As the temperature cools down and the sun begins to set earlier, picturesque destinations around New Zealand come alive with autumn colours. Any trips that you didn’t get around to in summer, can still be enjoyed in the cooler months. Sightseeing, festivals, wine tasting and more – autumn is a fantastic time to be exploring these places.
1. Arrowtown
A charming town in the south island that is perfect for an autumn getaway. This beautiful settlement has a large gold mining history to explore and discover. Visit the Chinese settlement or The Lakes District Museum. The restored town truly conveys a cosy autumn vibe that will make you feel as if you’ve travelled back in time.
The Arrowtown Autumn Festival is the town’s five-day celebration of the changing season. Celebrate as the colours turn to burnt orange, yellow and red. Held in the last week of April, this festival is perfect for the whole family. Dabble in photography competitions, yoga, quiz nights, art exhibitions, parades, golf, dog shows, historic tree walks, brunch, pies, pint and pinot, children’s activities and more!
2. Central Otago
Central Otago is one of the best places to experience autumn in New Zealand. The area is known for its fantastic wine and world-class cycle trails, making it the perfect adult getaway during the shifting seasons. It’s in April that the vines begin to change to a stunning gold colour. Get a taste of the autumn harvest including pinot noir which the region is famous for.
3. Wanaka
Wanaka is incredibly beautiful this time of year. A visit to Lake Wanaka and That Wanaka Tree is a must-do during autumn in New Zealand. Watching the golden sunrise over the crisp misty lake is a truly unmissable experience. Partake in some of the locals’ favourite autumn activities like hiking or biking. The resort town is home to a range of biking and hiking tracks from scenic roads to mountains, perfect for beginners to experts. You’ll be able to truly immerse yourself in nature’s changing season.
4. Hokitika
Did you even visit Hokitika if you didn’t visit the Hokitika Gorge? The famous setting of blue water surrounded by lush green forest and white boulders is a stunning natural wonder to visit. Adventurous with your food? Get a taste of unusual autumn food at the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is the place. This festival offers a menu consisting of options like huhu grubs, possum pies, bull, seagulls, snails and magpie pies. It’s a celebration of West Coast produce!
5. Hawkes Bay
One of the best spots for autumn in New Zealand is the Hawkes Bay region. It’s here that the autumn aesthetics are stunning and a warmer temperature makes for a pleasant time in the beautiful surroundings. Hawkes Bay is one of the best holiday destinations in the North Island. During autumn, experience the apple harvest and grape vintage in progress. The region boasts over 4,700 hectares of vineyards harvesting about 45,000 tonnes of grapes, so don’t miss taking a tour or visiting one in autumn!
6. Matakana Village
Only a 45-minute drive out of Auckland is this quaint village. Perfect for a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although an all-year-round activity, experience the autumn vibes with a relaxing stroll around the rustic Matakana Market. Enjoy the local and organic produce along the vibrant riverside surrounded by glorious mangroves and native bush. Children will be entertained by the natural playground treehouse right by the river. Prolong your autumn getaway with a myriad of accommodation options available around the village or along the riverside.
7. Eastwoodhill
Eastwoodhill is truly the autumn hidden gem of the North Island. Just a 30-minute drive from Gisborne is this arboretum – a tree park that features the largest range of northern hemisphere trees in the southern hemisphere. A stunning treat to do all year, but a must-do in autumn. Getting amongst Mother Nature’s gift of golden orange and brown hues in Eastwoodhill is a must! This is one of the best spots to experience autumn in New Zealand.
