etraveladmin Yellow, red, and bronze hues blanket the country, enhancing the beauty of our diverse landscapes (and popular with photographers). While both islands have spectacular leaf displays, the foliage in the south is by far the most vibrant – entire hillsides are burnished bronze.
So, if Autumn is your thing, keep reading for the best places to visit in New Zealand’s shoulder season.
1. Botanical gardens in Auckland-
Most botanical gardens in the country put on a show in autumn, but the Auckland Botanic Gardens, with its 64 hectares of forest and flowers on display, is one of our favourites.
2. Hawkes Bay-
Normally one of New Zealand’s best-known wine regions, Hawkes Bay sheds its green cloak during harvest, transforming the rows and rows of grape vines into a golden sensation.
3.Taranaki-
Nestled at the foot of its namesake, Mt Taranaki, this region is known for its abundant gardens and volcanic soil, so the countryside lights up in the fall.
4. Arrowtown –
In our opinion, Arrowtown is the best place in the entire country to visit in the fall. This historical town, tucked into the southern Alps, is straight out of a postcard, with every shade of orange, red, yellow, gold, and bronze on display.
5. Wanaka –
With its many lakeside tracks lined with yellowing poplars, our hometown is another special place to visit this time of year (obviously, we’re a little biassed). To make the most of the scenery, we recommend taking a scenic flight.
6. Cambridge –
Cambridge (in the Waikato farming region) has wide tree-lined avenues that will see out the season in style.
7. Christchurch –
Known as ‘The Garden City,’ Christchurch is densely forested with oak, sycamore, ash, and lime trees, as well as extensive parks and gardens.
8. Greater Central Otago –
With a backdrop of stone fruit, wineries, and Lord of the Rings scenery, Central Otago is yet another stunning Autumnal destination. Lake Dunstan, Clyde, Ophir, and Naseby are all noteworthy locations.
