Tips for celebrating and travelling in a 'cheeky' New Zealand summer
- Jesse Holmes
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
With temperatures warming up, we look forward to welcoming summer into Aotearoa on the 1st of December. For Kiwis’, the change of seasons is not just an excuse to dust off the jandals (flip-flops) and fire up the BBQ; although many would argue that this is quintessential!
Truth be told, it is one of the best times to explore our beautiful backyard and the great outdoors with friends and whānau (family). With that being said, check out our highlights and top tips for travelling Te Waipounamu (New Zealand’s South Island) this summer!
First up is the Lake Tekapo lupins. The presence of these pink and purple lakefront blooms are always a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike. Blossoming from mid-November to early January, summer is the perfect time to add this destination to your bucket list. Framed by the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and bordering the Southern Alps, the Instagram caption writes itself; #nofilter. Our top tip? Don’t be afraid to ask your guide to take your photo! Several of our friendly team dabble in photography so are always happy to help capture your tour. This is a sight that’s well worth seeing in person and is so much more beautiful than on a postcard or calendar.
Our second tip? Visit the east coastal region of Kaikoura with us; we will continue to talk about this hidden gem until you do! With calmer and typically more settled weather than spring, there is never a better time to travel to this beautiful part of Te Waipounamu. With year-round visitors such as Sperm and Southern Right Whales, Dusky and Hector’s Dolphins, seals, and orcas all calling this beautiful region home, our partners at Whale Watch Kaikoura, Encounter Kaikoura, Kaikoura Kayaks, and Wings Over Whales are ready to take you on a once-in-a-life experience to see these taonga (treasures) for yourself. For adrenaline junkies, what better way to celebrate summer than by ziplining through lush native forest? Complete with a 4x4 expedition to take you to the heart of EcoZip Kaikoura’s network of five ziplines, this is the perfect way to end 2025 or enter 2026 with a bang! Watch out for the seagulls as you eat your fish and chips though! These cheeky birds won’t hesitate to steal your kai (food) right from your hand.
Thirdly, make the most of daylight savings. Whether that be taking an evening stroll through to Botanic Gardens or immersing yourself in one of Christchurch’s many summer events, there are plenty of things to see and do in our fantastic city.
With the sun up early, and setting late, it is also a great time to join our Arthur’s Pass tours. From jet boating on the Waimakariri with Alpine Jet Thrills and riding the TranzAlpine, to exploring Castle Hill and Devil’s Punchbowl, it is easy to see why these day trips are guest favourites. With some dates already sold out, there has never been a better time to book! This is also the best location to catch a glimpse of Kevin, the Cheeky Kea on your travels.
With that being said, here are our last minute hot tips for making the most of our cheeky New Zealand summer:
Book in advance to avoid disappointment - particularly if you are after a wildlife experience in Kaikoura (whether that be whale watching, dolphin watching, or kayaking).
Bring your camera - this is a must! As mentioned previously, our guides love sharing our beautiful piece of paradise and are always happy to take photos. Just ask! 🙂
Pack for all weathers. Our country’s unique climate means it is entirely possible to experience all four seasons in one day! Although less frequent in summer, if you are joining our Arthur’s Pass, Mt Cook, or Queenstown day tours, it can still occur. Layering is the easiest way to ensure that you’re prepared for all occasions. The general rule of thumb? Always bring a rain jacket!
Bring bug spray - particularly if you are travelling to the West Coast! If you are popular with bugs, don’t forget to throw on some insect repellent or bug spray before travelling, or to bring with you to apply throughout the day. Several options can be found in most Kiwi pharmacies - odourless varieties are available and are preferred for the benefit of fellow travellers 🙂
Talk to the locals. We are a friendly bunch and love to see people out and about exploring Aotearoa. If you have questions about hidden gems, or our favourite places to eat (like the Fairlie Bakehouse!), us Kiwis are more than happy to help! Equally, if you’re wondering what tours are right for you, our friendly admin team are always happy to assist!
Learn some local slang. You’ll see and hear us using common New Zealand lingo everyday. There are lots of online resources and videos that provide a brief introduction to common phrases (e.g., Kia ora, or Hello!), which will help you to immerse yourself in our culture before you arrive. Kiwaha! Give it a go!
Finally, a friendly reminder to our friends escaping the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, don’t forget to pack sunscreen! Even on cloudy days in the mid teens, New Zealand’s sun exposure is some of the strongest in the world and you will get burnt! Play it safe and always bring and put on sunscreen before joining our tours, and reapply throughout the day to ensure that it is tan you are taking home with you not sunburn :)
And if you are joining us from the North, we hope that you enjoy your summer Christmas and New Years with us in the South! Happy summer to everyone.
For further information or questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at tours@cheekykeatravel.com!
Comments