As the sun dips on the horizon and the nights draw in, nature is busy recasting our southern vistas in a blaze of gold. How fitting, how poetic, that the cradle of our gold-rush heritage, Central Otago, stages New Zealand's most blazing autumn colour show.
If you're planning a sojourn
down south, "Central" is best experienced when cloaked in its autumn finery.
With fewer than 18,000 people populating its vast expanse, Central Otago is quite the holiday playground.
The region spans the heartland between Wanaka and Dunedin. It's big sky country, home to schist-laden landscapes, award-winning wineries and orchards, fast-running rivers, turquoise lakes, historic gold-mining towns and outdoor pursuits from curling to the Rail Trail.
If it's wine that's on your mind, head for Cromwell. Nestled on the banks of Lake Dunstan, Cromwell, renowned for its sun-ripened stone fruit, is my favourite launch-pad, particularly for walking, history and wine. You'll know you have arrived in Cromwell courtesy of the giant fruit salad sculpture adorning the main road. Load up with delicious fresh produce from the roadside stalls. The apricots, nectarines, peaches and cherries are to die for.
