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Getaway in New Zealand this Easter

Nz Header Easter Weekend Travel

Easter is the time to see the best of New Zealand and we’ve got some ideas for short breaks you’ll love. This vast and rugged country has so much to see especially for lovers of the great outdoors and adventures. From mountain hikes to peaceful walks in nature and the cosmopolitan capital of Wellington, New Zealand is ideal for a holiday trip this Easter. No time to do everything? Hiring a car in New Zealand means you can travel at your own pace and stop whenever you wish.

Visit the cultural capital Wellington

If you’re an arts and culture fan, a trip to Wellington is a great plan for an Easter break. You’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do – you can visit museums, theatres and art galleries, learn about the Indigenous people at the various exhibitions throughout the city and have a lazy lunch by the harbour. If you’re interested in Easter activities for toddlers, they’ll love a ride in the iconic Wellington Cable Car, a visit to the Zealandia nature reserve and the hands-on activities at Te Papa Museum.

Check out the Lord of the Rings movie location at Hobbiton and beyond

Easter Travel Weekend

This iconic movie was filmed all over New Zealand, and what better way to entertain the kids than with a Lord of the Rings road trip? You may not have time to visit every film location across the North and South Islands in one break, so why not see one this Easter and another the next? You’ll need a car and to book overnight accommodation to follow our suggested routes. On the North Island start at the village of Hobbiton near Auckland, then drive down to Trollshaw Forest, visit Weta Cave and finish in Wellington. Your South Island tour will take you through the mountain landscapes of Edoras, through the Pelennor Fields and on to Mavora Lakes. 

Drive the Forgotten Highway from Stratford to Taumarunui

This is a journey you’ll never forget if you’re looking for something to do in New Zealand this Easter. Not a trip for the fainthearted (but extremely worth it for the breathtaking views), this remote drive takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The drive is 150 km long and starts at Stratford and finishes at Taumarunui (or you can travel it the other way if you wish). You’ll twist and turn along narrow tracks, through tunnels, mountains, and gorges. Stop off at the only town along the way, Whangamōmona, for a well-deserved break.

Cruise the Bay of Islands

You’ll find unspoilt beaches, marine blue seas and amazing scenery on the Bay of Islands. This is the perfect location for a long weekend and Easter activities, including horse riding, cycling, walking, swimming and dolphin spotting. A boat tour is a great way to see as many of the islands as possible (there are 144!). If it’s a special occasion why not take a yacht charter and celebrate in style? When it’s time to relax, head for one of the many wide sandy beaches, where you’ll hardly see another soul. Located a three-hour drive from Auckland, you’ll find a car useful to get around the Bay of Islands, and driving means you’ll be able to explore even more.

Taste the wines of Queenstown

Nz Easter Travel Weekend 3 Min

This North Island town is surrounded by a mesmerising mix of thermal pools, volcanic lakes, spouting geysers and bubbling mud at Kuirau Park. Take a walk through this amazing landscape and finish with a relaxing dip in one of the mud pools. Nearby you’ll find places to picnic and barbecue, with plenty of open space for the kids to play in. You could even take along your own Easter crafts for kids to keep them amused. Visit on a Saturday and you can sample the fresh produce and Easter baking from the farmers’ market and sample the tempting foods of the local street vendors.

Spend an unforgettable Easter break discovering the many diverse sights of New Zealand. Whether you stay in one place or take a New Zealand road trip the landscape will enchant you. One more interesting fact linked with New Zealand – have you ever wondered where is Easter Island? This tiny Polynesian island is located in the Pacific Ocean, and although it has links with the Maori culture of New Zealand its nearest flight connection is Chile in South America.

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