The Longest Spring Festival Holiday in History is Coming, Airbnb Invites You to Explore New Zealand's Outdoor Treasures

The Spring Festival in 2026 will bring the longest holiday in history—nine days—giving outdoor-loving Chinese travelers ample time to journey far and deeply immerse themselves in the charm of nature. According to Airbnb data, New Zealand has emerged as the top international destination for Chinese travelers during the 2026 Spring Festival [1]. The warm summer sun of the Southern Hemisphere awaits, inviting us to experience the pristine beauty of an outdoor paradise. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of this extended break to make a refreshing switch from winter to summer.

In response to outdoor lovers' expectations, Airbnb China is launching a special campaign: "New Zealand Outdoor Escape," featuring three classic outdoor itineraries that invite adventurers deep into the wilds of the Southern Hemisphere—helicopter landing on the Tasman Glacier of Mount Cook, summiting Roys Peak in Wanaka for a "God's-eye view," and skydiving over Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world—offering breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and lakes along the way. Starting now, participate in the campaign via Airbnb China’s official Xiaohongshu account. Lucky users from China will have the chance to win travel subsidies and accommodation gift packages, staying in stunning nature-integrated homes and experiencing the vastness of sky, mountains, and stars.

Helicopter Landing on Glaciers, Exploring Creamy Blue Lakes

In Mount Cook National Park, board a helicopter and soar over snow-covered mountain ranges toward New Zealand’s largest and most spectacular glacier—the Tasman Glacier. From above, snowy plains and towering peaks stretch endlessly before your eyes. Follow a guide deep into the glacier’s interior, breathing in the pure, icy air. Step inside naturally sculpted blue ice caves where deep sapphire light glows from within, illuminating the glacier and allowing you to feel the heartbeat of the Earth. If time permits, take on the iconic Hooker Valley Track. Traverse open valleys and cross three suspension bridges, with glacial meltwater rushing below. At the end of the trail lies Hooker Lake, where you can board the same lake cruiser featured by actor Li Xian, gently cutting through the creamy turquoise waters to view sleeping icebergs up close.

After hiking, return to Brown House—a residence thoughtfully designed by award-winning architect Lisa Webb. Its barn-like peaked roof mirrors the distant snowcapped peaks, while warm wooden interiors echo the swaying reeds of the surrounding fields. Want to get closer to the stars? Just a few minutes’ walk leads to Lake Ohau, a Dark Sky Reserve free from light pollution and perfect for stargazing. Standing beneath this profoundly dark sky, you might almost hear the gentle sound of starlight from billions of years ago touching the lake’s surface—an intimate whisper from the universe.

Soaring Over Queenstown, Touching the Summit of Freedom and Untamed Wilderness

Head to Queenstown, the mecca of extreme sports, and fulfill a lifelong dream here—skydiving. Leap from over 10,000 feet, experiencing the exhilaration of freefall at speeds reaching 200 km/h, flying side by side with the wind. Just 45 minutes by car from Queenstown lies one of New Zealand’s Great Walks—the Routeburn Track. Step into ancient forests, feeling the soft dampness of moss underfoot, inhaling the earthy scent of soil and fresh spring water. As you hike onward, the roar of waterfalls grows louder, mist rising as water cascades down cliffs. At over 1,200 meters above sea level, face parallel snow-capped peaks and look down on river valleys winding through morning fog. Walking between clouds and mountains, your body moves through nature while your soul merges completely with this vast, sacred wilderness.

After a full day, retreat to a luxurious mountain villa just outside Queenstown. At midnight, sip a glass of Pinot Noir by a crackling fireplace and gaze from the terrace at endless snow-draped mountain ranges, their peaks mirrored in the shimmering waters of the Shotover River. Or wake at dawn and wander across the villa’s 10-acre private land, sampling high-altitude specialties like apples, hazelnuts, chestnuts, and mushrooms. You might even round a corner and come face to face with a curious wild rabbit peeking out.

Hiking Roys Peak, Living Inside a 360-Degree New Zealand Panorama

The Roys Peak track is hailed as a must-do "cloud-top" classic in New Zealand’s South Island. Just a 10-minute drive from the town of Wanaka brings you to the trailhead. Along its 16-kilometer route, the most captivating scenery of the South Island unfolds—zigzagging paths wind through lush hills, as if walking through a vast, living landscape painting. As elevation rises, the vista gradually opens. At the summit, the Southern Alps stretch across the horizon like an immense canvas, snow-capped peaks interwoven with green slopes, flocks of sheep scattered like pearls. Below, mirror-like Lake Wanaka rests among the mountains, its rippling surface extending all the way to the fjords. Hours of climbing dissolve into awe amid such boundless beauty.

After the hike, return to a cozy apartment nestled beside Lake Wanaka, continuing your dialogue with nature from another perspective. Unlike the panoramic view from above, the private balcony offers an eye-level connection with the lake—every ripple, every shift of light visible up close. Sink into the hot tub, letting warm water wash away fatigue, then settle into the comfortable sofa on the private deck, watching the sunset pour molten gold over distant mountain ridges before sinking into the lake. With lake breezes and mountain serenity lulling you to sleep, this is the perfect reward for every hiker.

[1] Data source: Airbnb China data, comparing searches by mainland Chinese users for overseas accommodations between February 14 and March 1, 2026, with the previous year’s Spring Festival period, July 1 to September 30, 2025.