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Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Spring (September–November) is a great season to visit Aotearoa New Zealand, with mild daytime temperatures of around 15-19°C (59-66°F)(opens in new window), longer daylight hours and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Lush green landscapes, blooming gardens and spectacular waterfalls set the scene for nature and active itineraries, while fresh seasonal produce, vineyard dining and wellness experiences offer plenty of ways to enjoy the season. With many experiences within reach of urban centres, it’s easy to combine city breaks with time in nature. Remind clients to pack layers, as spring weather can vary between regions. Discover more things to see and do in our Spring events in New Zealand(opens in new window) guide.
Learn: more about planning spring itineraries in our 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Course(opens in new window).
Watch: This short film showcases seasonal ways to experience Aotearoa New Zealand in spring, from active adventures and wildlife encounters to food, wine and wellness.
Cool, quirky and officially one of the world’s best places to visit, Dunedin and Waitaki have been named Lonely Planet’s No. 1 region in Best in Travel 2027. Dunedin will also be New Zealand’s prime viewing location for the total solar eclipse in July 2028, another great reason to include the region in your clients’ New Zealand itinerary.
Dunedin(opens in new window) and Waitaki(opens in new window) have been named in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027(opens in new window), the only New Zealand destinations included in this year’s global list. Recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s “coolest and quirkiest” regions, the listing highlights Dunedin’s creative food, arts(opens in new window) and coastal culture of the Otago Peninsula(opens in new window) alongside Ōamaru’s Victorian heritage, steampunk(opens in new window) attractions and kororā little penguin encounters(opens in new window).
Planning tip: Build a cool and quirky Dunedin and Waitaki itinerary. Check out our South Island Scenic Discovery - 9 days itinerary(opens in new window) or download our Top ten things to do in Dunedin factsheet(opens in new window) for inspiration.
Dunedin and Waitaki in the lower South Island, named in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027, featuring Dunedin’s coastal landscapes and Ōamaru’s Victorian heritage and steampunk attractions
From a bold new Auckland city stay to luxury lodges(opens in new window) recognised with MICHELIN Key status(opens in new window), there’s plenty of new accommodation across New Zealand to discover this spring.
New to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Radisson RED Auckland marks the brand’s debut in New Zealand and Australasia. Located on Lorne Street(opens in new window) in the heart of Auckland’s Arts District, the upper-upscale lifestyle hotel features 322 bold, design-led rooms, putting guests within easy reach of the city’s dining, shopping, arts and entertainment. A major highlight is Aka Rooftop(opens in new window), New Zealand’s largest open-air rooftop terrace, with panoramic views across the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour and Albert Park.
Planning tip: Perfect for exploring Auckland’s dining, shopping and arts precincts. Add some luxury shopping at Faradays(opens in new window), a beautifully restored heritage building on Queen Street, cocktails at Aka Rooftop, or a Taste Auckland Food Walk(opens in new window) to your client’s Auckland itinerary.
Radisson RED Auckland is located in the heart of the arts and entertainment precinct on Queen Street, as the flagship and first Radisson RED hotel in Australasia
Recently awarded One MICHELIN Key(opens in new window) and set between the Kaikōura Ranges and Pacific Ocean, the five-star lodge is known for its luxurious Tree Houses, perched 10 metres above the ground among native kānuka trees, alongside elegant lodge suites and a strong focus on nature, food and wellness. Every stay includes a three-course gourmet dinner, chef-cooked breakfast, access to the spa, sauna and heated mineral pool, plus guided nature walks, mountain biking and stargazing.
Following a significant refurbishment of its shared guest spaces, Hapuku Lodge has reopened for spring with refreshed arrival, lounge and gathering spaces, designed to enhance how guests gather, relax and connect while retaining the lodge’s distinctive sense of place.
Planning tip: Pair your client's stay with one of these incredible Kaikōura marine experiences, like whale watching by boat,(opens in new window) kayak(opens in new window), or air,(opens in new window) encounters with dolphins(opens in new window) and seals(opens in new window), or go deeper into the region’s flavours with Hapuku Kitchen’s cooking and foraging experience(opens in new window).
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses in Kaikōura, a One MICHELIN Key luxury stay surrounded by native kānuka trees and mountain scenery
Newly awarded One MICHELIN Key(opens in new window), Annandale offers a distinctive luxury stay on a 6,500 acre working coastal farm on the Banks Peninsula. 21 kilometres (12 miles) from Akaroa, its collection of seven one- to five-bedroom private villas is set across secluded bays and spectacular coastal landscapes, ranging from beautifully restored historic properties to striking contemporary architecture. At the heart of Annandale is The Owner’s Estate, a gracious historic homestead surrounded by established gardens. Pacific Ocean views, extraordinary privacy and farm-to-table cuisine create a genuine connection to rural New Zealand.
Planning tip: Guests can explore the nearby Banks Peninsula and discover the unique French heritage and charming harbour of Akaroa(opens in new window), hike the farm’s 10 kilometre (6.2 mile) coastline and encounter rare tūpoupou - Hector’s dolphins(opens in new window), and kororā - little penguins(opens in new window) in the surrounding waters.
Annandale Coastal Farm Escape in Cantebury, a One MICHELIN Key stay on Banks Peninsula with contemporary villas, coastal farmland and Pacific Ocean views
From foraging in Queenstown(opens in new window) to vineyard-to-table dining and farm-to-plate experiences in Hawke’s Bay(opens in new window), travellers can enjoy new ways to connect with New Zealand's food, wine and local producers. Growing MICHELIN Guide(opens in new window)(opens in new window) recognition is also shining a spotlight on the country's culinary scene, creating even more reasons to savour seasonal produce and dine alfresco this spring.
This new premium, exclusive half-day experience begins at Craggy Range’s Giants Estate before a private luxury transfer to the Gimblett Gravels Winery. Known for its distinctive gravelly soils and warm, sheltered climate, Gimblett Gravels is one of Hawke’s Bay’s most celebrated winegrowing areas. Guests enjoy rare behind-the-scenes access to the working winery and vineyards, followed by an immersive seated tasting of Craggy Range wines.
Returning to Giants Estate, guests enjoy the acclaimed Signature Table menu at Craggy Range Restaurant, paired with a premium wine selection. Limited to just 11 guests per departure, the experience offers an intimate journey into Craggy Range’s winemaking and Hawke’s Bay wine culture.
Planning tip: Extend the experience with a stay at The Lodge at Craggy Range(opens in new window), an exclusive four-bedroom luxury retreat within Giants Estate, with tailored escapes that combine food, wine and the surrounding Hawke’s Bay landscape and newly awarded One MICHELIN Key(opens in new window).
New exclusive half-day experience begins at Craggy Range’s Giants Estate before a private luxury transfer to the Gimblett Gravels Winery
Mates Travel’s Te Aratipi Farm Experiences offer clients an authentic insight into rural New Zealand at Te Aratipi Station in Hawke's Bay, a 3,000-acre working sheep and beef farm overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Hosted by fourth-generation farming family Ed and Ro Palmer, the experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at farm life, from the historic woolshed and farm yards to modern farming, native bush regeneration and conservation. Guests explore the rolling hill country, hear stories of the Palmer family, plant a native tree and enjoy farm-style morning or afternoon tea at the homestead.
Planning tip: Pair Te Aratipi Farm Experiences with a Hawke’s Bay food and wine itinerary around Havelock North, including a visit to Black Barn(opens in new window) or Smith and Sheth Wine Studio(opens in new window) for a cellar door tasting, bistro lunch, or the Black Barn Growers’ Market(opens in new window) on summer Saturdays.
Te Aratipi Station in Hawke's Bay is a 3,000-acre working sheep and beef farm overlooking the Pacific, the experience with Mates Travel NZ offers a behind-the-scenes look at farm life
The Rees Hotel’s Forage to Fork experience(opens in new window) offers clients an immersive journey through Queenstown’s wild landscapes, led by Executive Chef Trent Watson. Travelling from the shores of Lake Whakatipu towards Kinloch, guests explore the connection between land, season and flavour, discovering local ingredients and the landscapes that inspire the hotel’s cuisine. The experience culminates at MICHELIN Guide-selected(opens in new window) True South Dining Room with a bespoke multi-course dinner inspired by the day’s discoveries and paired with Central Otago wines.
Planning tip: Combine the experience with a stay at The Rees Hotel for a luxury Queenstown food and wine itinerary. The package includes two nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, a full-day foraging tour with lunch, and a multi-course dinner with wine matches.
The Rees Hotel’s Forage to Fork experience in Queenstown, led by Executive Chef Trent Watson, combines foraging in the Central Otago landscape with a multi-course dining experience at MICHELIN Guide-selected True South Dining Room
From sauna heat to New Zealand’s only snow room, Hanmer Springs’ new Elemental experience brings a distinctive contrast therapy offering to the South Island. Learn more about New Zealand's wellness offerings in our 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Course(opens in new window).
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has expanded its wellness offering with the launch of Elemental, a 75-minute contrast therapy experience combining fire, air, ice and water. Guests move through sauna heat, aromatic steam and New Zealand’s only snow room, before finishing in a private mineral-rich geothermal pool with refreshments and a sharing platter. The new experience adds a premium wellness option to Hanmer Springs, an alpine village around 90 minutes from Christchurch.
Planning tip: Build a Hurunui(opens in new window) stay for your clients after their visit to Hanmer Springs, combining wellness with wine tasting in the North Canterbury Wine Region(opens in new window), a glamping stay at Tawanui Farm(opens in new window) and hiking through the region’s alpine and rural landscapes.
Elemental at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa in Canterbury, featuring New Zealand’s only snow room alongside sauna, steam and geothermal contrast therapy
From high-speed city thrills to marine adventures and underground glowworm caves, new experiences across Aotearoa New Zealand are giving active(opens in new window) travellers even more ways to explore this spring.
SkyRide is a new adrenaline attraction at Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower, developed by AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand and external partners. Billed as the world’s highest lift-and-descent ride, the experience takes visitors up the exterior of the Sky Tower(opens in new window) before a high-speed controlled descent reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour (62 miles per hour). Guests can choose between solo or tandem rides.
Planning tip: Spend the afternoon exploring Auckland city, with lunch or an early dinner around Federal Street(opens in new window) and SkyCity, before taking to the water with Auckland Sea Kayaks’ sunset tour to Rangitoto Island(opens in new window), with the city’s waterfront and skyline lighting up the journey.
SkyRide at Auckland’s Sky Tower, a high-speed lift-and-descent experience offering panoramic views of Auckland from the city’s iconic landmark
The Waitomo Experience offers active travellers a more personal way to explore Waitomo’s underground landscapes. The guided Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour takes small groups of up to six through an exclusive private cave, combining walking, climbing, wading, swimming and floating on tubes beneath thousands of glowworms. Set on a fourth-generation family farm, the experience showcases limestone formations and underground springs before guests finish with hot showers and a soak in cedar hot tubs surrounded by native bush.
Planning tip: Pair with a stay at The Clements Hotel in Cambridge(opens in new window), a One MICHELIN Key hotel, or Hidden Lake Hotel & Apartments(opens in new window), and allow extra time to explore local attractions such as Hamilton Gardens(opens in new window) and Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour(opens in new window).
Okohua Glowworm Cave Tour with The Waitomo Experience in Waikato, offering small-group caving, underground glowworm encounters and a relaxing cedar hot tub experience
Give your clients the Ultimate Day in the Sounds.(opens in new window) Rather than cruising directly to their chosen lodge accommodation, they'll arrive at a different location in the Queen Charlotte Sound and enjoy a scenic 2-3 hour walk along the iconic Queen Charlotte Track(opens in new window), with a lunch booking waiting at the end. They can choose to walk from Resolution Bay (2 hours, 22 minutes) and Punga Cove (3 hours, 18 minutes) to Furneaux Lodge, or from Furneaux Lodge(opens in new window) to Punga Cove, with scenic return water transfers included.
Planning tip: Extend your clients’ Marlborough stay with a Seafood Odyssea Cruise(opens in new window) through the Marlborough Sounds, or wine tasting(opens in new window) at the region’s 30+ cellar doors by bike or guided tour.
Ultimate Day in the Sounds with Tours of Marlborough, combining a scenic cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound with a walk on the Queen Charlotte Track and lunch at Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove
Spring runs from September to November, with mild temperatures, longer daylight hours and changeable weather. Average daytime temperatures are around 15-19°C (59-66°F)(opens in new window), varying between regions. Your clients should pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes to adapt to cooler mornings, warmer afternoons, rain and wind.
Spring highlights(opens in new window) include walking and hiking, wildlife experiences, gardens, food and wine, and outdoor adventures. Longer daylight hours and fewer crowds make it a good season for exploring New Zealand’s landscapes, while spring brings blooming gardens, waterfalls and newborn wildlife.
Yes. Skiing and snowboarding are possible in early and mid-spring, with the New Zealand ski season generally running from June to October, depending on snow and weather conditions. September can offer spring skiing at major ski areas(opens in new window) around Queenstown, Wānaka and Mt Hutt, although conditions become increasingly variable later in the season.
Yes. Spring is a shoulder season in New Zealand, and travel sellers can find seasonal offers on accommodation, activities, transport and holiday packages. Offers change regularly, so check the latest New Zealand travel deals(opens in new window) and individual operator terms when planning your clients’ trips.
Planning your clients’ next trip to Aotearoa New Zealand? Explore our What’s New in New Zealand articles featuring the latest accommodation openings, new travel experiences and seasonal highlights across the country.
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