New Zealand in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited New Zealand in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Hobbiton without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Queenstown felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best lamb roast I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

extraordinarily beautiful landscapes was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.