If your favourite season comes with the air crisp, the woodlands cloaked in gold, ochre and magenta, and with not too many other visitors, you’ll love Wānaka in autumn. We think the fall is a particularly magical time to visit anywhere in New Zealand, but this part of Central Otago might just beat the competition when it comes to autumn beauty.
But don’t just take our word for it; allow us to convince you with nine utterly compelling reasons why you should plan a holiday in Wānaka this autumn. They’re listed below, and all should convince you that there’s nowhere quite like it.
Key takeaways about autumn in Wānaka
• Fewer crowds: quieter than summer but still vibrant
• Affordable rates: accommodation and activities are often cheaper than in peak seasons
• Perfect weather: not too hot, not too cold—ideal for outdoor adventures
• Stunning scenery: the autumn colours are unmatched
Wānaka autumn FAQs
But before we start the persuasive part, let’s list the facts.
When is autumn in Wānaka?
This season runs from late March to late May.
What’s the weather like in Wānaka in autumn?
In a nutshell, mostly mild, with sunny skies and little rain. More precisely, expect daytime temperatures to range from 10 to 25°C (50-68°F) and the skies to be clear. March can be particularly warm and summer-like only cooler off later in the day. Autumn usually brings plenty of sunshine, so while it might be cooler than the summer season, especially first and last thing, it can still be warm.
Best of all? There’s usually little rainfall, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities.
What should I pack?
Since we’re in New Zealand, there should be something for every season in your suitcase! That said, pack layers so you can add them in the morning and evening and remove them during the day. A national wardrobe staple is merino but not in the woolly jumper way. Merino layers are a common feature in Kiwi wardrobes and worn as base layers for hiking, biking, running and camping as well as that extra layer under a jumper in winter. It’s breathable and truly natural making it a very clever material for keeping you warm or cool.
What are holiday rental prices like?
Since autumn is a shoulder season, many Wānaka holiday homes offer shoulder season pricing and occasionally some excellent deals, especially if you choose to visit mid-week. Take a look at our selection of rentals to find yours
What about cafés and restaurants?
Most cafés and restaurants in Wānaka open for most of the year, with the exception of more remote venues or those with outdoor seating only. In early autumn, the majority will be open ensuring you get to enjoy the full range of excellent eateries in town.
What’s Wānaka like in autumn?
Wānaka really is a year-round destination but in autumn the poplar trees, mountain ranges and lakeside living bring their own colour. Read our ultimate guide to Wānaka to find out
The nine compelling reasons to make an autumn visit to Wānaka
Autumn is a magical time to visit New Zealand (March to May). Particularly Wānaka, offering a mix of still long and warm days, stunning landscapes, and fewer crowds. If the lack of rain, autumn colour palette and greater availability of accommodation haven’t already got your finger on the booking button, here are yet more persuasive reasons:
1. Wānaka autumn colours
In the fall, the entire resort transforms into a vibrant canvas of gold, orange, and red as the many trees dress for the new season. Towards the end of autumn, mountains might even start to get their first dusting of snow. You’ll notice the new palette everywhere in town, but here are our favourite spots to view Wānaka’s autumn colours:
Roys Bay and Glendhu Bay on Lake Wānaka
Gaze across the water to admire the vivid autumnal colours above and below the shoreline as if they were a mirror on the lake.
Arrowtown
Just a short drive from Wānaka, over the Crown Range, this spot is famous for its historic charm and spectacular autumn foliage.
2. Fewer people
The fall, particularly late April to mid-May, counts as low season and attracts fewer tourists. As a result, you get more of Wānaka to yourselves. Accommodation has greater availability, restaurants have more free tables, and you’ll find less vehicle traffic on the roads and fewer walkers and cyclists on the trails.
3. Hiking and biking trails get more scenic (and you can take longer)
Slightly cooler temperatures always lend themselves to outdoor activities, and Wānaka’s famous hiking and biking routes are no exception. Not only does the scenery ramp up its beauty, but you can comfortably hike or bike for longer without the summer sweat.
Top trails in the autumn
The Mount Iron and the Outlet River Track are both even more stunning with the autumn foliage, while a ride on the lake front or the Millennium Track is an enjoyable way to soak up the mountain views and the new palette of Wānaka fall colours.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, how about tackling longer hikes like Roy’s Peak and Rocky Mountain, both of which are more comfortable in the autumn.
4. Watersports activities on the lake
This might extend merely to a dip in Lake Wānaka for some, but for others life jackets and wetsuits often play a part. You can enjoy a kayaking or paddle boarding adventure on the (hopefully) glassy, calm waters of Lake Wānaka with rentals available from the foreshore in town – which is also called Roys Bay. It’s a stunning time of year to take a cruise to Mou Waho Island, where Lake Wānaka’s autumn colours add a new dimension to the scenery.
5. The best pictures (even on your phone)
If you’re into photography, the sunrise and sunset lighting in autumn is especially vibrant, making it a dream for anyone capturing the landscape on camera. There are many autumn photography locations in Wānaka, but one of our favourites is on the lake. Here, you can snap the golden poplars and willows around the water as they create picture-perfect scenes reflecting into the lake. Turn that trail walk or ride into a photography day to capture a variety of angles and views. And of course, don’t miss the Wānaka tree in autumn!
6. Autumn events
The calendar in Wānaka in autumn is still busy. Here are our highlights:
Festival of Colour
This week-long celebration of the very best of the arts world is biennial. Looking ahead, the next few will be 2027, 2029, 2031. Save the date because the festival’s rich and diverse programme is unmissable.
Ripe
Taking place in late March, Ripe is Wānaka’s Food and Wine Festival that celebrates the best of Central Otago’s food and wine, with a live music line-up to drink and eat to. Find out more about the next food festival taking place at Glendhu Station.
Warbirds Over Wānaka
New Zealand’s biggest airshow also takes place biennially, with the next in 2026 (3rd to 5th April). This thrilling international airshow showcases vintage and modern aircraft against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Confirmed for the 2026 show is the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
And if you’re wondering what to do in Wānaka outside the biggest events, check out the tourist board calendar for local markets, volunteer activities and fun things for the kids.
7. Grape harvest time
Autumn is the busiest time in the Central Otago vineyards as the grapes ripen and harvesting begins. You can view the action directly in the region’s vineyards as the famous grapes leave their vines to create “Pinot Noir with poise and fresh, focused elegance and magical white wines”.
8. Seasonal produce on your plate and in your glass
Our penultimate reason to holiday in autumn in Wānaka is actually valid year-round since this part of New Zealand boasts a privileged list of local produce in any season. However, we love the fall products – think crisp apples and pears, the last of the tomatoes and zucchini, and blackberries alongside every trail.
You can enjoy seasonal dishes and local wines at Wānaka’s top restaurants and vineyards, all amidst stunning autumn views.
9. Best deals on the calendar
And our final reason is just as compelling, especially as far as your wallet is concerned. Outside high season, many holiday expenses come cheaper. They include vacation rentals, car hire and activities. As a result, visiting Wānaka in the autumn could save you plenty. And whose wallet wouldn’t jump at that?
Book your autumn stay in Wānaka
We hope that by now, we’ve convinced you that a fall holiday in Wānaka is unmissable. If our compelling reasons have worked their magic, all you need to do now is book your holiday. Take a look at the best places in Wānaka this year and then bag yours. Or, if you’d like personalised advice or need more information, contact our friendly team to discuss your next trip to Wānaka.