Glaciers in New Zealand
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Northland, New Zealand
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Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Free Travel Newsletter : April 2018

Written by Steph Kendall

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

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As the months get cooler in New Zealand, the colours start to change as the country prepares for winter. The reds and yellows of autumn can still be caught on camera in May, but you may have to go 'leaf chasing' to find them! No easier to catch, but just as stunning are the stars of the southern night sky. It's lucky perhaps that in Wellington this month, you can enjoy the world's most cutting-edge light art and display.

We hope you enjoy the colours, the tastes and the lights fantastic this month.

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Astronomy Public Open Nights

Astronomy Public Open Nights

Location: Canterbury Astronomical Society, 218 Bells Road, Christchurch
Date: May to September, 7.30pm – 9.00pm

Become "Skyentists" for the evening, as you and your family enjoy the wonders of the southern night sky with local amateur astronomers. See planets such as Mars or Saturn or perhaps take a closer look at the Moon. Learn about our constellations, closest stars, the galactic core and nebulae in our amazing universe.

The evening starts at 7:30pm with a talk, sky tour and telescope viewing until 9:00pm. Opening will be dependent on the weather, so please check our website www.cas.org.nz before heading out to the observatory. We will post a status update before 6:45pm confirming whether we are open or not on our website.

More Info


LUX Light Festival

LUX Light Festival

Location: Wellington Waterfront, Wellington
Date: 18 - 27 May, 6.00pm – 10.00pm

The dark nights of winter will bring this year's brightest experiences when LUX Light Festival transforms Wellington's Waterfront into a fantastical array of stunning light art. Presenting a whole new programme of installations and inter-activities from both New Zealand and abroad, LUX invites people of all ages to bundle up, head out, and get into the glow of the world's most cutting edge light art, design, and technology.

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Women's Lifestyle Expo

Women's Lifestyle Expo

Location: Claudelands Arena, Brooklyn Rd, Hamilton, Waikato
Date: 26 – 27 May, 10.00am

The Hamilton Women's Lifestyle Expo is a two-day event for women of all ages. With more than 180 companies involved featuring everything from jewellery and beauty to business products and information, travel, crafts, fitness, food and wine, plus Beauty Lounge, Hair Styling Lounge, Makeup Lounge, Nail Bar and more.

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Mother's Day High Tea

Mother's Day High Tea

Location: The Homestead, 1 Waterholes Road, Springston, Selwyn
Date: Sunday 13 May

Don't forget to celebrate your Mum on this special Sunday in the annual calendar. There are a multitude of high teas being offered throughout the country, just be sure to book in early. We've picked out this one in Selwyn to highlight the day because of its very beautiful and classical setting.

High tea and bubbles? Who could refuse such an invitation! Get some inspiration from High Tea at The Homestead.

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Chocolate Factory Tours 2018

Chocolate Factory Tours 2018

Location: Wellington Chocolate Factory, 5 Eva St, Te Aro, Wellington
Date: April to December

If the colder weather provides an excuse to head indoors and eat chocolate, why not embrace it whole-heartedly with a chocolate factory tour? Learn about the world of chocolate making, as this tour introduces you to the entire process of making chocolate at the Wellington.

Find out more about what cacao is, how it becomes chocolate, why single origin makes a difference and what they do in Wellington that makes their chocolate so special. Find out about ethical chocolate making and enjoy some tasting plus a cup of single origin drinking chocolate. Tours take about 45 minutes and are suited for 10-year olds and older.

More Info


The World of Wine Festival

The World of Wine Festival

Location: AUT City Campus, 55 Wellesley Street East, CBD, Auckland
Date: 12 – 13 May, 12.00pm

The World of Wine Festival is New Zealand's first ever showcase of purely international wines. It aims to highlight the brilliant and exciting wines from all corners of the globe. We hope to open your eyes to new producers and wineries, new grapes, regions and styles.

Over 140 wines to taste from 14 countries, plus wine bar and master classes. More information at The World of Wine Festival website.

More Info


As New Zealand Gets Cooler, Go Leaf Chasing

As New Zealand Gets Cooler, Go Leaf Chasing. Image Credit: Nathan Howie ©

The weather is starting cool down now and the last outdoor swims have (probably) been swum. The autumn months of March, April and May are known for the beautiful colours of changing leaves. Although the best colours are considered to be on display in April, May can still be very eye-catching. If you're travelling through any of the areas below, have fun 'leaf chasing' and be ready with your camera especially in the late afternoon's 'golden hour'.

6 Spots at the top of the trees

  • Mackenzie Country - Tekapo to Lake Pukaki and further on to Twizel and Omarama. Try visiting Lake Alexandrina and Lake McGregor too.
  • Waitaki Valley - From Omarama to Kurow, and Lakes Benmore and Aviemore.
  • Wanaka and the Cardrona Valley - Beautiful wooded shores of Lake Wanaka and in particular Roys and Glendhu Bays are home to lovely autumnal displays.
  • Arrowtown - A small town known for its lovely autumn leaves. A great place to stop for refreshments and the end of April's Arrowtown Autumn Festival means room to wander again.
  • Glenorchy - A beautiful drive from Queenstown regardless of what colour the leaves are.
  • Central Otago - From Lake Dunstan to Alexandra and Roxburgh, check out what colours that make this stone fruit producing famous for its blossoms.

Leaf chasing is far less hazardous to your health than storm chasing. Nevertheless, it should not be undertaken lightly. Wrap up warm with layers and a hat, remember to charge your camera or phone battery; and have a 'cocoa and open fire' destination in mind for the end of the day!


New Zealand Fast Facts

Here's a tip about tipping in New Zealand's restaurants and bars. You don't need a pocket full of gold coins or small bank notes as tipping is not expected by New Zealanders for normal service. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills. If you wish to tip for extra special service or a kindness, it will be an unexpected bonus to the staff!

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New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

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.