NZ Xmas and New Year

Hi everyone

I'm planning to travel NZ Nov-Dec this year. We are flying out of Auckland on 2nd Jan, so we are planning to stay there for new year in a hostel. Is this a good choice? Will there be plenty going on here around this time of year or does everything close down?

Also, we are hoping to beach it up for xmas. I’ve heard Bay of Islands up north is meant to be great! My queries are: same as above, a lot going on around xmas? How easy will it be to travel between here and Auckland between xmas and new year? Will there be plenty of public transport?

Any advice on this or anything regarding NZ would be great! I can’t wait to go!!!!

K xx

There isn’t a lot going on in Auckland over New Year so I’d recommend heading to elsewhere in the country. If you’re looking for somewhere with loads going on, for either Christmas or New year, I’d head down to Queenstown as there’s always lots happening there. The Bay of islands is lovely, but I’m not sure how much will be going on over Christmas. If you want something quiet and a bit different you could head to one of the beaches either in the Auckland area or elsewhere in the country, and stay in a bach (holiday home).

Transport should be fine over this time of the year so you shouldn’t have any issues getting around. The main bus companies are Intercity and Newmans and Naked bus also offer really cheap fares especially if you can be organised and book well in advance

yep paihia is a good bet around new year for a beach-ish version (though not a superb beach there) also the coromandel - nye does get busy though and worth booking up hostels in advance

Kitty,

I am going to Christchurch for christmas and new years and there are some great hostels at a good price but id reccomend booking them asap as there'll got pretty sharpish.

looking to get a group of people together for New Years and even Christmas if you fancy trying to arraneg something??

Chris

x

hey, i'm arriving in auckland at start of nov with two friends and we are planning on working and travelling around! it would be great to meet up with a group of people for christmas/new year, emma

I had a tremendous New Year in Wanaka a few years back. Queenstown would probably be even better.