As men and women of the southern hemisphere prepare to clock off and kick their feet up for a hard-earned summer holiday, there is an air of excitement amongst this keen, adventurous bunch.

For us, summer isn't about sipping cocktails by the poolside of an over-priced resort in an over-crowded "destination". For us, it's about keeping it local in New Zealand and exploring Godzone.

So, this summer, we're hitting the hills and bays of our own backyard: Canterbury's stunning Banks Peninsula. Swanndri HQ is nestled at the foot of the Port Hills and that's no accident: the peninsula is not only our backyard; it's our playground and bread basket, too.

We escape here for the endless horizons, the golden grass, the long warm days, the yarns with the locals, the fresh fish from the ocean, and the endless nooks and crannies to discover.

Wherever you are in this glorious country of ours this summer, it's time to head to the faraway places you've always said you should drive to one day. Take some wrong turns, take your time, and take it all in. This is summer in New Zealand and it's as sweet as it gets.