The good news is coming in hot this week! You may have already heard but if not, New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern, announced today a travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand. Yup, you read correctly! This month in April 2021 you will be able to travel between the two countries without the mandatory 2 week hotel quarantine.
So, where should you go?
Where to travel in New Zealand in April and May
Season: Autumn
With the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand opening this month in April, you might not be able to contain your excitement. If you manage to snag one of the first airfares (they’re tipped to spike in popularity), you will arrive to a balmy autumn season in New Zealand in April and May.
Autumn is a great opportunity to make the most of the shoulder season. The seasons a drastically changing, making this a great opportunity to visit the South Island. This is a great opportunity for landscape photography, with Wanaka being a great base. From here you can make day trips around the region, before making your way to the coastlines to make the most of the last glimpse of the warmer months.
Where to travel in New Zealand in June, July and August
Season: Winter
Winter is personally my favourite season to visit New Zealand. There’s something so surreal about being in New Zealand in June, July and August. Especially if you fancy a ski or snowboard in the South Island. Because Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, we have to take this as our top pick for the winter months.
A great way to see the South Island in winter is by renting a van. You’ll need at least two weeks to see the South Island, more if you wish to take to the slopes. Be sure not to miss Twizel, the gateway to Mount Cook. If you have a few days on hand, base yourself here and wait for the weather to clear before you make your way up into the clouds and land on the mountain.
Where to travel in New Zealand in September, October and November
Season: Spring
Spring is a great opportunity to visit New Zealand as it is shoulder season and there will be fewer crowds. If you can manage the slightly cooler weather, you’ll be in for a real treat. Auckland is great in the Spring, being that it is still relatively sleepy and slow to warm up to the summer months around the corner.
Napier is another great destination in Spring, especially if you fancy art deco architecture. The city is brimming with it and as such, this makes for a beautiful city to explore as the flowers begin to bloom.
Picton, Blenheim & Marlborough are also great choices for Spring travel in New Zealand. This area is home to many of New Zealand’s most famous wineries and vineyards, making it a great destination if you enjoy a drop! I can personally recommend Cloudy Bay for a visit, especially if you fancy a sauvignon blanc (it is delightful).
Where to travel in New Zealand in December, January and February
Season: Summer
Summer is the most popular season to travel to New Zealand and for good reason. This is when the Southern Hemisphere really comes to life and New Zealand is no exception. If you fancy a surf, travel down to Raglan on the coast, just a 90-minute drive from Auckland. And if it is laidback beach town vibes you’re after, you can’t go past Mount Maunganui. This sleepy seaside town comes to life in the summer and there’s a decent wave for beginners to make the most of.
Safe travels between Australia and New Zealand! Join us on Instagram for more.
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.