Weekend Getaways NZ

18/07/2024

📢️ WIN A ROTORUA GETAWAY OR A NZ$100 WEEKEND GETAWAYS NZ GIFT VOUCHER!♨️

What's included in the Rotorua Getaway:
1 night at 5* Black Swan Boutique Hotel Rotorua in a Lakeside Suite
including breakfast
Hell's Gate Twilight Spa Experience for two (until 31 Aug, if travel is in September it will be the Hell's Gate Experience)

Weekend Getaways NZ gift voucher:
NZ$100 towards your next New Zealand getaway

To go in the draw, please fill out this short survey (https://forms.gle/5efko3q8yb7KA4xg9 or click through Linktree). It shouldn't take longer than 5 - 10 minutes. Enter your email address at the bottom and into the draw you go!

Increase your chances of winning by filling out the survey AND tagging a mate here! For every person you tag, you get one additional entry, as long as you filled out the survey and entered your email address.

The winners of the Rotorua Getaway and the WGNZ gift voucher will be drawn on Monday, 29 July 2024.

T&Cs:
Rotorua getaway: Travel before 30 September 2024. The voucher cannot be used when the hotel occupancy rate is above 75% or during public holidays and long weekends. Please call the hotel to confirm the specific time and date. Unused values cannot be refunded or applied to any transactions after the expiry date. Gift vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.

WGNZ gift voucher: NZD 100 towards your next New Zealand getaway. Valid for 1 year from date of issue. Gift voucher cannot be exchanged for cash. WGNZ gift voucher can be used for pretty much all NZ tourism experiences and accommodations apart from flights or holiday homes (eg AirBnb, Bookabach, etc).

04/07/2024

It suddenly hit me the other day that I've never formally introduced myself. Or if I have, it's so long ago I can't even remember 🤔 Let's fix this today! So, who's Alex from Weekend Getaways NZ, who am I exploring Aotearoa with and why should you trust me with your booking?

7 years ago, I moved from Switzerland to New Zealand to live with my partner Chris (the classic story, I did my OE in NZ in 2010, met him and moved here a few years later). We live right on the border of Auckland and Waikato with our 3-year-old dog, Bailey.

Whenever possible, the three of us explore the country together over the weekends. When we take Bailey along, we often travel with our little retro caravan as we all love to be in nature. If it's just the two of us, or when I'm going somewhere by myself, we like to treat ourselves to a soft hotel bed, and ideally an included brekky 🥞

I'm a sucker for hot pools, walking, (e)biking and kayaking. The destination you find me at the most is - unsurprisingly - Rotorua ♨️ My favourite travel seasons are all apart December to March - too hot for Bailey and too many people out and about 😅 And when I'm not out exploring, I love spending time in our garden and growing edible plants.

Ever since I first entered the workforce 24 years ago, I have worked in tourism and love travelling with all my heart 💞 Call it a passion, an obsession even 😉 For short getaways closer to home, there was nothing better than going away with my friends and spending a weekend eating, drinking and chatting while soaking in a hot pool and sweating in the sauna.

It's my mission to find stunning places on and off the beaten track of New Zealand for you. While you might know some of the places or activities, I try and include activities you may not have been aware of before.

Whenever possible, I prefer to work directly with the tourism operators and develop a good working relationship rather than going through a third party. Depending on the operators' preference or where I don't have a connection yet, I also use a travel wholesaler.

And that's me in a relatively big nutshell 🙂 Got any more questions? Just message me 🙂

Cheers, Alex

20/06/2024

Reviews like these make my heart sing 🥰💕🥰

And sharing them makes my anxiety go through the roof but as a small business owner you gotta toot your own horn occasionally 😅🙈 I go hide now, see you later 🤪

26/03/2024

Rotorua, Bay of Islands, a staycay in Auckland and more... If you've already sorted your Easter accommodation or just want to go somewhere for a day trip, we've got some great promo codes ready for you 🐰🐣

https://weekendgetaways.co.nz/trip-types/promo-codes-travel-deals-nz/

21/03/2024

I am off to check out Wellderness Retreat in mt Aspiring NP tomorrow! 2 days of nature, mindfulness and adventure, I can't wait! Keep an eye out for my stories! 🧘‍♀️

After Wellderness, I'll also explore around Wanaka and Queenstown for a bit to find new hidden gems for you 💎

29/02/2024

Which is your favourite hot pool in Rotorua? ♨️

Confession: I have a teensy addiction to hot pools, saunas, steam baths, spa baths, hot springs and spa treatments 😁 (and also all things geothermal)

No wonder Rotorua is one of my favourite places in New Zealand. I've tried and tested (almost) all hot pools in Rotovegas and they all have their own perks.

Right now, my favourite hot pools are the newly opened Wai-Ariki Pools. They're architecturally stunning and the only wellness place in the region with multiple saunas and steam baths 😶‍🌫️!
Plus, they're adult-only (from 16 years) and only allow a certain number of people per time slot so they never feel crowded.

Which is your favourite hot water place (paid or free) in Rotorua?

https://weekendgetaways.co.nz/the-best-hot-pools-in-rotorua/

Btw: the image is from Waikite Valley Hot Pools with amazing views into the greenery 😍

22/02/2024

📣 New getaway alert!

Experience true, authentic Maori culture (not the touristy versions) outside rural Mururapa, an hour from Rotorua. Reside lakefront at Kohutapu Lodge in a self-contained cottage with daily continental breakfast.

Learn more about the local iwi and their whakapapa from Nades and her whanau, visit local waterfalls and Maori carvings. Sip kawakawa tea in Whirinariki Forest and eat a scrumptious dinner, homemade with local ingredients (if enough people stay that night it will be a hangi) 🤤

This getaway is perfect for couples, small groups and families and even lager (eg corporate) groups.

Check it out here:
https://weekendgetaways.co.nz/trip/experience-maori-culture-kohutapu-lodge/

13/02/2024

Happy Valentine's Day! What are your plans with your special other today? 💘

Seeking a romantic retreat in the middle of nowhere, maybe with some outdoor bathtubs and saunas? Or are you after some mouthwatering dining and wining? 😍

Head over to https://weekendgetaways.co.nz/trip-types/romantic-getaways-nz/ and find the perfect romantic getaway now!

Images:
Te Whare Ruruhau near Taupo
Hawthorne House in Hawkes Bay
Maruia River Retreat between Hanmer and Westport
Cascades Creek Retreat near Dunedin
New Wai Ariki Spa (adult-only) in Rotorua

29/01/2024

💕 We're back with more regular updates! - https://mailchi.mp/6970044d51cc/winter-getaways-8776684

06/12/2022

Where's your next ladies' weekend away on the North Island going to be? 🤔 Look no further, we've got you covered with the best places for you and your besties 💕

Looking for a girls' weekend away? Find the best places on the North Island to relax, explore and make new memories with your besties!

30/11/2022

It's December! Have you sorted all your Christmas presents yet? 🎁😅

Treat your loved ones and/or your employees (or everyone😁) to a weekend getaway in New Zealand.

Just email me at [email protected], letting me know who the gift voucher is for and what amount and you'll have your Christmas gift in your inbox in no time. Easy as 👍️

22/11/2022

Hang in there, the weekend's almost here! 😍

By the way, there's more to Waitomo than your average, touristy glowworm caves. Waitomo Adventures take you on an epic trip through their massive cave system. And the tour starts right here, with a 100m abseiling session 😱 Plus, of course, there are glowworms too 🐛, so you get the cake and eat it too 😉

Who would you want to hang out here with?

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18/11/2022

Fly into the weekend like... 🦅

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09/11/2022

Grab the girls for a fun-filled ladies weekend away 💕 Make new memories while soaking in a hot pool ♨️together in Rotorua or sipping a pinot 🍷 in Queenstown. Or how about a zipline or caving adventure for the more adventurous gals 🤘

Where would you want to take your girls? 🤔

02/11/2022

Enjoy the most beautiful ocean sunsets with your significant other from Castaways Resort 🌅
Every room boasts these amazing ocean views and so does their restaurant 🍴
Go for a walk on the black sand of Karioitahi Beach and relax at a spa treatment at Bersantai Spa 🧘🏻

Only an hour from Auckland city, this place truly feels like a world away 😊

02/11/2022

Do you agree with Lonely Planet? Are Taranaki and Rakiura / Stewart Island really offbeat destinations? 🤔🤔

I'd say the East Cape is a lot more offbeat than Taranaki on the North Island...

By virtue of being 'not for everyone', they are a sure fire way to avoid the crowds.

25/10/2022

Yaaay, Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland is finally open again! 🥳🥳
After over two years of renovation, Rotorua's most famous geothermal park is back in action. Is Wai-o-Tapu on your Rotorua bucket list? ♨️

02/02/2022

What an awesome initiative! Let's all get booking Kaitiaki tours (Mt Tarawera walk, rafting and sledging in Rotorua) 💕

Message me for a package!

19/01/2022

Auckland has some pretty amazing hotels for every budget. Last week I got the chance to look at a few of them and realised I might need to do a city weekend soon 😍😍

Which one's your favourite?

- Airedale Boutique Suites (4*)
- The Hotel Britomart (5*)
- Park Hyatt (5*)
- Travelodge (4*)
- Auckland Harbour Suites (3*, tho officially 4*)

Btw, none of these is an MIQ, all hotels are open to the public and ready to be booked 👍

14/12/2021

The roads are open, Auckland can hit the road again beyond its borders for the first time since August!!! 🥳🥳🥳

Are you headed somewhere today?

02/12/2021

Good morning New Zealand, welcome to the traffic light system 👍

Auckland is stoked to finally have more freedom again while the rest of NZ might miss Level 2. I for one (within Auckland) am stoked 🥳

Are you yay or nay for the new system?

17/11/2021

Good news for Auckland 💕 We get to go on holidays again soon 🥳

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/covid-19-delta-outbreak-ten-days-before-christmas-auckland-borders-to-go-for-vaxxed-covid-free-travellers/JPF5G2FUEKEBG72IFQLOJ55DBY/

All New Zealand will move into the traffic light system soon after November 29.

08/11/2021

Air New Zealand announces everyone is welcome to fly with them on domestic routes, no matter their vaccine status. A negative test will be needed for all unvaccinated passengers, though.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/455245/air-nz-domestic-passengers-will-have-to-be-fully-vaccinated-or-covid-19-negative-to-fly

All passengers on Air New Zealand domestic flights will need to be fully vaccinated or have a negative Covid-19 test from mid-December.

04/11/2021

BAAAAMM! 💥
And just like that, in time for Christmas, we have added the option to purchase gift vouchers! 🥳🎁

Whether you want to make your friends, family or colleagues happy (or get rid of them for a few days), Weekend Getaways vouchers are the perfect gift! 😊 Get yours now!

https://www.weekendgetaways.co.nz/trip/weekend-getaway-gift-vouchers/

What's better in these hectic times than gifting your loved ones a well-deserved break from the daily grind. With a Weekend Getaway gift voucher, you can not only buy one of our pre-packaged getaways. We have an extensive network of accommodations, activities and vehicle rentals …

12/07/2021

New Zealand Winter is in full swing and although the mountains have a lot less snow than they hoped for (I wonder why, it's been so cold recently!🥶), it's time to plan your ski trip, yay! 🥳

When skiing in the North Island, you have the choice of two major skifields and some smaller, private ones. Between Whakapapa and Turoa (the big ones), which one is right for you? Whether you're a beginner, intermediate or just want to touch some snow, it's a different skifield you're looking for.

What's your favourite ski field in New Zealand and why?

https://www.discover-aotearoa.com/discoveries/whakapapa-or-turoa-which-is-the-best-ski-field-on-the-north-island

Whakapapa or Tūroa? This is the better ski field on the North Island for you. We tell you the pros and the cons of each Mt Ruapehu ski field, where to stay, plus reveal a possible third option.

11/06/2021

Time to strap your boots to some boards 😍⛷️🏂

👉Weather report for today! 👌
Fine, then some cloud above the summit later on this afternoon. Light northwesterlies.

🟦Perfect day! Ski bus departing 7.45 and 9.45 from Methven HQ! 🟦

📸 Mt Hutt

30/05/2021

The days are getting noticeably shorter and colder and you can almost smell the snow. 🥶❄️

Book your winter getaway now for the North or the South Island!

https://www.weekendgetaways.co.nz/trip-types/winter-getaways/

17/05/2021

The days are getting shorter and winter is slowly creeping in 🥶
There's nothing better than soaking your freezing bones in one of Rotorua's many hot springs ♨️☺️
Which hot pool is your favourite?

https://www.discover-aotearoa.com/discoveries/the-best-rotorua-hot-pools-and-spas

Find out where to relax in the best Rotorua hot pools and spas as well as free hot springs in Rotorua to soak in. Plus, learn in which hotels you either get your private spa bath in-room or awesome hot pools free for guests.

09/05/2021

Escape the masses in Waitomo and silently float down a stream past glowworms literally at arm's reach! A magical experience you'll never forget! ✨

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05/05/2021

Almost like a trip to Scotland... Dunedin's architecture is heavily influenced by the scots. Larnach Castle in the picture is one stunning example, followed by the railway station and a university that feels a bit like Hogwarts.

Have you been to Dunedin yet?

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