If you are a woman trying to juggle corporate work and life, the desire to escape the rat race, even just for a few days or weeks, can be strong.
You may want to go to a tranquil, unpopulated area for rest and relaxation. Perhaps indulging in gourmet food and wine is your idea of heaven. You may even be thrillseeker and crave adventure and adrenalin rushes.
Whatever your dream getaway, the areas outside of New Zealand’s main cities are the perfect vacation destinations for a busy woman wanting to take a break from the corporate world.
1. Savor a Glass of Wine (or Two) at a Vineyard
Without a doubt, one of the most well-known wine regions in New Zealand is Marlborough. Tucked in the north-west corner of New Zealand’s South Island, dozens of vineyards produce some of the world’s best wine.
For lovers of white wine, in particular sauvignon blanc, then this is the destination for you. Almost If you are more of a red-wine drinker, you will still find a fine drop. Pinot noir is Marlborough’s next popular grape variety.
Visit in February to experience The Marlborough Wine and Food Festival where you can enjoy pairing exquisite wines with cuisine made with local produce.
Marlborough is one of the four wine regions on the 236 mile (380km) Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.
Make sure you have two crystal wine glasses to savour the beautiful white wines you have just purchased from the cellar door and a wine cooler bag to keep them perfectly cold and crisp.
2. Relax in a Thermal Spring
Soaking in mineral-rich thermal baths is one of the most wonderful experiences you can have. The North Island of New Zealand is filled with hot pools as a result of volcanic activity.
Rotorua was built on top of geothermal land and beside Lake Rotorua. Here you can find many options for free and paid hot pools and spas.
At the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland you will find the Champagne Pool. The carbon dioxide in the water produces champagne-like bubbles.
Ease your tired and sore muscles by soaking in an outdoor mud bath at Hells Gate. This magical mud has been used for generations by the Maori to cure aches and pains.
It’s good idea to take a water bottle to keep hydrated during your soak. If you go to a public area, have a bath wrap to dry yourself and cover up you once you are done bathing.
3. Hike the Milford Track
If getting out and about your ideal getaway, New Zealand’s is home to the most fantastic walking and hiking trails, suited to all ability levels.
The 33-mile (53 km) Milford Track is one of the most famous routes in New Zealand and trekkers have been walking it for over 150 years.
The track starts from the head of Lake Te Anau and along the way you will cross suspension bridges, boardwalks and a mountain pass. You will marvel at the soaring mountains peaks, the crystalline lakes and deep valleys. You will also get to view the Sutherland Falls which is the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.
If you are planning a hiking vacation, make sure to pack a pair of sturdy boots and a water-and-windproof jacket as the weather can be unpredictable. Stash a few hand and body wipes in your pockets and backpack as there are very few amenities along the way.
4. Be a Snow Bunny
New Zealand is a skiers’ and snowboarders’ paradise. Resorts that feature long runs, pristine powder snow, groomed trails and off-piste routes and options for all levels, what more could you want?
On the North Island, Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand’s largest commercial ski area lies on an active volcano.
On the South Island, only 90 minutes from Christchurch, Mt Hutt is one of the country’s largest and most elevated ski areas. Further south lie four commercial ski resorts in the Queenstown and Wanaka areas – The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona and Treble Cone.
No matter what snowsport you do or how experienced (or inexperienced) you are, there is something for everyone in New Zealand.
You can usually hire all of your ski equipment and clothes at your resort. This is always a handy option if you don’t have your own gear or don’t want to check in oversized luggage on the airplane. Don’t forget to pack your thermal underwear and it’s always nice to have your own pair of snow goggles.
5. Take a Leap Of Faith
If you are an adrenalin junkie, how about flinging yourself off a bridge with nothing but a stretchy cord attached to your feet?
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre in Christchurch opened in 1988 and thousands of visitors have tried bungy jumping the 141 feet (43 meters) towards the Kawarau River. On your jump you can choose to bob above the water, touch it, or be fully immersed.
Another way to really get your heart pounding is to ride the Nevis Swing. The biggest swing in the world is suspended 525 feet (160m) above the valley. Once you are harnessed into the swing, you will be released to travel in an almost-1000 feet (300m) arc through the valley at 77 miles (125 km) per hour!
Make sure you record your unforgettable adventures with an action camera!
