When looking into booking a holiday to New Zealand, you will hear from discerning travellers and tour operators alike that visiting the Land of the Long White Cloud in their summer months of January – February will reward you with endless of sunshine days and little chance of rain. Yes this is of course true, however travelling in the peak months also has its downsides and exploring Aotearoa outside of these months offers visitors a different experience and one we at Discover the World highly recommend.
We asked our accredited Kiwi Specialists, Lauren and Bruno, to share some of their favourite NZ experiences and when’s best to enjoy these.
1. Exploring larger than life scenery on the open road
“With fewer tourists on the roads during the spring, autumn and winter months, you can make the most of your surroundings at a pace to suit you. Travel for miles without seeing another car, admire the beauty of New Zealand at your own pace and stop to snap at endlessly beautiful vistas to your hearts content.” Lauren
One of the lesser visited regions of New Zealand, Eastland easily falls into the category of ‘hidden gem’. Offering some beautiful coastline, this region of the North Island is steeped in over 1000 years of Maori heritage.
2. Perfect temperatures for ‘tramping’ – the Kiwi equivalent of a hike!
“If you’re an active explorer, spring and autumn temperatures of around 19-21°C can make for more comfortable hiking conditions than the heat of high summer. Alternatively if you are into ice-climbing or winter sports, visit in New Zealand’s winter and make the most of the plethora of ski fields and enjoy a wide range of winter activities.” Bruno
The Great Walks of New Zealand are world-famous for a reason, and no holiday would be complete without taking to the trail at least once. Through the valleys and mountains of the Milford Track to the twisting turns alongside Whanganui River on the Whanganui Journey, these hikes have achieved legendary status among trekkers worldwide.
3. Spectacular autumnal colours
“Travel between March-May and witness vibrant hues of gold and amber, as the autumn leaves begin to fall. To see the very best of New Zealand’s striking autumnal surrounds, head to the Southern Lakes region of Wanaka, Arrowtown and Queenstown.” Lauren
4. Dramatic mountain scenery and astonishing turquoise Alpine lakes
“Spring is the perfect time to visit the soaring mountain peaks and stunning natural landscape in and around Mount Cook National Park as the winter snow recedes” Bruno
An overnight cruise is an ideal way to fully immerse yourself in the splendour and tranquillity surrounded by waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and marine life of the magnificent Doubtful Sound, nestled in South Island’s beautiful and remote Fiordland.
5. Stunning flora
“From cherry blossoms in Christchurch, rhododendrons in Dunedin and lupin around Lake Tekapo, September – November are wonderful months to see New Zealand in bloom.” Lauren
6. Whale and dolphin watching
“If you’re on the look-out for bottlenose or common dolphins, travel between April-January is highly recommended. In order to maximise your chance of seeing New Zealand’s migrating whales make sure you visit between June and July where migrating species such as humpbacks, southern and blue whales pass can be seen in the waters of Kaikoura most days.” Bruno
Head to Akaroa to experience a cruise out from the harbour to look out for Hector’s dolphins and enjoy stunning views of this picturesque French-influenced enclave on the Banks Peninsula.
7. See New Zealand’s ‘Christmas tree’
“Properly known as the pohutukawa, and with a vivid red bloom, New Zealand’s Christmas tree flowers from November – January. Catch a glimpse of these around Coromandel, Auckland and Northland before the flowers die-out in early February.” Lauren
8. Long sunny days
“Perfect for explorers, December offers the longest days of daylight.” Bruno
9. Penguin spotting
“With an abundance of wildlife on the South Island, heading out to see the enchanting Fiordland Crested penguins (or tawaki) in spring is an absolute must. The penguins breed from July-December and by the second week of December, the chicks are ready to leave the nest and head out to sea for the next six months – only to briefly return to shore between February-March to moult.” Lauren
10. Experience more with the money you save travelling outside of the peak period!
“From lower air fares to excellent deals on accommodation and even car rental – travelling outside of peak summer season could cost considerably less, meaning that the money you save could be put towards seeing even more of this wonderful country!” Bruno
New Zealand’s Seasons
- Spring: September – November
- Summer: December – February
- Autumn: March – May
- Winter: June – August
Feeling inspired?
For help with planning your New Zealand adventure, contact our Travel Specialists, or make an enquiry.
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube