How quickly the year has flown! Make the most of spring in Auckland with these 7 ways to enjoy all the season has to offer!

1. FEED THE LAMBS AT AMBURY FARM

Spring is when baby animals are born! Fuss over the cute animals at Ambury farm – calves, lambs, piglets, chicks and ducklings! There are also some lambs that you can bottle feed. Feeding times are at 8am and 4pm on weekdays and at 8am, 12pm and 4pm on weekends. If you miss feeding time, don’t worry – the lambs are hilarious to watch as they chase each other, head-butt and do those little lamb leaps, mid-sprint. Don’t forget to wear your gumboots if it’s been raining recently!

2. STROLL ALONG THE WATERFRONT

With the days getting a wee bit longer and a wee bit warmer, it’s perfect for a stroll along the waterfront. Choose the Viaduct Harbour, Princes Wharf, Queens Wharf or even Tamaki Drive for a walk with fabulous views over the Waitemata harbour. Make plans for the summer, when it’s warm enough to be in and on the water. Beach hopping roadie, anyone?

3. SEE THE DAFFODILS BLOOM ALONG TWIN OAK DRIVE

The end of winter is marked with the blooming of the daffodils. The beautiful walk down Twin Oak Drive, in Cornwall Park, is only made prettier with the daffodils blooming alongside the pathway. It’s such a beautiful spot to see the daffodils this season! I also suggest making a visit to your local florist so you can bring a little piece of spring into your own home!

4. VISIT AN AUCKLAND MARKET FOR SEASONAL PRODUCE

Head to one of Auckland’s many markets and purchase locally grown, fresh, seasonal produce. While supporting local businesses, this is also great for the environment, great for your health and couldn’t be easier. Get the last of the kiwifruit and citrus fruits – lemons, oranges, mandarins and grapefruit as they start to go out of season. Look out for asparagus, peas, zucchini, tomatoes and pomegranate throughout spring. Find out exactly what’s coming in and going out of season here.

5. FROLICK UNDER THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT AUCKLAND BOTANIC GARDENS

The cherry tree grove at Auckland Botanic Gardens is absolutely spectacular when the trees are in bloom! It is so peaceful and almost fairytale-like to sit among the cotton-candy-pink trees. Late September is the optimum time for your instagram pictures here, but expect some crowds as everyone else also wants their classic “cherry blossom” picture too!

6. PICNIC AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS ON MT EDEN

Springtime means that it’s almost picnic weather again. Find a spot among the wildflowers on Mt Eden to place your picnic blanket and enjoy the panoramic views. Pack a spread, take some mates along and opt to watch the sunset while you enjoy your picnic. Don’t forget the onion dip!

7. WATCH THE GANNETS AT MURIWAI

The gannets start nesting in mid-August. In springtime, you can watch the spectacular mating rituals of the sea birds. I absolutely love how close you can get to the birds and I always make multiple trips to Muriwai before the colony migrates in April. I never lose fascination at the busy colony and the birds flying back and forth. It seems so chaotic, but it operates so perfectly – maybe it reminds me a bit of home in India 🙂

How many of these have you done? Let me know in the comments below or tag me on Instagram when you tick one of these off your spring bucket list!

xoxo