Autumn
A kaleidoscope of colour embraces New Zealand in autumn. From March to May, alluring golds and warm reds splash the landscape.
Traditionally the temperatures drop, but the weather stabilises making for long days of clear blue skies. From the sub-tropical north to the expansive south, it’s time to enjoy orchard fruits, see vineyards being harvested, or to explore the outdoors.
In the South Island, festivals flourish as the colours change. Wanaka celebrates autumn with the Festival of Colour and at the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival on the West Coast, visitors can sample extraordinary edible morsels such as huhu grubs (beetle larvae) and wasabi ice cream.
The annual Bluff Oyster and Southland Seafood Festival is another event not to be missed, especially for those who are fans of the Bluff oyster, a real Southland delicacy. In the North Island, the biennial international World of Music and Dance (WOMAD) festival in Taranaki is an eclectic mix of rhythm and movement, while the fiercely contested Dragon Boat Race on Wellington’s harbour offers a sporting and cultural event like no other.
Autumn is the best time to cycle, walk or horse ride the historic Central Otago Rail Trail and take in the expansive blue skies, long days and incredible colours.
With mild temperatures in the North Island it’s not too late to swim with the dolphins along the east coast, or walk in the volcanic Tongariro National Park before its mountains become covered in snow.
View these and more Autumn images from the Tourism New Zealand's Image Library. All images are available to download.
As green turns to orange and gold against skies of the bluest blue, autumn in New Zealand's southern lakes region is enough to bring the poet out in anybody. The tranquil days are perfect for picnics, and the scenery is enough to wear out your camera.
Photo credit: Bob McCree
It would be hard to imagine a road more breathtaking than State Highway 80, which follows the shores of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. At any time of the year it’s a journey that demands frequent photographic stops, but in autumn the scenery is at its most glorious.
Photo credit: David Wall
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A dusting of icing sugar, or the first fall of autumn snow? The scenery of the Lindis Pass makes the road between Tarras and Omarama a motorist's dream. The pass follows an old Maori trail that was used by the Ngai Tahu tribe during summer expeditions to Central Otago and the west coast.
Photo credit: Peter Morath
As summer passes, the land around Queenstown and Arrowtown turns golden brown with the promise of the coming snow. The hay bales hint of riches in store – fine local wine, romantic dinners by roaring fires and delightful days on the mountain. There’s an inescapable feeling that all is well in this beautiful part of the world.
Photo credit: Ben Crawford
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