Why selling spring New Zealand holidays could be the trick you're missing

For peace and solitude 

Valerie May, sales manager UK for DMC Southern World, says people that really want to embrace the natural beauty of the country will find peace in the countryside come spring. “The Kiwi hospitality will still shine through, but it’s just you and nature… whether that’s from a wildlife perspective or a nature and scenery perspective – that’s the beauty of New Zealand.

Offering a product suggestion for this, Handley points to the new Ruru PurePod, Coromandel. PurePod offers 15 almost all-glass units in remote locations across New Zealand. “Ruru PurePod is a 90-minute drive from Auckland, tucked among the mountains and farmland and it offers an unforgettable escape into nature,” explains Handley. “It’s a secluded glass eco cabin with sweeping views and provides the perfect sentry for any of your clients that might be seeking serenity.” She adds that nearby, clients can cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail or hike the Pinnacles Track. Or, they can simply relax to the sound of native birds and stargaze from the privacy of their cabin.

For hiking and cycling 

On hiking and cycling, Handley adds: “As the weather is warming up it’s a great season to spend outdoors”. Spring marks the start of the New Zealand Great Walks season, which runs until April, with the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becoming the 11th such trail – a three-day, 61km loop taking in beach, forest and mountain views. The country has thousands of kilometres of tracks so walking and hiking options to suit all levels of fitness. 

May adds that all of New Zealand is connected by cycle tracks and the Department of Conservation has helped create “exciting routes for people to do anything from half a day to up to two weeks on a bike”. “I always say pack your trainers, don’t bother with your high heels,” she jokes. 

Northbrooke adds that availability for staying near the hiking trails will always be better in the shoulder seasons, and the slightly longer days in spring enable more time for outdoor pursuits. 

She adds that spring is optimal for wildlife and bird watching specifically – and the vibrant lupin flower can be found around Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and various other areas. 

For families 

Panellists agree you’ll “find something for everyone” in most parts of New Zealand, with certain areas particularly lending themselves to family travel because of the range of activities available; such as places like Rotorua, where there’s a kiwi hatchery, ziplining and lots of geothermal activity.

Down in Kaikoura there is dolphin watching, and in Queenstown “you’ve got every adventure you could imagine”, such as indoor skydiving and bungee jumping.

There are glow-worm caves in Te Anau and white water rafting nearby.

“Even connecting the dots with the smaller places, there’ll always be something you can find for the children to do – especially if you’ve got families that are interested in the outdoors,” concludes Northbrooke. 

For younger travellers 

For younger adult visitors, Naomi Osborne, client services executive at Prestige Travel, recommends visiting New Zealand’s famous wineries in regions like Marlborough and Otago.

Fiordland for Milford or Doubtful Sound is also a must, and “should be on every to-do list in New Zealand”. 

The beaches in Northland are great for relaxing, and the hiking and adrenaline sports might also appeal to this segment, along with the hot pools and Polynesian Spar in Rotorua for relaxing romantic times.

For limited mobility 

Northbrooke emphasises how important it is to check the mobility levels of clients of any age before an active trip, finding that sometimes local operators’ interpretation of what is “easy” or “difficult” may differ to the clients’.

She adds the shoulder seasons may be a good fit for those with limited mobility, as they are quieter and so often less busy – and also not as hot. 

For those on a budget 

Osborne says it is “very much possible” to visit New Zealand on a budget during the shoulder seasons, with the country offering an array of affordable accommodation options, “from motel style to personable guest houses”.

She also recommends a motorhome holiday for more flexibility and freedom while keeping costs down. 

“You’ll also get slightly cheaper flight options in the shoulder seasons,” she adds, suggesting a budget of at least £3,500-£4,000 per person for a two- to three-week holiday.

For luxury travel 

Northbrooke describes New Zealand as the “perfect destination” for luxury travel, with “so many different accommodations to choose from” – some of them “absolutely incredible”.

“I think the beauty of visiting them in the shoulder seasons is that while they’re beautiful as they are, some of them only have a few rooms so they can be really tricky to get into during peak season… so availability will be a reason for pushing them for springtime,” she explains. 

“Also, it can be really special to experience it with almost nobody around, and in some of the small boutique places you’ll get some real one-on-one time with the hosts. 

“Plus the signature experiences in some of the larger properties are limited in number, so there may be more availability in spring – things like a helicopter hiking trip.”

For solo travellers 

The panellists agree tours can be a great way for solo travellers to meet like-minded people. “The main criteria I would say would be to find out exactly what your client is looking to get out of the holiday and then provide tours that are going to meet their expectations, to ensure they get the most from their time in New Zealand,” says Osborne. 

Summarising, Handley says much of Tourism New Zealand’s marketing will be focused on promoting year-round travel to the destination.

“We’re really looking to help you educate your potential clients on the great benefits of travel to New Zealand outside of the peak months – it’s a great opportunity for you to extend those high-yield customers into the shoulder.”