Top Five NZ Getaways

1: The East Cape
With summer on its way, head down to the East cape for some golden sands, perfect surf, party vibes and cafe culture! See the sun first in Gisborne, laze on the beaches in Opotiki or enjoy the sites and activities that Lake Waikaremoana in Wairoa has to offer. The biggest Gisborne draw card is its gorgeous surf beach (and accompanying hot surfer boys) and wide variety of places to eat and sleep. For a true Gisborne experience try staying at the very funky Chalet Surf Lodge. Located right on the beach, you can watch the sunrise from the second story deck, get a surf lesson and still be only 8kms away from town!

2: Catlins Coast
Nestled at the bottom of the South Island, this is the perfect escape for you Otago-ites. With gorgeous scenery, waterfalls, beautiful beaches and fossilised forests, get back to nature and discover this amazing lost world. This is the perfect destination for catching up with friends, with its sweeping views, a great destination for a romantic getaway or even just a fantastic place to see more of what our beautiful country has to offer.

3: The Bay of Islands
With literally hundreds of beaches, breath taking views and fine dining and culture, The Bay of Islands will keep a few weekends occupied! Inclusive of Kerikeri, Opua, Paihia and Russel this gorgeous spot is relaxation-central. If you’ve got your sea legs on then treat yourself to one of the regions overnight cruises on offer such as aboard The Rock. At just $168 for your accommodation, meals and extra onboard activities (think kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and dolphin spotting) this is an awesome valued trip and something a bit special for your weekend away!

4: Matakana
Stretching from Puhoi to Pakiri, the Matakana coast is known as wine country. This is the perfect destination to indulge, relax and be treated to some of New Zealand’s finest wines, art and gorgeous scenery. You could start off with the Art of Cheese cafe in Puhoi and travel up the coast through winery’s and cafes (make sure you check out Cafe Sandspit which is situated on the waterfront overlooking Kawau Bay). Goat Island is also a great place to spend some time and go snorkelling at one of New Zealand’s most famous marine reserves.      

5: Waiheke Island
Jump on a ferry in downtown Auckland and head over to the gorgeously boutique Waiheke. With more vineyards, olive groves, cafe’s and famous restaurants to explore, use your weekend getaway to treat yourself and enjoy the finer things. You can tour the island with the Fullers Vineyard tour or Ananda Tours or you could even hire a car or scooter as soon as you jump off the ferry and explore the island yourself. Head to the bustling village of Oneroa for some fine dining, cafe culture and myriad of bars or take some fresh fish and chips down to the beach. There’s plenty of places to stay for any budget, from cute little villas and cosy Bed and Breakfasts to Hekerua Lodge Hostel or one of the islands many motels.

Handy hint: Even if you’re embarking on a spontaneous weekend escape, you should still make sure you’re covered for any car accidents that may occur! AA Insurance's Third Party car insurance is a great essential for any nzgirl. If you happen to crash into someone else's car, and you don't have car insurance, you'll have to pay for the damage. But if you have Third Party cover from AA Insurance, they'll cover it. So even if it was your fault, you won't get lumbered with the bills to repair the other car or damaged property. Third Party is the most affordable option for car insurance, and you can obtain AA Insurance's Third Party car insurance quickly and easily over the internet within five minutes! Just click here to get a quote now, get yourself covered and hit the road!