Everyone's favourite season of the year has arrived, and we're here to help you make it your best summer ever.
From weekend escapes with mates to the luxury vacation you’ve been dreaming about, summer brings blissfully warm evenings, packed festive calendars and the promise of a new year.
To celebrate the start of summer, we’ve rounded up enough inspiration and intel to keep you busy from the silly season all the way through to March. BYO sunnies.
Outdoor Adventures
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NewsThe Six Best Swimming Holes in Auckland
Cool off at an inner-city waterfall, a North Shore hidden gem or a crystal lake surrounded by mega sand dunes at these Auckland swimming spots.
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NewsNine of the Best Walks in and Around Auckland
Make your way up a volcanic summit, head west to see black sand dunes and track around the country's largest marine restoration project.
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NewsThe Best Summer Day Trips Out of Auckland
Wineries, weekend markets and wild beaches are only a short drive away.
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NewsFive Scenic Spots to Watch the Sun Go Down in Auckland
Head to one of these scenic spots when the forecast promises clear skies and dreamy colours.
Things To Do
CP Trips Getaways
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NewsBali's Most Romantic Stays When Proposals and Honeymoons Come Calling
Perfect for those looking to honeymoon or just run away with their special someone.
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NewsThe Best Adults-Only Hotels and Resorts in The Whitsundays
Kids can be cute — but sometimes we need a holiday without the little ones running around.
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NewsFiji's Best Islands to Hit up Next Time You're Seeking a Tropical Getaway
From private islands turned into luxury resorts to hidden archipelagos surrounded by coral reefs teeming with turtles and tropical fish.
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NewsExperience the World's First Gin Heli-Tour and an Onsen Retreat in Queenstown
Fly around this alpine region on a helicopter gin tasting tour and spoil yourself rotten at a spa retreat up in the mountains
Escapes Near and Far
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NewsUnique Stays with Breathtaking Views of New Zealand's South Island
From rugged secluded cottages to luxurious lakeside retreats.
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NewsThe Most Luxurious Boutique Hotels In and Around Auckland and Wellington
Whether you're planning an out-of-town jaunt or just a much-needed staycation, these unique spots have something for everyone.
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NewsSeven New Zealand Holiday Homes That Come With Private Beach Access
From exclusive campgrounds to secluded cabins in the winterless north, here's where you can stretch out on your own private beach this summer.
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NewsFive Lesser-Known Wine Regions to Visit in New Zealand
Not mentioned: Central Otago, Marlborough nor Hawke's Bay.
Date and Mate Nights
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NewsDrake Is Returning Down Under in 2025 for the First Time in Eight Years on His 'Anita Max Win' Tour
The five-time Grammy-winner is playing both Australia and New Zealand in February and March 2025.
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NewsThe Best Day Spas in Auckland
Treat yourself to a full-body scrub, a coconut milk bath or a luxurious buccal facial that literally fights gravity at these Auckland spas.
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GuideAuckland Bars and Restaurants That Are Undeniably, Unabashedly Romantic
Low lighting, jazz playlists, opulent cocktails — these date spots will help you to start planning the perfect Valentine's Day.
Summer Eats
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NewsThe Votes Are In: These Are the Top 50 Gastropubs in New Zealand According to Pint-Loving Kiwis
From classic 100-year-old pubs to unique local joints, there's a gastropub to fit everyone on this list.
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NewsNow Open: Rosella Is Mount Victoria's Newest Neighbourhood Wine Bar
The windy suburb has a brand new neighbourhood eatery serving up a bold fusion of flavours and European tipples.
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NewsSix Spots to Enjoy Bottomless Boozy Brunch in Auckland
Start your weekend with unlimited bubbly, beer, vino and cocktails (and ruin all regular brunches forever).
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NewsWhere to Find the Best Burgers in Auckland
From suburban takeaway joints to late-night food trucks, here are eleven spots where you can find quality burgers in Auckland.
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NewsExcellent Boutique Canned Bevvies to Get Us Through Picnics and Beach Days This Summer
No glass? No problem.
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GuideThe Best Bars and Pubs Around Auckland for When You Want to Drink Outside
Knock off work early and head to one of these sun-soaked spots for a few afternoon brews.
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NewsWhere to Find the Best Late-Night Eats in Auckland
Satisfy those late-night munchies with soul-warming ramen, Korean fried chicken and 60-centimetre pizzas.
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NewsEleven Classic Picnic Spots to Try Around Auckland This Summer
Nothing says summer like eating your lunch surrounded by trees.
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NewsFive of the Best Spots to Get Iced Coffee in Auckland
Don't subject your body to an extra-hot flat white when it's 27 degrees outside — instead enjoy one of these frosty concoctions.
The Best Things to Watch This Summer
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NewsTen Films and TV Shows You Need to Stream This Month
Spend your couch time watching the delicious return of 'The Bear', Glen Powell playing a fake hitman and Lily Gladstone's latest excellent performance.
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NewsEleven Films and TV Shows You Need to Stream in April
Spend your couch time watching Andrew Scott step into Tom Ripley's shoes, a shattering docuseries about Nickelodeon's kids TV hits and Colin Farrell as a PI.
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NewsEleven Films and TV Shows You Need to Stream in March
Spend your couch time watching Adam Sandler in space, a stunning Oscar-winning documentary, girl group-fuelled sitcom hilarity and Noel Fielding's latest show.
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NewsTen Films and TV Shows You Need to Stream in February
Spend your couch time watching the new 'Mr & Mrs Smith', one of this year's Oscar Best Picture nominees and a stellar new space thriller.
The Guest Edit
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NewsThe Guest Edit: SWMR's Sophie Wardrop Shares Her Favourite Swimming Spots Around the North Island
Bookmark this guide for your day trips, road trips and out-of-town stints this summer.
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NewsThe Guest Edit: Sustainable Skincare Innovator Emma Lewisham
The founder of the New Zealand-based luxury skincare line has compiled a lineup of brands that share her company's planet-saving ethos.
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NewsThe Guest Edit: New Zealand Designer Juliette Hogan
From all-natural skincare to local wineries lowering their carbon footprint, one of the country's most celebrated designers takes us through her sustainable daily staples.
