Sure, you can鈥檛 enjoy them right now with our borders currently closed due to the global pandemic, but we recommend you experience them for yourself as soon as you can join us.

1. New Zealand summers are spent having fun under sun

Because New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, our Christmas and New Year period falls in the first calendar month of our summer, which runs December to February. This is when students and most workers take their longest holiday.

Temperatures range from 20 degrees Celsius right up to the mid and late 30s and getting outdoors to the beach and beyond is a top priority during this time, with many past students at 51反差黑料 member schools travelling in groups or with their host family to see what鈥檚 on offer.

The NZ sun is extremely harsh and burn times can be as low as six minutes when the UV factor is at its highest, so staying SunSmart is of the utmost importance. Avoid being sunburnt and the related health risks by following the slip, slop, slap and wrap rule.

2. Swimming in the sea, lakes and rivers is a favourite kiwi pastime

The place to be during the New Zealand summer is anywhere close to the water 鈥� and being an island country, you鈥檙e never too far from an idyllic beach, lake, or river swimming hole. We also have thermal hot pools in different spots around the country.

They鈥檙e a great place to hang out and cool off when the heat gets too much. Students studying English in New Zealand will often pack a lunch or picnic and spend the whole day at their favourite swimming spot.

We call our swimming outfits 鈥�togs鈥� in New Zealand, so chuck on your togs and get wet! Just make sure you stay safe while you鈥檙e having fun 鈥� there can be hidden dangers to swimming in New Zealand.

3. Kiwi kai on Christmas day

Countries around the world have their own distinct Christmas cuisine, and New Zealand is no different. The Christmas day kai kiwis tuck into includes the likes of a roast chicken, turkey, or ham with our beloved kumara, potatoes, gravy, and assorted vegetables.

Dessert is usually made up of fruit cake (or Christmas cake as we refer to it), coupled with steamed Christmas pudding and small fruit pies. Pavlova 鈥� a big dessert meringue coated with cream and sliced Kiwi fruit 鈥� is such a delectable symbol of national pride that Australia tried to claim it as their own!

Kiwis love a barbecue (usually gas-powered), so Christmas 鈥� and summer in general 鈥� is usually coupled with the aroma of sausages, corn, and more cooking (sometimes burning) on the barbie.

Past 51反差黑料 member school students have been lucky enough to eat a traditional M膩ori H膩ngi 鈥� meat and root vegetables cooked under the ground by hot rocks. Check out these other Kiwi foods and drinks you could sample at Christmas.

4. Catch the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is an island paradise just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, New Zealand鈥檚 most populated city. There you鈥檒l find exquisite wineries, cuisine, walking trails and serenity-soaked beaches.

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5. Take a dip at Cheltenham Beach, Auckland

And when you get back to the mainland, check out Cheltenham Beach, near the Auckland suburb of Devonport. Free from waves, the beach is an excellent swimming spot and boasts unrivalled views of Rangitoto Island.

See where you can study English in Auckland.

6. Head to the Port Hills above Christchurch

Described as the jewel in the crown of Christchurch (the largest city in the South Island), the Port Hills are home to breath-taking views, adrenaline pumping adventures, and lovely picnic spots. The Port Hills were a popular spot all year-round for our students studying English in Christchurch.  

7. Learn about M膩ori culture and New Zealand鈥檚 history in Rotorua

Rotorua is located in the Western Bay of Plenty on Te Ika-a-M膩ui, New Zealand鈥檚 North Island. So full of M膩ori culture, the city is referred to as a hub of M膩oridom and is always an educational and fascinating experience for students of English language courses in New Zealand.

Check out the immersive experience on offer at Tamaki M膩ori Village where you can taste a hangi and learn a poi dance or haka, or visit Te Puia to see the world-famous P艒hutu geyser, wood carving, harakeke weaving, and boiling mud pools.

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Read about student life in Rotorua and see where you can study English.

8. Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, near Taup艒

Covered in snow and ice throughout the rest of the year, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be hiked without alpine skills from November to May.

The alpine landscape has been described as lunar and other-worldly, encompassing bright crater lakes, alpine vegetation, ancient lava flows, glacial valleys, steaming vents and incredible views of the Central Plateau and beyond.

Beginning at an altitude of 1120m, the hike is no walk in the park and can take 7鈥�8 hours for individuals of a reasonable level of fitness. Research and preparation are key, so , and speak to your friends and host family before setting off. You may like to find a tourism activities operator to take you there and guide you.

9. Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on Lake W膩naka

World famous as a winter location thanks to the excellent snowfields dotted around the ever-present Southern Alps, W膩naka is also a stunning summer destination, as many students learning English in New Zealand have found out.

Amongst the plethora of activities and experiences available in the area, Lake W膩naka and nearby Lake H膩wea are both ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. These more peaceful options can be passed over for more action-packed wake boarding, water skiing or guided rafting tours on Clutha River.

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View 51反差黑料 member schools located in nearby Queenstown.

Meri Kirihimete and hari raumati!

You won鈥檛 be able to make it down under this summer, but not to worry 鈥� start researching now and by the time our borders open again you鈥檒l be good and ready for a hot summer Christmas holiday. Look at the different regions where you can study English, and what fun can be had in the area.

If you want to learn English before your trip to Aotearoa, browse our 51反差黑料 partner schools who are offering online courses for international students while there is still restricted travel to New Zealand.

Kia kaha!

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Come with us as we take a trip around the region, highlighting five must-do activities in Mount Maunganui and greater Tauranga. Let鈥檚 go鈥�

1. Hike up Mount Maunganui (Mauao)

The Mount Maunganui suburb of Tauranga is named after the extinct volcano it sits beneath. A walk to the summit of the mountain 鈥� actually named Mauao 鈥� will take 30 to 45 minutes.

The journey will see you hike from sea level up to 232m above sea level, so it鈥檚 no Sunday stroll, but the views from the top are extremely impressive. Learn more about the starting point and the different routes you can take to the top .

2. Swim with Wild Dolphins in Tauranga

Situated on the east coast of New Zealand鈥檚 North Island, Tauranga hosts wonderful marine life. Wild dolphins frequent the sparkling blue waters off the coast of and you can see the marine mammals in their element during a 鈥楽wim with the Dolphins鈥� experience.

This guided summer activity isn鈥檛 the cheapest, but it can be a once in a lifetime experience that sees you swimming and snorkelling alongside real-life dolphins! Find a tour provider with .

3. Saltwater hot pools

Rest and relaxation are readily available at the Mount Hot Pools where you can chill out in heated saltwater hot pools. It鈥檚 said by many that saltwater bathing promotes health and wellbeing as you soak your aches and pains away. Check the Mount Hot Pools pricing, opening hours and location .

4. Ferry to Matakana island

Matakana sits on the northern side of the entrance to Tauranga Harbour, across a small channel from Mauao. Measuring roughly 21km long and 3km wide, the island is known as the 鈥榡ewel of the bay鈥� thanks to the immaculate beach that runs the length of it.

There are no public amenities or fooderies on the island, so be prepared with everything you鈥檒l need during your visit to the secluded spot. While you visit Matakana Island you can sample the epic waves, watch out for the resident dotterel birds, or just relax in the sand and sun.

Ferries depart from a few different spots in Mount Maunganui and Omokoroa and fares can be as low as $10NZD for walk-on passengers.

5. Surfing at 鈥榯he mount鈥�

鈥楾he Mount鈥� (as it鈥檚 affectionately referred to) is known for its awesome waves when the right eastern swells roll in from the South Pacific Ocean.

The Mount Maunganui Beach itself has good waves and is handy to the township. This is the perfect place to hire a surfboard and give surfing a go.

It鈥檚 not as easy as seasoned surfers make it look though and the sea can be a dangerous place for the inexperienced, so we suggest (which will include equipment hire) to help you stay safe and enjoy yourself.

Where can you study English in Tauranga?

If you鈥檝e read this far and think the Mount could be a cool place to learn English, then take a look at Mount Maunganui Language Centre.

Mount Maunganui Language Centre

Established in 1990, the Mount Maunganui Language Centre boasts an ideal location for beach lovers. A ten-minute walk will have students walking barefoot on the sand or splashing in the saltwater.

This Tauranga English learning facility serves its students with eight classrooms, free Wi-Fi, a kitchen and lounge, and even bicycle rental for post-study exploring of Mount Maunganui.

A New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Category 1 school, Mount Maunganui Language Centre enables student聽visa holders聽studying 20 or more hours for 14+ weeks, to work up to 20 hours a week.

Surf鈥檚 up at the Mount!

We鈥檝e enjoyed taking you on a tour around these Mount Maunganui and Tauranga activities. If you like what you see and would like to speak to someone about learning English in New Zealand, please reach out to us for more information.

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1. Te Papa

Te Papa is Wellington鈥檚 world-famous museum located on Cable Street, with Lambton Harbour as a backdrop. A morning or afternoon spent at Te Papa is an ideal way to get an educational insight into New Zealand鈥檚 history, culture and even some contemporary themes.

Known officially as Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, is noted for its modern and interactive approach to its exhibitions, making them very interesting.

2. Wellington Markets

Wellington has an abundance of top-notch markets for its locals and visitors to choose from. The Wellington market with maybe the nicest setting is the Harbourside Market, which runs along the waterfront between Chaffers Marina and Te Papa.

Operating for over ten years, this takes place every Sunday and often attracts up to 10,000 visitors! If you join the crowd expect to see a huge range of food and drink from local suppliers. Think fresh fruit and vegetables, deli meats, cheeses, fresh fish, and of course: coffee!

If you鈥檇 like to keep the market mania going you can stroll north along the waterfront and take in many more weekend markets between Te Papa and Frank Kitts Park, including the .

3. Parliament

Wellington is home to New Zealand鈥檚 parliament buildings, where our government is located. The centrepiece of the parliament buildings is the iconic Parliament House, known affectionately as 鈥榯he Beehive鈥� due to its interesting shape.

Positioned in the suburb of Thorndon, the parliament buildings are worth a visit, even for those with no interest in politics. take place daily, on the hour from 10am鈥�4pm. You can also walk the three-hour Heritage trail through Thorndon any time you please, with a to help you find the way.

4. Oriental Parade

Boasting a beach with golden sand, the Carter Memorial Fountain and a summer town vibe, Oriental Parade is the place to be in Wellington come summertime. The Parade鈥檚 wide footpath is popular with cyclists, dog walkers and runners, creating a lively atmosphere.

Oriental Parade is still a great place to visit during colder months, thanks to the brilliant cafes and restaurants in the locale. Try the , and reward yourself with a tasty brunch.

5. Weta Workshop

One of the ten film wonders of the world, Weta Workshop is a world-class design and effects facility located in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. Co-owned by Sir Peter Jackson and best known for its work on major motion pictures, King Kong and the Lord of The Rings Trilogy, Weta Workshop has won various academy awards.

You can immerse yourself in this creative enterprise with a that will take you 鈥榦n a journey from Middle-earth to Tracy Island鈥�.

Where can you study English in Wellington?

If you鈥檙e looking for English language schools in Wellington, be sure to check out NZLC.

NZLC

Boasting a roomy student lounge, NZLC Wellington sits on Willis Street in the heart of the cosmopolitan city, close to amazing cafes and the famous Cuba Street. Students from many different countries enjoy a full range of courses here. They also offer a City Link opportunity if you want to study some of your time at the Wellington campus and some at their Auckland campus.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has awarded these schools Category 1 status, which means student visa holders studying 20 or more hours for 14+ weeks, can work up to 20 hours a week.

Absolutely Positively Wellington

We hope you鈥檝e enjoyed our blog about our favourite Wellington activities. If you鈥檇 like to know more about the city or need some help in selecting an English school there, please reach out to us for more information.

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Dunedin

Here are our favourite summertime activities in Dunedin

Otago Farmers鈥� Market
, this is one market you do not want to miss.聽 Open every Saturday from 8.00am to 12.30pm at the northern carpark of Dunedin鈥檚 railway station, you can fill up on an array of fresh produce and products from over 50 local producers and growers. for more information.

Tunnel Beach
A short 11-minute drive from the city is the impressive hand-carved tunnel and sandstone coastline of . Best visited at low tide and with friends or family to help keep each other safe, take the downhill track for the 2km return walk (approx. 1 hour) and keep an eye out for fossils in the rocks around you. Be in awe of the views as you see how the ocean has sculpted the cliffs in this very special piece of the Otago coast.

Signal Hill Lookout
Only a short distance from the botanic gardens, you can watch the sunset from the Signal Hill lookout and take in the vista that includes Dunedin city and the Otago Harbour. Constructed in the 1950s, a monument to the New Zealand Centennial of 1940 sits atop the summit.

And some winter activities in and around Dunedin:

St Clair Beach Mid-Winter Plunge
St Clair and St Kilda beaches really are must-visit locations in the summer and if you live here, we guarantee you鈥檒l spend a lot of time enjoying their pristine white sands and blue waters. But you also might like to consider taking part in the annual polar plunge into the brisk waters of St Clair鈥檚 beach in the second weekend of June 鈥� 2019 will be its 91st year!

Larnach Castle
New Zealand鈥檚 one and only castle is a great place to spend a chilly winter鈥檚 day in Dunedin. Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm every day. Read more about the history of the castle and current restoration projects on their .

If you like what you see and think Dunedin is the place for you, be sure to check out the University of Otago Language Centre for information on their courses.

Queenstown

Here are our picks of the summertime activities in Queenstown:

Bungy Jumping
Get your adrenaline fix in the adventure capital of the world. There are a range of locations just a short drive outside of the city and if you鈥檙e still not satisfied then have a go at zip lining, or try the world鈥檚 highest flying fox or Bungy swing! Check out the for more information.

Day Hiking
Fancy a trip through Middle-earth? Then get your hiking boots on and a short ride from Queenstown. Or, if you prefer, there are numerous

Whitewater Rafting on the Shotover
A stay in Queenstown is not quite complete until you鈥檝e been on the Shotover River. Jetboating or whitewater rafting are two of the most adrenaline-packed activities you鈥檒l find here. And with you鈥檒l find something that suits.

And our recommended winter activities in Queenstown:

Scenic Gondola Ride
Open year-round from 8.00am to 9.00pm daily, is the steepest gondola in the Southern Hemisphere and offers some of the most spectacular scenery you鈥檒l ever see. Once up there, you have the option to ride the gondola back down or for some fast-paced fun!

Ski or Snowboard Coronet Peak, the Remarkables or Mount Hutt
If you鈥檙e fortunate enough to be living in Queenstown then a trip to one (or all) of is a must. Whether you鈥檙e a seasoned skier or simply a beginner this is an experience not to be missed. If you don鈥檛 want to venture too far from Queenstown, then Coronet Peak is the pick and is only 20-mins drive from the city centre.

Visit the Minus 5^o Icebar
With everything from the cups to the bar to the chairs made of ice, this truly is a . The great thing is that you can turn up as you are and they will provide you with all the gear to 鈥榯urn you into an Eskimo鈥�!

If you think Queenstown is the place for you then check out the following English language schools for more information:

ABC College of English
Language Schools New Zealand
Southern Lakes English College

Staying safe while exploring New Zealand

Please be aware that some activities and scenic places can present risks to your safety if not approached with the right level of caution. Make sure you read any warning or instructional signs in the area and take a friend along so you can watch out for each other. Read up on how to stay safe when swimming in New Zealand and check out the regional and websites to find local activity providers who can give you helpful advice and services.

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What are the dangers of swimming at New Zealand beaches?

On Aotearoa鈥檚 beaches, the most common hazards are waves, wind, tides and what we call a rip. A rip is a channel of water with a strong current heading out to sea. Rips can be difficult to spot, so before you go in the water, look out for the following:

• • Murky brown or discoloured water (caused when sand is stirred up from the sea floor)

• • A spot where the surface water is smoother and has much smaller waves, while waves of normal size are breaking to either side

• • Drift wood, leaves or debris being carried out to sea by the current

• • An area of rippled water, surrounded by generally calm water

Rips are extremely dangerous because they drag swimmers out to sea. People usually panic when they are grabbed by a rip and attempt to swim back to shore, fighting against the strong current. They then get into real trouble when they become too exhausted to stay afloat.

To educate yourself on what to do if you get caught in a rip, visit on the Water Safety New Zealand website.

How to swim safely at New Zealand beaches

Luckily for New Zealanders and our international visitors, (SLSNZ) is a huge part of our beach culture. SLSNZ is made up of 17,000 dedicated members who patrol more than 80 of our busiest beaches every summer, keeping swimmers safe in the surf.

To make life easier for these voluntary guardians of the sea, consider these points before you take the plunge:

• • Swim where other people are swimming, and stay between the red and yellow flags, where SLSNZ surf lifeguards have marked the safest place to swim and are patrolling

• • Listen to advice from lifeguards and be considerate to others in the water

• • Do not swim after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, or when tired or cold

• • Read the safety signs and if you鈥檙e unsure, ask an SLSNZ surf lifeguard for advice

• • Use to find beaches and get invaluable information about SLSNZ patrols and water and weather conditions

• • Stay within the limits of your swimming ability

• • If you get into trouble raise your hand and call for help

What are the dangers of swimming in New Zealand rivers and lakes?

Like our beaches, NZ鈥檚 rivers and lakes have their own set of dangers, but they aren鈥檛 patrolled and many of their most dangerous hazards are hidden beneath the surface. As such, drownings in NZ rivers are more common than in any other water environment.

Rivers can have strong currents that sometimes aren鈥檛 obvious until it鈥檚 too late. The pressure created by the moving water is constant and can be quite powerful even if the river looks to be calm and moving slowly. Paying close attention to the way the water is moving before you enter it is very important and can even save your life.

The bottom of a river or lake will not be a consistent surface like a swimming pool or the sea. It can instead be very irregular and littered with rocks, boulders, logs, ledges and debris. This is especially relevant when jumping into the water from height.

Floods frequently play a part in river swimming accidents, as the fast-flowing water can change the banks of the river, making them unstable and prone to collapsing. Floods can also carry large rocks, logs and other debris into a swimming hole that was previously clear of hazards. This is why checking a swimming spot thoroughly at the start of each visit is so important to your safety.

Another factor to consider before taking a dip in a kiwi river or lake is the quality of the water. Water quality can be a problem in some places and below acceptable standards for humans to swim in. Heavy rain affects this and you can find more information out by using the resource below.

How to swim safely in New Zealand rivers and lakes

A careful and thoughtful approach is what鈥檚 required to safely swim in rivers and lakes in New Zealand, especially considering the lack of patrols and signage at most swimming holes. Use these steps as a guide:

• • Check the water quality of your desired swimming spot using the

• • Never go swimming alone

• • Do not go swimming in any open water unless you are a capable swimmer

• • Tell someone where your group is and when they can expect you back

• • Check for hazards in the water, both where you plan to swim and downstream

• • Do not swim after drinking alcohol or using drugs

• • Have a confident swimmer check the depth of the water before less confident swimmers enter water

Have fun in the water!

While New Zealand鈥檚 waterways need to be treated with respect, you can still enjoy swimming if you make the right decisions and take precautions. We have world-class surf breaks, white- and volcanic-sand beaches, and rivers that are so picturesque you鈥檒l never want to leave. So, come on down, and don鈥檛 forget your togs!

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Let鈥檚 start with Kiwi, as this is not that lovely green fruit you had for breakfast. As mentioned above, it can refer to your new local mates, a native New Zealander, or our country鈥檚 national bird. If it鈥檚 fruit you are after, call it kiwifruit.

And since we are on the topic of food, Kai is a Maori word for food. You will definitely be working up an appetite with all the nature and adventure our fine country has to offer (between study breaks of course). If you are looking for some fast food after a late night study session or day of mountain biking you鈥檒l find that McDonald鈥檚 is referred to as 惭补肠肠补鈥檚 and mince is our term for the ground beef that makes up that tasty burger which of course will come with hot chips (French fries). You can wash it all down with a fizzy drink which back home you might call a soda or pop, depending on where you are from. If you are looking for just a cold drink or icecream, then you might head to a dairy, which refers to mini supermarket or corner store.

If you are planning a fine day out at the beach, you will want to wear your

jandals (sandals/flip flops) and togs (bathing suits), and grab a towel. You can keep your cold drinks 聽in a chilly bin (a cooler for keeping drinks cold).

Let鈥檚 hope your day to the beach and on the waves is not choka block because that would mean it is crowded and busy and you鈥檝e got to share that excellent surf.

And finally, whether you鈥檝e had a long exciting day or amazing English lesson, one of the best things to know how to say (in any language) is thank you 鈥� in Kiwi slang it鈥檚 Ta.

Photos

by Aaron Simonsen,

by Nicoleleec,

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