October is spring just the problem is that it will be wet most likley and changable there can be nice warm days but we get a lot of rain and somtimes sking is still going on as there can be the odd snow fall in higher places

I m in New Plymouth its on the west coast of the north island about a 4 hour drive from auckland
there is some info here http://www.taranaki.co.nz and by all means drop in to see me

I will send you some contact details