Spring brings new life and crystal-clear light to natural New Zealand – it’s a season when outdoor activities beckon and for those visiting New Zealand to see beautiful gardens or experience unforgettable wildlife encounters spring is a particularly exciting time!
The South Island – especially the Canterbury region – is a myriad of colours and smells at the moment, as the daffodils and cherry blossoms compete for glory in Christchurch’s magnificent Hagley Park. What better time to float effortlessly above the ‘garden city’ of Christchurch on a wonderfully tranquil yet very exciting ballooning adventure?
Outside the cities, in the forests of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, native flora is bursting forth. As the days grow steadily warmer, it’s a very appealing time to pull on a pair of hiking boots and breathe the purified air on a short day walk or overnight hiking adventure. Just make sure you pack a raincoat and a warm change of clothes because the weather is notoriously changeable at this time of year. Of course, water and chocolate bars are essential hiking accessories at any time of year!
On the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin, pairs of mighty Royal Albatross have returned to breed and various species of penguins, from the rare Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguins) to the charming Blue Penguins, are incubating their eggs. Over on the rugged West Coast of the South Island, the Kotuku (White Heron) are performing their elaborate mating rituals around the Okarito Lagoon near Whataroa. In the North Island, at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, the elegant Gannets are returning to their colony and building nests to welcome the next generation. There are lots of opportunities to see the birds of New Zealand as they go about their daily life. Visit the world-famous albatross colony at Taiaroa Head or the wonderful Blue Penguin Colony at Oamaru, or take a guided tour to see Kotuku or Gannet colonies up close.
But springtime is not just for the birds! On the coastline in some parts of New Zealand, male New Zealand Fur Seals may be seen preparing their beach territories with ferocious battles. Spot baby seals in seal colonies at locations around New Zealand, such as Kaikoura in the South Island. Various species of whale and dolphin are year-round residents in New Zealand, and spring is a great time to take a whale-watching boat cruise to see them in their natural habitat. The warmer weather means that it’s also a good time to experience swimming with dolphins or even snorkelling or diving.
At this time of year, even the humans have a spring in their step again! The long hours of sunshine are back and we are all the better for them.
