In the stillness of a Queenstown autumn morning, the first tendrils of light dance across the snow-dusted peaks of the Remarkables. I’m drawn to the window of my hotel room. The hushed world outside is painted in hues of rose and gold. The TSS Earnslaw, a steamship that has been running since 1912, has just departed the harbour and is gliding across Lake Wakatipu on its first voyage of the morning. Low-hanging clouds add a moody drama to the scene I’m eating up. I have no doubt the very heavens have bestowed their benediction upon this corner of New Zealand. How can we be in the throes of what guidebooks call low season?
This is my second trip to Aotearoa during Autumn, and I’m convinced it doesn’t get any better. I’ve travelled from Thailand, where the sweltering heat and humidity cling to the skin like a second layer this time of year. The shockingly crisp (and clean) air and cool weather of New Zealand’s South Island is the antidote to a Southeast Asian summer.
Truthfully, an escape to colder weather is almost always my motivator for travel come April, but I’ve found that a trip to New Zealand during its shoulder season offers so much more than an opportunity to don a pair of boots.
As the summer crowds disperse, every encounter with the soul-stirring landscapes that define New Zealand feels more profound—more intimate. From the rugged coastlines of the North to the jagged mountains in the South, vibrant and untamed nature puts on a show that even the most seasoned traveller can’t resist.
And then, of course, there’s the food—fresh, seasonal, hyper-local and bursting with flavour. At the Walter Peak High Country Farm, I ate a carrot pulled straight from the ground and a cucumber right off the vine, both impossibly flavourful with the land’s nutrients. Every meal is a celebration of the land and its bounty.
My visit not-so-accidentally coincides with the wine harvest. While you can absolutely immerse yourself in New Zealand’s wine culture at any time of the year, there is something decidedly wonderful about touring a vineyard while the vines are heavy with fruit and the air heady with the aroma of ripening grapes.
I arrive at Gibbston Valley Winery, pioneers of the Central Otago wine region, via helicopter, after a scenic tour of Queenstown. Still buzzing from the utterly humbling ride through vistas that defy description—a patchwork of rivers, and snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can see—we head straight into the country’s largest wine cave.
Our guide waxes about this season’s rich harvest, his stories weigh heavier with every sip of the vineyard’s velvety Pinot Noir. Here, the grapes ripen slowly under the watchful gaze of snow-capped peaks, but each region of the country offers a unique expression of New Zealand’s burgeoning wine culture. Later in my trip, I’ll sip an Albarino that absolutely sings while basking in the gentle Autumnal sun with views of the Hauraki Gulf at Casita Miro, a family-run vineyard on the verdant island of Waiheke.
But the true essence of New Zealand during off-season doesn’t just lie in its vineyards; for me, it’s discovered in moments immersed in nature’s embrace—soaking in natural hot springs beneath star-studded skies in Queenstown or a quiet walk through ancient forests in Northland ablaze with the colours of fall. As the days grow shorter and the air crisper, New Zealand’s charm only deepens, inviting everyone to slow down and savour the moment (and the wine).
What to Do
Here’s a T+L-approved list of activities that encapsulate the essence of New Zealand during these off-peak months:
TranzAlpine Train Journey:
Delve into the heart of New Zealand’s scenic landscapes aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. Departing from Christchurch, this rail journey traverses the rugged terrain of the Southern Alps, treating passengers to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, winding gorges, and verdant valleys. Whether you’re riding in winter or spring, the journey promises a visual feast.
Dark Skies:
Just like it’s more well-known equivalent in the northern hemisphere, the southern lights, or Aurora Australis, is a natural light display caused by the collision of charged particles with the Earth’s magnetic field. During winter evenings, when darkness prevails, lucky observers can witness the ethereal dance of vibrant colours in places with little light pollution like Stewart Island and the Catlins.
Five of the 17 Dark Sky Reserves in the world are in New Zealand. These are certified areas that preserve and protect the night through responsible lighting policies and public education. New Zealand boasts Dark Sky Reserves in both the North and South Islands, making it home to some of the most accessible night sky observatories in the world. These reserves provide pristine conditions for stargazing and observing celestial events, attracting astronomers, enthusiasts and wanderlust travelers alike.
Hot Tubs and Hot Springs:
Trust us, soaking in a hot bath hits differently when you’re surrounded by snow-capped peaks. From the renowned thermal pools of Hanmer Springs to the geothermal gems of Rotorua, these rejuvenating sanctuaries around the country offer respite from the chill—and perhaps some recovery from all of the adventuring.
Skiing:
We’d be remiss without mentioning the world-class skiing on offer during New Zealand’s winter season. Traverse the snow-clad peaks of Queenstown’s Remarkables or Wanaka’s Treble Cone, where meticulously groomed runs cater to all skill levels. Whether carving fresh tracks through powdery snow or honing your technique with an instructor, the country’s premier ski resorts provide an unparalleled alpine experience.
Wildlife:
In New Zealand’s off-season, nature enthusiasts can still revel in remarkable wildlife encounters. June and July mark the annual migration of humpback whales in Kaikōura. Board specialized whale-watching vessels to witness these majestic creatures breaching and playing in their natural habitat. Expert guides provide insights into their behaviors as you navigate the ocean’s expanse.
Beyond humpbacks, the off-season reveals a spectrum of marine life along the coastlines, including seals, dolphins, and albatross. Inland, hiking trails wind through national parks, providing glimpses of native bird species like kiwis and keas.
Traditional Māori Cuisine:
The cooler seasons are a great time to discover the flavours of traditional Māori cuisine, known as kai. With a profound connection to the land, this highly seasonal cuisine shifts towards heartier fare in the winter. Communal feasts are cooked in earth ovens (hāngī), infusing meats and root vegetables with a depth of flavour. Spring brings an abundance of fresh produce, celebrated best in regions like Rotorua, where cultural centres such as Te Puia offer immersive culinary experiences.
There is a growing trend of restaurants integrating traditional ingredients into their menus throughout New Zealand, showcasing the rich heritage of Māori gastronomy. Seasonal delicacies, such as Bluff oysters in the south and the sweet, tender kūmara (sweet potato) harvested in the north, further highlight the diverse and fresh offerings available throughout the year.
Visit NewZealand.com for more winter and spring holiday ideas.
How to Get There
Travelling from Southeast Asia to New Zealand is straightforward with Qantas, which offers multiple flights per day from major cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila. The airline provides seamless connections via Australian cities to key New Zealand destinations, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, facilitating easy access to the country’s diverse destinations.
All Qantas international fares include checked baggage allowance, food and beverages and inflight entertainment as standard with every booking.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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