…do a classic Kiwi holiday in your own country?

So instead of that long weekend or mid week somewhere on the islands, stay put in good old Aotearoa. Don’t get me wrong-a tropical beach with an abundance of cocktails at the tips of your fingers still sounds great, but haven’t we just crash landed in the era where the proverbial belt gets tightened a bit? So why not spend your well earned kiwi dollar right here in kiwi land and with doing so support the national economy?

I’ve taken the liberty of collecting a few ‘get away’ ideas that might inspire you.

Why not go to the Coromandel Peninsula for example. Walk the Coromandel Walkway, ride the Driving Creek Railway and camp on one of the great DOC campsites?

Or why not go to Auckland-check out Devonport, go Wild on Waiheke or sail the Waitemata Harbour in a sleek America’s Cup racing machine?

Get up close and personal with dolphins in the Bay of Plenty, do the Hawkes Bay Wine Trail, soak up some art in windy Wellingtons Cuba Street, cruise up the Wanganui River in a slow paddle steamer or stretch your legs in Riverland Family Park.

What’s not to like about the South Island by the way? Visit the Garden City’s art and craft markets, relax in the Hammer Springs and get your heart pumping in Adrenaline Capital Queenstown.

Goldiggers should be on their way to Arrowtown and those in pursuit of tranquility be sure to visit Wanaka.

And-hold you horses-I know that these tips are only the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more to see and do in New Zealand so be sure to have done your research before you hit the road.

The absolute cherry on top is that a holiday here in the Motherland can now be even cheaper than ever before. How I hear you say?

One word folks: Transfercar. More and more of New Zealands renowned rental companies are joining this groovy & clever relocation concept that is about offering free rental cars and campervans. To name a few: About New Zealand, Ace, Allways, Apex, Apollo, Backpacker, Britz, Jucy, Maui, Roadtrip and the latest to join in is Thrifty– Welcome aboard guys!

So go on, give the New Zealand summer holiday another try. Throw those tropical island brochures in the bin and reacquaint yourself with Aotearoa once more.