You’d think this photo was taken in January, February or March. Wrong. The only indication you can tell we’re in the shoulder season of Autumn, is by the extra layer of clothes I’m wearing. And yet it was another beautiful day in the Nelson/ Tasman Region.
So why are people still being told that the best time to travel New Zealand is between November and February? Why is no mention made of a self-driving holiday in the Autumn months of March, April and May. Although slightly colder, the weather is quite settled and the sight of golden and blood-red leafy trees makes driving such a pleasure.
We like to travel in the Autumn months when the roads are empty and the weather is at it’s calmest! The Nelson Abel Tasman area is fantastic at this time of year to ride on it’s “Great Taste” cycle trail – beautiful climate and compared to other tourist areas, quite underpopulated. Yesterday we rode the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park from Motueka.
Ok I did find it physically challenging (there’s a lot of hill work) but stopping for a ‘breather’ was such a pleasure because of these views:
It took me a while to huff and puff my way to this point and I was grateful for that it was the ‘shoulder’ season, as we didn’t meet any cyclist on the way – yet another reason to travel at this time of year.
I admit, towards the end it was starting to get heavy going. My aerobic fitness has suffered in the last few months and my hips were threatening to go on strike. What bliss on the way down! Yeah, it’s all smiles now.
In the summer season, the golden beaches of Kaiteriteri are packed with travellers. Nature is now withdrawing her favours but not before a last warm embrace to one it’s citizens.
The next day, another perfect day exploring the Kahurangi National Park. More about that later.
Happy Travelling.
