It’s summer here in New Zealand, and we’re trying to make the most of it. The weather is a little erratic, but it’s definitely better what the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing at the moment. If you’re heading this way for a touch of sun, or if you plan to visit next summer, there are a few ways to really experience a Kiwi summer. That said, these tips also apply to Australia, if you change the slang a little bit.

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Get in the water

Head to the beach, lake or river and jump on in. If you’re not much of a swimmer, you can wade and sunbathe, and if you’re a water baby give one of these a try:

• Go kayaking
• Go surfing
• Go windsurfing
• Swim with whales or dolphins (or watch from the beach if they pass while you’re sunbathing)
• Go fishing – from a boat, a jetty or the rocks

Get active

There’s plenty to do back on land, too.

• Go hiking – try one of the Great Walks or head into one of the many forests
• Go for a bike ride
• Go rollerblading along Auckland’s waterfront
• Go camping
• Do some adventure sports

Enjoy the cuisine

Okay, by cuisine I mean “barbecued food” and “fish and chips” – sure our food isn’t as world-renowned as some, but at least we can eat it outside! Take your fish and chips to the beach with huge amounts of tomato sauce, and have as many barbecues as you can fit into the summer. They could be intimate ones at home (as in, just cook your dinner on the barbie) or huge events. You’ll be drinking beer and (actually world-renowned this time) New Zealand white wine – look out for Sauvignon Blanc.

Go to outdoor events

There’s certainly no shortage of these, though sometimes finding out where they are being held can be a bit of a mission. Ask at the tourist info office, or search online. Lots of things happen in local parks, so heading to one of these can be a good way to get to know an area you wouldn’t have otherwise visited.

• Music in Parks
• Christmas in the Park (Auckland Domain)
• Summer Shakespeare
• Outdoor cinemas
• Outdoor theatre

So head outside and enjoy the sun, and don’t forget to slip, slop, slap and wrap: slip on a t-shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on some sunglasses.

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This article was written by Craig and Linda

Craig and Linda Martin have been living on the road since February 2006. Both born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand they are ... somewhere in the world! Craig and Linda host the Indie Travel Podcast - you can get in touch with them here.