what to do in new zealand in may

While many aspiring visitors to New Zealand may dream of etching up powdery snow fields or relaxing on escapist island beaches when showtime planning a trip to the country in peak flavor, in many means information technology'southward the autumn season that intermingles the all-time of both worlds along with favourable prices and fewer crowds to boot.

Overall, the period from March to April in NZ offers clean air, articulate skies and comfy weather conditions with neither the chill of the center of winter nor the large traveller numbers of the summertime months, which combine to open upward opportunities for a number of experiences that smoothen during autumn in item.

Then how should one allocate their fourth dimension in club to go the most out of an NZ fall trip? Take reward of this blend of factors to enjoy our listing of the Top 10 Things to do in New Zealand in autumn which we item below.

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10. Landscape Photography

Image credit: Julian Apse via Tourism New Zealand

All-time time of year: early-to-mid April

New Zealand's loftier degree of concrete beauty has long been one of the main reasons visitors cite every bit their inspiration for visiting and the about memorable office of a trip, and it's non hard to see why - the land's diversity of landscapes covers virtually every type of scenery one could want in a destination.

From regal alpine peaks to vivid turquoise lakes and steaming geothermal terrain, New Zealand offers immense variety all in a relatively compact and easy-to-navigate area. Add together in the changing colours of autumn to the mix, yet, and what is already a care for for the eyes becomes even more so every bit the intermixed yellows, browns and reds provide another layer of depth to its scenery.

Paradigm credit: Julian Apse via Tourism New Zealand

It's this natural attribute which has led to NZ becoming something of a darling for landscape photographers both professional person and aspiring over the years, with the ability to travel from one entirely different type of geography to some other in brusque order - which in other countries may crave a far longer degree of travel, navigating immigration policies, or various linguistic communication barriers in guild to do so.

New Zealand'south density of national parks, abundance of freshwater lakes, and cavalcade of peaks - along with its mixture of both evergreen and deciduous trees - makes for an ever-irresolute canvass upon which to turn your lens, with the only real restrictions on quality of photography being both timing and time.

New Zealand's density of national parks, abundance of freshwater lakes, and cavalcade of peaks makes for an always-changing canvas upon which to turn your lens

The South Isle tends to witness the most dramatic changes during the autumn season, while also being dwelling house to a scattering of the "hidden gems" many photographers attempt to proceed to themselves. As a general rule, the flora surrounding lakes and other bodies of water makes for the biggest contrast of colour, while photographers with a chip more coin to spare tin can garner aerial views of the likes of these lakes, deep blue fiords, and the white of the glaciers from high above, too.

Some of the favoured and nigh recommended areas of New Zealand to photo in autumn include:

• Wanaka & surrounds: Centered around Lake Wanaka itself, this town not likewise far from Queenstown offers the obvious appeal of its lake-and-mountain backdrop with a dose of orangish, yellowish and red poplar copse thrown in.
• Lakes Tekapo & Pukaki: Perchance the brightest and most vivid bodies of water the South Island has to offer, these Canterbury region lakes owe their bright hues to the consequence of stone flour mixed in from surrounding glaciers. Add in characteristically clear Canterbury skies, and the blues of these waters will make any photographer smile.
• Arrowtown: this fiddling historic town most Queenstown is just a short drive away, and offers dramatic tree colours that are hard to match elsewhere in the country. There's a reason the town holds an annual festival defended to all-things-autumn; it's long been the town'south calling card.
• The Catlins: the southern signal of NZ'due south South Island remains somewhat undervisited, yet offers photographers an inspiring mixture of dense greenery, sweeping coastal scenery, and - perhaps most famously - cascading waterfalls and running rivers. Platonic for those who love things flowing and aquatic in their photos.
• Fiordland: the fiords region may not experience such sweeping changes as some of the more deciduous-heavy regions, however its uniqueness as a landscape and longstanding reputation equally one of NZ'southward most photogenic spots isn't any less-so in fall, either.

Image credit: Rob Suisted via Tourism New Zealand

Of course, the title of "all-time photo spot in New Zealand" comes down to personal preference, and is entirely subjective; simply accept the time to travel around the land by human foot or by wheel and you'll no doubt come away with your own secret spot you won't desire to share with the rest of the world - as about the entirety of the country is photogenic in some way.

Perhaps the all-time matter nearly photography in New Zealand nowadays is, with the improvement in quality of telephone cameras, even the average traveller can come away with a postcard-worthy bear witness of New Zealand to keep in your pocket!

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9. Go Fishing

Image credit: David Lambroughton via Tourism New Zealand

It'south only natural as an isle land dotted with numerous rain and glacier-fed lakes that New Zealand should offer earth-class fishing opportunities, and the autumn season presents plenty of chances for a potential catch for both on and off-shore fishing enthusiasts alike.

Every bit the waters begin to cool downwards from the summer and numerous fish species begin to feed and stock up in training for winter, aspiring anglers can either caput to one of the numerous big bodies of h2o or their associated tributaries for a spot of wing fishing for trout and salmon, while those in search of a bigger catch will exist spoiled for choice too.

Image credit: Sara Orme via Tourism New Zealand

March and April rank equally a solid all-round season for saltwater fishing - peculiarly around the Northward Isle - as a number of sport fish species and game catches grow to impressive sizes and become prominent in the waters surrounding New Zealand during this part of the year. Large game such every bit Marlin and Swordfish caught off the coast of NZ accept ranked amidst some of the largest recorded of their ilk in the world, with the northern portion of the North Isle the almost frequent spot for a catch.

The Bay of Plenty off the declension of Tauranga in particular has developed a reputation for reliable results, with Mayor Island and the Iii Kings Islands (Manawatawhi) northwest of Cape Reinga all too providing solid returns on fourth dimension invested. Kingfish, tuna, and snapper are also regularly encountered at fishing sites around offshore pinnacles, making for a diverse range of catches to be had when heading into the open ocean.

Information technology's only natural as an island country dotted with numerous pelting and glacier-fed lakes that New Zealand should offering earth-form line-fishing opportunities

As a result of this variety, an all-encompassing range of angling tours and charters have sprung up across New Zealand for travellers to join operating out of everywhere from Auckland to Whangamata, and with durations from multi-hour samplers all the fashion upwards to epic, multi-day overnighters to some of the state's hardest to access fishing spots.

Sticking to dry state, meanwhile, wing fishermen volition discover that few countries can match the all-encompassing assortment of freshwater angling opportunities that NZ offers. The typically pleasant and consequent atmospheric condition conditions of the fall flavor mark no amend time for heading to the nearest lake, river or stream that are abundant with both rainbow and brownish trout, every bit well as catches of salmon.

Both the North and Southward Isle offer some of the world'south best-sighted angling areas, with the specialty varying slightly depending on location; the N Island, particularly Lake Taupo and its tributaries are home to plentiful rainbow trout, with the Tongariro River offering large, fat catches.

The South Isle'south line-fishing playgrounds are renowned for their reliable and accessible brownish trout catching, with popular destinations including the Nelson region'due south Motueka River, the West Coast'due south Haast River, and multiple locations throughout the Southland Plains certain to produce impressive results.

Lastly, March stands out equally perhaps the all-time calendar month of the entire calendar year for catching salmon, with both the due west and e coasts of the South Island home to a number of small rivers that contain salmon runs of varying sizes.

If you're planning to enjoy line-fishing in New Zealand, there's ample opportunity for doing so - only ensure yous have the correct licenses beforehand, which tin can be pre-obtained online before setting out, or through your tour guide in near cases if booking prior.

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8. Wild animals Encounters

New Zealand'due south relatively carve up geographical location and longtime isolation from predators accept atomic number 82 to the country being dwelling to a broad array of unique brute, with numerous animals furry, scaly and everything in between that you likely haven't encountered earlier.

Every bit a result, a trip to NZ becomes something of an exercise in discovery, with multiple attractions (both natural and human-engineered) aimed at showcasing some of these ofttimes-cute denizens. While the most obvious of these is the iconic and adorable Kiwi, New Zealand'south animate being encounters stretch through the entirety of the wildlife spectrum, from distinctive reptiles, to fish and marine mammals, to its all-encompassing assortment of bird varieties in particular.

Image credit: Chris McLennan via Tourism New Zealand

Birds

It's the birds that are the starting time to stand out - the country is known as the unofficial "seabird capital of the world" - while its unusually high proportion of flightless country-dwelling species too set New Zealand bated from anywhere else on Earth.

Some of the all-time places and experiences in which to come across some new feathery friends in New Zealand include:

• Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, Auckland: this island in the Hauraki Gulf off the coast of Auckland is an amazing concentration of selected bird species that is highly protected, and a case of conservation done exceptionally well. Takahe, saddlebacks, bellbirds and numerous others can all exist found here, with the island accessed via a prowl.
• ZEALANDIA, Wellington: this vast sanctuary but 10 minutes from Wellington is home to over xl bird species including Takahe, Kaka, Tui and various others, ready in a sweeping valley that visitors can explore. It's likewise a cracking chance to see Kiwi for those visiting the NZ capital.
• Cape Kidnappers, Hawke'south Bay: this stretch of headland in south-east Hawke's Bay is dwelling house to the globe's largest colony of Gannet birds, with upwards of vi,500 pairs having been counted at their elevation. It'southward reached via drive or tours from Napier which lies around 20km away.
• Kapiti Island, Wellington: some other dedicated nature reserve - this ane about Wellington - Kapiti Island puts a cap on company numbers to allow its avian species including Weka, Tui, Kaka and Niggling Spotted Kiwi to continue to thrive. The island can be reached via a 20 minute ferry ride from Paraparaumu Embankment.
• Royal Albatross Middle, Dunedin: take the chance to come across the world's biggest sea bird with a visit to this splendid observatory on the Otago Peninsula, with a great outlook to see Albatross up close also every bit a home to a privately-backed penguin conservation facility.

New Zealand's dissever geographical location and longtime isolation from predators has lead to the country being dwelling to a wide array of unique brute

Aquatic Animals

New Zealand's waters - both salt and fresh - are home to a number of marine species, with the land having developed a well-deserved reputation for offering some of the best water-borne creature tours in the world. All across New Zealand, chances to become upward close with dolphins, whales, fish and other marine mammals abound, highlighted by:

• Penguins: yes, they're technically birds, even so the sleek and cute marine dwellers stand up on their own as a drawcard for travellers to NZ. Oamaru in the Waitaki region is dwelling to a colony of the smallest penguins in the world - the Blue Penguin; Dunedin's Penguin Place is an fantabulous conservation attempt for Yellow Eyed Penguins; and even Kelly Tarlton'south SEA LIFE Aquarium in Auckland plays host to the globe'south largest sub-antarctic penguin colony display.
• Whales and Dolphins: one of the signature wildlife experiences to New Zealand, the various sheltered bays and protected spaces draw in these marine mammals both during and outside almanac migratory periods. Both Akaroa and Kaikoura offer chances to accept a tour to encounter (and even swim with) dolphins, while dolphin and whale cruises likewise depart from Auckland'southward Viaduct Harbour. The Bay of Islands is besides a pop hotspot, with regular cruises that involve loftier chances of dolphin sightings besides.
• Sharks: those looking for a more adrenaline-oriented encounter can enter a cage submerged in the waters surrounding Stewart Island, which are home to an estimated 100 apex predators - the Great White Shark - on a guided bout for a spine-tingling encounter.
• Seals/Sea Lions: some other cute aquatic character, seals can be found prominently throughout New Zealand. They're frequent figures in the greater Kaikoura region; colonies exist at both Cape Palliser on the North Island and Tauranga Bay on the South; and yous may even run into a whiskered head pop up in the waters of Fiordland's Milford Sound.

Image credit: Rob Suisted via Tourism New Zealand

Zoos & Aquariums

Those wanting to get up shut with some iconic NZ wildlife in a more than accessible and controlled surround will exist pleased to know information technology'due south also abode to a range of excellent human being-made attractions as well, with standouts including

• Traditional Zoos & Wild animals Parks: all of New Zealand's major cities - including Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington - have zoos to offer, with the standards at each high quality across the board. They're a great option for families and those short on time looking to run across a cantankerous-section of both exotic and native NZ animals. Other outstanding such attractions can be found at Nelson (Natureland Zoo), Hamilton (Hamilton Zoo), New Plymouth (Brooklands Zoo), and Whangarei (Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary), with each offering its own spin on the standard feel.
• Aquariums: those more than interested in marine life will also have several options, in the likes of Auckland (Kelly Tarlton'southward SEA LIFE Aquarium), Napier (the National Aquarium), Picton (Ecoworld), and even Queenstown's Underwater Observatory which offers a simple underwater viewing area that peers directly into the lake.

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7. Take a Runway Journey

Image credit: KiwiRail

For those looking for an excellent style to see an incredible cross-section of New Zealand autumn landscapes in a unmarried trip, booking a ticket on ane of its several epic rail journeys is hard to friction match. The diverseness in the country's topography is never more than apparent than when one crosses through multiple dissimilar regions in the span of a day, and the bulk of NZ'due south scenic rail trips were designed with showing off its landscape squarely in listen.

New Zealand's scenic train journeys also showcase the space between the cities that unproblematic domestic flights can't, while bus and fifty-fifty sometimes driving routes are frequently confined to standard roads that are more focused on the A-to-B aspect of travel than the journeying itself. As the autumn landscape is such a cardinal feature, no trip to NZ during this season is consummate without a ride on at least i form of power-and-track locomotion.

Image credit: KiwiRail

Railroad train trips available in New Zealand can be typically divided upward into two chief categories: shorter, "sightseeing" way trips, and the more extended, multi-day journeys. The quondam focus on micro-regions and even cityscapes, while the latter bridge two regions while taking the scenic road forth the way.

Sightseeing Train Rides

These smaller-scale operations typically terminal anywhere from 10 minutes to a couple of hours, and are highly family-friendly, offering detailed commentary or unique viewpoints from their local point of focus. Some of the top local railroad train rides in New Zealand include:

• Taieri Gorge Railway, Dunedin: this world-class breathtaking train trip borders on epic in its ain correct, offering a sightseeing adventure through the heart of the Central Otago Hinterland. Information technology heads out from Dunedin's iconic railway station and covers a range of cute mount scenery over the course of its 4 hours (return) journey.
• Hawke'south Bay Express, Napier:a mannerly way to explore the Art Deco offerings of this renowned Hawke'southward Bay town, this "road train" takes passengers on a metropolis-based route while detailing Napier'south interesting (and earthquake-struck) history.
• Driving Creek Railway, The Coromandel: this hour-long train journey winds its style through some dense native forest dotted with signature New Zealand silverish ferns while offering some great outlooks over the waters of the Hauraki Gulf.
• Wellington Cable Automobile, Wellington:an essential item on whatever itinerary for the New Zealand capital, this long-running mini-journey provides access to a number of the city'due south key attractions, with only a 10-minute ride required to complete.

Prototype credit: Dunedin Railways

Scenic Train Journeys

New Zealand's 3 "epic" train trips are operated past company KiwiRail, with two located on NZ'due south South Isle and one on the Due north. Each covers a portion of the country quite distinctive from the others, and in that location's little redundancy in the landscape to be had if doing more than one of these trips.

The trains come equipped with cars that have dedicated observation areas designed to maximise viewing opportunities, too, putting even more of an onus on the scenic aspect of the trip. The trains also come with an added dose of luxury and amenities on board to ensure comfort on extended trips, and include:

The variety in the state's topography is never more credible than when 1 crosses through multiple different regions in the span of a 24-hour interval

• The Northern Explorer (Auckland to Wellington): the North Island'due south sole epic train route connects its two major cities and covers a blend of volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park, celebrated compages and plenty of gorges and girders along the style. The final leg of the journey into Wellington is perhaps the highlight, with aquatic views of the Melt Strait extending out into the altitude. It's as well the longest of the trips, with a ride fourth dimension of approximately 14 hours.
• The TranzAlpine (Christchurch to Greymouth): widely regarded equally one of the near beautiful train rides in the world, this trip that bridges Christchurch and Greymouth showcases some of the best of New Zealand's Southern Alps, also as a mixture of expansive fields, steel bridges and gaping gorges throughout. Headsets are available for passengers to listen to commentary on the sights and geography encountered throughout, while onboard staff are highly informative and serve as veritable travel guides in their own correct. It's around a 5-hour trip one-fashion betwixt the two cities.
• The Coastal Pacific that runs from Christchurch to Picton is the 3rd route, all the same this is currently temporarily closed.

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6. Stargazing

Image credit: Vaughan Brookfield via Tourism New Zealand

Those bright, clear New Zealand fall days don't simply serve to offer the sunshine - they're also of a great benefit at night, when some of the greatest joy to be had in NZ tin can be experienced by simply looking upward.

The country's propensity for accessible yet relatively empty regions with minimal low-cal pollution couples with a lack of cloud cover during this period to make for some of the best chances to admire the raw dazzler of the Milky Way in the Southern Hemisphere. The months betwixt March and Oct typically rank as the all-time time of year for stargazing and to see the night sky at its best, and as such during an autumn visit you'll be able to glimpse firsthand a view that will make yous experience very, very small.

Image credit: Daniel Rood via Tourism New Zealand

Get-go and foremost amongst potential stargazing spots in New Zealand ranks the Mackenzie district, which is home to what was declared the globe's showtime "gold rated" International Dark Sky Reserve, which is basically the scientific community'southward mode of saying that NZ sits firmly in first identify when information technology comes to sky viewing opportunities.

Lake Tekapo, in item, is renowned as a pristine stargazing spot, with its iconic Church of the Skillful Shepherd forming the foreground of countless famed night sky pictures that dot albums worldwide. The mountainous surrounds of the Mackenzie district play a role in keeping cloud embrace away, and were another reason why the surface area was chosen every bit the site for the Mt. John Observatory - NZ's premier stargazing facility that'due south home to half-dozen separate telescopes including the country's most powerful.

Image credit: Vaughan Brookfield via Tourism New Zealand

Tours to the observatory allow visitors to feel views of up to a staggering 50 million individual stars on the clearest nights, as well as planets and even other distant solar systems; if you lot're an astronomy aficionado, suffice to say a visit hither is a must. Night tours are exceptionally popular, still, and should be booked well in advance.

The residual of the state offers high quality stargazing as a whole fifty-fifty without sophisticated equipment; just have a drive 20 minutes outside Wellington, or a short walk abroad from the lights of Wanaka or Te Anau, for example, and the clarity of the night sky volition shortly become obvious. Even an extremely pop and attainable spot such every bit the Skyline complex atop Queenstown hill offers a wonderful night view, also as a defended "Stargazing Tour" for those especially interested; take the Gondola up, bring your camera, and gaze in awe at what surrounds our tiny blue dot.

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5. Go Cycling

The cool-nonetheless-not-frigid weather of autumn makes for the perfect climate for agile exploration, and New Zealand beingness decked out with an array of world-form cycling trails offers yet another artery for taking in some different aspects of the countryside.

NZ'due south cycle trails are every bit varied as its roads and walking tracks, highlighted past a number of eponymous Great Rides that run the gamut of both scenery types and ability levels. The trails - and private sections of trails - are divided up by difficulty, with iv grades ranging from one (easy and requires a minimum of fitness) to 4 (for the avant-garde rider only).

Image credit: Miles Holden via Tourism New Zealand

Information technology'due south entirely up to you as to what kind of cycle trail yous want to tackle; riders tin can accept their pick of both landscapes and deviation points, equally the trails are dotted throughout both islands and cover everything from alpine mountains, to historic settlements, old rail systems, wineries and vineyards, and more than.

Both guided cycling tours and ample bike rental operators abound throughout New Zealand, and with over 20 "epic rides" to cull from, at that place's likely a route well-nigh the city or town yous're planning to visit or currently in.

New Zealand existence decked out with an array of world-class cycling trails offers yet another avenue for taking in some different aspects of the countryside

Standout trails amongst those on offer in New Zealand include:

• The Otago Central Runway Trail, Otago: this extensive, 150km+ long ride is the easiest and nigh accessible of all the Great Rides, with a wide gravel path that winds its way through a mixture of flat countryside and alpine areas, with scenery that transforms from mountainous rocky landscapes, to one-time gold mining villages, to farmland and vibrant rivers. It'south an fantabulous "introductory" ride for first-timers or the skittish.
• The Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough: one of the land's greatest walks also doubles as one of its best rides, the Queen Charlotte Track provides views of the region's greatest Sounds, with an epic blend of lush littoral woods and bright blue bays making for a sweeping and photogenic properties. It'southward not an piece of cake ride, spanning a challenging 70km, nonetheless information technology'due south an incredibly satisfying ane - and there's always the power to divide it up into more manageable small or half-mean solar day sections likewise.
• The Hawke's Bay Trails, Hawke'southward Bay: for those looking to combine a little culinary luxury with their riding experience, the Hawke'south Bay region'due south trails are an ideal remainder of flat terrain and potential stopping points, with its aptly-named Wineries Ride providing 11 potentially tantalising spots for a bazaar sampling of the region's produce.
• The Redwoods, Rotorua: home to over 145km worth of tracks of diverse levels, handful of cycling routes on offering through Whakarewarewa Wood is varied enough to offer something for anybody. They're some of the oldest biking tracks in New Zealand, yet kept in tip-meridian shape by local enthusiasts.
• The Timber Trail, Waikato: covering a handful of New Zealand'south largest interruption bridges and dumbo forested terrain, this 85km-long journeying is an exercise in escapism that comes with a dash of ethnic Maori history to boot. Information technology's a solid all-circular, mid-level trail platonic for those who have done at least i other rails before.

Image credit: Camilla Rutherford via Tourism New Zealand

Take advantage of the atmospheric condition and less crowded tracks to hop aboard your trusty wheeled steed and find a little slice of New Zealand all to yourself.

For a full list of routes and to help choosing an ideal cycling rails, check out Tourism New Zealand's excellent Not bad Rides guide for a more than detailed breakdown of each private track, what each involves, and how to get your two wheels in move on each.

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4. Nourish a Festival

The autumn flavor's comfortable, settled weather condition makes it a great time of year to spend outdoors, and as a result, the March-April catamenia in New Zealand has go teeming with festivals of various kinds sprinkled throughout each month. New Zealand's festival scene is equally various equally its landscape, and visitors and locals alike will be able to nourish events dedicated to celebrating a mixture of music, food, wine, the arts, and a number of other niche genres as well.

Many of these festivals aim at jubilant i item speciality to that region of New Zealand, meaning you'll be able to sample a hearty offer of local tradition should your trip coincide with the event date.

Image credit: Scott Venning via Tourism New Zealand

With a robust festival calendar to selection and cull from - the pair of months contain up of thirty such key events, with enough of more smaller-scale ones occurring in local townships too - there's probable an upbeat brandish of something uniquely New Zealand happening in autumn near you.

Some of the most interesting or distinctive festivals in New Zealand in fall include:

• Arrowtown fall Festival, Arrowtown: a celebration of New Zealand's favourite (and most colourful) little town as it shines during the autumn months, this festival has been running for over 30 years and offers visitors a mixture of parades, fine art shows, competitions, and even a signature rubber duck race to cap things off. The festival runs for 5 days and is propped up by the efforts of plenty of local volunteers, so it's a bully venue for meeting and having a conversation with some members of its community.
• Balloons over Waikato Festival, Waikato: visitors to the Waikato region in late March can meet the area'due south skies lit upwardly with a dazzling array of color, as the Balloons over Waikato Festival is New Zealand'southward biggest hot air balloon festival that has seen visitor numbers of over 130,000 people visit during its five 24-hour interval period. Held in Hamilton city, it's a column of bright hues in the day, and an upbeat musical and festive congregation at night, culminating in one of the country's best non-New-Twelvemonth fireworks displays.
• Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, Hokitika: if you're the adventurous blazon who doesn't hesitate to attempt new foods, this festival will betrayal you lot to a host of weird and wonderful indigenous delicacies native to New Zealand. From unusual ice-foam flavours, to eating insects and various parts of animals you would have never thought of trying before, if yous're willing to let your baby-sit down you may but find an unexpected taste awareness. The festival takes place in the beginning half of March in the town of Hokitika on the West Declension region of the S Island.



Epitome credit: Scott Venning via Tourism New Zealand

• MarchFest, Nelson: considered to be the unofficial "craft beer capital of New Zealand", those with a sense of taste for a driblet of bister tin head to the Nelson region on the due north of the Southward Island in the last week of March for MarchFest in which excellent craft beer and indie music combine for a keen overall feel. It'south a chance to sample some first-fourth dimension, original brews that no ane else has tasted earlier some of them go into mass production, and it's all conducted with an eye towards both responsible drinking and sustainability to boot.
• WOMAD world music festival, Taranaki: Taranaki's annual WOMAD festival has always been about bringing together an eclectic mix of international musicians covering a huge range of genres, while in contempo years an endeavor has been made to incorporate more mainstream and traditional acts too. It's something of a commemoration not only of music but of diversity in full general; with a visit to WOMAD, you lot'll likely meet outfits, instruments and even vocal stylings you may have never been exposed to before. WOMAD runs for 3 days during March, with 2017'southward event set to have identify from the 17th to the 19th.

For a full list of niche festivals and other regional events, visit Tourism New Zealand'southward comprehensive guide to NZ festivals at the link below.

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3. Gardens & Floral Displays

Paradigm credit: Visit Hamilton/Waikato

From its towering forest trees to its many bright and vibrant flowers that can be encountered both in the countryside and beautify many major cities' streets, constitute life is another factor that contributes to the palette that makes the land and so beautiful. New Zealand equally a whole boasts some neat variation in floral types due to its vertically-oriented aspect on the geographic map, with those in the n often profoundly different to the species encountered in the lower portions.

Gardening is considered something of a national pastime in New Zealand, too, and a stroll through many local suburbs of cities such as Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington will reveal some lovely examples of immaculately-groomed lawns, flower gardens and yards in general.

Image credit: Sara Orme via Tourism New Zealand

Its range of large and lovely private and publicly-owned gardens is extensive, as well, with about major cities home to at least one significant oasis of greenery and colour; and all of them serve as a groovy venue to take in New Zealand's wide range of indigenous plants - or to simply relax and enjoy a picnic in the lovely fall surrounds.

While the bulk of New Zealand's copse are evergreen, those that are deciduous provide nevertheless more variety to many of these prominent gardens, taking what are already some of the finest-kept examples of their kind and making them even more visually hitting.

Some outstanding gardens in New Zealand to visit during the fall catamenia include:

• Christchurch Botanical Gardens, Christchurch: featuring the widest and nigh extensive assortment of exotic plants in the land, this flagship garden has existed for over 150 years and are easily attainable in the heart of Christchurch city. Its rose garden is perhaps its standout characteristic, giving off lovely aromas and is a true heart-popping display of color. The Avon River winding its style through the gardens also adds an additional layer of life to the proceedings.
• Hamilton Gardens, Waikato:these gardens have been carefully cultivated and expertly landscaped over time to grade what is perhaps NZ's premier botanic attraction, with twenty private gardens each following its own motif. The themes of its gardens range from Chinese gardens to Victorian styling, to Indian and various other international flavours, with a liberal helping of h2o features providing more than graphic symbol. It's one of Hamilton's fundamental tourist attractions, and a must-visit.
• Larnach Castle Gardens, Dunedin: one of New Zealand's well-nigh striking examples of architecture, Larnach Castle is also home to some strikingly well-manicured gardens also. With a theme reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, they've been carefully cultivated over the class of 45 plus years, and feature a broad mixture of species including exotic times ranging from every bit far away as the Himalayas.



Epitome credit: Tourism Christchurch & Canterbury

• Rapaura Watergardens, The Coromandel: a garden in which h2o is perhaps fifty-fifty more of an attraction than the plants themselves, the Coromandel'southward Rapaura Watergardens have an atmosphere quite dissimilar from the rest of the gardens on this list. It'due south a well laid out mixture of lily ponds, winding streams and a number of h2o sculptures, with its signature cascading waterfall a main highlight.
• Te Popo Gardens, Taranaki:the Taranaki region is renowned for its aplenty high quality gardens, yet this underrated example in the Stratford region may just exist ane of its all-time. Gear up out over a 34 acre area, Te Popo Gardens contains a centrepiece 5 acre garden that transitions from native bush, to traditional parkland, and features plenty of pink and purple courtesy of prunus and clematis, among other notable flower species.
• Wellington Botanical Gardens, Wellington: 1 of NZ's Gardens of National Significance, Wellington's botanic gardens sit down in a wonderful spot overlooking the city, and feature a blend of exotic forests, stunning rose gardens, and a number of smaller specially-themed areas. It's also equipped for a robust playground ideal for those visiting with kids, and can exist accessed via the iconic Wellington Cable Car.

Of course, the "best photo spots in New Zealand" comes down to personal preference, and is entirely subjective; merely have the time to travel around the country past human foot or by wheel and you'll no doubt come away with your own hole-and-corner spot y'all won't want to share with the rest of the world.

New Zealand is also home to an extensive array of smaller, privately endemic gardens that each come with their own individual flair and focus. For a full list of the officially-listed gardens of New Zealand, check out the New Zealand Gardens Trust's handy "Garden Finder" tool.

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two. Take a Cruise

Epitome credit: Real Journeys

New Zealand'south expansive waterways offer the risk to see many of its most impressive natural highlights from an entirely unlike angle, and as a result, at that place are ample opportunities to go out on the water and see them for yourself. Both on its various inland river and lake systems and out on the open ocean, cruises are provided extensively throughout the state covering focal points such as wildlife spotting, journeys to sites of historic or cultural significance, admiring nature, or simply dining on the water.

The stable and anticipated weather of autumn again works in the favour of the cruise industry, with generally flatter and calmer water weather condition both making journeys more comfortable, while making the waters themselves look more vibrantly bluish than e'er.

Image credit: Real Journeys

New Zealand's bodies of water besides come in a greater range of forms than perchance any other state in the world; it's home to some striking and bustling city harbours, which can feel in stark contrast to a tour on a glassy and isolated fiord, for example. Or mayhap you lot're the type you'd prefer to kick things up a notch and skip across a river on a high-speed jet gunkhole adventure?

Regardless of your penchant for specific cruises, NZ delivers in spades. Some of the acme regions for scenic cruises in New Zealand include:

• Auckland & surrounds: the eponymous "City of Sails" didn't just get its name superficially; maritime culture is intertwined direct with the city'due south history and location on the waters of the Hauraki Gulf make it something of a cruising capital on the globe stage. There are multiple prowl types that can be experienced from Auckland that cater to a number of dissimilar tastes.
  Visitors can try their hand at emulating one of the earth's great yacht races in the America's Loving cup on an authentic sailing vessel; head out in search of marine life on an whale and dolphin safari on the waters of the wild fauna-rich Hauraki Gulf Marine Park; head to one of the trio of nearby islands such as Rangitoto (unique volcanic landscape), Tiritiri Matangi (bird encounters), or Waiheke (for wine tasting); or just relish cruising around the harbour while enjoying tiffin or dinner on a dining cruise instead.
• The Bay of Islands: Northland's waters are dotted with over 100 islands, some of which take distinctive and unique shapes, while its waters are teeming with aquatic life also; information technology's not difficult to run across why cruising is one of the key activities and best ways to explore the region.
  Travellers looking to caput out on the water hither will be spoiled for selection of cruise itineraries - head out on a single-solar day or overnight trip to encounter the famous Pigsty in the Rock formation; become sailing leisurely past individual islands and soak in the landscape; or fifty-fifty be taken offshore for some loftier-quality snorkelling or the chance to swim alongside dolphins equally well.



Image credit: Real Journeys

• Fiordland: Majestic, prehistoric and almost utterly unique to New Zealand, the Fiordland region of the South Island is often ane of the main reasons visitors set their sights on NZ in the commencement identify. The glassy-smooth waters that air current their way through towering, ancient peaks makes for one of the country's standout landscape contrasts, and they're quite abundant with aquatic creatures, as well.
  Milford (smaller, easier to access) and Doubtful (larger and longer) Sounds are the two main points of exploration for those looking to prowl Fiordland, with single-solar day and overnight cruises on both highly popular experiences. Cruises for each Sound depart from Milford and Manapouri, respectively, while full-blown itineraries with transfers from Queenstown are also bachelor for end-to-stop service.
• Lake Wakatipu: Queenstown doesn't have to be all adrenaline, all-the-time; one of its key natural features is the smooth and serene Lake Wakatipu, which forms a pleasant properties to the resort boondocks and a hub of aquatic activity to boot. It'south also home to one of New Zealand's most iconic scenic cruises - the TSS Earnslaw, a celebrated paddle-steamer which has been in operation since 1912 and remains as ane of the few coal-fuelled passenger vessels notwithstanding in operation.
  A ride aboard the Earnslaw will provide y'all with the ideal style to soak in some of Queenstown's magnificent tall scenery with an atmosphere of genuine repose that modernistic, motor-powered boats simply can't match. The vessel makes several trips daily from Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu that can either serve every bit a standalone sightseeing feel – with the chance to explore its vintage decks, span and gallery-lined interior – or be bundled with a stop and/or lunch at the nearby Walter Acme Loftier State Subcontract.
• Lake Taupo: the state'south largest lake is another obvious destination for a cruise, with a size that clocks in at around the same as the entirety of Singapore. Lake Taupo'due south calm waters offer a number of different cruise itineraries oriented around dissimilar focal points, from enjoying lunch and dinner cruises, to admiring the region's famously beautiful sunsets, to getting an upwards-close await at its famous, towering Maori carvings.
  The carvings are particularly impressive, measuring over 10m in height and only attainable from the water. Sailing cruises are especially popular hither, offer a serene and laid-back way to view the carvings while helping maintain their inherent aura of spirituality.
• The Marlborough Sounds: while they may non be as traditionally or dramatically alpine as the sounds of Fiordland further south, the Marlborough region's sounds are beautiful in their own right. With thousands of kilometres of coastline, beaches, trophy, and woods contained within, this mixture of sunken valleys, hidden inlets and secluded beaches makes for a most endless practice in cruise discovery.
  The waters of the sounds are abundant in marine life, making them rich in sightseeing and seafood alike; as a result, both culinary and fishing enthusiasts will discover much to enjoy. Calm waters and picturesque scenery brand for platonic weather condition for marine vessels, and as such a number of different cruises are available for those looking to explore some of the innards of the Marlborough sounds up shut.
• The Kawarau & Shotover Rivers this duo of rivers in the greater Queenstown region serve as hubs for adventure activities, with both high-speed jet boat rides and whitewater rafting popular experiences. The mixture of gorges, canyons, vivid waters and colourful foliage make for some of the all-time backdrops for a jet boat run a risk in the world and are a must-practise for visitors to New Zealand.

For a more all-encompassing listing of bachelor New Zealand cruises, check out our range of NZ scenic cruise experiences by clicking beneath.

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one. Walking and Hiking

Maybe the best manner to feel New Zealand is also the most basic, as it ranks as one of the gorgeous countries in the world for the joys of simply taking a walk. In addition, while one's mind may immediately jump towards the scattering of epic, multi-day "Great Walks" for which NZ is famous, there are also a number of shorter walks through sections of cities, coastlines and other smaller trails that are well worth a stretching of the legs besides.

As ane of the most exposed modes of send - on some of the more extended walks you'll have no shelter other than what forms yous can carry on your back - it's a good thing that fall's clear skies and moderate climate largely help to remove that element from the equation, besides. The act of walking in render for outstanding scenery tin be adequately draining, and the comfort of the March-April period'southward weather again scores bonus points in this regard.

Image credit: Miles Holden via Tourism New Zealand

Add in the coloured-leaf attribute along many walking tracks and trails, and it'southward non difficult to run across why autumn ranks equally the favoured walking season for many local New Zealanders.

Some of the standout walking tracks to tackle in each of the ii categories include:

Best Brusk & City Walks

These walks can be done in anywhere between under an 60 minutes to several hours without too much strain:

• Abel Tasman Coast Track, Nelson/Tasman: home to some of New Zealand's best beaches along with a mixture of forested hills and secluded trophy, this littoral track is an practise in beautiful landscape colours. It's a relatively easy walk that tin can be washed in a minor slice, and coupled with its excellent scenery contributes to its status as one of the busiest walking tracks in NZ.
• Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park: this four hour return journey encompasses an impressive degree of tall scenery all in a relatively meaty timeframe, including one of New Zealand's signature peaks. Walkers along the track volition encounter a blend of icebergs and glaciers while passing over three swing bridges along the fashion. In that location's a photo-worthy spectacle throughout every portion of the track, culminating in a wonderful lake view at the cease in return for your efforts.
• Mt. Maunganui Summit Rail: the Bay of Plenty's iconic meridian offers the best views of the region and tin be completed in merely under an hour entirely for free. Paths up the mount are well-kept and signed, with the surface covered by gushed gravel providing sufficient grip even though there is no apartment ground on the track. Views all the style upwards the track are generally spectacular, and once reaching the tiptop you'll be presented with a wonderful panorama that extends out to the Coromandel towards the north, out to the Kaimai Range and across the urban center of Tauranga & beyond, with ships making their manner in and our of the harbour.



• New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, Taranaki: This recently-completed seaside path spans almost the entirety of the city of New Plymouth, and does a nifty job of showing off the coastline of the region while providing multiple convenient amenities along the way. The walkway stretches from the waterfront and provides scenic views of both the coast and its various ports – on a clear day, you'll even exist able to see Mt. Taranaki's proud peak bulging out in the altitude.
• Waikato River to Huka Falls, Waikato: this easy ii-hour walk follows the region's lifeblood of the Waikato River, with some lovely views throughout. Passing beyond a span, the walk culminates in the rushing spectacle of Huka Falls, which emits its bright-blueish water at an amazing speed - with volume that can reach up to a staggering 220,000 litres per second at its peak!

Best "epic" Neat Walks

Of New Zealand's may great walks, our picks for must-do experiences in autumn for the bulk of experience levels include:

• The Heaphy Track: an epic journeying through the Kahurangi National Park (New Zealand'southward 2d-largest), the Heaphy Runway journeying lasts for iv to 6 days and is renowned for its coastal forests. It's a well-formed rails that's quite beginner-friendly, with gentle gradients and a number of well-maintained huts along the manner.
  Information technology's an ideal introductory track amongst the Great Walks and ane that tin can be done in either direction. The Heaphy also encounters lower visitation numbers, which when combined with its long overall span can requite information technology an extra sense of escapism than other pop walks - it's possible to get an age without encountering another traveller.
• The Milford Track: mayhap the most famous of all New Zealand's Great Walks, the Milford Rail has an international reputation that sums up the dramatic greenery, falls, and peaks of the Fiordland National Park. Wait to encounter a mixture of sweeping, glacially-carved valleys, tumbling waterfalls, wide varieties of native birdlife and snowfall-capped mountains all wrapped upward in an utterly peaceful bundle.
  It's a adequately challenging rail that requires a reasonable caste of fettle, and the wet nature of this function of New Zealand tin can make the going unpredictable, but in terms of raw NZ-style scenery, this is a 4-mean solar day-long rails that'southward difficult to match.
• The Tongariro Alpine Crossing: a Great Walk in scenery if not in terms of length, the Tongariro Tall Crossing is widely regarded as one of the world's best day walks, with a topography and mural quite different to many of its brothers. Involving a trek beyond a blend of vividly-coloured, rugged terrain, the Tongariro showcases awe-inspiring geological and geographical formations with a tableau that sees powdery whites clashing with bright turquoise blues all alongside dark, volcanic rock.
  Its relatively brusk length works in the track's favour also - spanning a distance of nineteen.four kilometres in total, the crossing can be completed in anywhere from 7-nine hours depending on your personal pace and qualifies every bit a viable single-day journey.



Image credit: Amos Chapple via Tourism New Zealand

• The Kepler Track: experienced hikers tin cover the challenge of the Kepler Rail and receive some wonderful rewards for their efforts, as multiple wonders of the Fiordland National Park can exist encountered throughout. The track is well maintained and clocks in around "moderate" on the overall difficulty scale, with a 60km length that passes through a range of highlights ranging from caves to lakes, to impressive falls, and typically requires iii or iv days to complete.
• The Routeburn Rails: a "relatively" brief three 24-hour interval journey as fas every bit the Great Walks are concerned, the Routeburn Track stretches out over roughly 32km in length and encompasses a pair of New Zealand'southward well-nigh gorgeous national parks: Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring. In addition, while altitude plays a key office in much of the jaw-dropping beauty of the Routeburn, the rails ranks towards the easy-moderate finish of the difficulty calibration, with only some optional extras - such equally Key Peak - requiring some additional endeavor.
  The huts offered by the NZ Department of Conservation on the rail are also fantabulous, offering those doing the full multi-day journey spacious kitchen, dining, and bathrooms to kicking; a welcome sight at the finish of a 24-hour interval of physical activity. The track itself is also well-maintained and marked making navigation quite like shooting fish in a barrel, allowing walkers to focus on soaking in the varied spectacles of waterfalls, mist-draped peaks and valleys.

For more information on New Zealand walking and hiking tours, or to book guided versions, check out our catalogue of NZ walking and hiking tours past clicking beneath.

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Source: https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/top-10-things-nz-autumn

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