Our Australasia expert, Meg, recently visited the far-flung, fantastical New Zealand during winter and returned a shoulder-season enthusiast. Here's what she had to say...
New Zealand is one of those bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime trips for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. When you’re travelling that far, you want the trip to be spectacular – but high-season crowds can often spoil the fun. Precious time can be spent in queues and traffic, only to arrive and find that you're sharing the most serene and scenic spots with hundreds of other selfie-snapping tourists. But there’s a solution.
Travel during shoulder season in New Zealand to beat the crowds, snag low prices and experience diverse seasonal beauty. Intrigued?
Read on to discover why off-peak months are the best time to visit New Zealand.
Wild spring beauty
Beat the summer rush and experience New Zealand at its most vibrant by visiting in spring, from September to November. As temperatures start to rise and the days become longer, the country bursts with colour as the lush landscapes bloom to their fullest. This is when New Zealand’s Insta-famous lupins (although sadly non-native and invasive) stand strikingly purple against the alpine-blue lakes. For The Lord of the Rings fans, spring is when Hobbiton looks its most enchanting, with colourful flowers popping brightly against impossibly green hills.
Image by Terence Connors.
Harvest and hiking in autumn
For adventure lovers and keen hikers, the best time to visit New Zealand is autumn (March to May) when temperatures cool down a little, huts and lodges are easier to book and pesky sandflies start to ease off. Enjoy spectacular autumn colours and fewer crowds on New Zealand’s Great Walks tracks, while adrenaline-inducing activities like sky diving, rafting, cycling and bungee jumping can be enjoyed on sunny days.
If you prefer wine to wild wandering, fear not. Autumn is harvest season and a great time to enjoy a tipple or two at autumn festivals, which showcase the best of regional produce.
Image by Terence Connors.
Epic alpine winters
For an unforgettable adventure during shoulder season in New Zealand, visit the South Island in winter (June to August) when the alpine landscapes are at their best. Snow-dusted mountains tower against crisp, blue skies, creating the perfect backdrop for scenic flights, heli-hiking and glacier landings.
Winter is also the best season to visit Milford Sound. This UNESCO World Heritage site, which receives more rainfall than the Amazon, enjoys its dry season in winter, offering higher chances for clear days and spectacular views.
And the marvels don’t stop there. Winter in the South Island is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, with myriad world-class slopes to choose from. The country’s hot springs are even more magical in the snow, and the long, dark nights are ideal for stargazing (there’s a high chance of spotting the Southern Lights) – just make sure to pack your toe warmers…
Image by Getty Images.
Written by Megan MacMahon | Header Image by Terence Connors.
