Choose Coach Hire In NZ To Visit These Autumn Destinations
New Zealand blooms with colours in autumn season, with the deciduous trees turning gleaming hues of orange, yellow and gold, as the sky transforms into a crystal clear blue surface. There is so much to see and celebrate the festive environment in the budding autumn months. Choose coach hire in NZ to visit these popular autumn destinations.
Hokianga
With a fascinating history of the European and Maori, the Hokianga Harbour traces the heritage back to the time of renowned explorer Kupe, who founded New Zealand deep into the southern ocean. In case you are travelling to the region from south, you’ll get a chance to witness the largest kauri tree in New Zealand, Tane Mahuta in the Waipoua Forest. The Harbour lies just at the exit of the forest.
Home of historic Clendon House, the largest town in Hokianga, Rawene is the third oldest European settlement in New Zealand. Don’t forget to go on a mangrove boardwalk. Another key attraction here is the Wairere Boulders, a steam of huge rocks stretching across 1.5 kilometres. What appears to be a limestone formation is actually basalt.
Central Otago
The Central Otago region is on top of the list for all the valid reasons! A place that was once a gold mine is now a haven for a wide selection of wines. Most of the wineries offer wine tastings, with the most fickle of varieties excelling in the vineyards, being the Pinot Noir. The best idea is to hire a mountain bike, and explore the region at your own leisure pace. This way you’ll get the most of incredible scenery, seasonal flavours and the remotest sites in Otago.
Popularly renowned for its cycling trails, the favourite one is the Central Otago Rail Trail stretching across a length of 150 km, following the route of old railway. The likes of Clutha Gold Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trail also offer unique experiences. If you do not fancy cycling, go curling in Naseby, take a cruise on Lake Dunstan, wander through the Cromwell Historic Precinct and go wildflower walking in Alexandra.
Ruapehu
Guarding over a landscape of forests, rivers, lakes and desert, the triplet volcanoes define the iconic region of Ruapehu. Today, they are a part of first national park in New Zealand in the World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park. Alongside the two smaller cones of Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, the centerpiece is the snow-capped Mount Ruapehu, which is one of the best spots for skiing. Apart from that, there are plenty of adventure opportunities in the region, including one day hikes from alpine meadow to mountain peak across a landscape of volcanic rock and craters.
Autumn is the best time for some mountain biking, with spots like Nga Ara Tuhono Trail and Timber Trail on offer. Experience the serene Whanganui River by jet boat or canoe, secluded deep in the Whanganui National Park.
Hawkes Bay
Known as the Wine Country, the Hawkes Bay is much more than sun and wine. The warm and dry climate suits the production of premium wines, including syrah, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Being the Art Deco Centre of New Zealand, it is home to some of the most convoluted celebrations of Matariki- the Maori New Year. Here you can taste some exceptional artisan epicurean food, shop at the farmers’ market for fresh produce and have a great lunch at the Napier’s.
Relax on the beautiful beaches that extend along the coastline, visit the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony and walk the forest trails of Kaweka and Ruahine Forest Parks in a beautiful autumn atmosphere. Accommodation options are available to suit all pocket sizes!
Mackenzie Country
Located in the South Island of New Zealand, the Mackenzie country is a sub-region of Canterbury, which is based around the Mackenzie Basin. Water from the melting glaciers fill three lakes of Ohau, Pukaki and Tekapo, which nosh the Waitaki River. Being a sparsely populated region, the country’s beauty has largely remained untouched backwoods. During the autumn months, it’s a pleasing sight to watch the glorious Southern Alps set in the backdrop, with two of the largest lakes in the region being the lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.
One can take an expansive view of the snow-capped peak of Aoraki Mount Cook, the highest one in New Zealand, closely visible from the NZ state highway 80. Another key attraction here is the artificial Lake Ruataniwha which has a world-class rowing venue built by Max Smith. School national championships are held here during the autumn months, and Regattas in summer. You can also indulge in snowboarding some of the small fields and hiking the Mount Cook National Park.
Waitaki
Combining the towering mountains, desolate coastline with lush green plains and the untouched wilderness, the Waitaki region is a must visit during the autumn months. Midway of the coastline houses the town of Moeraki with massive spherical boulders that are millions of years old. Watch out for the Hector’s Dolphins that are often seen playing in the nearby beaches. Towering over a delightful community is the historic whitestone architecture towards north at Oamaru. From here you can paddle your way following the Alps to Ocean Cycleway up to the Aoraki Mount Cook.
As you touch the interior, the beautiful lakes and snow-capped peaks give an ideal contrast with brown hills rising up from the valley floor. Stop by and soak up the impressive formation of limestone cliffs full of prehistoric fossils, alongside Maori rock drawings from charcoal, animal fat and red ochre. Punctuated by 3 hydro-electric dams of Benmore, Waitaki and Aviemore, surging through the landscape, the Waitaki River is a pleasant sight to watch.
One of the largest earth dams in the southern hemisphere, Benmore is the only one open for viewing, while the Waitaki Dam built of shovels and picks in 1930s is another masterpiece. There are also a number of pleasant walks in the Otematata area, with longer hikes including Deep Stream Tracks and Benmore Peninsula. If you are in for gliding, the Omarama is the perfect spot for you.