Thursday 24 September 2015

Spring has sprung in New Zealand

WANT to say goodbye to autumn – or fall – up here in the northern half of the planet? #NewZealand is saying hello to spring. Tourism NZ flags up some of the best the country has to offer: 

Okarito – On the west coast of the South Island, Okarito is a remote region with shallow, open lagoons and tidal flats waiting to be explored. It is surrounded by rainforests and overlooks snowcapped mountains. It is the best time to spot one of the 70 bird species in the region, including the Kotuku, a bird sacred to Maori people.

Hamilton – On the banks of the Waikato River, Hamilton is known for scenic diversity. The region offers options for visitors keen on walking, hiking, cycling, and casual strolls. For Hobbit fans, head to the live film set of Hobbiton, where queues are a quarter of the size found in the busy summer season.

Golden Bay – The journey to Golden Bay is as picturesque as the destination itself. Visitors enjoy driving the quiet roads of Takaka Hill, known as Marble Mountain before reaching the sand dune formations and Te Waikoropupu Springs of Golden Bay. 

 Best spring activities

Whale watching in Kaikoura – Kaikoura is the whale watching capital of New Zealand, offering guests the chance to get up close and personal with sea life. As well as whales, guests will encounter fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. At the beginning of spring when the air is cooler, humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales and southern right whales are frequent visitors. For those travelling towards the end of spring, October is the best time to spot the orca, the world’s largest dolphin.

Tour of Milford Road – The road journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic experiences in the country, hitting the heart of Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area.

Hiking – With plenty of sunshine and cool breezes, spring is the best time for visitors to enjoy New Zealand’s nine Great walks. The days are longer, the flowers are in bloom, and it is the best time of year for wildlife spotting. Choose from the thousands of miles of walking trails including Stewart Island’s lesser-known Rakiura Track, or the famous day walk, Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Spring events

Food and Wine Classic, November 6-15 – It’s a series of out-of-the-box food and wine events in locations throughout Hawke's Bay, and an opportunity to meet chefs and food producers, wine makers. Seventy events are scheduled.

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, November 28 – Thousands of cyclists, both locals and internationals, will pedal their way around the shores of Lake Taupo, taking part in one of the world's premier cycle events.

www.newzealand.com 

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