Home is where Waikato is
From midnight, more than a billion people around the world can travel to New Zealand. We are once again open. It is a massive moment in our history. For the first time since New Zealand’s borders were closed in March 2020, we are opening to much of the world. Vaccinated tourists from visa-waiver countries including Canada, the United States, Singapore and England will be able to enter New Zealand without any quarantine.
It raises a significant question many of us will face: where should we take our next holiday? Should we head overseas, or continue to explore our backyard?
I think a mix is the best answer. I have just booked a trip to the Maldives, because some of the resorts are offering incredible specials to entice tourists back.
I found a holiday there that is cheaper than an equivalent resort in Fiji. But most of my exploring will still be at home. Why?
Let me explain by telling you a little story.
One of my first big trips overseas was to Croatia. I couldn’t wait to see its crystal-clear water, medieval cities and national parks packed with waterfalls.
So, I set off on my Mediterranean fantasy, after sinking many thousands of dollars into my adventure.
But what I found surprised me. While it was undeniably beautiful, other tourists couldn’t stop talking to me about New Zealand.
One retired visitor from England asked what I was doing there. My explanation that it was a big adventure wasn’t enough. He brusquely replied: ‘‘Croatia is where we go when we’ve run out of places to see. We all want to go to New Zealand.’’
I brushed off the comment, and never gave it any thought for another decade. That was until Covid-19 hit, which forced us all to explore our backyard like never before, and I now realise what he was talking about.
New Zealand is blessed with some of the best landscapes in the world. From tropical-like islands in the north, to soaring peaks in the south. We have cities full of gastronomic adventures, tiny towns packed with charm, and some of the best secluded escapes in the world.
Despite spending the past two years visiting every region in the country, I still feel like there is so much left to see. So, yes, open borders will mean more international travel. But I want to make the most of this year at home too.
It will take a while for the pre-Covid hordes of tourists to come back and, in the meantime, we have one final chance to explore our country without the crowds.
If you think you have seen it all, perhaps you should head to Waikato.
I have just spent a week there, and loved it, exploring a spectacular new cycle trail and little-known hot pools.
This week’s Stuff Travel is dedicated to this marvellous region, which is one of the best places to get off the beaten track.
Visit the full guide at stuff.co.nz/go-to-hamiltonwaikato.
Despite the borders reopening, by the time you have read this issue, you will no doubt be planning a few adventures closer to home.