With the lush greenery making way for bursts of red, orange and gold, there’s no doubt that autumn is one of the most picturesque times to visit Queenstown! From a relaxing bike trail down Queenstown’s best photo spots to an autumn planting activity, here are the best activities to do in Queenstown this autumn recommended by our local team.
Arrowtown Autumn Festival
One of the greatest highlights of the Autumn season in Queenstown is undoubtedly the Arrowtown Autumn Festival. Held across four days, this festival is the perfect opportunity to view the spectacular autumn foliage at Arrowtown while enjoying its quaint streets and old cottages. Each year, this popular festival beckons New Zealanders all around to partake in its delightful array of activities, including historical walks, street entertainment and more.
Be sure to catch the highlights of the festival, including the iconic street parade, ASB Market Day and the infamous Pie, Pint, and Pinot segment.
Date: 25 – 28 April 2024
Address: Arrowtown, New Zealand
Directions: 20 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Link: https://www.arrowtownautumnfestival.co.nz/
Remarkables Market
Nestled against the stunning backdrop of The Remarkables mountain range, the Remarkables Market offers a delightful blend of local flavors, crafts, and entertainment. Now celebrating its tenth season, this vibrant market showcases a diverse array of artisans offering crafts and gifts alongside a tempting selection of local and regional produce. As you wander among the stalls, soak in the lively atmosphere heightened by live music, indulge in a leisurely brunch or browse around for unique finds.
To top it off, the availability of free parking on site and a children’s playground makes it an ideal destination for a leisurely family outing or catch-up with some friends. However, be warned against bringing plastic cups or bags, as the market has banned the use of single use cups in 2021 as a step towards being the first zero-waste market in New Zealand.
Date: Every Sat until 20 Apr 2024, 9 am – 2 pm
Address: 23 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
Directions: 15 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Link: https://remarkablesmarket.com/
Community tree planting
Want to try something a little bit different this autumn? Get your hands dirty for community planting day with the Whakatipu Restoration Trust and contribute towards the restoration of the native biodiversity at the Whakatipu Basin. Held in several locations across the region throughout April, these planting days offer an opportunity to reconnect with nature while also serving as a great family bonding activity.
Don’t worry if you are new to planting—the activity is suitable even for kids and the inexperienced with seasoned volunteers around to guide you. All you need are a pair of gardening gloves, a shovel, and a willingness to start digging!
Date: 7 Apr – 27 Apr 2024
Address: Various locations. Check the website for full details.
Link: https://wrtqt.org.nz/community-planting-days/
Take a cruise on the TSS EARNSLAW
Step on board the TSS Earnslaw and get a glimpse of the past as you embark on a leisurely cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu. Fondly known as the “Lady of The Lake,” this century-old coal-fired steamship is a Queenstown icon and a must-do experience in Autumn. Inside, the cruise reveals tales of its 100-year-old past as the only operating hand-fired, commercial passenger-carrying steamship in the Southern Hemisphere.
Since 1912, the TSS Earnslaw has carried many high-profile guests, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and President Bill Clinton, and has even made several appearances in movies such as Indiana Jones. As you embark on this iconic steamship, choose between a one-way trip or take it with a guided tour to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a taste of their delectable gourmet meals.
Address: RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Directions: 6 min walk from The Dairy Private Hotel
Link: https://www.realnz.com/en/experiences/day-cruises/tss-earnslaw-lake-cruises/
Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining
Most usually enjoyed as a package with a ride on the TSS Earnslaw, the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining is another dining experience unique to Queenstown that meat lovers definitely should not miss. Starting with a ride across Lake Wakatipu on the historic steamship, enjoy the scenic views of Queenstown’s natural landscape before heading over to Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, where a scrumptious meal awaits.
Featuring an extensive selection of local and New Zealand produce, get a taste of excellent meats cooked to perfection on a rotisserie or a grill, together with their spread of salads, cheeses and desserts. As you sip on a choice of beverages, enjoy an entertaining farm demonstration and take in the tranquil night views of the lake before making your way back to Queenstown on a return cruise trip.
Address: RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Directions: 6 min walk from The Dairy Private Hotel
Wine Tasting Tour at Gibbston Valley Winery
As the autumn season sets in, it is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the wine harvest experience, where tonnes of grapes are carefully handpicked from the region’s 200 vineyards. Embark on a 45-minute Winery Tour at the Gibbston Valley Winery and discover how the best Pinot Noirs in Central Otago are made, or opt for the Wine Cave tasting tour, where you will get a glimpse of the region’s first wines planted in 1983, and savour three of the winery’s delightful wine selections.
For those looking to try something different, bike rentals are available at the winery for a tour around the vines. End your day at the renowned Gibbston Valley Winery & Restaurant and savour the best of their food and wine pairings.
Address: 1820 State Highway 6, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
Directions: 30 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Link: https://www.gibbstonvalley.com/
Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley Bike Trail
A great way to fully enjoy the autumn season in Queenstown is to hop on a bike trail while immersing yourself in the beautiful surrounding landscape. The Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley Trail is perfect for a half-day exploration through three spectacular suspension bridges, a historic bungy bridge and the town’s best wineries.
Your journey starts in the beautiful, quaint old mining village of Arrowtown, before heading towards the Arrow River where plenty of photo stops await at the Southern Discoveries suspension bridge, the Edgar Suspension Bridge and the Kawarau Suspension Bridge further down the road. Stop by the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre and test your bravery with a bungy jump attempt, or simply have a cup of coffee at one of its cafes.
Continue your journey down the stunning Kawarau River, where the ‘valley of the vines’ awaits you. Here’s your chance to get a taste of Central Otago’s best Pinot Noirs before you return for your trip back to Arrowtown.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
Address of Starting Point: Dudley’s Cottage, 4 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302, New Zealand
Route: Arrowtown > Arrow River > Southern Discoveries Suspension Bridge > Edgar Suspension Bridge > Kawarau Suspension Bridge > AJ Hackett Bungy Centre > Kawarau River > return to Arrowtown
Distance: 23 km
Estimated Duration: 4 – 6 hours
wanaka Day Trip
Located just an hour’s drive from Queenstown is the tranquil lakeside town of Wanaka, the perfect place for a weekend of adventure or family fun. Start your day off with an easy hike up Roy’s Peak or Mt Aspiring National Park if you like a bit of challenge and a glimpse of its breathtaking natural landscapes. Make sure to stop by Lake Wanaka, the fourth largest lake in New Zealand, and don’t miss taking the perfect Instagram shot of the famous Wanaka Tree while you’re there.
For the thrill-seekers, canyoning the Deep Canyon or South Canyon are sure to keep your adrenaline pumping. Families would be delighted to visit the Puzzling World, an iconic theme park with the world’s first ‘Mega Maze’, five optical illusion rooms and a Puzzle Cafe that is sure to keep you and your little ones entertained throughout the day.
Directions: 1 hour drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Link: https://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/
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