Most tourist destinations have an optimal time to visit, but New Zealand isn’t one. You can visit New Zealand any time of year for a great vacation. But to many people, Autumn is the ideal time to travel here. Here’s why:

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1.     Tis the Season

Okay, so it might not be the season for getting holly and jolly, but it’s definitely the season for making memories. New Zealand has four distinct seasons; spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The best time to go depends on what you are hoping to get out of your visit.

If you’re looking to spend long hours at the beach, summer would be ideal. If you’re looking to hit the slopes, winter would be ideal. But if you’re looking for more comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds, and an array of activity options - Autumn tis’ the season.

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"Of all the seasons, Autumn is the most settled. Temperatures generally range from 7-21 degrees celsius, but remain pretty stable throughout the season. It’s not too hot for hiking and not too cold for swimming.."

Unlike many other destinations that have large temperature extremes throughout their different seasons, New Zealand lacks these types of climates. In fact, New Zealand has a pretty small temperature range from about 12 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year. . For this reason, Autumn is the best season for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the beautiful New Zealand landscape.

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2. Autumn Landscapes

Let’s talk about that landscape.

There’s no doubt that New Zealand's vast array of landscapes are beautiful no matter which season you go, but if you love fall colors, Autumn is where it’s at.

During this season, the Deciduous trees transform into their most beautiful form as brilliant hues of yellow, gold, and orange set in. This makes Autumn the perfect time for outdoor activities, fall drives, and unlimited Instagrammable photo opps!

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3. Fewer Crowds

We won’t lie, if you’re looking for sun, sand, and beachy weather, summer is the best season for visiting New Zealand. And this is exactly what most people are looking for, making summer the most popular tourist season.

But if you’d rather spend your time doing out-of-the-water activities, visiting New Zealand in Autumn can save you from crowded destinations. This means you don’t have to spend hours in line to get into your favorite spots, nor do you have to wait your turn to take your photos. It also means less time waiting and more time exploring!

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4. Save Money

Fewer crowds isn’t the only perk of visiting New Zealand in Autumn - you can also save yourself a lot of money! Because Autumn is considered off-season, travel to New Zealand is much cheaper in these months. More specifically, flights, accommodations, and activities are all cheaper during this time of year.

This makes Autumn the perfect time to visit New Zealand for those on a budget or who want to stay a little longer for a little less.

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So What Is There To Do In Autumn?

So Autumn is an excellent time for stable weather, fall colors, and lessened crowds and fares, but what is there to do there? We could go on, and on, and on, and on about all the amazing things to do in Autumn, but here’s our top 3:

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1. Stargazing

The cool, clear Autumn nights make the months from March to June the perfect time to spend a night under the stars. Autumn is the ideal time for stargazing in New Zealand because the skies are generally cloudless and are so clear that you can see thousands of stars, planets, and even solar systems.

You can curl up in a warm blanket and stargaze in your own space, or you can head to one of New Zealand's amazing dark sky reserves. At the top of our recommendation list is the Dark Sky Experience within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, or the Good Heavens Dark Sky Experience on Great Barrier Island.

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2. Whale Watching

If you like ocean life, Autumn is the perfect time to see it. If you head to the South Island's east coast, Kaikoura, you can spot sperm whales year-round. This is one of the only places in the world where sperm whales can be spotted so easily. Orcas also make their way through the area from December to March (the beginning of Autumn), and Humpbacks can be spotted from June to July (the end of Autumn).

Seals, sea lions, penguins, and dolphins also call New Zealand home throughout the year.

You can go whale watching and/or dive with dolphins with Whale Watch Kaikoura.

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3. Scenic Train Rides

If you come to New Zealand for the scenery, there are few better ways to take it in than by train. New Zealand offers several different scenic train ride options, and Autumn is always the best time to capture the natural beauty of the changing leaves.

Some of our favorite train rides include the Taieri Gorge Railway that travels through the heart of Central Otago Hinterland, or the Driving Creek Railway that winds through the dense Native Forest of New Zealand.

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