Blooming awesome Spring ideas

It’s been a chilly few months, sitting in hibernation as winter passes. But as the temperature warms up, the days get longer and nature kicks into gear, we thought it was the perfect time to share some ideas for making the most of spring in New Zealand.

Blossoms and babies.

Spring is magical. After a harsh winter everything comes to life again, blooming with fresh leaves, blossoms and flowers. The Waikato Cherry Tree Festival in Hamilton isn’t to be missed, offering multicultural entertainment that heralds the start of spring. Plus the garden city of Christchurch shows her beauty with cherry blossoms and daffodils galore, really shining in the springtime sun. With streams and rivers winding through the city, little ducklings following mum and discovering their big new world is a moment to capture for anyone’s Instagram!

If you want the epitome of spring snaps though, there couldn’t be anything more perfect than the sight of little lambs bouncing and leaping with such joy and learning how these crazy things called legs really work. Sheep and kiwis go hand in hand, and are dotted all over the country from the depths of the country in Gore right up to Bay of Islands in Northland.

Something’s fishy around here.

Speaking of Gore — if the thought of standing in a river in waders for hours on end with a stick and piece of string is your thing — the Brown Trout Capital of New Zealand (potentially the world!) is the place for you in spring. As the rivers reopen for fishing from October onwards the fish can be abundant, and your chance to secure that trophy Brownie is never better than the start of the season. This time of the year traditionally has some of the highest catch rates as fish are ferociously feeding to regain bulk and muscle after a slow winter.

On yer bike.

We are blessed to have a country which lends itself to exploration by bike, with cycle tracks appropriate from novice to extreme advanced. Hitting the trails in spring is a great option for those who want to stay a little cooler, out of the beaming sun, as well as avoid the busier summer months. Our hotels are dotted around the entire country in key locations, offering a great feed, clean shower and a bit of comfort after a day on the bike. Check out the countries official trails on the New Zealand Cycle Trail website here. (www.nzcycletrail.com)

Creative moments.

Springtime brings with a sense of colour, inspiration and creativity. A city like Dunedin thrives over this time, with incredible amounts of originality. September starts the season of guided art walks with locals, as well as being a great time to discover the Street Art trail through the city, and is a great time to discover some of the up and coming fashion designers and quirky cafes.