From 21 June you no longer need a pre-departure test to enter New Zealand

One of Mt Taranaki’s many walks.
Anytime is a good time, right? Ofcourse we’d say that but it’s true! We have sun in the summer, and snow in the winter, the best of both worlds.
New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, summer is from December to February and has highs of around 25°c. From June to August, temperatures hover between -3°C and 15° C with an increase in rainfall, or if you’re in the Alpine regions such as the central north island near Taupo, or more likely the Alps of the south island you might be lucky enough to experience snow.
Travelling during the shoulder season is a great opportunity to avoid the popular periods of summer or winter in the alpine regions, and can be more affordable. Spring is from September to November with temperatures ranging from 2°c – 17°c whilst Autumn (March to May) experiences milder weather, 15°C to 20°C.
Ideally, a month or longer is the perfect time to explore New Zealand. Although we’re a small nation, there’s so much to do that the longer you stay, the more you can experience.
]]>The rest of the world is about to find out what people in Taranaki have always known – the region is one of the best.
Well, the second best, according to Lonely Planet. In the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2017 the world renowned travel authority has chosen Taranaki as the second best region in the world to visit, and New Zealand as the second best family adventure destination in the world.

Taranaki comes in behind Choquequirao in Peru, but ahead of internationally renowned areas such as the Azores in Portugal, North Wales and South Australia. The controversial-for-some Len Lye Centre is named as one of two unmissable experiences and is labelled Taranaki’s answer to the world famous Guggenheim in New York.
The other big attraction was the Pouakai Crossing, which the guide says is a fresh alternative to the “overburdened” Tongariro Crossing.

Pukekura Park, which is the “Mayfair” on New Zealand’s Monopoly Board, and Surf Coast Highway 45 are also given special mention. As is New Plymouth’s “moderately lively” shopping and dining scenes.
Womad, TSB Bank Festival of Lights and Puke Ariki were also highlighted.

Location: North Island NZ]]>