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The TODAY Show Celebrates Spring in New Zealand

 

Follow where Steve Jacobs and the Today Show weather crew toured as they celebrated spring, the New Zealand Spring Festival and the best excuse to visit New Zealand, the Spring Pass.

Catch a ferry. - click for more.
The islands of the Hauraki Gulf are a scenic ferry ride away from downtown Auckland.
Auckland
After discovering the delights of the green and gold landscape of the South Island during autumn, the Today Show kicked off its five day tour of the North Island with the Auckland region on the 13th August.

A visit to Auckland is not complete without sailing an America's Cup boat with NZL40, learning more about Auckland's contemporary Maori history with Tamaki Hikoi and sampling some of Auckland's divine seafood. Experience this first hand at the Auckland Seafood Festival (29 - 30 September). The Netball World Championships are also being held in Auckland (10 - 17 November) and another must-do is a cruise on 360 Discovery for an island adventure to Waiheke Island and Tiritiri Matangi.

Rotorua
Next stop for the Today Show was Rotorua, New Zealand's geothermal wonderland.

Kiwi ingenuity and adventure activities such as the Zorb, Schweeb, and the Swoop can all be experienced at the Agrodome. Or for an aerial view of Rotorua, Volcanic Air Safaris will fly you out to the spectacular geothermal attractions and nearby Mt Tarawera. Indulge in some spring time activities and Maori culture with a waka tour (Maori canoe) with Mana Adventures and make sure you try the unique flavours of chef Charles Royal and his Kinaki Wild Herbs. For a touch of indulgence head to Hell's Gate and Wai Ora Spa for a relaxing massage and soak in the thermal mud pools.

  Huka Lodge, near Huka Falls - click for more.
Huka Lodge, situated on the banks of the Waikato River, 300m upstream from the mighty Huka Falls.
Lake Taupo
Following the Great New Zealand Touring Route south, Taupo was the next destination for Steve and the weather crew.

Base yourself at Huka Lodge, one of New Zealand's best luxury accommodation options where you can experience fly-fishing with Chris Jolly Outdoors or take a helicopter ride over the Tongariro National Park for fresh powder spring skiing. Continue your outdoor experiences with a magical horse trek with Harakeke Equestrian Farm Tours.

Wairarapa
One of the jewels in the crown of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is the Wairarapa region, a beautiful drive south from Taupo.

Enjoy the fruits of the Martinborough Wine Centre, The Schoc Chocolate Therapy Studio and Store in Greytown. Come November, Toast Martinborough will showcase the best of the region's food and wine alongside world-class entertainment.

Wellington
The nation's capital Wellington showcases a kaleidescope of experiences and activities and was the final port of call for the Today Show.

Wellington is the cultural hub of New Zealand and is celebrated for its unique café and bar scene. Must dos include the Cable Car, Botanic Gardens and the scenic 360 degree views of Wellington from the top of Mt Victoria. The Montana World of WearableArt Awards is an event that needs to be seen to be believed and the cocktails, food and top-notch coffee will leave any visitor coming back for more.



 
 

Spring Travel Deals
NEW ZEALAND SPRING PASS
New Zealand Spring Pass Get great spring travel deals to New Zealand with the Spring Pass. But you'd better hurry because it's just for one season and just for our neighbours.

Featured Driving Route
DRIVE IT YOURSELF
Drive it yourself Follow in the footsteps of Steve and the Today Show weather crew with this driving route. Begin in Auckland, then through Rotorua, Taupo and the Wairarapa before finishing in Wellington.

World of WearableArt
WORLD OF WEARABLEART
World of WearableArt A montage of theatre, dance, colour, movement and art, simply put, the WOW shows are theatrical spectaculars.

Spring Festival
SPRING FESTIVAL
Spring Festival The 2007 Spring Festival promises more events and action than ever. The flowers are blossoming, the stakes are high and the wines are waiting.


 
 
Related Links
www.newzealand.com Pages
•  Auckland Region
•  Rotorua
Learn more about the Rotorua region
•  Lake Taupo
Learn more about the Lake Taupo region
•  Wairarapa
Learn more about the Wairarapa region
•  Wellington
Learn more about the Wellington region