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Great Mercury Island. © The Coromandel

Get outside: 11 great gardens to explore this spring

As the weather warms up, get out and experience the new season growth at some of the great gardens around New Zealand. Read the story . . .

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Need accommodation? Earn AA Smartfuel discounts

Earn a 10 cents per litre AA Smartfuel discount for every $100 spent up to a maximum of $1.00 per litre when you book selected accommodation. More . . .

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Road trips

Classic New Zealand Wine Trail: Napier to Blenheim

What better way to taste your way across islands and through three of New Zealand's major wine-producing regions than on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail... Read the story . . .

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Natural attractions

Mount Aspiring National Park: aspiring to greatness

Mount Aspiring is one of New Zealand’s highest peaks and the park named for it is a paradise of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes. Read the story . . .

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Family fun

Auckland War Memorial Museum: a national treasure

Our children will take completely different memories of the Auckland War Memorial Museum into their futures than the majority of us have borne from our past. Read the story . . .

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Natural attractions

Lake Tekapō: shimmering beauty

By day, the view’s pretty spectacular – the arid splendour of the Mackenzie Country dominated by Aoraki Mount Cook. But you really want to be here when it gets dark... Read the story . . .

Thames Steampunk

In Thames, the sharpest dressers turn out in goggles and corsets, raggamuffin kids parade in top-hats and tails, dogs in waistcoats travel by lacy pram and gun-toting Mad Max types roll through the middle of the CBD in a train. Read the story . . .

Steampunk is taking off in Thames. © Destination Coromandel

Must Do's for October

Activities > Natural attractions > National parks > Indulgence > Must-Do's

The Grand Traverse: a spectacular flight of fancy

The Grand Traverse is a stunning scenic flight that explores the Aoraki Mt Cook and Westland Tai Poutini national park, covering about 200km of unforgettable scenery. Read the story . . .

Natural attractions > Must-Do's

The Goblin Forest: lush and fantastical forest

In the Goblin Forest, twisted kāmahi trunks lead the way through one of New Zealand's most epic, lush and fantastical natural spaces. Read the story . . .

Heritage and history > Must-Do's

The Beehive and Parliament Buildings: the heart of Aotearoa's government

Get to the nub of it at all and join a free guided tour into the heart of New Zealand’s government at the Beehive in the parliamentary precinct. Read the story . . .

Natural attractions > Must-Do's

The Lake Matheson walk: a photographer's dream

Lake Matheson is a photographer’s dream, where the waters reflect a near-perfect image of snow-capped Aoraki Mount Cook. Read the story . . .

Where to stay in New Zealand

4.6 /5

Takapuna

City of Sails Motel Visit website

We are situated on Auckland's North Shore, a short hop from Downtown Auckland, 7km along the northern motorway to Northcote off-ramp and you are on our doorstep. 16 luxury studio, 1-bedroom apartments with spa baths and cooking facilities, some with . . . More . . .

From $140

Takapuna

4.6 /5

City of Sails Motel

We are situated on Auckland's North Shore, a short hop from Downtown Auckland, 7km along the northern motorway to Northcote off-ramp and you are on . . .

From $140

4.7 /5

Arrow Motel Visit website

Relax and enjoy your stay in Nelson, while we take care of all the finer details. Enjoy quality, carefully chosen, king beds. . . . More . . .

From $145

4.9 /5

Elmore Lodge Motel Visit website

Opposite Hawkes Bay Regional Hospital. Our 15 units are designed to suit every need. The serviced units have large studio lounges sleeping up to 3 . . . More . . .

From $105

4.7 /5

Birchwood Manor Visit website

Exceptional inner city location This modern, architecturally inspired Invercargill motel offers 15 spacious studio, 1 and 2-bedroom units. Full kitchen facilities, extra TV in the . . . More . . .

From $125

4.9 /5

All Seasons Holiday Park Visit website

WELCOME to 3 hectares of peaceful parkland at All Seasons Holiday Park, where the friendly hospitality assures you, your family, team or group an enjoyable . . . More . . .

From $50

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4.3 /5

Cromwell

Cromwell TOP 10 Holiday Park Visit website

In the Heart of Central Otago, our park is set on spacious park like grounds, blessed with a hot summer climate, surrounded by great lakes and rivers with fabulous attractions and scenery. . . . More . . .

From $40

Cromwell

4.3 /5

Cromwell TOP 10 Holiday Park

In the Heart of Central Otago, our park is set on spacious park like grounds, blessed with a hot summer climate, surrounded by great lakes . . .

From $40

Book now