Fancy a break from midwinter weather woes? Check out Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore

Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore
They're less than 12 hours away and offer something for every traveller. Photo credit: Getty Images

It's midwinter and the weather is miserable so it's no surprise many people are looking overseas for a bit of a getaway.

COVID-19 restrictions have largely been lifted, meaning international travel has become easier and there are more flights out of Aotearoa now than at any point over the past two years.

In less than 12 hours, the winter blues could be banished and you could be sitting on a beach, cocktail in one hand, book in another, soaking up the vitamin D.

Here are some Newshub suggestions for a break from the New Zealand winter.

Thailand
Photo credit: Getty Images

Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches and is the perfect place for some rest and recuperation.

Three things to do in Thailand:

Take a private longboat tour to Ko Phi Phi Le Island to avoid the crowds and enjoy sightseeing, swimming and snorkelling. Or head a bit to the south and visit Pi Leh Lagoon and Maya Beach where Leonardo DeCaprio famously filmed The Beach.

If you want to stay away from the coast, there are multiple resorts to lounge around which overlook Khao Sok Lake. 

How about enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and picturesque views from the comfort of your own private villa? Heaven!

Take a safari through the incredible and dense rainforests of Koh Samui with a quad bike tour. The local guides will take you to secret hidden gems that will really make your trip.

Indonesia
Photo credit: Getty Images

Beaches, bars and Bali. It's no wonder Indonesia is a popular winter destination.

Three things to do in Indonesia:

If you haven't partied too hard the night before you can take a short hike to the top of Mt Bromo and watch a sunrise from 2392 metres above sea level. Along with the rising of a new day, you'll also see Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and active volcanic craters.

Adventurers assemble! How about a four-day jungle trek at Bukit Lawang EcoTravel Cottages right in the middle of the Gunung Leuser National Park?

If you're looking for a social media snap, how about posing on the famous Bali Swing in Ubud, followed by whitewater rafting down the Ayung River? Strictly for those who need adrenaline shots during their holidays.

Singapore
Photo credit: Getty Images

Singapore is famous for its year-round warm climate and cocktails. Woohoo!

Three things to do in Singapore:

Singapore Universal Studios is one of four Universal Studios theme parks around the world. The 50-acre park has rides and attractions galore, including movie-themed zones for The Lost World and Madagascar.

With over 1.5 million diverse plants hailing from every continent in the world, Cloud Forest is a must-visit. It's bigger than the size of a rugby field and this unique, climate-controlled glass dome has spiralling walkways full of plants and one of the world's tallest indoor waterfalls. 

See if you can spot a Silver Fern!

Restaurant Born is Singapore's hottest new restaurant, featuring specially commissioned artworks and an art gallery vibe. It's located in the iconic Jinrikisha Station and is a mix of French fine dining and classic elements of Chinese cuisine making for a unique dining experience for those that love both art and food.

The destinations are accessible via flights from a range of different operators, like Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand and more.