Insta-worthy attractions to visit in New Zealand this coming December
Unlike in some parts of the world where it's cold, December is one of the best times to visit New Zealand.
Why? It's the beginning of the summer season in NZ! The weather is usually warm and an increase in daylight hours makes it a great month for outdoor activities.
Similarly, New Zealand is well-known for setting the perfect scene for any holiday. Its diverse landscapes will automatically give you the perfect backdrop for your vacation photos.
From thrilling boat rides to a taste of the unique Maori culture, Filipino bloggers Kryz Uy and David Guison give you the best reasons why you should book a ticket to New Zealand stat.
1. Queenstown Scenic Spots
According to Kryz, walking through Queenstown felt like walking through a life-sized postcard. The jaw-dropping views of the mountains to the beautiful lakes and streams in between were a “luxury money can't buy.”
2. Shotover Jet in Queenstown
Location: 3 Arthurs Point Road, New Zealand
“The craziest boat ride I've ever been on. I mean our driver's got SKILLS!” Kryz says.
The rough ride goes through canyons and in between rocks and even spins its passengers around 360 degrees. Prepare to get soaked!
3. Skyline Queenstown
Location: Brecon St., Queenstown, New Zealand
Kryz took a gondola ride in the Skyline Queenstown. In its pinnacle, you could see the whole city of Queenstown which she describes as “breathtaking.”
4. Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown
Location: 1124 Malaghans Rd., Arrowtown, New Zealand
A vacation wouldn't be complete without some R&R and that calls for a trip to the spa!
Kryz didn't let this one pass as she and husband Slater Young went for the spa treatment.
Let's just say she had the best massage ever. “It was so good I wish it didn't have to end,” she says.
5. Wonders of Wanaka
Any follower of Kryz would know that she had her prenup photos at Wanaka.
To get there, she and Slater took a helicopter ride to get to Roy's peak and even drove down by Skippers Canyon to get more photos.
She shares, “It was the highlight of my trip. The scenic views of New Zealand were absolutely incredible and breathtaking.”
6. Giapo Ice Cream in Auckland
Location: 12 Gore St., Auckland CBD, New Zealand
Don't let the photo fool you. The selection at Giapo Ice Cream is indeed out of this world. The variants are just as delicious.
David considers the shop the Gucci or Dior of the ice cream world. He shares, “Everything was so good, it was hard to pick a favorite.”
7. Vineyard Cottages in Auckland
Location: 1011 Old N. Rd., Helensville, New Zealand
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the trip for David was his experience with the Maoi culture. There, he witnessed how the Maori people live. “We also got to witness how they prepared the traditional hangi meal and the whole process was so interesting,” he recalls.
8. Zealong Tea Estate in Waikato
Location: 495 Gordonton Rd., Hamilton, New Zealand
The Zealong Tea Estate is perhaps New Zealand's only tea farm. “This was a pleasant surprise because the country is not really known for its tea but I managed to learn so much,” he says.
At the end of the course, David even got to enjoy some afternoon high tea, which is always a bonus.
9. Hobbiton Movie Set
Location: Matamata, New Zealand
Of course, no trip to New Zealand would be complete without visiting Hobbiton in Matamata, New Zealand.
And for a Lord of the Rings fan like David, it was like visiting a toy store. He shares, “Being a huge fan of the film, I couldn't help but recreate the scenes from the movie.
"We also ended the tour with an evening banquet which was probably one of the best experiences ever. We got to feast like we're really from The Shire!"
Now that you've got your itinerary down, perhaps it's time to book that vacation to New Zealand you've always dreamed of.
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