Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Free Travel Newsletter : August 2017

Written by Steph Kendall

Brought to you by New Zealand Tourism Guide www.tourism.net.nz.

Lucky Subscriber

Congratulations to Anna Wicks, this month's lucky Free Travel Newsletter subscriber, winning a "Kiwi Country New Zealand" DVD.

It's spring at last. Blossoms, daffodils, sunshine, seafood – and the weather's just a wee bit warmer too. It's a glorious time of year to be in New Zealand with all the usual sights and sounds of the country on one big massive platter – whether you like festivals, hiking, sightseeing, adrenalin adventures, camping, picnics, sailing, kayaking, cuisine or quirky places to visit – spring is the time to do it!

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Taniwha Daffodils

Taniwha Daffodils

Location: Taniwha Daffodils, 3440 State Highway 2, Waipukurau
Date: 1 – 30 September (8am – 5pm)

The Taniwha Daffodil Display is an iconic feature of spring in Central Hawke's Bay - drive through the gates, collect a bucket and then wander 20 acres of trees, ponds and daffodils. It's a great day for kids, families and groups. EFTPOS is available and the Taniwha Coffee Shed is open 9.30 – 12.30 weekdays and until 4 pm weekends. Picnics welcome, groups of 10 or more please book. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear is advisable – it is spring! Free entry, $5 per 30 stems.

Taniwha Daffodils is part of 'The Spring Fling' - a series of events throughout September and October that capture the essence of springtime in Central Hawke's Bay.

More Info


Creative Pasifika, Dunedin

Creative Pasifika, Dunedin

Location: Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin
Date: 11 September – 8 October

Display, performances and workshops. Discover the museum's adornment collection, Polynesian treasures and the Pacific Cultures gallery and celebrate Dunedin's vibrant Polynesian community through live performance – song, dance, music, weaving and sharing of knowledge – all part of Creative Pasifika 2017. All events are free except the Samoan Weaving Workshop.

More Info


Whitianga Scallop Festival

Whitianga Scallop Festival

Location: Marine Reserve, The Esplanade, Whitianga
Date: 16 September (10am – 5pm)

Now in its thirteenth year, this celebration of Whitianga seafood and marine heritage has grown into one of New Zealand's iconic seafood celebrations.

The concept of the event is simple – scallops cooked in a myriad of different ways by talented national chefs, restaurants and community groups and matched with quality entertainment including live bands, seafood cooking classes and demonstrations. The event is held inside a purpose built village of marquees over one day, with local venues and cafés staging a program of events and theme nights in the four fringing days.

More Info


Alexandra Blossom Festival, Alexandra

Alexandra Blossom Festival, Alexandra

Location: Alexandra, Central Otago
Date: 22 – 25 September

Over 10,000 people celebrated this festival's diamond jubilee last year. It's a time-honoured way in which Otago celebrates the arrival of spring. This festival has the unique feel of a country fair in a modern age and celebrations are dedicated to the summer fruit and wool industries which form the lifeblood of Alexandra.

More Info


Cherry Blossom Festival - Nelson

Cherry Blossom Festival - Nelson

Location: Miyazu Japanese Gardens, Atawhai Drive, Atawhai, Nelson
Date: 24 September (11.30am – 2.30pm)

Come and enjoy a programme of music, food and entertainment under the cherry blossom trees celebrating Japanese culture and the 41-year Sister City connection between Nelson and Miyazu. This free community event is supported by Nelson City Council.

More Info

More Spring Flower Festivals

There are blossom and spring flower festivals across the country including: Hastings, Carterton Daffodil Festival, Cheviot Spring Festival, Eden Garden Tulip Festival (Auckland) and Spring Festival (Wellington).


New Zealand – Stick a Pin in It!

New Zealand – Stick a Pin in It!

Looking for travel inspiration? We've published pins for places that we know will inspire you and give you great ideas for a New Zealand itinerary that won't leave you 'board'. What to do and where to go? Visit pins on: 30 things in Queenstown for under $30, luxury escape experiences, what not to miss on the drive to Milford Sound, insider tips on 10 best views of Aoraki Mount Cook and more.

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What There Is to See and Do In... Marlborough

What There Is to See and Do In... Marlborough

This beautiful region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island, due west of Wellington and provides travellers with almost endless treats; especially with its unforgettable scenery and world-class wines and food. Marvellous Marlborough will remind you of why you travelled to New Zealand every day of your stay – enjoy the good life as you travel the tranquil countryside around Blenheim, Picton, Havelock, Renwick, Blenheim, Wairau Valley, Seddon and Kekerengu.

Highlights of the region

  • Wineries of the Wairau Plain - This expansive plain is home to the largest grape growing area in New Zealand. Sample Marlborough's world class wines on a wine trail, encompassing boutique breweries, olive groves and distilleries.
  • Treasured Pathway Driving Route - This heritage driving route links historical sites along 680km of roads from Picton in the Marlborough region to Farewell Spit in the Nelson region. Discover lesser-known attraction on the way.
  • Mount Richmond Forest Park - Head north on State Highway 6 from Blenheim and discover the Onamalutu Scenic Reserve for short river walks, picnics and camping. Head further up the Wairua River for forest walks and a five hour walk to Fishtail Mountain.
  • Alpine Route - Suitable for experienced and well-equipped groups only. This challenging track offers outstanding views over the Waimea Plans, toward Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks. Good level of fitness required.
  • Lake Grassmere Saltworks - Down the coast from Blenheim, discover the effects of beautiful natural salt production that creates mounds of sparkling white, pink and purple crystals.
  • Blenheim Wine Tour - Plenty of wineries and breweries to discover around Blenheim. Lunch among the vines, follow the local art and craft trail and visit a thriving creative community.
  • Molesworth Station Visit - Visit a high country farm and enjoy a guided tour in stunning, mountainous high country.
  • Marlborough Sounds - Go by sea and explore the sounds, Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Pelorus Sound. Or walk the Queen Charlotte Track (3-4 days), go sea kayaking and discover historic Picton.
  • Green Lip Mussels - You have to stop in Havelock to sample the famous and local New Zealand delicacy, green lip mussels – perfect for lunch and dinner (probably pretty nice for breakfast too!)

What Did You Do and See in Marlborough?

If you enjoyed an activity during your stay in Marlborough, why not let other NZTG readers know about it? You can share with the Instagram community or post on the New Zealand Tourism Guide Facebook page. We look forward to seeing your news and views.

Find out more about New Zealand's Marlborough region.

Share Your Experience

If you have had a particular experience during your stay in New Zealand unlike anything else, why not let us know. We've picked out a few to give you some ideas!


New Zealand Fast Facts

In March 2016, Blenheim mussel opener Angela Fredericks became the world's fastest green mussel shucker when she beat her own world record for opening 100 green shell mussels in 1 minute and 56 seconds at the Havelock Mussel Festival on Saturday.

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New Zealand Coach Tours

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The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.