The colours of autumn reach their zenith during April, May and June. Painted every warm hue from yellow to the darkest crimson, the leaves of deciduous trees cling stubbornly to their branches. Many won’t drift to the ground until the early stages of winter, so the landscape has plenty of time to bask in the glories of the season. Around the Southern Lakes region, the weeks between summer and winter are a scenic high point. The clarity of the air makes it easy to see where your ball has landed on the golf course, or the ripple of trout activity in Lake Dunstan. The historic gold mining village of Arrowtown is alive with colour and charm, culminating in a week-long autumn festival at the end of April.

Activities and attractions abound across the country - inviting you to experience the adventure and grandeur. From rafting, kayaking, jet boating, mountain biking and sky diving to scenic cruises, helicopter flights, sailing charters and glacier walking - the options are endless.