Enjoy a Quieter New Zealand This February

February and March are an excellent time to hit the road and see parts of New Zealand you may not have visited before. There’s a multitude of reasons why going on holiday in Feb is a great idea — here are five to get you motivated.  

1. Kids are back in school

In New Zealand, schools generally finish their summer holidays at the end of January. This means it’s an ideal time to start your holiday if you’re visiting from overseas or you’re a kiwi with adult offspring who have long since flown the coop.

The school children (and their families) will be back to their daily grind, leaving you to enjoy a much quieter New Zealand with a totally different feel to the Christmas/NYE period.

2. Some of the best weather is still ahead of us

New Zealand’s summer is still in full swing throughout February. With a bit of luck, you’ll get some warm temperatures and clear skies, under which you can chill on the beach or crack into a plethora of summer activities.

Nice blue skies and comfortable temperatures are still possible as we head into March too, so don’t count out a trip in early March.

3. The crowds have weakened

Summer in New Zealand can sometimes be intense with every man, their dog and their family seemingly on the road and at their favourite holiday spots all at the same time. It’s enough to make some people anxious, what with all the rushing here, rushing there, waiting in line, etc, etc.

By February, the crowds have dispersed due to the school year beginning again. A more chilled out vibe can be found on the roads and at the holiday parks and tourist attractions. It’s a time when travellers from overseas and more mature holiday makers can mingle with their own kind and share stories of what they saw that day or where they plan to visit next.

4. There are some great events to attend in February

The more established wine and food festivals that litter New Zealand’s summer are a real blast for travellers who can afford to attend them. They are well worth the investment too, but sometimes it’s nice to almost ‘happen upon’ something a little more grass roots that’s as easy on the wallet as you make it — we’re talking about the many local farmer’s markets and fairs that can be found around the land of the long white cloud.

While staying at the Levin Kiwi Holiday Park, you could pop in to Palmy and peruse the Friday Night Market between 5pm and 8pm. Or, while making your way south from the Bay of Islands why not stop in at the leafy Whangarei Town Basin for The Canopy Night Market.

If you really want to embrace the no kids around theme you could visit New Zealand’s most beautiful alpine area and check out The Valentine’s Burlesue Ball on Friday 14 February (of course).

5. Lots of music events to rock out to

If gigs are your jam, the high volume of live entertainment still rocking hard in February and March will be music to your ears. While staying in Hawke’s Bay why not combine wine tasting with some “smokey jazz” at Summer Sundaze on March 15 at Abbey Cellars Winery & Brewpub.

Music In Parks is made up of 25 FREE outdoor live music performances across Auckland between February and April. There will be something for music lovers of all ages and tastes — a must-do if you’re in or near New Zealand’s most populous city.

 So, that’s five reasons to hit the road and have an epic adventure around our wonderful country this February and March. What are you waiting for… get out there!

_{Image: West Coast, New Zealand by studio tdes via CC BY 2.0.}