Queenstown though doesn’t really have an off-season. Autumn is a fine time to enjoy much of what the region has to offer. Here are some activities you can do in the fall.

Hiking/Tramping – Even if the tops of the mountains are starting to look a little brushed with snow there is still plenty of hiking options for those who do not fancy putting on crampons and carrying ice-axes!

The Greenstone track which starts approximately 65kms from Queenstown is a low level hike that can be pretty much walked year round. In the autumn it is also possible to make it a circular walk with the ever popular Routeburn track.

Mountain Biking – Queenstown is still very much at the center of mountain biking in the south island and there are heaps of opportunities to ride the many tracks around the regions.

On the Lake – You can take out kayaks and even parascend over The Lake  Wakatipui or take a more leisurely trip over to Walter Peak on the Earnshaw that departs from Downtown Queenstown every day of the year.

NZ is famous for it’s wine and one the finest events on the calendar is The Marlborough wine festival. New Zealand’s longest running wine festival – held at Brancott Estate – offers the chance to sample the best from Marlborough’s award-winning wineries matched with local food. Activities include wine tutorials, cooking classes, entertainment and ‘Fashion in the Vines’.

This year the festival is taking place on the 11th Feb.

Another major event which is unique to New Zealand is the Art Deco weekend that takes place in Napier which is New Zealand’s art deco capital and one of the best-known collective examples of 1930s architecture in the world.

From the 14th Feb the city celebrates in style with classic cars, aircraft and guests in Deco clothing, adding authenticity and 20s glamour to events – many of which are free.

Overseas visitors to New Zealand should always take out travel insurance over 75 to ensure they are covered in case of loss of items or medical emergency.

The NZ Rugby World Cup lured thousands of hard-core rugby fans from UK, France, and Australia; visitor arrivals increased by 26% compared to September 2010 which is great news.

New Zealand needs to keep momentum going and TIA is encouraging the incoming government to provide the means to ensure further development of the sector. The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) has commented on this great achievement, yet concluded this is not enough.

Based at Nelson Airport terminal, we’re skilled in most regions of helicopter procedures. We operate 24 hrs, seven days a week. Our friendly team and experienced aircraft pilots can customise a transfer or scenic flight for you personally in our modern helis.

Marhau Ocean Kayaks

We are only a stone’s throw in the golden sands from the Abel Tasman National Park. Our philosophy is concerning you becoming an individual, either on the led excursion, or at the own pace having a freedom hire.

Tasman Helis

Fly into a couple of from the The almighty from the Rings secret locations. Explore the mystical atmosphere and head to the unknown. Go through the isolation and spectacular rocky landscapes south of Rivendell (Mount Olympus).

If you are travelling to Nelson from overseas then ensure you have decent travel insurance for the over 70 with you in case you need medical treatment.

There will be many coming from South Africa too, Mike Jaspers, the communications manager of the organising committee, on Tuesday said that a number of former SA citizens would also make the trip.

“Our expectation is that about 5 000 South Africans will travel here based on current ticket sales,” Jaspers said “In addition we expect a number of expats to travel from countries such as Australia.”

The main destination will be Auckland as it is hosting the most games along with Wellington too. Christchurch unfortunately will be missing out due to damage that occured to the Jade Stadium during the earthquakes.

There is no better time to visit NZ than in the autumn where the summer still lingers and sunny warm days and evening are the norm.

There are many festivals in NZ at this time and here is a selection of a few we have picked out,

Bluff Oyster Food Festival
21 May 2011
A much-anticipated event for seafood lovers, the Bluff Oyster Festival marks the start of the oyster season and showcases other local delicacies and wines. The programme also includes special dinner fun.

Festival of Colour, Wanaka
12 – 17 April 2011
The Southern Lakes Festival of Colour is a biennial celebration of the arts set against the beautiful backdrop of Central Otago lakes. The festival is based in Wanaka but also includes Queenstown, Luggate, Hawea, Cromwell and Glenorchy.

Auckland Arts Festival
2 – 20 March 2011
Auckland Arts Festival is a biennial event that boasts a spectacular programme of more than 200 theatre, dance, music, and visual arts events from some of the world’s most exciting arts and entertainment companies – many of which have never before performed in Australasia.

Womad
18 – 20 March 2011
Over three-days, more than 200 artists from 20 different countries perform on six stages at the TSB Bowl and Brooklands Park in New Plymouth – one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in the world. The festival focuses on the discovery and enjoyment of music from around the globe.

NZ Music Month
1 – 31 May 2011
NZ Music Month is a 31-day celebration of homegrown Kiwi music talent. Concerts will be held across the length and breadth of the country, celebrating the unique talent of New Zealand musicians and raising awareness of emerging local artists. Music month began in 2001 with the objective of increasing the proportion of NZ songs on commercial radio.

If you are heading downunder ensure you have good travel insurance over 60 before you leave

Ensure you have backpacker travel insurance before undertaking any activities and also over 75 travel insurance if you are older.

Adventure tourism belongs to one of the fastest growing industries worldwide. Travelers are spending thousands on adrenalin activities and each year brings more and more inventions and new daring attractions. While the great news means the industry is doing well, the downside of it are many unfortunate incidents, and in worst cases deaths caused by the lack of health and safety regulations and their fulfillment.

New Zealand Labor Minister, Kate Wilkinson, is currently working on a new scheme which will completely shake up the rules around adventure tourism providers in the country.

Auckland is also the gateway to NZ with the main airport and many visitors will start there holiday or vacation there.

Things to do in Auckland include…

Auckland Museum
Overlooking the Waitemata Harbour and occupying one of New Zealand’s finest heritage buildings

Explore NZ
Explore NZ is a progressive and dynamic company offering an exciting range of marine and land based excursions in Auckland

Parnell Village
Parnell Shopping
New Zealand’s oldest suburb is famed for its galleries, cafes, restaurants and charming boutique-style stores.

Auckland Bridge Climb
Herne Bay Family Attractions
Auckland Bridge Climb takes you on a 1.5 hour adventure under, around, up and over the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Auckland’s Whale & Dolphin Safari – Explore NZ
Auckland CBD Family Attractions

See whales and dolphins from Auckland’s doorstep! Departing daily from the Auckland Viaduct Harbour.

You can also hang out (literally) in the Skytower.

Thing to do in Raglan

Not everyone comes to Raglan to surf and there is plenty to do aside from ripping up the surf such as bushes to walk, mountains to climb, horses to ride and a decent waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls, to oogle. You could learn how to surf, or just laze around and enjoy the colourful and picturesque town.

Places to eat and stay in Raglan

There are a whole range of places to stay in Ragland such as backpacker hostels, camp grounds, bachs, hotels and motels. There are a couple of lively pubs and lots of cool cafes too.