Travel Post-Coronavirus
Are you dreaming about your first post-Coronavirus holiday? Nobody knows what will happen when, globally, we can travel again. Here is how I think people will travel after COVID-19.
Consumers will re-enter the travel market with caution. They will choose to stay closer to the safety of home – even after it is deemed safe to leave our homes and fly. Road trips and staycations will be favoured over international travel. It will take some time until consumers regain confidence and take to the sky or go cruising.
With less money to be spent on travel, people will take shorter and more frequent holidays. Airbnb, home-sharing and private rental companies will thrive and stand to benefit post-COVID-19. Social distancing will not be forgotten overnight. Staying in private homes will be considered safer than hotels.
After a lengthy lockdown, travellers will be itching for an adventure but ….where to?
So where will Australians holiday after COVID-19?
I predict New Zealand will be the country of choice once the travel ban is lifted. Frequent travellers to Europe and Asia will consider island countries as safer destinations.
Why You Need to Visit New Zealand
Here is a list of good reasons why you should start dreaming about a visit to New Zealand after Coronavirus.
Australians are always welcomed with open arms, and getting there does not involve a long flight. New Zealand’s North and South Islands offer two different experiences. Both islands are totally unspoilt and offer quiet beaches, picturesque landscapes, wanderlust walks, fresh produce inspired cuisines, fabulous wines, and extensive selection of accommodation types.
New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world and a destination unlike any other country. It is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. Snow-capped mountains attract avid skiers, and adventurous travellers are drawn to its ancient glaciers. Food is an integral part of a holiday, and New Zealand is renowned for its delectable food and award-winning wines.
Christchurch Earthquake Recovery
Christchurch has recovered from the 2011 earthquake that severely damaged the central business district killing 185 people and injured several thousand. The brand-new city has its fill of trendy bars, chic new restaurants, boutique shops, markets and exhibits.
Museum and Galleries
Be sure to explore some of NZ’s galleries and museums like the Great War Exhibition, Museum of Wellington, and Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Experience what it was like for the ANZAC troops at Gallipoli by challenging yourself in The Trench Experience, an extraordinary re-creation of the trenches at Quinn’s Post.
Film Sets for Movie Buffers
NZ film director, Sir Peter Jackson’s The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies impact on tourism in New Zealand cannot be overlooked.If you are a movie buff or Lord of the Rings fan, then you are going to love New Zealand. Take a Lord of the Rings tour and visit Fangorn Forest, where Frodo destroys the one ring or visit a Hobbit home on the North Island.
Best New Zealand Snowfields
The South Island offers the best snowfields and ski resorts. Located halfway between Wanaka and Queenstown is Cardrona. This local favourite is loved by adventurous skiers and snowboarders for its plentiful snow, wide variety of terrains and inspiring views. The biggest and most popular ski areas are Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, accessed from the superb lakeside town of Queenstown.
Nature Abound
NZ boasts an array of natural wonders and stunning scenery worthy of any traveller’s bucket list. Unique wildlife encounters and natural spectacles are the country’s biggest draw-cards. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you will love New Zealand.
Around five hours south of Christchurch and one hour from Queenstown is Wanaka, a trendy area with incredible hikes, gigantic glaciers, deep lakes, and forest walks. Majestic Milford and Doubtful Sounds offer lots of camping and hiking opportunities. Come here, if you want to experience New Zealand’s nature away from the crowds.
New Zealand is the type of destination where you can spend your entire holiday marvelling at the jaw-dropping landscapes. From turquoise pools to azure lakes, these impressive attractions need to be seen to be believed.
National Parks provide opportunity for a wide variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, kayaking and trout fishing. Walking and cycling trails are plentiful with many crossing through vineyards, farmlands, National Parks and reserves.
Be prepared for a fantastic holiday experience when you ride one of the Great Rides along the New Zealand Cycle Trail. There is also Raglan for surfing, the Bay of Islands, Mount Cook for hiking, Coromandel and Dunedin’s craft beers.
Hot Thermal Pools
The country is located where two tectonic plates of the earth’s crust meet. Naturally formed hot springs are major tourists attractions. In New Zealand, hot pools and health spas are built around natural springs so that people can relax in the warm waters. Many people feel that the high mineral content and warmth of the water are good for relaxation and have possible health benefits.
New Zealand Food Scene
New Zealand’s gastronomic experience is amongst the best in the world. Larger cities in New Zealand, such as Queenstown (South Island) have hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Everything from family-friendly eateries to celebrity chef-owned restaurants. Flavours of the regions are produced by innovative chefs that showcase freshly harvested ingredients from the garden, sea, and land.
Visit New Zealand Wineries
Most of New Zealand’s wine regions are located on the eastern coastlines of the North and South Islands. New Zealand is best known internationally for its Sauvignon Blanc produced in the Marlborough region of the South Island. Pinot Noir is the prominent varietal among the colder winemaking regions of Wellington Wine Country and Central Hawkes Bay on the North Island and Central Otago on the South Island.
Hawkes Bay is the second-largest wine region and has earned itself international recognition for producing a high-quality Cabernet & Merlot blends, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and an extraordinary selection of aromatic white wines.
For decades, New Zealand’s wineries and vineyards have become a popular tourist attraction in their own right. The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is not called that for nothing. Starting in Hawke’s Bay and ending in Marlborough, this is a popular route for self-guided wine lovers. Queenstown based travellers can visit Central Otago region while Auckland’s Waiheke Island of wine is another North Island favourite.
Helicopter Wine Tours
Experience breathtaking Alpine views with The Helicopter Line, New Zealand’s leading helicopter tour company. See more of New Zealand from the sky and areas of the country not accessible on foot. Guests are dropped at Gibbston Valley after a scenic helicopter flight of the region. Queenstown Wine Trail take guests to a number of wineries for tastings and a delicious lunch perfectly matched with estate wines.
Go Visit New Zealand
New Zealand is a country I would travel back to in a heartbeat. The people and the country are beautiful. There is stacks to do, no matter what time of the year you choose to visit. Bungy jumping, Shotover jet rides, skydiving, camping, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding start the list of extreme adventure activities to do.
Tourism may have boomed in New Zealand some years ago, but I believe New Zealand is about to see a large stream of visitors post Coronavirus. In short New Zealand should be on your bucket list in late 2020 and any year afterwards. This list only scratches the surface. In short, New Zealand is a country filled with exciting adventures with a stunning view at every turn. Travellers rarely have a negative thing to say about it. But don’t take my word for it. Go visit New Zealand for yourself!
Travelling Safer After Coronavirus
Travelling is said to be good for the soul and for our health. After this long COVID-19 lockdown, we are all going to need a holiday! We are now better educated on the importance of hand hygiene, social distancing and how quickly viruses can spread from country to country via travel. Travellers will want to be more careful than usual so that another health pandemic never happens again. The big question is: Will you be a smarter traveller in the future?
Other Coronavirus Related Blogs
Before you leave, here’s a few of my latest articles. I hope these and my other articles inspire you to travel post-Coronavirus. Keep safe and sane in the meantime.
- View From My Windows | Coronavirus Self-Isolating At Home
- Coronavirus | Helpful Steps For Reorganising Your Travel Bookings | Practical Travel Advice
- 3 Simple Treatments to Cure Your Travel Itch at Home
- Queensland Liquor Legends Working Towards A Greater Cause With Hand Sanitiser!
- The 9 Best West Coast Australia Accommodation in 2020 | Broome to Augusta
I am the Progressive Traveller. I've been travelling the world extensively since 2002. My website is full of travel stories, tips, recommendations, resources, offers for you to use and enjoy. Follow my journey on social media and travel the world with me. Happy days.
