If there’s one thing we learned in New Zealand in the last year, it’s that the good tourism stuff sells out fast.

Last year, with international visitors unable to come, New Zealanders expected a calm tourism season and many of us left holiday planning to the last minute. Those of us who planned in advance were rewarded, as accommodation and activities in nationwide hotspots filled up.

In fact, the Department of Conservation reported an increase in the number of bookings for New Zealand’s Great Walks. We also saw high demand on cycle trails, campsites, and accommodation in places with beaches and lakes. With the Trans-Tasman travel bubble opening up, we’re expecting things to really heat up in the sector.

Book these early so you don’t miss out

Skiing and snowboarding The 2021 New Zealand ski season starts in June and runs until October. With both Australians and Kiwis competing for space this year, it’s a good idea to check out the good accommodation offerings now. Check out Queenstown, Wanaka, Methven, Mackenzie District, Taupō and Ohakune for starters.

Great Walks Bookings for the 10 Great Walks of New Zealand open in mid-June 2021. Last year Kiwis snapped up nearly all the available spots, and popular walks like the Milford Track almost completely sold out within an hour of opening.

Cycle trails One of the best ways to see New Zealand’s sights, a series of Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails criss-cross the country. You can organise your own trips (plan your accommodation well in advance) or get on board with an organised tour.

Beach holiday If you’re spending summer with family and friends in New Zealand, make sure you get your camping spot or hotel sussed ASAP – if last summer’s anything to go by, the beach towns will fill up fast.

Give a leg up to some champion tourism spots

2020 and 2021 have been hard years for lots of absolutely fantastic New Zealand tourism operators and locations. Consider spending time in some of our most picturesque and exciting places like Rotorua, Queenstown, Fiordland and Franz Josef – and make the most of the experience by booking plenty of awesome activities!

Hit the hidden gems

Always wanted to get off the beaten path in New Zealand and hit up some of the local favourites instead of the traditional tourist destinations? Hit the beaches, fish, dive and explore the natural wonders of Northland and The Coromandel. Be completely wowed by the alpine wonderland and stargazing reserve of Mackenzie District. Get on the wine trail in Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough in the North Island, and Marlborough in the South Island.

Take a pause in the gateways

You’ll probably land in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch and it might be tempting to blast straight out to the tourism hotspots, but we know there’s a lot of goodness to be had in New Zealand’s gateway cities. Auckland is a shopper’s and diner’s paradise, and has its own urban beaches and nearby forests to explore. Wellington is the country’s cultural hub, the home of Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, a thriving café scene, theatre, art and film. Christchurch is an adventure destination, with a mountain biking park, surf beaches and lengthy hiking and biking trails right in the city – and the Chch culinary offerings are not to be missed.