During a year full of highs and lows, quarantine-free travel is not the only dream that has infiltrated the minds of Australians. The opening of the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand marks a significant moment in history and a tourism first.
New research conducted by Tourism New Zealand has revealed 60% of Australians are dreaming of a trip to New Zealand in the first six months of borders reopening. With 98% in favour of the bubble, pent-up wanderlust is at an all-time high. From having fun (53%) to feeling refreshed (53%), taking a break from stress (40%) and exploring new places (39%) – this is what Australians are looking forward to.
Aussies are keen to know the true meaning of their dreams, and how this links to travel to reveal your ‘dream personality’. Dream Therapist Martina Kocian has unpacked the meaning behind how Aussies slumber.
If your dream personality manifests in dream themes of adventure, the outdoors, food, luxury, and relaxation, the opening of quarantine-free travel may be the answer to your dreams:
THE ADVENTUROUS DREAM PERSONALITY
EAT
- Orbit 360° Dining – Auckland’s only rotating restaurant, atop Sky Tower at Sky City. Soaring high above the city offering sensational views.
- Te Motu – An exciting restaurant on Waiheke Island, surrounded by vineyards and vegetable gardens. You can enjoy some amazing traditional dishes, full of fresh local produce.
STAY
- Raglan Treehouse in the Woods – With a stunning outdoor bath with views of the ocean, you will really feel disconnected from the real world here. Surrounded by the forest, adventure is at your doorstep.
- Treetops Lodge and Estate – Escape to a world rich in warmth and rustic charm, take refuge in lush landscapes.
PLAY
- Shotover Jet – The world’s most exciting jet boat ride, this will definitely get your adrenaline pumping in a beautiful natural landscape.
- The Remarkables – In name, and in nature, The Remarkables are just that. For advanced skiers there is plenty of backcountry terrain to explore.
THE OUTDOORSY DREAM PERSONALITY
EAT
- Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar Door – A degustation-style menu where you can explore the region’s local food and wine. They only use New Zealand ingredients, which are sourced no more than 250km from the restaurant.
- Swashbucklers – A waterfront tavern with some of the best fish and chips in town. With its maritime decor, this place really helps Auckland deserve its ‘City of Sails’ reputation.
STAY
- Luxury Under Canvas Glamping – All the joys of camping but on the luxurious side – with an outdoor bath included you are able to enjoy the true nature experience.
- The Glass Pod Under The Stars – An unforgettable experience. The pod is made entirely out of glass, where you will be able to see the night’s stars so clearly, and the grass growing beneath you.
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- Waitomo Glowworm Caves – Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above, as you glide silently by boat in the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
- Ziplining – New Zealand is home to a number of spectacular ziplining experiences, where visitors can glide through spectacular native forest, across rivers and canyons.
THE FOODIE DREAM PERSONALITY
EAT
- Saxon + Parole – New York-style steakhouse with seafood towers, burgers, steaks… they’ve got it all.
- Peach’s Hot Chicken – Where crispy, juicy fried chicken has a hugely loyal fanbase that has become very popular in recent times. Enjoy your chicken with some waffles.
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.
- 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.
THE LUXURIOUS DREAM PERSONALITY
EAT
- Knoll Ridge Chalet – New Zealand’s highest dining experience is perched 2,020m above sea level on the edge of Mt Ruapehu – a feat of design and engineering.
- Ki M?ha – Embark on a culinary journey, experiencing some of the best of distinctly Aotearoa New Zealand cuisine alongside beautiful Onetangi Beach.
STAY
- The Jagged Edge – One of Queenstown’s most luxurious villas, this accommodation is hanging from a cliff on a mountainside. This property is unique and unrivalled in design, location and privacy.
- Matakauri Lodge – Nestled on the banks of the cerulean-hued Lake Wakatipu, with panoramic views of The Remarkables towering mountain range, giving guests the impression they’re a world away.
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- Craggy Range Winery – Indulge in a helicopter tour over Craggy Range vineyards with the head winemaker, then it’s back to the winery for a personalised tasting and blending session to create your own wine to take home.
- Kauri Cliffs Golf Course – A par 72 golf course surrounded by ocean views and ranked in the world’s top 100 golf courses.
THE RELAXING DREAM PERSONALITY
EAT
- Euro Bar – This restaurant reveals the heart and soul of Aotearoa. Indulge in the many different kinds of foods, with the menu including ‘The Garden’, ‘The Ocean’ and ‘The Land’.
- Dante’s – Some of the best woodfired pizza in Auckland. All produce used on the pizzas is sourced from Italy.
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.
- The Oyster Inn – Leave commitments behind and escape to The Oyster Inn on Waiheke Island. This little getaway offers only three boutique rooms and stunning views of The Coromandel.
PLAY
- Kayak Milford Sound – Feel alive gliding alongside incredible vertical cliffs, taking in the breathtaking landscape of rugged mountains and abundant rainforest in iconic Milford Sound.
- 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.
