Celebrate Summer Down Under: December, January, February in Australia and New Zealand
The Southern Hemisphere Summer months (December, January, February) bring even more fabulous reasons to start packing your jandals (that’s Kiwi for ‘flip-flops’) and head Down Under:
Here we share a sampling of 10 of our favourite reasons to visit Australia and New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere summer months:
- See in the New Year with the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display over Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, followed by a month-long celebration of the arts with the annual Festival of Sydney’s program of free and ticketed events throughout the city. As your Southern Crossings Travel Designer how to secure front-row seats and exclusive experiences – and be sure to book early for these events!
- Watch the greats of the game battle it out at the Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam in Melbourne each January (12-26 January 2025). From courtside seating to a hit of tennis with grand slam champion – ask our Travel Designers how we can take your Australian Open experience to the next level.
- Get behind the wheel to hit the road and explore some of the region’s most scenic self-drives at your own pace (Wind your way along the coastline of Australia’s Great Ocean Road or weave around New Zealand’s stunning Lake Wakatipu on the Queenstown to Glenorchy route). Our Travel Designers can share their insider tips – where to stay, dine and catch the best views.
- Cruise New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Islands – we have a collection of fabulous superyachts and can curate personalised charters to explore beautiful beaches, hidden bays, fabulous fishing spots and great dive sites.
- Do as the locals do, and disappear to a beautiful beachside bach we can recommend beautiful New Zealand beach houses and private villas across the region to suit families of all sizes.
- Stretch your legs on one of Tasmania’s breathtaking multi-day hikes; from the highlands to the coast – and round out the Tasmanian wilderness adventure with a luxury expedition style cruise in the island state’s untouched South West Wilderness.
- Marvel at the magnificent Lupins in bloom that line Lake Tekapo for the ultimate instagrammable vistas (best captured between late November and early January).
- Embark on a citizen science adventure on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Take part in the Great Reef Census between mid-September and mid-January each year. Ask us about superyacht charter options in the privileged company of globally-respected reef experts.
- Sip a crisp Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough or a buttery Chardonnay in Hawkes Bay whilst watching the grapes ripening on the vines. Dine amongst the vines or go behind-the-scenes with the winemaker, our Travel Designers can introduce you to a collection of passionate and talented locals.
- Cast a line in one of New Zealand’s South Island, lakes or secret streams to catch a prized rainbow or brown trout. From casual fishers to avid anglers, we can tailor experiences and itineraries to suit.
And there’s still so much more to explore .. reach out to our Travel Design team today to swap the Northern Hemisphere Winter Blues for some more appealing hues and start planning your clients’ ideal vacation Down Under – whichever time of year they choose to travel.
Australia: ausdesign@southern-crossings.com
New Zealand: nzdesign@southern-crossings.com
Summer Travel Tips
Book early! This is a popular time of year for visitors and local travellers alike. Australian and New Zealand local school holidays run from mid-December through to end of January.
The Southern Hemisphere Summer months are the ‘green season’ in Australia’s Tropical North (Far North Queensland and Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Darwin and the Kimberley). Humidity in these regions runs high at this time of year and heavy afternoon rains and storms are possible. It is however a great time to see cascading waterfalls and the rainforest in all its glory, it is also the time to see turtles nesting and coral spawning on the reef.
It is a perfect time to get outdoors and explore Australia’s Southern States and New Zealand’s stunning South Island: spectacular walks and hikes, delicious outdoor dining and vineyards in full bloom, and perfect conditions for sailing, fishing, golf and more.
Header Image: Tasmania Freycinet Coast – CREDIT Tourism Australia
