What to see, best places to jump, stomp and throw bronzed leaves
Discover New Zealand’s burst of autumn colour. The best places for glorious seasonal change are the Hawkes Bay, Central Otago and Southland.
Hidden corners are discovered in the regional town’s botanic gardens nineteenth century / early twentieth century plantings. will provide glimpses of autumn delight. The South Island, with its definitive seasonal change offers visitors autumn hues as a photographic highlight combined with the dusting of snow on mountain peaks. Where to go ranges from inland Canterbury to the MacKenize country and the classic well known spots of Queenstown and Arrowtown. And, of course there is always a vineyard with its bronzed vine leaves and courtyard cafe to relax in.
This article is part of the series on Seasons in New Zealand. New Zealand native foliage is largely evergreen adding a dash of emerald green to the dullest winter day.
TIP: Drive safely
High mountain passes are glorious yet snow and ice can make the journey hazardous. A tour is a good option for autumn colour. If you are self guided carrying tyre chains is recommended.
BEST TIME TO GO
Early to mid April. While May is known for occasional beautiful summery type weather the leaves are often crisp, brown remnants on the roadside and valley floor.
SOUTH ISLAND
- ARROWTOWN
An instagram hot spot for photographs of leaves, trees and views and definitely a rival for Lake Wanaka. Walk along the riverbanks or take one of the short walks for views. This is a great place to enjoy the charms of a sophisticated cafe / visitor town experience with natural vistas just a short stroll away.
- QUEENSTOWN
Botanical gardens for visitors who want a leisurely stroll. Enthusiastic cyclists will enjoy the sweeping views of foliage on the Queenstown to Arrowtown cycle route. Lake Wakatipu is a glorious homage to seasonal autumn glory.
- BURKES PASS & FAIRLIE
A nature lovers driving route into the MacKenzie country is a leisurely drive through Fairlie and over Burkes Pass. Fairlie’s main tree is framed with mature oaks and sycamores creating a satisfactory introduction to the glory of autumn leaves. Burkes Pass, a nineteenth century mining town, now a charming heritage visitor stop is picturesque with mature exotic trees and quaint wooden historic buildings.
- MACKENZIE COUNTRY
Autumn’s golden hour is sunset with glorious layers of reds, pinks and purples offering a dramatic foil to the bronzed foliage, the lakes and distant mountains. The area is a well known photographer’s hotspot where visitors relax in the dusk as the sun sinks behind snow tipped peaks.
- LAKE TEKAPO
The contrast between azure blue lakes and stunning autumn leaf colour is magnificent.
Lake Tekapo is the scenic gift that keeps on giving. The stunning yellow trees that frame the lake’s edge in autumn are iconic. It is a special moment for visitors capturing the trees and landscape in the lake’s reflective waters. Visual perfection
The western side of the lake by Tekapo Springs in the early morning is a great photo and visual location. The gently rising steamy mist contrasts with the mountains and the autumn foliage. Tekapo Regional Park with its exotic forest on the south eastern side of the lake has picnic tables, toilets, trails and magical autumn views.
- TWIZEL
A temporary town created from work on a hydroelectric dam constructed proactive tree-planting has a autumn gorgeous legacy of hundreds of exotic thousands of exotic trees being planted all around the township. A walk along the Twizel River or further afield to Lake Ruatuniwha is a visual feast. Watch out for the Twizel Autumn Festival which has been postponed in 2021.
- LAKE ALEXANDRINA & LAKE MCGREGOR
Quiet lesser known lakes are ripe for dedicated autumn / landscape photographers to explore these two beautiful lakes. A short drive from Lake Tekapo to a place that’s a wildlife reserve. There are no jet boats disturbing the serenity of the MacKenzie countryside.
- LAKE PUKAKI/HAYMAN ROAD
Lake Pukaki is the largest lake in the area, and it proudly shows off New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/ Mount Cook, from the many vantage points along the lake. The water is an extraordinary turquoise due to glacial flour, made from extremely fine rock particles that have come from the surrounding glaciers. The lake is fed at its northern end by the braided Tasman River, which has its source in the Hooker and Tasman Glaciers. For autumn buffs the Hayman Road has numerous exotic trees. Hayman Road is gravel on the eastern side of the lake. The Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail passes through the area with toilets
Pioneer settler T.D. Burnett of Mount Cook Station had a passion for planting trees, and through his determined efforts, there are now many exotic trees along Hayman Road and at Mount Cook Station. Hayman Road is a long gravel road running along the eastern side of Lake Pukaki. This is a dead-end road that terminates at the gates to Mount Cook Station. Spend time to slow down, park the car or bike, unpack your impromptu picnic and absorb the iconic alpine scenery.
- CENTRAL OTAGO
Vineyards with autumn foliage tinting the vines and the Maniototo District driving towards Alexandra, Nasby and beyond. The district is dotted with exotic trees with a local favourite being the Clyde Dam.
- CHRISTCHURCH
The name Garden City sums up the autumn blaze of colour from Hagley Park, the Botanical Gardens, the streets lined with mature trees. A punt on the River Avon is an ideal way to savour the sensory experience of colour.
Unique journeys, special moments, the adventure is worth it.
