There are a few activities you really must do when in Queenstown in the fall! Autumn in Queenstown is a terrific time for families, foodies, and adventurers. There is much more to it than just donning a lightweight jacket and exploring the city. Don’t pass up some of these top autumn activities in Queenstown!
1. Take a stroll to admire the fall foliage
When you visit in the fall, be sure to immerse yourself in the brilliant colors of nature. Go outside along the Arrow River, Lake Hayes Loop, or Tobin’s track after putting on some warm clothing. If you want to take a brief stroll, the Queenstown Gardens are a terrific place to explore. From the gardens, you can see the golden poplars that line the lake.
2. Check out the wineries
The wine harvest, when tons of grapes are gathered from Central Otago’s 200 vineyards, is best experienced in the early autumn. After visiting their cellar doors, treat your taste buds to lunch at one of the region’s many superb winery restaurants. A “cycling the vines” trip is available if you’d want to do something more strenuous.
3. Go to Glenorchy and stop there
The frontier town of Glenorchy, which served as the dramatic backdrop for numerous international films, including The Lord of the Rings, is located 45 minutes lakeside drive from Queenstown.
It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, scenic lakes and rivers, and national parks. The hamlet provides a variety of dining and lodging options, a visitor center, a garage, and a basic store in addition to its well-known possum fur items and designer clothing and gifts created in New Zealand.
4. Embrace the seasonal food
Several restaurants in Queenstown focus heavily on seasonal ingredients that are locally obtained and are inspired by fresh whitebait, deer, Cardrona Valley merino lamb, wild pheasant, rabbit, and the hare, as well as vegetables, herbs, and stone fruits. With more than 150 restaurants to choose from, talented local cooks (and celebrity chefs) expertly create chic contemporary meals and gourmet burgers to suit any occasion.
5. Play a game of golf
If you play golf, don’t forget to bring your clubs to Queenstown. With seven magnificent golf courses, including three championship courses and four experience courses, each with its own distinctive greens and natural features, Queenstown is home to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful fairways.
A golf trip to Queenstown is not only an opportunity to get away, but it’s also a wonderful method to reenergize and rejuvenate while surrounded by breathtaking lake and mountain landscapes.
6. TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu cruise
On the TSS Earnslaw steamboat, enjoy the greatest perspective of Queenstown’s autumnal hues. Discover some fresh bays further down the lake and have a completely new view of your surroundings when you’re on the water. A familiar sight in Queenstown, the Earnslaw can be seen cruising on Lake Wakatipu or parked at Steamer Wharf.
Almost a century old, this coal-fired steamship has been superbly cared for and preserved. The sailboat is in fantastic shape. Even the open engine room can be seen. You may enjoy breathtaking views of The Remarkables and other mountain ranges while cruising in this Queenstown landmark. With a beverage from the onboard bar in your hand, cruise to Walter Peak farm at the opposite end of the lake.
7. Look into Arrowtown
Cute, endearing, and colorful. Autumn is the ideal time to visit Arrowtown! Between summer and winter, the forest of trees that surrounds this small township becomes a beautiful shade of red, yellow, and orange. It takes 20 minutes to get from Queenstown to Arrowtown.
Take a stroll down the Arrow River, down the main street, and to the old Chinese neighborhood in Arrowtown. The most popular photo is of the tiny cottage hidden in the trees, which is impossible to miss. When traveling to Queenstown in the fall, be sure to check out Arrowtown.
8. Arrowtown Autumn Festival, 20 – 25 April 2023
The Arrowtown Autumn Festival offers a great excuse to venture outside and take in the season’s magnificent colors and relaxing pace. The area emphasizes its history of gold mining and commemorates it on the streets of Arrowtown with a street parade and a schedule of events for the local community.
9. Jet boating
A jet boat trip naturally ranks highly on the must-do list because it was in New Zealand that the jet boating craze first took off. The “mecca” of jet boating in New Zealand is Queenstown, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, frequently breathtaking weather, and rivers with just the right amount of depth. Up to 95 km/h is possible as you zoom down the Kawarau River!
Your driver will whip you around while making some adrenaline-inducing turns and 360-degree spins. The ideal thrilling Queenstown experience. A great time to go outside is in the fall. The weather is still pleasant, and the view of the lake is breathtaking. You can add whitewater rafting to your Queenstown jet boat experience before winter arrives!
