destination.
These seven local getaways will fit perfectly into your three-day weekend and each one is handy to a major city or airport. They will range in price depending on what type of mini-break you prefer, but planning is the key to maximising what you get out of every dollar you spend. Planning gives you time to compare your options, research lower-cost alternatives, and book early so you’re not held over a barrel by the last available accommodation in the area.
Rotorua: action-packed and ideal for families
Rotorua is a brilliant destination for families and active relaxers. You can tailor your itinerary to fit your interests and budget, from the legendary geysers to the award-winning Redwoods Treewalk; from ziplining through the forest to the crowd-pleasing gondola and luge. Mountain bikers can enjoy world-class trails, then recover in a mud bath or natural thermal pool. You can Zorb, take a Duck Tour, go off-roading, or cruise the lakes.
Eat Street is the perfect place to browse menus and choose your favourite restaurant, then stop for a dessert at the iconic Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour.
TranzAlpine: coast to coast scenery in style
What about long weekend where you sit down and relax, but you also enjoy amazing scenery and two nights on the West Coast? The TranzAlpine train runs from Christchurch to Greymouth, stopping in beautiful Arthur’s Pass and Moana on the way. It’s an inclusive experience that is accessible for wheelchairs and scooters, as well as catering to the hearing and/or vision impaired.
You leave at breakfast time and arrive in Greymouth ready for lunch. Two nights in Greymouth will give you time to visit get a taste of the town’s gold-mining history at Weta Workshop’s Pounamu Pathway and Shantytown Heritage Park, or do the Point Elizabeth Walk. Jump back on the train after lunch on your final day, and you’re back in Christchurch for dinner.
Wellington: city culture with an urban ecosanctuary
Is Wellington the ideal long weekend destination? The coffee, the food, the culture, the waterfront – it’s a superb location for a romantic couple’s trip or a getaway with your mates. Stop in at Te Papa, where there’s always something happening, and make the most of the vibrant and varied nightlife.
While you’re in the capital, visit Zealandia, a 225-hectare urban ecosanctuary that is both a ground-breaking conservation project and an award-winning tourist attraction. Home to more than 40 rare native species, including kiwi, tuatara and takahē, Zealandia offers a range of daytime and evening tours, as well as kids’ night walks. You can get there in around 10 minutes on a free shuttle from the CBD.
Take a cruise: an all-inclusive experience
Take to the ocean with a two-night cruise, departing from Auckland and spending two nights at sea before returning to Auckland. All your entertainment and food will be included in a single price, and there are cruises designed to suit a wide range of interests and ages.
For example, there’s a family-friendly ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ cruise over two or three nights that includes Disney characters, live shows, fireworks, and swimming pools with waterslides. That cruise starts from around $3,000 for a family of four, increasing to around $5,500 for a premium experience. That’s relatively expensive, but if you like the idea, it’s worth running the numbers. It may compare reasonably well to other memorable holiday options, because total costs quickly add up when your kids are along for the trip.
Nelson: national parks, beaches and cycle trails
Food, wine, beer and fabulous national parks – Nelson has all the ingredients for a marvellous long weekend break. Just a short hop from Wellington, Nelson has a sunny climate, an artsy vibe and a wealth of things to see and do.
You could take a seal-spotting kayaking trip in Abel Tasman National Park, or embark on a hop-on hop-off beer or wine tour. And why not spend a day on the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail? It’s a brilliant way to see the region, looping through five towns, with several day-long rides to choose from, all graded for easy riding. Stop at Kaiteriteri Beach, visit vineyards, spot seabirds and cycle through the Spooners railway tunnel.
Queenstown: staggering scenery and so much to do
It’s no accident that Queenstown is a magnet for both local and international tourists. The scenery is breathtaking and there are far more activities than you could possibly squeeze into three days.
For adrenaline junkies, there’s skiing, bungy jumping, jet boating, white water rafting and quad biking. If you prefer to take it down a notch, there are some gorgeous walks, ziplining, and the Skyline gondola and luge. Or just kick back with a lake cruise, a visit to the Queenstown Gardens, a spa experience or a winery tour.
One tip: unless you’re staying close to town for the entire weekend, it’s well worth renting a car.
Waiheke Island: gorgeous beaches and terrific wineries
The number one long weekend spot for Aucklanders, Waiheke Island is only a one-hour ferry ride from the CBD but has a far more relaxed vibe. Beautiful beaches, fantastic wineries and weather that’s typically one degree warmer than Auckland – no wonder it’s so popular in the summer months.
Hire an e-bike so you can tour the wineries and enjoy some of the incredible food. Wild on Waiheke is worth a visit if you fancy a spot of archery and laser clay bird shooting, or go ziplining through the forest with EcoZip. Then stop at the beach for some swimming or paddleboarding – you’re on island time, now.
One tip is to make reservations well in advance. Waiheke accommodation and activities are often booked solid months in advance because it’s a hotspot for hen and stag dos, weddings, and all sorts of other corporate and social events.
Please note that none of the places mentioned here have paid to be featured or provided any free experiences. Details are subject to change.