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Travel Alerts: NZ makes 'top travel' list, Halloween celebrations and more

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 14:38 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Halloween on the Horizon: New Zealand’s Travel Alerts Show Off Spooky Fun in Tasmania, Auckland, and Japan

The NZ Herald’s latest travel alerts spotlight a festive lineup for the Halloween season, inviting holidaymakers to experience a mix of sweet treats, sky‑high thrills, and cinematic scares. From the buttery streets of Tasmania’s chocolate haven to the glittering skyline of Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower, and even the neon‑lit streets of Universal Studios Japan, the alerts offer a treasure map for those looking to add a little spooky sparkle to their travel plans.

1. Cadbury Tasmania: A Sweetly Sinister Experience

The first stop on the alerts list is Cadbury Tasmania, the world‑famous chocolate factory that has been churning out milk chocolate since 1905. The tour, now re‑branded as “Cadbury World Tasmania,” invites visitors to walk behind the scenes and learn how the company’s famous Cadbury chocolate is made from bean to bar.

Halloween Highlights

During the October celebrations, Cadbury Tasmania introduces a themed “Haunted Chocolate Lab.” Visitors can stroll through dimly lit production rooms where holographic ghosts appear over cocoa pods, and the scent of caramel and dark chocolate lingers in the air. Special Halloween‑only treats are available, such as “Pumpkin‑Pecan Milk Chocolate” and “Gingerbread Ghost” truffles, packaged in spooky jars and gift boxes that double as souvenirs.

The factory’s café, “The Chocolate Canteen,” offers a seasonal menu of “Creepy Cones” (chocolate‑filled waffle cones) and “Spooky‑Spiced Hot Chocolate.” For a truly immersive experience, visitors can opt for a guided “Chocolate‑Making for Beginners” workshop, which includes a Halloween twist: participants create their own miniature chocolate ghosts using edible glitter.

Logistics

The factory is located on the outskirts of Hobart, Tasmania, and offers daily tours from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets can be purchased online via the official Cadbury website, and the price is $30 for adults and $15 for children aged 5–12. Group discounts are available for school trips and corporate events. The factory is wheelchair accessible, and there are on‑site parking spaces for both vehicles and bicycles.

2. Sky Tower Auckland: A Spectacular Spine‑Chiller

No Halloween itinerary is complete without a breathtaking view. The Sky Tower in Auckland, standing 328 m tall, offers a panoramic vista of the city and its surroundings. In October, the tower transforms into a glittering hub of Halloween décor, with LED projections of swirling ghosts, bats, and spectral mist that wrap around the façade.

Night‑Time Events

The tower’s “Night Sky Spectacular” invites guests to climb to the observation deck at dusk, where a live DJ spins a playlist of eerie tracks. In the evenings, the tower hosts a “Spine‑Tingling Talk” featuring a local paranormal investigator, who shares chilling tales of Auckland’s lesser‑known haunted sites.

For the more adventurous, the “Sky‑Dive into Darkness” event offers a twilight “scream‑tire” ride in the tower’s glass capsule, where the floor panels glow greenish‑blue and the wind howls through the glass. The ride lasts approximately 90 seconds, and guests are given a custom “Ghostly Glow” mask to wear.

Practical Information

Tickets for the observation deck start at $28 for adults and $14 for children aged 5–12. The tower is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, and evening events require pre‑booking. Parking is available at the ground floor with a $10 fee for a 24‑hour stay. The Sky Tower is fully accessible, offering wheelchair‑friendly lifts and an elevator that can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.

3. Universal Studios Japan: A World of Halloween Horror

Crossing the globe, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka becomes a living nightmare in October. The park’s “Halloween Horror Nights” features an array of spooky attractions, including haunted rides, live performances, and special limited‑time shows.

Key Attractions

• “The Walking Dead” – Dark Ride: Guests ride through a zombie‑infested cityscape, complete with motion‑based effects and a live actor‑performed zombie encounter.
• “Jaws of Terror” – Dark Maze: A walk‑through maze that re‑creates a haunted Victorian house, with actors in costume delivering jump scares at every turn.
• “Pumpkin Parade”: A nightly parade of carved pumpkin floats, accompanied by a live band playing spooky remixes of classic Halloween songs.

For those looking to add a little extra thrill, USJ also offers a “Midnight Horror Night” experience, where the park stays open until 2 am, and guests can enjoy a special “Nightmare Show” featuring a renowned Japanese horror director.

Tickets and Access

Admission to USJ for Halloween events ranges from ¥5,000 to ¥7,500, depending on the package selected. Early‑bird specials are available for bookings made before September 30. Visitors should note that the park has a “No Re‑entry” policy; once guests leave, they cannot re‑enter without a new ticket. Parking is available at the park’s own lot for a ¥1,000 fee.

USJ also offers an online portal that provides real‑time wait‑time information for each attraction, allowing guests to plan their visit and avoid long lines.

4. Travel Alerts and Safety Reminders

While the highlights above promise thrilling experiences, the travel alerts also include important safety reminders for holidaymakers:

• Health & Vaccination: Travelers should ensure they meet any entry requirements for Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, which may include COVID‑19 vaccination certificates or recent test results.
• Weather Precautions: Tasmania can be cool and rainy in October, so packing waterproof gear and layers is advisable.
• Crowd Management: Halloween events at Cadbury, Sky Tower, and USJ can attract large crowds. Arriving early and using online ticketing is highly recommended.
• Travel Insurance: The alerts advise purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.

5. Final Thoughts

The NZ Herald’s travel alerts paint a vivid picture of Halloween’s allure across continents. Whether you’re nibbling on chocolate ghosts in Tasmania, gazing out from the glittering Sky Tower, or braving the haunted rides of Universal Studios Japan, the season promises a blend of sweet delights, soaring thrills, and spine‑tingling chills. For those ready to dive into the festivities, the alerts provide all the information needed to book, plan, and enjoy a safe, memorable, and unmistakably spooky holiday.