Have you been dreaming of a New Zealand trip? Our friendly neighbouring country, is ready and welcoming us into their land, where one can both have the adventure of a lifetime, and experience some of the most scenic landscapes in the world. Home to sweeping green plains, dense pine forests, ancient volcanic fiords, snowy mountain peaks and coastal beaches, this travel destination has it all…
According to new research it has been revealed, that 60% of Aussies have actually been dreaming of a trip to New Zealand within the first six months of when the borders reopen. Qualified Dream Therapist, Martina Kocian, has decoded the dreams of the most wanderlust minds. Martina has revealed that if you have been dreaming about pirates, a flying bird, a goldfish in a bowl, losing your voice or a stopwatch, you might just have a case of the travel bug. Here is your ultimate guide on where to eat, play and stay in New Zealand:
New Zealand Region: Queenstown
Pirates are often rebellious, unruly and reckless characters, and if you have been dreaming of them, this symbolises freedom and breaking rules. An encouraging push to assess where taking a risk or engaging in an adventure in waking life may lead you. Queenstown is the adventure capital of NZ with endless fun to be had.
Eat:
- Amisfield – Hand over the decisions to Amisfield’s chefs with the ‘Trust the Chef’ menu, a four course menu that explores the region’s best produce.
- Aosta – The dishes at this restaurant push boundaries, blending ingredients and techniques from Italy and New Zealand. Our pick? Try the ‘Kina Pappardelle’ infused with New Zealand sea-urchin cream.
Stay:
- Kamana Lakehouse – Get lost in the iconic view from Kamana Lakehouse, for ultimate comfort at high altitude.
- Camp Glenorchy – Set in the foothills of the Southern Alps, the sustainably designed Camp Glenorchy is a scenic 40-minute lakeshore drive from Queenstown. The region is the setting off point for some of the country’s best-known hiking trails and water-based adventures on Lake Wakatipu and braided rivers.
Play:
- The Remarkables – In name, and in nature, The Remarkables are just that. For advanced skiers there is plenty of backcountry terrain to explore.
- AJ Hackett Catapult – Go full throttle with the world’s biggest human catapult – the Nevis Catapult. You’ll be propelled 150m across the Nevis Valley at an exhilarating speed (100 km/h in 1.5 seconds).
New Zealand Region: The West Coast
If you have been dreaming of eating exotic fruit this may symbolise a need or desire for something new, different or unusual to happen in your life. An urge to be more adventurous and expand your horizons. The West Coast is full of wondrous wilderness, rivers, glaciers and stunning scenery.
Eat:
- Monteith’s Brewery – Discover a new taste with a selection of award-winning beers and ciders in the original home of craft brewing.
- The CrayPot – Try something new at this quirky caravan-style restaurant on the esplanade for fresh to order seafood and much more.
Stay:
- Canopy Camping Escapes – Hurunui Jacks – Surrounded by virgin native forest, glamping at Hurunui Jacks, just outside of Hokitika, offers a West Coast experience like no other. A beautiful luxury tent sits nestled in the ancient virgin forest beside the Kaniere River just waiting for you to enjoy.
- Rainforest Retreat – Sitting amid native forest at the foot of the Southern Alps, Rainforest Retreat offers accommodation unlike any you’ve experienced.
Play:
- Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers – Love the cold? Take a guided heli-hike for a truly unmatched experience. After a thrilling flight over rugged terrain, hikers will be guided on a two-hour journey through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery New Zealand has to offer.
- Paparoa Track – Immerse yourself in spectacular limestone landscapes, verdant rainforest and astonishing views while tramping the Paparoa Track.
New Zealand Region: Christchurch
Dreaming of observing a flying bird can signify a longing to travel or to take flight and see new pastures. Flying birds in dreams represent a sense of freedom, liberation and rising above it all. Christchurch is home to Aoraki/Mt Cook, the highest mountain in all of New Zealand.
Eat:
- Fush – Named with humour for the Kiwi pronunciation of ‘fish’, be greeted at this restaurant with a warm welcome, learn a little of the Māori te reo language, and indulge in an array of seafood dishes.
- Inati – Release the restrictions of traditional dining at Inati. Enjoy your meal around the chef’s table and experience the dramatic flair and theatre of a working kitchen.
Stay:
- SiloStay – Stay somewhere unique in a custom-built grain silo. Escape the limitations of traditional accommodation, experience New Zealand in a way you’ve never had imagined.
- Black Estate – Escape the mundane with majestic views of the Southern Alps while staying at the boutique B&B at Black Estate Winery. Mountain bikes are provided to experience life on a vineyard.
Play:
- Christchurch Helicopter – Explore Christchurch and Canterbury from the skies to literally rise above and experience the amazing views of the region.
- Tekapo Springs and Hot Pools – Overlooking the beauty of Lake Tekapo and the mountains beyond, the hot pools fed by alpine springs are heated to 28–40°C for a relaxing escape.
New Zealand Region: Wellington
Dreaming of a goldfish swimming in a bowl represents a sense of boredom and repetition in ones life. An indicator that life may have become stagnant, bringing a significant call to break out of your routine and get creative. Wellington is NZ’s place to be for all things creative and cool.
Eat:
- Fix & Fogg – ‘Makers of divine peanut butter’ declared National Geographic. Try the iconic Fix & Fogg peanut butter yourself – on Black Forest Toast or Smoke and Fire Toast with peanut butter hummus!
- Puffin – Escape Wellington’s bustling streets in the cosy atmosphere of the snazzy Puffin Wine Bar.
Stay:
- Intrepid Hotel – Newly completed boutique hotel of luxurious rooms fashioned from Cadbury’s 1908 three-storey building, the Intrepid is inspired by all things travel, perfect for exploring the city’s heart.
- QT Wellington – Get your creative juices flowing with the quirky accommodation, home to abstract lines and unique patterns.
Play:
- Te Papa Museum – The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand’s national museum, an interactive must-visit meld of the National Museum and the National Art Gallery.
- Weta Workshop – Weta Workshop is at the centre of Wellington’s status as an artistic hub of New Zealand, drawing the cream of the crop of homegrown and the world’s artists to work together creating movie magic that defies belief.
New Zealand Region: Otago
If in a dream you have lost your voice or are unable to scream, talk or shout, this represents a feeling of not being heard in your life or, conversely, is a sign of needing to listen more as your voice is muted. Otago is full of mountain landscapes, lakeside resorts and sandy beaches, making it the perfect spot to unwind… or seek adventure.
Eat:
- Gibbston Valley Winery – A pioneer of the Central Otago wine region three decades ago, the winery is the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of premium handcrafted wine. Explore its bistro-style restaurant, tasting room, bike centre and the country’s largest wine cave.
- Carrick Winery – Named after the gold-mining town and mountain range facing the estate, Carrick’s certified organic vineyard, restaurant, and cellar door is in beautiful Bannockburn, Central Otago.
Stay:
- Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, Glenorchy – Surrounded by the towering Southern Alps and overlooking Lake Wakatipu, little wonder this is one of New Zealand’s top meditation retreats. The breathtaking views from its sub-alpine terrace, the perfect place for self-reflection.
- Olivers Central Otago – Embodying the essence of Central Otago, a stay at historic and elegantly restored Olivers Lodge & Stables in Clyde is a unique boutique experience of sophisticated luxury.
Play:
- LandEscape Wanaka Hot Tubs – Take a moment for self-reflection in a wood-fired hot tub. Be a ‘Spagazer’ and take in the dramatic mountain, farm and valley scenes; by night a dark-sky stargazer.
- Dart River Jet Boat – Let your voice sing out as you thrill to jetboating the Dart River. In the safe hands of awesome experts dash down rapids and gorges alongside towering cliffs and beautiful chasms.
New Zealand Region: Northland
The rapidly moving hand or digits on a stopwatch in ones dream can symbolise a sense of pressure or “working against the clock”. Stopwatches in dreams are a signifier that life has become too fast-paced with limited time to achieve what is expected of you. Northland is the northernmost region of NZ, with it’s slow-paced coastal towns being a must see for travellers seeking to relax.
Eat:
- Charlotte’s Kitchen – Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant and bar right at the end of the wharf in Paihia will find you enjoying the relaxed dining and calming views across the Bay of Islands.
- The Duke of Marlborough – Sitting front and centre on the waterfront in Russell, The Duke claims it’s been ‘refreshing rascals and reprobates since 1827’, boasting fine meals of locally sourced produce.
Stay:
- The Duke of Marlborough Hotel – Relive New Zealand’s earliest history when you stay in The Duke’s refurbished rooms on the waterfront. In the 1830s Russell was a whaling port and its history is well preserved, providing visitors with an intriguing look back at the past and wonderful walks.
- Donkey Bay Inn – Also at Russell, rest your head at the exotic and quirky rooms of this inn, surrounded by sea views. It feels like an escape to your own private island but with distinctly Kiwi hospitality.
Play:
- Diving at The Poor Knights – The Poor Knights Islands offer the best subtropical diving in the world. Designated a Marine Reserve, water temperatures here are warmer and visibility clearer than on New Zealand’s coast, resulting in a unique underwater environment where subtropical and temperate marine life co-exist with extraordinary diversity, beauty and density.
- Dolphin watching – Take a step back and enjoy the majestic ocean with a Fullers Group cruise. Throughout the Bay of Islands there’s plenty of marine life to wonder at, and look out for dolphins.
Stay safe and start planning your very own adventure to New Zealand! For more information please visit https://www.newzealand.com/au/campaign/stop-dreaming-and-go/
See the full “Stop dreaming about New Zealand and go” campaign below.
