7 of the best New Zealand autumn escapes

Explore New Zealand's best autumn destinations. Photo / Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association Gallery

Hear us out, we know summer is - arguably - NZ’s best season, but autumn has a lot going for it too.

New Zealand transforms every season and of course, there are plenty of things to do around the country whatever the weather, but autumn in New Zealand is really quite special. Here is a selection of great things to see and do in New Zealand over autumn.

Experience Arrowtown’s autumn festival

Celebrate the change of season in one of the country’s prettiest destinations, with the Arrowtown Autumn Festival (April 25-28).

The festival has been a must-do in the region since 1985 when events included barbershop quartet competitions and sheep races. The calendar of events has evolved over the years, with over 40 food, wine, music, art, and community events this year. Many long-held traditions remain today, like the art exhibition at the Lakes District Museum, the street parade, and market day. Most of the events are free to attend, making it a lovely and lively way to spend your time in the South.

TOP TIP: After a trip to the art exhibitions in the Lakes District Museum, head over to The Fork and Tap for a glass of beer and a plate of fish and chips.

Watch amazing performances at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival. Photo / Arrowtown Autumn Festival Gallery

Enjoy the fall foliage in Queenstown

Is there a better autumnal activity than strolling through gardens dressed in pops of orange and gold? Listen to leaves crunch underfoot and take in the beauty of Queenstown Gardens on the fringes of Lake Wakatipu.

If you’re looking for short volunteer work, head over to Slope Hill Road on April 27 to help plant trees for Wakatipu Reforestation Trust’s community tree planting initiative. Don’t forget to wear sturdy footwear, gather your gardening tools, and apply sunscreen for a day of tree planting.

Wine lovers can treat themselves to a 4-course wine and dine experience at Coal Pit Wines’ Winemakers Dinner on May 22. The table-sharing event promises a delicious combination of food and wine pairings while enjoying the serene atmosphere at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa.

To enjoy the autumn foliage while pursuing the best local wares, visit the Queenstown Market for unique arts and crafts, and see visual and performing arts. Open every Saturday from 9am-4pm.

Enjoy the chill autumn breeze with your family at Queenstown. Photo / Destination Queenstown

Watch the Aurora Australis in Lake Tekapo

Autumn in Lake Tekapo is filled with Saturday markets, bike races, and beautiful star-lit evenings. Spend a slow Saturday at the Tekapo Saturday Market and enjoy the best local food and beverages, arts, crafts, and products from 9am to 1pm.

If you are up for an adventure, take on the challenge of The Mackenzie Races on April 20. There are two mountain bike races: Bayleys ‘The Muster’ 88 km race and the Cairns Alpine Resort and Golf Club ‘The Mini Muster’ Mackenzie 65 km race. Both races are beginner-friendly, with tracks that are fairly easy to tackle.

The best autumn highlight in Lake Tekapo is the majestic Aurora Australis. Tekapo Springs offers one of the best stargazing locations in the region, combining the stunning skyscape of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and the hot pools, where you can soak up the stars from a floating hammock.

The lake itself is a must-see. Walk along the water’s edge and take in the changing trees. Or visit Lake Tekapo Regional Park, a 165ha forest on the southeastern side of the lake, where you can enjoy picnic spots, a dog park, and 24km of cycling and walking tracks.

Tekapo Springs is situated at the base of Mt John, and offers supreme views of Lake Tekapo and the mountain ranges beyond. Photo / Supplied

Go on a bike adventure in Central Otago

Embrace the crisp temperatures and experience the landscape’s changing colours by bike. Central Otago is full of gorgeous trails that you can explore, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned adventurer.

First on the list is the Central Otago Rail Trail, a classic southern activity to take on while in Alexandra and Roxburgh. You can spend a day on the trail, admiring the sweeping views. But if you’re ambitious, you can tackle the full journey - all 150km of it, which snakes a route from Clyde to Middlemarch. Make sure you book accommodation, restaurants, wineries, and other activities beforehand to make your four-day journey extra memorable.

Next stop is the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, which offers a one-day ride from Alexandra to Lake Roxburgh Dam, with a middle section that requires a boat ride crossing. Pedal through the spectacular scenery of the dramatic bluffs and schist outcrops that dominate the vistas. Then treat yourself to some of the region’s finest food and wine, including a stop at Alexandra’s Black Ridge Vineyard & Winery, one of the world’s southernmost wineries.

Wrap up your autumn bike ride with tickets to the Big Bike Film Night on May 10. Spend two and a half hours watching the best bike films with cycling enthusiasts. Enjoy a series of short films, connect with the cycling community and spark some more inspiration to get out and ride.

Mountain bikers and wild thyme in flower, high above Lake Roxburgh on Roxburgh Gorge Cycle and Walking Track, Central Otago, South Island. Photo / Supplied

Explore Christchurch’s vineyards

Christchurch is never short of leisurely entertainment, whatever the weather or season.

Don’t miss myriad must-dos in the city, like the Botanic Gardens: still lush this time of year with hydrangeas and a crisp, cool autumn leaf display. Venture a little further afield and explore the North Canterbury wineries, like the Pegasus Bay Winery, Pyramid Valley Vineyards, or Waipara Hills. And, since you’re in the area, it’d be rude not to take your relaxation to the next level with a soak at Hanmer Springs. Enjoy the mineral-rich waters, or indulge in a spa treatment – a perfect tonic as the air begins to cool, and just 1 hour, 45 minutes by car from central Christchurch.

Start your stay with a challenge and register for the annual Christchurch Marathon on April 21. The Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon has something for everyone, with multiple runs ranging from kids to beginner runners to marathoners. The main event is the full 42.2k marathon and can also serve as a tour of iconic landmarks such as Hagley Park, the Christchurch Town Hall, Canterbury Museum, and the Avon River.

Foodies should make a beeline for one of the region’s many enticing farmers’ markets. From Christchurch to Riccarton to Riverside, there are plenty of locally sourced goodies to fill you up, with produce including regional cheese and deli offerings, as well as moreish coffee and pastries.

Some upcoming markets that you really shouldn’t miss include the Night Market at Christchurch Art Gallery on May 1, the Linwood Village Market on May 4, and the Mother’s Day Market at The Palms Shopping Centre on May 11.

Autumn by the banks of the Avon River in Christchurch. Photo / Supplied

Run a marathon in Hawke’s Bay

For those who like to some exercise to their holiday, the Hawke’s Bay Marathon (May 18) could be the one for you. Take the whole family on a kid’s run, or challenge yourself to 10km, 21km or the full 42km, and run through the region, across local cycle trails and country roads, and jog past beautiful vineyards and orchards.

Continue the nature adventure and visit Maraetotara Falls on a clear autumn day, even if it’s too cold for a dip. A short drive from Havelock North gets you there, and an easy walk leads to a beautiful swimming spot at the base of the falls. It’s also very pleasant to simply amble around the area and enjoy the Maraetotara Historic Walk.

While here, visit the Pekapeka Wetlands. Covering 98 hectares, the wetlands are home to protected bird species like the grey teal, kingfisher, morepork, and the rarely-spotted Australasian bittern.

Inland Hawkes Bay in autumn. Photo / Supplied

Embark on a wine adventure in Wairarapa

An autumn adventure in New Zealand is not complete without a good drink at the end of it. Raise a glass to the harvest season and visit some of the Wairarapa’s finest wineries. With more than 20 cellar doors, Martinborough is a must-go destination for wine fans.

One of the biggest crowdpleasers on the vino scene is Poppies Martinborough, a boutique wine producer that draws on traditional wine-making techniques. There’s a tasting room for their wines or, if you’d like to linger longer, settle in for a tasty lunch, enjoying a platter while you sip on a sauvignon semillon.

Go on a wine-tasting journey at Martinborough. Photo / Destination Wairarapa

Continue exploring the Wairarapa wine trail and stop in for award-winning wines at Masterton’s Matahiwi Estate, Gladstone Vineyard in Carterton, and Martinborough’s Palliser Estate, to name just a few.

If you’re not up for wine, take your palette on a different adventure at Tōhi Gin Room’s Gin Tasting or Karahui Wine Bar & Eatery’s Whisky Tasting. Alternatively, meander around the local shops and enjoy a wealth of regional produce, from roasted coffee to locally-made wares.