Backyard beauties: 7 local long-weekend getaways

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.

Te Aroha: Small town vibes and hot pools

Described as an "Edwardian spa town", Te Aroha is a quiet Waikato village about 55 minutes drive northeast of Hamilton. Sitting at the base of Mount Te Aroha, the tallest peak in the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, you can hike to the summit in about three hours.

There are shorter trails lower down the mountain, mining history at nearby Waiorongomai Valley, and the picturesque Wairere Falls Walk. Mountain bike tracks abound and you could even do the Te Aroha to Paeroa section of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Sore muscles from all that activity? Swimzone is a pool complex with an outdoor spa or relax in the Te Aroha Mineral Spas - private wooden tubs filled with "naturally silky mineral water that flows from the Mokena Geyser". 

TranzAlpine: coast to coast scenery in style

What about a 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 Lake Brunner 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 the Weta Workshop-created 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.

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.

Take a cruise: an all-inclusive experience

Believe it or not, there are long-weekend cruises. Take to the ocean for 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 marvelous 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.

New Plymouth: parks, gardens, galleries and a mountain

New Plymouth is a vibrant city filled with excellent restaurants, picturesque parks and a destination art gallery. The internationally renowned Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is a contemporary art museum that is also the home to legendary artist Len Lye's multi-media works and spectacular kinetic sculptures.

Soak up some culture and then head to Pukekura Park - one of the leading botanical gardens in the country. The park has waterfalls, gardens, pavilions and even the adjoining (and free) Brooklands Zoo with capuchin monkeys, meerkats, parrots, tortoises, and more.

And of course of the ever-present Taranaki Maunga is always a short drive away for hikes and sightseeing.

Please note that none of the places mentioned here have paid to be featured or provided any free experiences. Details are subject to change.