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 : September 2009

Written by Steph Kendall

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

Lucky Subscriber

Congratulations to Maureen Baum of UK, this month's lucky Free Travel Newsletter subscriber, winning "The Ultimate New Zealand DVD".

There's no better time for visitors and kiwis to enjoy the great outdoors than the New Zealand Spring, which starts this month. With almost too many festivals, events and activities to choose from, we've cherry-picked a few of the great options from around the country for you...

Find out about:


Lake Taupo Events, September 2009

Located in the centre of New Zealand's North Island, Lake Taupo is famous throughout the world for its trout fishing, pristine waters and hot pools. It also offers visitors fantastic opportunities for snow skiing on volcano, hiking, jetboating and sightseeing.

In September, Taupo hosts a wide range of exciting events for running, mountain-biking, motorcycling, racing and hunting enthusiasts, wine and whiskey tasters, book-lovers and brides alike.

Find out more about September events in Lake Taupo.


Montana World of Wearable Art Awards Show, September 2009

Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. Montana World of Wearable Art Awards, Wellington, New Zealand

Have an extraordinary night out in Wellington and step into a world where art and the human form combine, where dance, music and lighting tell the story of the body as a canvas, where the lines of fashion and art blur and merge as one.

The extravagant, theatrical and spectacular performances of the Montana World of Wearable Art Awards have been described as “Mardi Gras meets Haute Couture at a Peter Gabriele concert directed by Salvador Dali”. Over 300 outfits are on display during a montage of theatre, dance, colour, movement and art and over 35,000 people are expected to attend the show's 5th year, held at the TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington between 24th September and 4th October.

Find out more about staying in Wellington and the Montana World of Wearable Art Awards Show.


Spring Nelson Beer Fete, 19th September

Why not head to Nelson, one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand for the Spring Nelson Beer Fete? This beer tasting event celebrates the best boutique beers and cider. If your schedule means you miss the beer and arrive in Nelson region between 15th - 26th October, you can enjoy the Nelson Arts Festival – 12 days of theatre, dance, cabaret and music.

Find out more about the Nelson region.


Off the Beaten Track to... White Island

Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. White Island, New Zealand

White Island is New Zealand's only live marine volcano and is situated 48 kilometres from the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, in the Bay of Plenty. The nearest towns are Whakatane and Tauranga. It is one of the most fascinating and accessible volcanoes on earth and is constantly active. White Island breathes, roars, steams and hisses.

Whakaari is privately owned and was declared a private scenic reserve in 1953. Visitors cannot land without permission. However, it is easily accessible by authorised tourist operators and tours to the island by boat, helicopter and aeroplane trips are available from Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatane.

View more about visiting White Island, New Zealand.


Spring Into New Zealand Springs

New Zealand is located on the edge of two massive tectonic plates of the Earth's crust. Therefore, it has a large amount of geothermal activity which means there are many hot pools and springs for you to enjoy this Spring.

New Zealand has well over 100 natural hot springs ranging from untouched natural pools to large thermally-heated swimming pool complexes. These can be found in regions throughout the country including Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Rotorua, Taranaki, Taupo, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough, West Coast and Canterbury.

Here's our pick of some of the springs you can enjoy on your Spring holiday in New Zealand:

Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. White Island, New Zealand
  • Hanmer Springs (South Island) – Thermal mineral, sulphur and freshwater pools, plus a shallow pool and hydro slide for the children.
  • Lake Tekapo Hot Springs (South Island) – Hot pools surrounded by snow and the magnificent clear night skies of the Southern Alps. (more)
  • Maruia Springs (South Island) – Thermal pools overlooking the Maruia River, plus a traditional Japanese bathhouse providing segregated public bathing. (more)
  • Ngawha Springs, Northland (North Island) - Rustic, authentic mineral hot pools with wooden-sides and muddy-bottoms. Plus camping. (more)
  • Taupo (North Island) - DeBrett's baths in Taupo offers private mineral pools in New Zealand as well as larger public pools, all within a stunning geothermal environment.

An online guide to New Zealand's thermal hot pools and springs can also be found at NZ Hot Pools. Alternatively you can view tourism operators for hot pools and health spas in New Zealand.


Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. Lake Taupo, New Zealand

New Zealand Fast Facts

The largest lake in New Zealand is Lake Taupo, which is situated in the centre of the North Island. It has a surface area of 616 square kilometres (approximately the same size as Singapore), a deepest point of 186 metres and a perimeter of approximately 193 kilometres. It is also the largest freshwater lake in Australasia and attracts over 1.2 million visitors a year.

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Featured
 
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.