It doesn't matter where you go in New Zealand, it's always worth waking up for the sunrise
New Zealand is one of the first few places in the world to see the sun each day, so it’s no wonder why Kiwis are such morning people. If one of your new year resolutions is to become an early riser, here's a good place to reset. Coupled with New Zealand's immense natural beauty, jumping out of bed to see the sunrise has never been more appealing.
To fully immerse yourself in the New Zealand way of life, you should take the time to experience both the North and South Islands. But if you've only got seven days and torn between the two islands, here's a quick breakdown: the North is surrounded with geothermal hotspots if you're looking for a good soak and it's rich with Maori culture, while the South is larger and defined by breathtaking mountains and fjords.
With Singapore Airlines’ direct flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, you can choose from three major cities to travel to. Bearing that in mind, we've curated some of our favourite things to do in these respective cities – with options for night owls – and day trips you can embark on.
New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, is framed by two harbours and surrounded by farmland. For most, the mention of Auckland brings to mind its fine wine (think Kumeu River's Chardonnay), beautiful beaches, and a thriving dining scene. Not only that, you'll also meet many people from all walks of life in this bustling, multi-cultural hub that has been regularly rated as one of the world's most liveable cities.
Bite into a warm bagel filled with cured meat or lox, or sip on a bottomless cup of coffee at Al Brown's Federal Delicatessen. The institution brings a taste of old-school New York to Auckland. Sure, the extensive breakfast menu might make it hard to choose; but try The Best Ugly (salmon lox, cream cheese, dill, capers, and red onions) and the Griddle Cakes, if you're craving for a sweet start to your day.
Jumpstart your day with the highest tandem skydive in New Zealand at Skydive Auckland, where you can jump from 20,000 feet. After freefalling, you'll enjoy the stunning views of both the east and west coasts of New Zealand. If you're not ready to take that huge of a plunge, you can also choose to tandem skydive from 16,000 feet, 13,000 feet or 9,000 feet.
Auckland's buzzing nightlife has much to offer – whether you're looking to knock down a few beers in a chilled out bar, or party the night away. A local favourite, Cassette Nine is a homely and chilled venue by day. But by night, lace up your dancing shoes as it turns into a live-entertainment venue with both local and international bands and DJs playing every day of the week.
Experience true New Zealand hospitality whilst treating yourself to understated luxury at Warblers Retreat. Nestled in a forest on the fringe of Albany City, the retreat offers complete seclusion so you feel a world away. (You'd be pleasantly surprised to find that the retreat is actually 45km away from Auckland Airport – and 25km away from the CBD.)
The light-filled Kereru Suite offers all the space you need, with a comfortable king-sized bed, ensuite large shower, outdoor barbecue and private courtyard and outdoor spa bath surrounded by lush greenery.
The Waitomo cave is a must-visit on every visitor's bucket list – and there's no better time to go than when you're in Auckland. Just two hours and twenty minutes away from the CBD, the village in which it's located is known for the beauty of its subterranean landscapes. Start your tour of the caves on foot before hopping on a boat to experience the world-famous ride under thousands of glowworms.
Navigate a wildly beautiful landscape while learning more about Maori culture at Kaitiaki Adventures. Enjoy three hours of adrenaline-pumping rafting at the world's highest commercially raftable waterfall standing seven metres high. The Kaituna also boasts 14 thrilling rapids and beautiful native bush-clad canyons, so it's a definite must for thrill-seekers. Be sure to set aside a day as The Kaituna is a three-hour drive from Auckland – so it makes an exhilarating day trip.
Singapore Airlines operates non-stop flights to Auckland daily, so you can get there in just nine hours and 50 minutes. Fly in comfort and enjoy Krisworld, the airline’s inflight entertainment system. Be occupied by its extensive range of over 1,800 on-demand entertainment options including movies, TV shows, music albums, and interactive games. The award-winning carrier is also offering promotional fares from $1038, so don't miss your chance and start planning for your trip from May 3 to December 10.
Resting between rolling hills and a rugged coastline on the southern end of the North Island, Wellington is one of the most scenic capital cities in the world. You'll sense a buzzing creative energy in Wellington – with a strong art scene, hidden bars, award-winning restaurants and amazing coffee.
Since breakfast is the first meal of the day, you should start it right. Wellington has so many breakfast spots to choose from but if you find yourself in the eclectic Cuba Street, head on to Olive, which serves up Mediterranean-inspired dishes. With everything from Persian guacamole on toast to smoked lamb backstrap on the menu, you won't be limited to just pancakes and toast.
The best way to get to know a city is to dive into its gastronomic scene, and Wellington is no different. Explore New Zealand's culinary, café and coffee capital by joining a small walking group tour courtesy of Zest Food Tours. Starting in the morning, the Walking Gourmet culinary experience takes you to key cafés and restaurants in the city centre before concluding with a delicious, light lunch complemented with regional wines or craft beer at one of the Wellington's best restaurants.
To sum Wellington up, it's mesmerising by day and electric at night. You can head to one of the city's many cocktail bars, or enjoy a unique dinner at Foxglove Bar and Kitchen. The restaurant is housed in a repurposed Union Steam Ship in the centre of Queen's Wharf. Start your meal with the Shelly Bay Bakery ciabatta roll served with a spiced tomato and almond dip. For mains, popular options are the kaffir lime and chilli prawn linguine and the Te Mana lamb rump. The establishment also houses three bars, each with its own atmosphere – complete with a touch of 1940s glamour and spectacular ocean views.
Wake up right in the heart of Wellington at QT Museum Wellington. Located on the city's sparkling waterfront, the hotel offers stunning views of the coast – and has a distinctive personality to match. QT Musuem Wellington embraces the city's creative spirit, with eclectic interiors and impressive artworks by some of the city's most talented artists.
From Wellington, drive an hour and a half to the scenic Wairarapa region. Once a farming area, the region is now famed for its wine and olives. It makes for a relaxing day trip away from Wellington city, with three forest parks, a huge coastline lined with lighthouses, and a core part of the classic New Zealand Wine Trail passing right through.
Start your day at Cape Palliser and climb 250 steps to the lighthouse for a stunning view of the sunrise. And if you're lucky, you'll get to see Cape Palliser's adorable fur seal colony – one of the North Island's largest. After which, sip on some of the country's best wines at the Martinborough Vineyard, which has been credited as the birthplace of New Zealand's famed pinot noirs.
Walk to the spectacular Putangirua Pinnacles in the Aorangi Forest Park, a landscape of rugged formations of clay and rock that tower over you in an amphitheatre of columns. There are three routes that lead you up to the Pinnacles lookout, from the easily-graded bush walk to the more challenging and steep climb up the streambed. But you'll be rewarded with picture-perfect views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke once you get to the top.
Singapore Airlines operates flights to Wellington – flying through Melbourne – five times weekly on the Airbus A350 that gets you there in 12 hours and 25 minutes. With the slightly longer travel time, you can rest assured that the airline will get you there in comfort. The seats are designed to give you more personal space, complete with a new sculpted backrest cushion with bolstered sides – which will hold you snugly while you sleep. The national carrier is offering promotional fares to the capital from $768 for travel from May 3 to December 10.
The gateway to the beautiful South Island, Christchurch has had a massive facelift in recent years after the city sadly experienced an earthquake in 2011. The trendy city has since experienced a resurgence, with chic restaurants, urban bars, hip cafes, and design-led boutique hotels. While most tend to overlook the city as just the gateway to the North Island's famed natural landmarks, it's worth staying a little longer.
Spread across two rooms of a restored old post office building, Hello Sunday Cafe has some of the best brunch options in town. Don't miss the strong focus on well-being, with nourishing brunches and homemade foods on offer. A highlight on the menu is the beef cheek hash, made with slow-braised beef with potato, pickled cucumber, poached eggs and sriracha hollandaise.
Drive 20 minutes from Christchurch CBD and you'll find yourself at the new Christchurch Adventure Park, nestled within the stunning Port Hills. The adventure park is home to the longest chairlift in New Zealand, taking sightseers, riders and their bikes to the top of Port Hills with stunning views across the city. Here, you can fuel your adrenaline rush and fly through a series of high-speed zip lines, race on an epic mountain bike ride with sweeping views of the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, or simply go sightseeing.
With Christchurch's thriving bar scene, night owls still have much to do after a day of exploring the city. Start the evening at Smash Palace, a bar and burger joint specialising in local craft beer, wine, and juicy made-in-house burgers, flanked in a building adorned with succulents and paperback novels. The establishment prides itself in buns, chutney, patties, pickles, and aioli made from scratch.
Besides the popular bacon sandwich and piglafel, The Smash Palace is also known for its vegetarian options, like the vegematarian (with falafel patty, cheese, mayo, smash pickle and lettuce), and the mushie vegan (with mushroom patty, caramelised onion, beetroot, gherkin, lettuce, and chutney).
To base yourself right in the heart of the city, stay at Sudima Christchurch City, ideally located on Victoria Street amidst an array of cafes, restaurants and bars. The brand new five-star boutique hotel boasts rooms evoking modern flair, with earthy tones complemented by limited edition prints from New Zealand artist Aroha Gossage.
Take a day trip to Akaroa, an old whaling township on the Banks Peninsula, south-east of Christchurch. Here's a fun fact: Akaroa was actually the only French settlement in New Zealand. Walking around, it's hard not to see traces of its past, with quaint architecture reminiscent of a provincial village. Besides its unique atmosphere and fine cuisine, most visitors go to Akaroa for its most famous residents, the dolphins. Operators like Akaroa Dolphins allow you to get close and personal with the gentle creatures – and you can even swim with them.
For once-in-a-lifetime experiences, head to Hanmer Springs, a resort town in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. Hop onto a jetboat and brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping ride, 24km along the Waiau River, which ends with the famous Hamilton jet spin.
Get to Christchurch on our award-winning national carrier in just 9 hours 50 minutes. Be sure to enjoy impeccable service while keeping yourself occupied with over 1,800 on-demand in-flight entertainment options including movies, TV shows, music albums, interactive games.
