Autumn in the northern hemisphere is spring in New Zealand β and itβs the perfect time to visit.
Why visit New Zealand in the northern hemisphere autumn?
Mid-October to the end of November is when flights to New Zealand are traditionally cheapest. It also falls into the gap between NZβs busy ski and summer seasons, so expect hotel bargains to go along with invigorating, cinematic scenery and pleasantly warm weather.
What to do in New Zealand in the spring: North Island
You need three weeks to tackle New Zealand in the spring and the secret is to treat it as two separate road trips. To have more days wearing shorts than jumpers at this time of year, the Auckland to Wellington leg on the North Island should be slightly longer than the Queenstown to Christchurch leg on the South. Use domestic flights from Wellington to Queenstown and Christchurch to Auckland to cut out needlessly long repositioning drives.
In Auckland, take a short ferry trip to volcanic Rangitoto Island, where the crimson blooms of the Pohutukawa trees erupt around the lava fields in late November.
Further south, Rotorua is all action β Zorbing, ziplining and white-water rafting are part of the extensive menu β but sitting in the warm thermal pools of the Polynesian Spa is the perfect way to relax on a crisper spring evening.
By November, New Zealandβs best day walk β the 19.4km Tongariro Alpine Crossing through volcano craters β can be tackled crampon-free, so thereβs no need to shell out for expensive winter gear or a guided tour.
Take in Art Deco Napier and fine cabernet sauvignons in Hawkes Bay on the way to buzzy, cultural Wellington, before tackling the South Island.
New Zealandβs South Island in spring
Queenstown is a fab lakeside base for 4WD tours, bungy and jetboating β but NOT for fiord cruises on Milford Sound. The eight hour return trip from Queenstown is a hard slog, so spend a night much closer in Te Anau instead, which allows a bonus evening outing to the glowworm caves.
On the way to Christchurch, soft springtime light makes the pinot noir-tastic Central Otago vineyards particularly picturesque, while November is start of the breeding β and thus, prime big bird viewing – season at the Otago Peninsulaβs Royal Albatross Centre.
When else is a good time to visit New Zealand?
February is also a good time to visit New Zealand. The weatherβs at its finest and festivals kick off around the country, but term has restarted for NZβs schoolkids, so prices are down from their eye-watering peak.
More New Zealand travel
Other New Zealand travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- A three week New Zealand travel itinerary.
- Kayaking to the Mine Bay Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo.
- Sailing an Americas Cup yacht in Auckland.
- Iceberg kayaking on Tasman Lake.
- What to do on the Christchurch to Oamaru drive before seeing Oamaruβs penguin colony.
- Braving sea-sickness on the Stewart Island ferry.
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