Goodbye winter blues, hello New Zealand summer in December!
If a true holiday to you means clear water and sunny days, then a trip to New Zealand in December should be high on your list. Take a sunrise dip in Lake Wakatipu, brave a jetboat ride down the Shotover River and trek the Blue Pools Track along Haast Pass to see water so blue it looks fake (but we promise it’s real). Want to unwind on holiday? We don’t blame you. Cool down at one of Wanaka’s wineries and take in the views without having to work for it.
December reviews
4.5
out of 5 based on 39 reviews submitted.
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Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail
Tom · Traveled December 2023
I loved the Otago Trail I just wish I hadn't done it with Intrepid! The scenery is mid West US prairie meets English countryside and a lot more picturesque than I expected. I found it almost calming cycling through it. The cycling felt longer and tougher than I expected (although the bikes and head winds had a lot to do with that) but still perfectly manageable for anyone who's active in day to day life.
The trip notes and guidance I received from the Intrepid support team ahead of the trip were inaccurate on multiple fronts. You don't need to bring a helmet, single supplement WILL get you your own room each night, the bike company did eventually fit my saddle and pedals but only after a big scene and lots of grumbling. Customer centric they are not.
The bikes are far more rugged than needed for the trail which is 95% gravel. A standard hard tail mountain bike would have been more than enough. We had a hard tail with the fattest tires I've ever ridden so the rolling resistance was really high. The bike computer they gave me packed in after the 3rd day of riding. My friend's never worked.
2 of the 3 hotels were poor in my view. In the first hotel our twin room was tiny for 1 person let alone two. We could barely get our stuff in there! It had a weird folding door which left massive gaps and provided no privacy and no shampoo or shower gel. We were subjected to a laughably overpriced 'buffet' with virtually no choice and a mandatory 2 courses for $50. Along with the surly, grumpy service it was a pretty unpleasant experience. The cabins on the 2nd night were lovely - beautiful views, comfortable spacious rooms and drinks and snacks available via an honesty box complete with credit card machine. The rooms on the final night was horrible soft saggy mattress and toilets/showers shared between people. Oh and not forgetting the driest pie I've ever eaten. I've witnessed more moisture in the desert in Morocco than in that pie which had been cremated.
On the plus side we had an excellent guide in summer who was full of energy, bubbly and very easy to talk too. She let the faster riders scoot on ahead which I really appreciated. I also really enjoyed the company of everyone on the trip.
Review submitted 13 Jan 2024Premium New Zealand North Island
Ruby · Traveled December 2023
Really enjoyed my Intrepid trip to NZ North Island. Our tour guide Lou was SO good and we had a lot of fun! Great hotels and travelling was made easy with Frodo the bus! Will book again!
Review submitted 03 Jan 2024Premium New Zealand North Island
HEATHER CHU RUI · Traveled December 2023
Amazing trip with Tim.
The trip can be more flexible when the weather gets unpredictable and it would be perfect!
Review submitted 06 Jan 2024New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound)
Brenda · Traveled December 2023
Spend time before the trip and book your 'Add on activities' as some get booked up fast. Also recommend for Milford Sound the best option is Coach - Cruise - Fly day trip.
Review submitted 13 Jan 2024New Zealand South Island Adventure
Ilse · Traveled December 2023
I really loved this trip, I have seen wonderful places, which I wouldn’t visit on my own.
Review submitted 28 Dec 2023
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