Jandal tan lines
Jandal tan lines are the mark of a good Kiwi summer – almost a badge of honour. They speak of long days at the beach or at the park, soaking up the rays until sunset. If you do, of course, don’t forget to lather up your feet with sunscreen, both sides. As Sunscreen.org.nz explains, "Simply applying sunscreen to your feet at least 20 minutes before going into the sun can help."
After-work swims
What better way is there to wind down after a long day at work than by dipping into the ocean? It’s relaxing, rejuvenating, and feels like you’re on holiday on a Tuesday night. Just check Lawa.org.nz to make sure the water is suitable for swimming.
Naps under a Pohutukawa tree
…or any tree, for that matter. But there’s just something so peaceful and special about our iconic Kiwi Christmas tree and its crimson blooms. It helps that they mostly grow along the coast, so you can have a nap with a view.
Road trips with pie stops
If you ask us, no trip is too short to skip a pie stop. And if the trip is long, why not stop at a bakery more than once? From the iconic paua pies in Northland, to the mince stalwarts of the south – there's something for every taste. Don’t believe us? Check out this article from Stuff.co.nz for five "Great NZ pie trails" across the country.
Small town events
After a two-year hiatus, events are back and more vital than ever. If you’re looking for good old-fashioned fun, you may find it in a small holiday town near you – from classic markets through to quirky festivals. Here are some examples:
- Keltic Fair – Held 2 January every year in Coromandel Town, this Celtic-themed fair has more than 300 stalls as well as live entertainment.
- Cooks Beach Summer Gala – Also in the Coromandel (Cooks Beach Reserve), this vibrant event boasts a wide range of festival east and a picturesque contest.
- Whangamomona Republic Day – At the end of January, the Whangamomona Hotel in Whangamomona celebrates their 'independence day'. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s quite a fascinating story. For $5, you can get a passport and enjoy activities like whip cracking, sheep racing, and the 'presidential election'.
- Cromwell Cherry Festival and National Cherry Spitting Competition – Held at the end of December in Cromwell’s McNulty Gardens, the festival features a hotly contested championship.
- Hokitika Driftwood & Sand Festival – Held in January, this West Coast’s gem attracts both professional and budding artists, working side by side to create beautiful sculptures using only beach finds. And when tide gets in, they're all gone.
- Curio Bay Fun Day and Big Dig – Down in the Catlins, at the site of a 170 million-year-old petrified forest, this event sees hundreds of people dig up tokens and exchange them for prizes.
And the list goes on…
Camping, tramping, eating all the Pavlova – you name it. After all, what’s not to love about a Kiwi summer?
We hope you enjoy yours. And in the meantime, if you have any questions about your insurance, we’re here to help. Call us on 0800 800 400, start a Live Chat or fill in our contact form to get in touch with our friendly team of insurance advisers.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.
