DESTINATION

DESTINATION

TIMARU

LAKE HAWEA

SOUTHLAND WELLINGTON

KAIKOURA

We’re pretty lucky in little old Aotearoa to get the seasons that we do – and coming up is one of the best, autumn. It’s still warm enough to enjoy our outdoors without your trusty puffer, and the colours turn to an artist’s muse with shades of gold, red, and brown. The following pages highlight some of the best destinations for the season, where to stay, and what to do. Grab your day pack or your suitcase and get out there, Kiwis!

Family holiday planning can be a little daunting. You want to make amazing memories with fun activities that suit everyone and have it all come within your budget. So, we’ve taken some of the hard work out and put together a list of itineraries that will keep everybody happy, from teens to toddlers, with activities from free to paid throughout the Timaru District.

An urban explorer day involves shopping, dining, and beauty treatments in seaside city Timaru. Then crossing over the piazza to explore our inner-city beach – Caroline Bay. Download the free Timaru Trails App and take self-guided tours of Caroline Bay, the beautiful coastal walks, dynamic street art, and heritage buildings.

If you are into vintage machinery, you have come to the right place. Geraldine is a great base for the junior mechanic; there are ten museums in total to explore in Timaru District. Geraldine is also a popular destination for family holidays. Aside from fantastic activities for kids, there are loads of gourmet food options, including a gin distillery for tastings and informal tours, a gourmet butcher, a brewery, and artisan cheesemakers. Yum.

Caroline Bay has a resident rookery of kororā/little penguins. At 40cm, they are the smallest penguins in the world, and you can watch them come ashore for free after sunset under the illumination of the port lights. There is also a pod of dolphins that lives just off Caroline Bay; you can sometimes see them in the bay area or not far offshore.

Centennial Park is a prime biking destination right in Timaru city. There are loads of bike tracks and also a BMX skills area. It’s a favourite inner-city destination for walkers and runners too, and it’s dog friendly. There’s a new trail linking Timaru and Pleasant Point to try; it’s the first leg in a trail that will eventually go to Tekapo. You can hire bikes from The Cyclery in Timaru and Geraldine Top 10. For the e-bike option, see Point E-Bikes or Geraldine Motels.

The Geraldine Farmyard Holiday Park (pictured) is one of the most popular holiday parks in the South Island and a must-stay for animal lovers in the whānau. There is so much on-site entertainment, including loads of animals, a swimming pool, and a marshmallow pit. Famlan, a petting zoo in Timaru, has lots of friendly farmyard animals to feed and interact with on your visit. The Shearer’s Quarters is a go-to destination for great food, activities like minigolf and a maze, and of course, cute animals. For a fantastic experience you can do with your outdoorsy/hunting and gathering loving teens, book in a two-day workshop with Geraldine Forge and Blades. You get to design and create a custom hunting/cooking knife. Lunch is provided. Head to Huatekerekere/Little Mt Peel, regarded as one of the best half-day hikes in Canterbury. Finish with refreshments at the iconic Green Man at Peel Forest. Caroline Bay is perfect for paddle boarding and water sports, or book in some surf lessons with South Canterbury Surf School.

Autumn is a lovely time to visit the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā and see deciduous trees turning from green to gold. The garden covers 25 hectares of land near central Wellington and features protected native forest, conifers, plant collections, and seasonal displays. If the weather is a little nippy, you can escape into Begonia House, a warm and tranquil Victorian inspired conservatory, or pop into Picnic Cafe, which overlooks the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and serves up delicious lunches. wellingtongardens.nz

Martinborough’s grapes are being harvested and turned into award-winning wine in autumn. It’s an exciting time to soak up the idyllic atmosphere and sample the last of the summer wine. The best way to explore Martinborough is on two wheels, and local hire company Green Jersey’s got a bike, tandem, or rickshaw with your name on it. If you want to buy a few bottles to take home, no problem, the Green Jersey team will pick up the wine for you to collect when you’re done. greenjersey.co.nz

Eat Drink Play challenges Wellington venues to take hospitality to the next level, with food and entertainment that would fit right in on the world stage. The multi-venue event puts a spotlight on local beverages, culinary delights, talented performers, top tier accommodation, and the city’s nightlife. It brings together expert chefs, bartenders, baristas, hoteliers, musicians, winemakers, craft brewers, artists, and bakers to share what they do best. 6–29 May, eatdrinkplay.co.nz

Whether you’re up for an amble through native bush, a casual wander with your dog, or an invigorating uphill climb rewarded by epic views, you’ll find all of this and more on Wellington’s regional trails. There are over 200 trails around the region with something for all fitness levels. The Wellington Regional Trails website has guides, maps, and all the information you need to plan your outdoor adventure. wellingtonregionaltrails.com

An immersive 3D installation by Lisa Reihana, Te Wai Ngunguru – Nomads of the Sea combines historical fact with speculative fiction. Exhibited at Porirua’s Pātaka Art + Museum, it follows the journey of female convict Charlotte Badger, who made her way to Aotearoa in 1804. Te Wai Ngunguru explores cultural circumstances and where women could find agency at this time, and the contrast between European law and Māori morality. On now until 3 July, pataka.org.nz

As if the Kāpiti Coast wasn’t magical enough, there is something truly special about seeing people ride their horses freely along the beach. Just imagine the flick of horse tails and hoof prints in the sand, set against a perfect sunset over Kapiti Island. Te Horo Equestrian can make that a reality for you with their range of trekking experiences to fit your riding ability and confidence. They even offer pony rides for little ones. tehoroequestrian.nz

As New Zealand’s ultimate nature and wildlife destination, Southland’s scenery spans lush rainforests, fertile farmlands, and rugged coastlines. Surrounded by both ocean and pasture, it really is the land of the plenty. Call it the ultimate surf’n’turf destination if you will. Enjoy succulent kaimoana, like the world-famous Bluff oyster. Watch that fish you reeled in off the coast of Rakiura Stewart Island be transformed into a mouth-watering dish right before your eyes, or take your pick from the exceptional tasting grass-fed lamb, prime pasture-fed beef, and the finest venison. Southland has something for you!

The infamous cheese roll is a local tradition that is a must-try for any traveller to Southland. It’s not called “southern sushi” for nothing; the humble cheese roll is a delicacy that requires finesse, an often-secret recipe, and hands well-trained in the art of the roll. There are a lot of different recipes floating around, anywhere from the classic cheese roll to a cheese roll with crayfish, stuffed with chorizo, made with sheep cheese, or even deep-fried! Try a Southland Cheese Roll – you’re worth it.

Bluff oysters are reputed to be the best in the world and New Zealand’s national treasure. These delicious shellfish are dredged along the coastlines of Southland between March and August. Originating in the pristine, cool waters of the Foveaux Strait, one of the few natural oyster beds in the world, Bluff oysters are known for their unique flavour that is loved around the globe. And what better place to pay homage to the mighty Tio Paruparu than at the annual Bluff Oyster and Food Festival in May.

Southland’s lush, rich soils provide an abundance of local seasonal food. Many cafés and restaurants make a conscious effort to support local businesses by creating fresh and sustainably produced dishes. Swedes, oats, venison, and lamb are staples to look out for, whilst the infamous Hokonui Moonshine should not be missed. Experience the taste of Southland by visiting farms, roadside stalls, local restaurants, farmers’ markets, and by trying products from artisan producers.

Perhaps the best way to discover all that Southland has to offer is to go on our self-drive foodie road trip. Alongside exquisite southern cuisine, you’ll also experience spectacular landscapes, friendly locals, and hidden gems. Embrace an unforgettable journey across the stunning, dramatic landscapes that shape this unspoilt region, with plenty of stops to tickle your tastebuds, and we promise you are going to love every moment of this treasured piece of New Zealand.

Whether it be an abundance of Bluff oysters, Stewart Island salmon, or tender Fiordland venison, Southland’s ingredients provide a gastronomic experience like no other. In April, they are celebrated with Savour the South, an annual autumn festival recognising the tastiest dishes and drops, outstanding accommodation, and shining a light on the beautiful region’s hospitality. Fabulous food offerings are complemented by events and happenings throughout. There’s great food everywhere – discover a new café, pub, restaurant down the main street, or off the beaten track. They say, “a recipe has no soul – the cook puts the soul into the dish,” and in Southland, you will discover talented chefs seamlessly pairing tradition with modern techniques and trends. Throughout the south, amazing food producers, restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, and more, serve up innovative tastes and textures.

It’s time to Savour the South; visit southlandnz.com for more information.

Dolphin Encounter, 96 Esplanade, Kaikōura dolphinencounter.co.nz

An Epic Family Package adventure in Kaikōura could be just the ticket to ignite some fun right now. Included in the package is two nights’ accommodation, a Dolphin Encounter watching adventure to see the acrobatic dusky dolphins, family passes to mini golf, the museum, the movies, plus a café voucher! Check out this incredible deal on the Dolphin Encounter website in the deals and packages section.

WE LOVE… …the culture on offer – the Mayfair Arts and Culture Centre and the Kaikōura Museum. Along with the abundance of marine life and beautiful coastline, Kaikōura has a growing and unique range of experiences.

State Highway 6, Lake Hawea crosshill.co.nz

This is guaranteed to be a unique experience. The folks at Cross Hill Lodge & Domes provide high country hospitality at its best, and guests become part of the family. You’ll find six premium geodesic domes in Lake Hawea with en suites, heating, and modern furnishings to use as a base from which to explore the region before sharing stories of your day over a paddock-to-plate inspired dinner.

WE LOVE… …the secluded Whiskey Room for relaxing and the hot tub with views over the forest-like grounds.