Summer
Endless sunshine, beaches galore, music festivals and parties -it's no wonder summer is New Zealand's busiest time of year.
Although each destination in the South Island is spectacular come summertime, the top of the South has to be singled out. With Nelson and Blenheim both in the running for New Zealand's 'sunniest town', the top of the South Island is a must-visit for any sun-worshipper. Couple the country's highest sunshine hours with the world-renowned wine produced in the Marlborough region, the stunning beaches of Abel Tasman National Park and the abundant water activities throughout the area and you've got yourself a top of the line summer destination.Autumn
When the crowds and the temperature start to cool, it's time to head south. As the undisputed top autumn destination, Arrowtown puts on a spectacular autumnal show of changing leaves, set to a backdrop of brilliantly blue skies and delightfully crisp air. So special is autumn here that the small town hosts the annual Arrowtown Autumn Festival: a showcase of the township at its finest.The centrally located Mackenzie District is often overlooked as an autumn destination. Although the region's famous lakes are too chilly for swimming at this time of year, the pure air, calm weather and lack of visitors are a draw card for the traveller in the know, and ideal conditions for the nature and water activities that abound throughout this picturesque region.
Winter
Whilst I wanted to come up with a less-obvious answer, it's just too hard to go past Queenstown in winter. Dubbed rightly as New Zealand's ultimate winter destination, Queenstown is where it's at when the snow starts to fall - provided you can get there! Watch out for road closures and flight cancellations in the worst of the winter weather. If you do make it, however, you'll be rewarded with a world-class selection of ski areas, unforgettable snow-covered scenery and a resort town that knows how to party like nowhere else. To see Queenstown in all its rowdy, wintery glory make sure you visit during the annual 10-day Queenstown Winter Festival.Spring
When the blossoms start to flower and daffodils emerge, where better to be than the Garden City? Christchurch, on the South Island's east coast, lives up to its moniker come spring with the city's famed gardens bursting to life. Whether wandering in the Botanic Gardens, punting along the Avon or trundling through the city on the tram, Christchurch's bouquets of flora are bound to delight.The annual Cup & Show Week is a seasonal highlight, incorporating the city's traditional A&P Show along with a week of horseracing events.
Across the main divide, the South Island's West Coast also welcomes the new season with a flourish. Spring gets out the paintbrushes and adds another dimension of green to this already verdant region. With the rainforest at its most lush, the winter snow still sprinkled on the alps and the roaring Tasman Sea commanding attention, the West Coast is unarguably stunning in spring.
Amelia is Content Editor of the New Zealand travel and tourism website www.fourcorners.co.nz.
