9 Golden Reasons to Visit New Zealand
Experience the magic of autumn in New Zealand as landscapes transform into a vibrant canvas of rich colors. With crisp clear days throughout March, April and May, the changing leaves paint picturesque scenes with trees in stunning hues of oranges, reds, and yellows that will take your breath away.
Here are nine golden reasons why your clients should travel to New Zealand during the autumn months.
Golden reason #1:
Time for a toast. The vines are turning red and gold, and Aotearoa has some seriously golden drops to taste. May is the month of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot gris. Home to 90% of New Zealand's sauvignon blanc plantings, the Marlborough region is known as the sauvignon blanc capital.
Find the best wineries, cellar doors and wine events in Marlborough.
Golden reason #2:
Pure gold. Stunning scenery and varied local attractions will compete for your attention as you explore New Zealand's diverse cycle trails and mountain biking tracks. Get on a bike and follow the old trails where fortunes were once made on the goldfields of the wild West Coast. The sunsets are something else.
Find out more about the best cycling trails in New Zealand.
Golden reason #3:
Autumn is a colorful season for touring. Visit the historic little towns of Central Otago and catch Arrowtown fall colors ignite as deciduous trees prepare for winter. The Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival is held in the last week of April to celebrate the town's seasonal beauty and glittering history. Don’t miss out on this enchanting celebration.
Golden reason #4:
Check out the golden dome above Whangarei’s startling new Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery that celebrates the art and architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser and contemporary Māori artists. Visitors will enjoy the unique architecture, exhibitions, theatre, afforested roof and MuseumShop. Experience art and architecture in harmony with nature and individual creativity.
Golden reason #5:
Paddle a golden kayak across dark green waters into the narrow canyons around Lake Karapiro. New Zealand's premier rowing venue, Lake Karapiro, is an artificial lake on the Waikato River just six kilometers south-east of Cambridge. A number of water sports events are held at the lake including yachting, powerboating, canoeing and water skiing. The center of the action is Lake Karapiro Domain where camping and lodge facilities are available.
Lake Tekapo
Golden reason #6:
Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo / Takapō is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. Stay a night or two and look out for golden sunsets, clear dark skies and a myriad of galaxies.
Golden reason #7:
Mix up the greens and the blues with golden opportunities for wildlife spotting on the rugged Otago Peninsula, renowned for hosting the world's only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross and various other unique species.
Hump Ridge Track
Golden reason #8:
It’s time to book next season’s luxury hiking adventure on the Hump Ridge Track.
New Zealand’s latest Great Walk is the inspiring story of how a community came together to achieve something great. Winding across some of New Zealand's wildest landscape, hike through Fiordland National Park, ancient and regenerating forest, across Māori land and along deserted coastline.
Golden reason #9:
Or simply go for a full green immersion. Fiordland, on New Zealand's South Island, is home to the spectacular Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Stay in Te Anua or Manapouri to explore the breathtaking treasures of Fiordland by water, air or hiking. Experience pristine rainforests for a cure that soothes the soul and inspires the being.
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Autumn is a great time to visit New Zealand and make the most of the good weather before winter sets in. Because it’s no longer high season, you won’t encounter the busy crowds of summer.
And now you can experience the magic of autumn in Aotearoa for yourself through our Explore Plus Self-famil Program. A travel industry discount program that allows you (and your travel companion) to curate your own Aotearoa New Zealand itinerary through discounts. You choose when to travel on your time and at your own pace!
Learn more: https://traveltrade.newzealand.com/us/training-and-inspiration/explore-nz-discount-program/
Photo information:
Banner photo: Arrowtown Central Otago
Top photo 1: Wanaka Otago
Top photo 2: Hundertwasser Art Centre Whangarei
