The longer evenings and warmer weather have us counting down until summer and the promise of adventures around our beautiful country. New Zealand is a playground of secluded beaches, vibrant festivals, rewarding hikes, and—in our opinion—some of the world’s best vistas.
To help you plan your best summer yet, we’ve teamed up with Steinlager to round up some of the country’s best hot spots. They have your summer sorted with the release of their Ultra Low Carb. The easy-drinking beer is 99% carb-free and has only 88 calories. Its refreshing finish tastes like summer in a bottle, making it the perfect way to sign off a day of adventuring with friends.
Read on for eight memorable destinations to check out this season.
Kauaeranga Kauri Trail
Coromandel
Pack your hiking boots when heading to The Coromandel this summer. The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail—or simply ‘The Pinnacles’—gives you a satisfying workout as you weave through rugged mountain ranges before reaching a hut. Stay here overnight (you’ll need to book in advance) before continuing to the jagged summit for breathtaking views of the Coromandel Peninsula and beyond. The hike follows an intermediate-level track and takes about three hours to reach the hut with an additional 40-minute walk to the summit. It’s certainly no walk in the park but the sweeping 360-degree views make it all worth it.
Abel Tasman National Park
Tasman
Golden sand beaches meet the lush native forest at Abel Tasman National Park. There are endless adventures to be had with options for walking, kayaking, and sailing. It’s home to a 60km-coast track that is one of the ten Great Walks of New Zealand. If you’ve got time on your side, the walk takes three to five days to complete (one way) with four huts and 18 campsites available for booking. Alternatively, get a water taxi to take you to a section of the track and do a day walk before boating home again. Don’t forget to pack your togs—the crystal-clear waters provide a refreshing dip.
Cathedral Cove
Coromandel
Speaking of The Coromandel’s finest, head over to Hahei and check out Cathedral Cove. The dramatic formation has international fame, appearing in The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as Macklemore’s Can’t Hold Us music video. The iconic rock archway and its secluded sandy beaches can be accessed via foot or water. The 45-minute walk winds through rugged farmland and native bush with smaller tracks detouring down to rocky, picturesque shorelines. Alternatively, get there via water taxi or on a kayaking tour. Pack a picnic to make a day of it and sunbathe and swim the day away.
Rhythm & Vines Festival
Gisborne, Thursday, 29 - Saturday, 31 December
Rhythm & Vines hardly needs an introduction. The ever-popular New Year festival has attracted more than 350,000 punters over two decades. It is also known as the first festival in the world to welcome the first sunrise of the New Year—pretty cool, huh? Set amongst the vines in sunny Gisborne, R&V is something party-goers need to experience at least once. The first release of artists has an impressive line-up, including Dimension, Alison Wonderland, Friction, and DJ sets from Chase & Status and Bonobo. There’s more in store with a final artist release in November. Watch this space.
Beach Break Festival
Whangamata and Nelson
Beach Break doubles the fun this summer with a brand-new festival series taking part in both the North and South Islands. The one-day festival kicks off in Whangamata on January 28 with Shapeshifter, Ocean Alley, My Baby, Masaya, and Flaxxies. The festivities continue in Nelson on February 5 with Shapeshifter and My Baby returning to the stage alongside Kora, Muroki and more. The best part? Both festivals align with a long weekend. Too good.
International Dark Sky Reserve
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and Mackenzie Basin
Make the most of the warm nights and sleep underneath the stars. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Mackenzie Basin are particularly epic for stargazing, being identified as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Light pollution is strictly controlled in the 4300-square-kilometre area, making the night sky stretch as far as the eye can see. The region offers accommodation for every budget from cheerful camping grounds to luxury glass-covered stargazing pods. Ensure your chilly bin is packed with icy cold Steinlager Ultra Low Carb for a refreshing drop as your take in the twinkling magic.
Twisted Frequency Festival
Golden Bay
For a little more ‘doof doof’, head over the Tākaka Hill to Golden Bay and ring in the New Year at Twisted Frequency Festival. The five-day New Year festival showcases music and art with a beautiful sense of community. There’s music for everyone with a focus on underground and experimental electronica. There are also countless workshops and seminars with the likes of mixed jam sessions, acroyoga, bellydance, and craft-making.
Soundsplash Festival
Raglan
Raglan turns it on each and every summer with its black sand beaches, world-famous surf break, and Soundsplash Festival. The festival takes over Wainui Reserve with three days of live music, art, and culture. This year’s festival is headlined by Ocean Alley, Macky Gee, Luude, Jordan Rakei, and My Baby. Groove across the four stages and be inspired by the thought-provoking speakers and interactive workshops. It’s the place to be from Friday, 20 to Sunday, 22 January, 2023.
Cheers to some stunning adventures with friends this summer with a refreshing, Ultra Low Carb Steiny. For all the info on the sip of the season, head over here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Steinlager and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image credit: Urban List, Kristina Parchomchuk, Elmvilla, She Bad Festival Wear, Soundsplash Festival