From September the weather begins to warm up and people start to embrace outdoor activities again. The average spring temperature is around 16 - 19˚C (61 - 66˚F). Although it is generally still too cold to swim, sports such as kayaking, fishing or white water rafting are popular in spring. The mountains are typically still snowy at this time of year, so the ski season runs until mid or late September.

Cuteness Overload

Many baby animals are born in the springtime, providing opportunity for adorable sightings around the motu (country). There are plenty of places to spot them yourself, or explore experiences that will get you up close and personal. Just remind your clients to respect private property and be mindful of safe driving practices when getting that photo!

• Lambs are synonymous with New Zealand spring. Once we see them, we know summer is just around the corner. Spot baby sheep on farms across the country on a next road trip, or take a Farm Tour at the Agrodome(opens in new window), where clients may even get to hand-feed one!
• Kiwi hatching season is from July to February, and spring is a great time to support a hatchery by getting up close and personal. Operators like the National Kiwi Hatchery(opens in new window), Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre(opens in new window), and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve(opens in new window) are great places to start.
• Penguins are an adorable feature of New Zealand’s coasts. Hatching season extends from September to December, and clients can catch adult penguins returning to shore in the South Island with Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony(opens in new window) or a nighttime experience with Pōhatu Penguins(opens in new window) in Akaroa. If they’re lucky, they may even see penguin chicks.
• Watch fledging albatross chicks take off at the Royal Albatross Centre(opens in new window) in Dunedin.
• Get up close to baby alpaca at Shamarra Alpacas(opens in new window) in Akaroa.

On & Around The Water

• Whitewater rafting is especially exciting in the spring, with increased rainfall and melting ice contributing to higher levels and power in New Zealand’s rivers. Operators like Kaitiaki Adventures(opens in new window) in Rotorua, Tongariro River Rafting(opens in new window) in Turangi and Shotover Whitewater Rafting(opens in new window) in Queenstown offer plenty of options for all levels.
• Similarly, waterfalls are especially powerful in the springtime, with many options around the country to catch their beauty in all its splendour. It’s a great time of year to visit Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound for a cruise(opens in new window).
• While there might still be a bit of a chill in the air during spring, it can be easily helped—with a visit to one of New Zealand’s many geothermal attractions. Te Puia(opens in new window) and Kerosene Creek(opens in new window) in Rotorua, Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Spa(opens in new window) in Taupō, Hot Water Beach(opens in new window) in the Coromandel and Hanmer Springs(opens in new window) are a few of our favourite recommendations.

Walking & Hiking

Spring is a great season for hiking, especially for those looking to beat the crowds. With thousands of kilometres of tracks spanning the length of the country, New Zealand’s walking trails provide one of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature and experience remarkable landscapes close-up. Be sure to tell your clients to check the DOC(opens in new window) website prior to setting off, or our New Zealand Walking and Hiking(opens in new window) guide for inspiration.

On The Mountain

Skiing and snowboarding, though often only thought of as winter activities, are excellent in late spring. Aotearoa New Zealand has developed a deserved reputation as an international skiing destination, with snow experiences to suit every level of skier or snowboarder. New Zealand has seven main ski-fields across the country so this is the perfect time to test winter sport skills, often on slopes which aren’t as busy as peak times. Our Skiing in Aotearoa(opens in new window) guide offers insight into each field.