New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
North Island
South Island

What to expect from New Zealand in September

Lucy Pascual
March 9, 2024

New Zealand in September is all about blooming flora and the early signs of spring, making it an amazing month for exploring some of the country’s most iconic locations. Two excellent activities to experience during this time are the Hobbiton Movie Set tours and stargazing at Lake Tekapo.

Make Magical Memories

September is a great month to visit the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located in the lush hills of Matamata. If you loved The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, you’ll feel like you’re there while exploring the hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, just as they appeared in the films.

With spring on the way, the set is alive with emerald grass and colourful flowers, creating the famous atmosphere of the Shire. These fun guided tours also give you information about the making of the movies, with behind-the-scenes stories and many photo opportunities.

The attention to detail that went into the set design is remarkable, making you feel as though you’ve actually stepped into Middle-earth and fans of all levels will adore everything about this tour. After a day of Hobbiting, it’s time to look to the sky for more magic.

With the beautiful New Zealand skies becoming clear in Spring, Lake Tekapo is a prime location for stargazing. Known for its incredibly dark skies, the area is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world to see the night sky. The spring air and lack of light pollution allow for stunning views of the Milky Way, Southern Cross and countless stars and planets.

With the help of guides and powerful telescopes, you can explore distant galaxies, planets and constellations. The clarity of the night sky in September and the beauty of the lake make it an experience that’s perfect for both astronomy enthusiasts and those simply seeking a moment of tranquillity under the stars.

Springtime Magic

September in New Zealand is when the country really starts to shine. Whether you want to walk through the enchanting Hobbiton set, gaze up at the cosmos from Lake Tekapo or something else, New Zealand has the charm and enchantment that you’re looking for. For other great activities that’ll make you smile, visit our Things To Do in New Zealand page.

AUTHOR PROFILE
Lucy Pascual
Lucy is a true-blue Aussie living in Far North Queensland. When she's not writing, she spends her time travelling to Australia's top destinations, aiming to see as much of the country as possible so she can share its best locations with her readers.

Related Posts

Gettin' steamy at Hells Gate - Rotorua's most active Thermal Park!

I went on the guided tour through Rotorua’s most active thermal park, Hells Gate. We passed a variety of different thermal features. From mud pools and mud volcanoes to the largest hot waterfall, Kakahi falls, in the Southern Hemisphere. In the past warriors took a bath in there which helped their wounds to heal, due […]

My first day in Rotorua - Canopy Tours

I got picked up from my hostel by a staff member of Canopy tours. We, that means me and the rest of the group, were taken to the office where we had to fill out a form and were weighed to check if everyone fulfilled the requirements. After everyone had filled out the form, had […]

My first day in Rotorua - ZORB

My next stop was Zorb. You could easily go there by bus as well. Before you go there make sure you have your swimsuit with you, so you can decide on site if you want to do the wet or the dry ride. The first thing you have to do is to complete a completed […]

My first day in Rotorua - Skyline

My alarm rang at six a clock, a time I am not used to anymore. I dragged myself out of the bed and put the rest of my belongings in my backpack. The Nakedbus was supposed to be leaving at the harbor, next to Britomart. When I arrived there was already a long line of […]

Sunset Sailing on Arcturus

I made my way down to Viaduct Harbor, the wind blowing trough my already disheveled hair. The closer I got the more I could smell the sea and feel the liberty. Finally, I saw the pole of the Arcturus in front of me and wasted no time to jump on board. I was cordially received […]

Is the Tongariro Crossing really the world's best 1-day hike?

If you are looking for a one-day hike set in the most exotic location, look no farther than the Tongariro Crossing trail on New Zealand’s North Island. Here you will traverse contracts in landscape from dense woodlands to that resembling a Scottish moor and even trek across a volcanic landscape that leaves you feeling as […]

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down