As summer draws to an end - in New Zealand - it's time to look at what the autumn has to offer, and why this is a good time to visit the "land downunder".
One of the best reasons, to travel in the Fall, is the savings that become available. The high visitor traffic that summer generates, becomes much less, as we go into the cooler seasons, making it a good time to take advantage of the reduction in rates. Not only do the airlines offer lower rates, but the hotels and tour companies also have many discounts - all in an endeavour to attract visitors to the country, and more specifically to their property or trip. Of course the further we advance into the season, the better the discounts - flying to Auckalnd from Los Angeles the airfare will be lower in May than it would be in March, and hotels will be lowering their rates as the winter months approach, on June 1.
Another good reason to visit New Zealand in the autumn, the weather is just right for getting around the country, whether in a car, motorhome, or cycling - a sport that is very popular in New Zealand. The countryside will be ablaze with colours, adding to ones enjoyment, and autumn is harvest time in the vineyards and the farmers’ markets will be brimming with delicious produce. The wineries will open for tastings of the year's vintage, as well as celebrating with festivals and fairs - across the country - for everyone to see what they have produced. The waters will still be warm enought for swimming or for enjoying the different water-related activities, and the KIWIs have gone back to school and work, leaving the wide open spaces for visitors to enjoy.
So what is there to do in the beautiful autumn days.
1. Explore the "Classic New Zealand Wine Trail" a less touristy, but very enjoyable way to really see what the country is all about. The distances between vineyards and farmlands are not far apart - sometimes they are in the same place, the food and wine are outstanding and differ between areas, and regions of the country, and the fairs and festivals include many activities popular with their residents, making it a truly memorable experience. Before you go visit http://www.classicwinetrail.co.nz/ to plan how many days you want to spend doing this and what areas you would like to visit.
2. The "Hokitika Wildfoods Festival" takes place March 12 - 13 on the South Islands West Coast. This unique approach to mixing local and wild delicacies, from this part of the world, for visitors to sample will be an experience not easily found elsewhere. Among the most unusual - garlic ice cream, mountain oysters, garden snails and grubs - has made this festival, not only famous but fun.
3. There are also festivals to celebrate what the seas has to offer - the " Mussell festival" takes places March 19 in Havelock, Marlborough; and the "Oyster Food Festival " will mark the start of the Oyster season on May 21 in the salty seaside town of Bluff.
Food and wine are not the only festivals to be enjoyed during the autumn, there are many "art and cultural festivals being held the months of - March, April and May. One of the most exciting is the "Balloons over Wanaka" held March 30 - April 3. Maginificant colorful hot air baloons will take to the skies for 5 days of fun and competition, ending with a spectacular show of music and fireworks. A visit to http://www.newzealand.com/travel/media/features/four-seasons/events_autumn-highlights_press-release.cfm will give details of these and the many other festivals, fairs and activities to be enjoyed in the autumn in New Zealand.
There are many places on the web where discounted airfares and travel packages are being offered for the autumn months in New Zealand.
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