For a destination famous for its lush landscapes, abundant wildlife, and outdoor attractions, it’s no surprise that spring in Aotearoa New Zealand is a prime time to visit, with fewer travellers, blooming flora, and the warmer weather welcoming various outdoor activities. We share 5 reasons your clients should travel in spring, plus how you can Explore New Zealand on a self-famil!
Like a kiwi bird emerging at dusk from a day’s rest, New Zealand awakens to a fresh bloom in September. Unlike the country’s shyest bird who stays in hiding throughout the day, locals and visitors take to the mountains, lakes, rivers, and seas to kayak, fish, white-water raft, and more.
The warming temps are also great for ski and snow bunnies, too. The softer powder, longer days, and greater availability prove spring is an ideal time for Australians to hit the neighbour’s slopes. Read more about spring skiing here.
5 reasons to travel to New Zealand in spring
#5 Beautiful landscapes
Aotearoa New Zealand’s spring landscapes are unreal! Especially in spring, when the melting mountain snow ramps up the power and might of waterfalls. Cruising Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound is our top pick for the best spring waterfalls.
Across the country, the lake and river levels are equally served by the mountains. The Big Kanu glow-worm tour in Rotorua, a cruise to the Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings or a catch-and-cook trip with Chris Jolly fishing cruise on Lake Taupō are extra fun. As is a high-speed jet boat ride at dramatic Huka Falls.
The mild spring weather makes New Zealand’s longest and largest glacier, the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, a worthwhile stop on any lower South Island itinerary. At Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, heli-hiking, glacier-climbing, boat tours, and skiing the Tasman Glacier await.
#4 All the fun
Thrills are easily found from September to November in New Zealand, especially when whitewater rafting, thanks to increased rainfall and melting ice. We recommend Kaitiaki Adventures in Rotorua, Tongariro River Rafting in Turangi, and Shotover Whitewater Rafting in Queenstown for your adventure-seeking clients.
A fabulous spring renewal not to be missed is the return of alfresco wining and dining. Where better to enjoy this than on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail? Touring three of the country’s finest wine regions, this journey tours Hawke’s Bay, the Wairarapa region, and the world-famous Marlborough vineyards.
Adrenalin activities are fab in spring. Top recommendations include ziplining on Waiheke Island, leaping from the OG Kawarau Bungy, or negotiating 360-degree spins on one of Queenstown’s spectacular rivers.
Springtime events welcome back the fun in style. Seafood noms at Kaikōura Seafest, Akaroa’s French Festival, and Queenstown’s alpine music event, Snow Machine Festival are great itinerary additions.
For racing fans, watch horses in Christchurch at Addington Cup Week or exert yourself at the Queenstown Marathon.
#3 Relax & recharge
Spring signals the rebirth of many cycles, making it the perfect time to head to New Zealand for a personal rebirth in the form of the country’s soothing geothermal attractions. Like Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa and Hell’s Gate in Rotorua, Taupō’s Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Spa, Hanmer Springs, and the fun of DIY hot pools at Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel.
On Waiheke Island, Terra & Tide employ several ways to help their guests recharge. Their unique forest bathing experience is restorative, amplifying the senses and returning the soul to peace.
#2 Connect to nature
The mild spring weather makes it the perfect time to come out of hibernation and remember the benefits of time spent in nature.
A chance to hike without the crowds across thousands of kilometres of well-signposted walking trails offers immersion in New Zealand’s spectacular scenery. Tell your clients about the DOC website before departure and the fabulous New Zealand Walking and Hiking guide.
Top national park hotspots include coastal Abel Tasman, the volcanoes at Tongariro, Nelson Lakes walks, and glacial encounters at Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
Spring also means adorable sightings around the motu (country). Kiwi hatching season is from July to February. The National Kiwi Hatchery, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve are ideal for your wildlife-loving clients.
September to December is penguin-hatching season. Oamaru’s Blue Penguin Colony and a nighttime experience with Pōhatu Penguins in Akaroa are top picks. Your clients can also watch fledgling albatross chicks take off at Dunedin’s Royal Albatross Centre.
Could we mention spring and New Zealand without talking about lambs? Of course not! A hands-on farm tour at the Agrodome is perfect for clients not content with just awwing over the lambs spotted on their travels.
#1 Interact with Māori culture
Spring in Ōtautahi Christchurch is an epic time to join Āmiki Cultural Food Tour for a guided walk, talk, and eat experience with a local Māori historian.
It’s also a brilliant time to get amongst the blooming fauna and flora on Kāpiti Island Nature Tours. Māori guides, whose whānau (family) has lived on the island for centuries, reveal the history and fascinating birds who call it home.
Explore New Zealand’s heritage at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, embarking on an enlightening journey through one of the country’s most significant historic sites.
Top tips for spring travel
Here’s why spring travel to Aotearoa New Zealand makes sense for your clients:
- Better deals and more affordable pricing stretch budgets further
- Fewer crowds mean more relaxed and immersive experiences
- Greater accommodation and land transport availability
- Spring travel adds more value to every itinerary
- The spring blooms and fauna rebirthing season enhance a visit
You can also Explore New Zealand
If all this talk of New Zealand spring makes you wish you could go too, then we’ve got some good news for you!
Apply for the Explore New Zealand Self-Famil Discount Programme to access 250+ country-wide discounts to build the perfect self-famil itinerary!
It’s easy to qualify, simply complete at least 10 of the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme modules and gain Bronze Specialist Status. You’ll also need to sign up for the Tourism New Zealand Trade Newsletter and Trade Facebook Group.
Discover more
To support your New Zealand spring efforts, head to Tourism New Zealand’s Travel Trade Website to access downloadable resources, videos, itineraries, and inspirational content.
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