Aotearoa Awsome in Autumn
From March to May, immerse yourself in the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s vibrant colours. The crisp air and clear skies make it the perfect time to explore the country’s scenic beauty, indulge in seasonal delights, and immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences. We’ve rounded up some exciting experiences in the North and South Islands which are particularly great in autumn.
Te Ika a Maui – the North Island
Leafy greens, citrus fruit, and shellfish are ripe for the picking in autumn, so why not delight your tastebuds with a foodie experience! Sample contemporary and traditional Māori cuisine at Te Pā Tū in Rotorua – this superb experience also includes a cultural show. Partake in an Auckland food tour or traverse the Hauraki Gulf and try oysters, visit micro-breweries and enjoy wine tasting on Waiheke Island.
Autumn is migration period for many species of birds, they can be seen flocking to the eastern coasts of New Zealand. Inland, teams of musterers take to the farms to corral flocks of sheep for winter. You can get up close and personal to farm animals at Agrodome or spot kiwi in their natural habitats at The National Kiwi Hatchery, both in Rotorua. For predator-free conservation experiences head to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in the Waikato, or Zealandia in the capital city Wellington. As the air turns crisp and leaves turn golden, New Zealand transforms into an autumnal wonderland.
Capture golden hour and golden leaves against some stunning autumn backdrops. Sculptureum, an art, garden, food and wine haven in Matakana north of Auckland sets the scene for some weird and wonderful photo opportunities. Hamilton Gardens in the Waikato tells the story of gardens through different civilisations, in five themed collections, spread over 58 hectares. Visit Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, a Garden of National Significance and take a leisurely row across the lake, capturing glimpses of the snow-capped mountain through the trees. And in the capital, just minutes away from the central city, Wellington Botanic Garden offers beauty and intrigue all year round but is particularly beautiful in autumn.
Te Waipounamu – the South Island
With no crowds and a temperate climate, autumn is the perfect time to visit some of New Zealand’s prized National Parks. There is something for everyone to enjoy, with a range of family-friendly short walks on easy tracks, boat trips, and multi-day adventures with overnight stays. Nelson Lakes National Park is home to the beginning of the awe-inspiring Southern Alps and offers easy lakeside walking tracks and more challenging alpine hikes. Abel Tasman, also in the Nelson Tasman region, is New Zealand’s smallest national park – but perfect for relaxation and adventure alike.
Aoraki Mount Cook is home to the highest mountains and the longest glaciers in New Zealand. It is alpine in the purest sense – with towering peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded night sky. Autumn is the season for Bluff oysters, snapper and tuna. So, what better time to delight your tastebuds with some fresh seafood – it tastes even better when you’ve caught it yourself! Book the Greenshell Mussel Cruise in Marlborough to sample freshly harvested Greenshell mussels right from the source. In Kaikōura, there are number of small group and private fishing charters, set amongst the region’s unique marine environment and stunning scenery and marine life galore. For the ultimate in night sky experiences, a visit to Dark Sky Project at Mt John Observatory in Mackenzie region (an International Dark Sky Reserve) is a must. Enjoy a world-class stargazing and astronomy experience, discovering the night skies from a unique cultural and scientific perspective in all-weather conditions.
So no matter how long you’re travelling for, one thing is for certain; you’ll never run out of places to see or adventures to experience in New Zealand.