7-Day South Island Autumn Itinerary

See the extraordinary south island in a week with an itinerary that's focused on beautiful autumn scenery. Take your time exploring, because there's a lot to see on the way in this New Zealand south island itinerary. 

Fly into Auckland International Airport, then catch a connecting flight to Queenstown.

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1h 55m
QueenstownDay 1-2
Queenstown at dusk

Also known as the Adventure Capital, Queenstown is home to countless thrilling activities like bungy jumping and jet boating. Consider picking up a rental car and make this city your base as you visit nearby towns and regions to get the best views of New Zealand's autumn foliage and experiences.

Things to do in and around Queenstown:

  • Autumn is a great time to visit Queenstown and experience food and wine. Many Queenstown wineries have cellar door tasting, and several have excellent winery restaurants on site, so you can drop in for a taste, a chat to the staff or a delicious meal with a glass of your favourite variety.
  • Relax with a soak at Onsen Hot Pools near Arthur's Point. Enjoy the tranquility and privacy of your own cedar-enclosed spa room overlooking the spectacular Shotover River
    ArrowtownDay 3

    Consider visiting Arrowtown as a daytrip from Queenstown. Only 20 minutes away by car, the autumn colours of this town are complemented by quaint historic buildings. Near the end of April, the Arrowtown Autumn Festival is on with a whole week of live music, vintage cars, craft workshops, gold panning and much more.

    Things to do in and around Arrowtown:

    • Golfing in Arrowtown is another iconic activity. Home to three of New Zealand's top 15 golf courses, Arrowtown Golf Club is the oldest in the town, established in 1937, and boasts dramatic landscapes that make golfing an unforgettably beautiful experience.
    • Filled with cafés, pubs, bistros, Arrowtown is becoming one of South Island's hottest dining destinations.
      Central OtagoDay 4
      Vineyard in New Zealand during Autumn

      Home of New Zealand's Pinot Noir, the wineries in Central Otago are a must-visit. If alcohol isn't on the table, turn to Central Otago's many cycling trails, of which the 150km Otago Central Rail Trail is sure to take you on a scenic journey.

      Things to do in and around Central Otago:

      • Experience the thrilling Goldfields Jetboat Ride on the Kawarau River, and do your best to catch the views of Kawarau Gorge amidst exhilarating 360 spins.
      • Take in the history of Central Otago's gold mining heritage in the towns of Ophir, Bannockburn, Clyde and Naseby.
        WānakaDay 5

        Wānaka is picture-perfect in autumn, and is the perfect opportunity to photograph the iconic Lake Wānaka tree. You can still feel the heat of late summer, but the sky is a deeper shade of blue. Around the lakes and along the roadside, trees are transitioning through all the autumn colours.

        Things to do in and around Wānaka:

        • Nearby Mount Aspiring National Park is the gateway to exploring the Southern Alps. Consider doing one of the popular short walks from Wānaka, such as the Aspiring Hut walk and the Rob Roy track, both of which can be completed under 2 hours.
        • The spectacular autumnal colours of Lake Wānaka gave the Festival of Colour its name. This biennial celebration of the arts encompasses six exciting days and nights of outstanding performances and inspiring exhibitions set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps on the shores of beautiful Lake Wānaka.
          Lindis Pass and Lake TekapoDay 6
          Tekapo, New Zealand

          Lindis Pass is makes for an unforgettably scenic drive on your way up from the south. The tussock-clad hills are bleached gold in autumn; you might even see a dusting of snow. After the pass, you'll come to Omarama, a town recognisable for its huge merino sheep statue.

          There's no mistaking Lake Tekapo – the water's opaque turquoise colour is truly astonishing. This natural phenomenon is caused by fine, glacier-ground rock particles held in suspension.

          Things to do in and around Lake Tekapo:

          • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, which was built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie country. From here you'll see an amazing view of the Southern Alps, as well as the golden spear-like poplars and bright yellow willow trees fringing the lakeside.
          • Don't miss stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which has been designated the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world.
          • Visit Tekapo Springs and relax in the hot pools, while enjoying the stunning views of the lake. The crystal clear water is sourced from the surrounding alpine springs and heated with recyclable energy.
            ChristchurchDay 7
            Two women having fun at the Botanic Gardens, Christchurch.

            Christchurch is magnificent in autumn because it's planted with trees that go through the full spectrum of colour changes. Also, the weather is usually very settled with sunny days and comfortably cool nights. Here, retire your rental car and take your time to explore the vibrant town and its traditional English vibes.

            Things to do in Christchurch:

            • Enjoy a stroll through Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, where you can see spectacular autumn colours against a backdrop of the Avon River. Punting (boating) is another way to experience the scenery. An experienced punter dressed in traditional Edwardian attire will propel you gently along the river while you admire the city and its gardens.
            • Visit historic Mona Vale. Dating from 1900, this estate has a charming restaurant and an extensive garden of mature trees, lawns and flowerbeds. You can tour the homestead, enjoy a meal, then wander the fabulous grounds.
            • Have a cool time at the International Antarctic Centre. You'll journey through modern-day Antarctica, ride on all-terrain Hagglund vehicle, experience a magical simulated 4D Antarctic cruise and hang out with little blue penguins.

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              Lake Wanaka image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand; Botanic Garden image courtesy ChristchurchNZ; Images courtesy of Tourism New Zealand; Image credit to Kaikoura Kayaks; Queenstown stargazing, image courtesy of Skyline Queenstown; Russell image courtesy of David Kirkland; Bay of Islands image courtesy of Northland Inc ; Friends looking at view image courtesy of Destination Queenstown