Holiday in New Zealand in November and Beat The Christmas Crowds
While most people do their warm-weather holiday over the Christmas break, we think November is an ideal time to explore Aotearoa, for multiple reasons. Here’s how you can get ahead of the curve with a November holiday in New Zealand.
The weather is hot, but not too hot
November is New Zealand’s last calendar month of spring, so with any luck the spring rains will have subsided and you’ll be able to enjoy temperatures in the mid to high 20s — a lot more comfortable than the 30s experienced in December and January.
The dry and warm forecast is perfect for the numerous outdoor activities NZ offers, from hiking and bungy jumping to fishing and surfing.
Avoid the Holiday crowds
There are no school holidays in November, which is not so good for families with school kids, but terrific for couples both young and young at heart! If you don’t have kids in school and can take time of work and other commitments, why not take the opportunity to visit holiday parks, beaches, attractions and activities around the country — before they’re teeming with holiday-making families.
This move could reward you with just the right blend of rest, relaxation and room to move as you please.
Fewer cars on the road
Speaking of moving as you please, the roads in the land of the long white cloud become congested over the summer holiday period. Getting out and about in November will see you competing with fewer cars on the road. This means no queues and safer, less stressful driving.
Try Three November events not to be missed
1. Festival X Rising (Auckland)
A monster of a music festival born through a collaboration of promoters behinds Australasia’s best festivals, Festival X Rising caters for all music tastes at The Outer Fields at Auckland’s Western Springs on Thursday 28 November 2019.
2. Toast Martinborough (Wairarapa)
The 28th instalment of this well-established wine, food and music festival takes place on 17 November 2019. Get your glass and lanyard and take in the tastes and sounds of Toast Martinborough across more than half a dozen vineyard sites in the lovely Wairarapa.
3. Ride the Wilderness (Westland)
This mountain bike ride takes place on the West Coast Wilderness Trail on 16 November 2019. A great way to see the beautiful West Coast from the saddle, it’s a Grade 2 ride featuring scenery including board walks, creeks, lakes, forestry, historic bridges, singles tracks and more. Individuals and teams of two and four are welcome, so book your entry now.
Where to visit on your November holiday
We highly recommend making the most of the fact that you’re ahead of the crowds and explore the beaches and tourist attractions that will become packed in December and January.
In the North Island, take a look at the Bay of Islands, the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Northland... all of the North Island’s top seaside holiday spots.
Down south we’d also suggest checking out the South Island’s top seaside holiday spots, and especially the West Coast — before everyone else arrives! A road trip down the West Coast, the absolute jewel in NZ’s crown of natural beauty, can link Westport, Hokitika and Franz Josef.
Where to stay in New Zealand
While November can be warm and dry, there is also a chance of experiencing all four seasons in one day as New Zealand is a narrow landmass with mountains in the middle. This is why Kiwi Holiday Parks and Accommodation (KHPA) offers a full range of accommodation types from basic sites to pitch a tent right through to fully equipped roofed motels and cabins — we have a bed for every budget.
There are almost 40 KHPA locations to choose from around the country, so you’ll never be far from this country’s stunning scenery, attractions and activities.
How to save money on accommodation and more
If you’re smart enough to book your holiday in November and beat the hordes, you’re probably smart enough to get great deals too. So, you’ll like the look of our Kiwi Card, which is valid for two years and can save you 15% on accommodation at KHPA parks around NZ. You can also use your Kiwi Card to make excellent savings on Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries, car and campervan rentals and over 80 discounts on tours, adventure activities and attractions, nationwide. And don’t forget your Fly Buys!
We hope you’re seeing the benefits of taking your big Christmas holiday ahead of time. Get planning, booking and have a ball!
Images:
‘Panoramic view of Franz Josef Glacier’ by Philip N Young via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
‘Toast Martinborough’ by Kylie & Rob (and Helen) via CC BY 2.0.
