4 reasons why a springtime visit to New Zealand should be on your bucket list
Travel to The Land of the Long White Cloud this spring to feast on delectable seasonal fare, witness cherry trees in full bloom and take advantage of cool weather that’s perfect for exploring the great outdoors.

Take in nature's splendour at Blossom Valley at Aston Norwood in Wellington. Photo: WellingtonNZ
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There’s no denying that springtime in New Zealand is a veritable feast for the senses. To truly savour this season’s treasures and experience the best the country has to offer, set aside at least 10 days to explore both the North and South Islands.
What’s more, as you’ll be visiting during the off-peak period, you can look forward to outstanding value on hotel rooms and the chance to enjoy popular attractions with fewer crowds. Here are four great reasons to book a trip to New Zealand in spring.
1. YOU CAN TUCK INTO SUMPTUOUS DISHES MADE WITH SEASONAL INGREDIENTS

Spring is harvest time for a smorgasbord of local produce, including asparagus, avocados and strawberries. Sample seasonal flavours at spots like Mapu Test Kitchen. Situated in the charming port town of Lyttleton in Canterbury on the South Island, the experimental concept provides an intimate dining encounter – only six patrons can be accommodated each night – and artfully-plated fare made with locally foraged ingredients that change with the seasons. For those seeking a hands-on experience, there is Hapuku Kitchen in Kaikōura – also on the South Island – that runs various cooking classes where you can harvest your own ingredients from its garden and farm.
Wine aficionados can visit Moy Hall in Wairarapa, located an hour’s drive north of Wellington, for seasonal sharing plates accompanied by a glass or two of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. For an educational experience to complement your culinary adventure, book a Christchurch walking food tour with Amiki Tours. Participants will get to taste their way through under-the-radar local establishments while learning more about Māori culture.
2. IT HAS THE BEST WEATHER TO ENJOY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

With daytime temperatures warming up to an average of 16 to 19 degrees Celsius and the promise of sunny skies, you can anticipate the most ideal conditions to partake in New Zealand’s plethora of outdoor activities and get acquainted with its diverse wildlife. Book a thrilling whale-watching cruise with Whale Watch Kaikōura or get up close and personal with llamas on a half-day trek with Kaikōura Llama Trekking, where you’ll also get to observe a peninsular seal colony in its natural habitat.
Whether you’re a keen angler or looking to take in the scenic Kaikōura coastline from the water, an ocean-to-table excursion with Top Catch Charters is worth signing up for. You’ll venture out to sea to fish for perch and blue cod, then make your way back to land for a cooking lesson before enjoying your well-earned seafood feast. And on cloudless nights, Star Safari offers a truly one-of-a-kind encounter in the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve – New Zealand’s newest International Dark Sky Reserve and one of the best places in the world to go star-gazing.
3. IT’S A BRILLIANT OPPORTUNITY TO WITNESS NATURE IN FULL BLOOM

New Zealand’s famed North Island landscapes come alive during this time of year, with the vast rolling fields of the Waikato and Taranaki regions turning a verdant green. Kaitoke Regional Park near Wellington is a fantastic destination for admiring the scenery. It boasts almost 2,500 hectares of mature native forest, with plenty of hiking trails for all ages and ability levels, camping grounds, lawns for picnicking and tranquil swimming spots to explore.
To catch a glimpse of cherry blossoms, stop by Wellington’s Blossom Valley at Aston Norwood. Home to the highest number of mature cherry blossom trees in the country, the venue runs an after-dark experience that lets you wander through beautifully lit paths and gardens at night. Spring flowers like tulips, delphiniums, irises and peonies also take centre stage on the Wairarapa Garden Tour at Longbush Cottage, where you have the option of joining a guided tour or traversing the grounds at your leisure.
4. YOU WON’T BE JOSTLING WITH THE CROWDS

Besides being able to avoid the peak-season crowds of summer, enjoying potential savings on accommodation is another reason to visit New Zealand in spring. Off-peak travellers can expect value-for-money rates at in-demand establishments such as The Observatory Hotel Christchurch, a luxury boutique bolthole with 33 distinctly designed rooms featuring locally-made furniture and artwork; and the chic and centrally located Naumi Hotel Wellington, positioned a stone’s throw from the trendy restaurants, vintage shops and cultural venues of vibrant Cuba Street.
You’ll also run into fewer capacity issues when booking popular activities like the Christchurch City Scenic Flight, a helicopter ride where you’ll be treated to a bird’s-eye view of Lyttleton harbour and stunning bays. After your adventure, unwind with a rejuvenating soak in the heated saltwater pools of He Puna Taimoana while drinking in the sprawling ocean vistas – it’s the perfect finale to your springtime New Zealand adventure.
Discover more great reasons to visit New Zealand today.