Top 10 Things To Do in Autumn in Queenstown

Immerse yourself in nature’s vibrant colours. Arrowtown is one of our favourite spots for an autumn wander, combining a rich gold mining history with treelined streets of heritage buildings, now home to cafés, galleries, and boutiques. Wrap up warm and get out along the Arrow River, scramble up Tobin’s Track, or stroll the Lake Hayes Loop on the way back to Queenstown. It’s easy to get to Arrowtown using the public #2 bus, and it only costs $2.00. 

The Queenstown Gardens are also a great spot if you feel like a quick walk. The exotic trees planted in the arboretum date back to the 1800s, and you can see the golden poplars lining the lake from the gardens. Check out our guide for more places to see autumn colours.

Early autumn is a great time to come and experience the wine harvest, where tonnes of grapes are harvested from Central Otago’s 200 vineyards. Treat your taste buds to lunch at one of the region's many fine winery restaurants after visiting their cellar doors. If you’re feeling like something more active, you can hop on a bike and join a ‘cycle the vines’ tour. 

The town of Glenorchy is a spectacular 45-minute drive from Queenstown along the lake shore. Set amongst snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, the little township is the gateway to Te Wāhipounamu, the South West World Heritage Area. This natural splendour has made the Glenorchy region the epic backdrop for many international films, including The Lord of the Rings.

The village offers a visitor centre, general store, dining and accommodation options, while Akin sells New Zealand-made gifts, as well as delicious café food, and homemade baking. If you’re staying for dinner, the Headwaters Dining Room serves up delicious food made with local produce, much of it grown in their kitchen garden and foraged locally.

Autumn is the ideal time to visit Glenorchy and immerse yourself in nature. The region is a hiker’s heaven with beautiful walks for all abilities and energy levels. It’s also the starting point for The Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks, which starts from Glenorchy into Fiordland. Hiking isn’t the only outdoor adventure the area has to offer, so stay for a few days to explore the area in depth.

You’re spoilt for choice in Queenstown with dining options that highlight locally sourced ingredients. Think menus inspired by fresh seafood, venison and Cardrona Valley merino lamb, wild pheasant, rabbit and hare, vegetables, mountain herbs, and stone fruits. Talented local chefs carefully craft stylish contemporary meals and gourmet burgers. More than 150 eateries cater for every taste and any occasion.

Here are some of the best Queenstown restaurants to try seasonal local produce.

• Amisfield works with local hunters, foragers, farmers and fishermen to source the best Central Otago produce. Their head chef is recognised as one of the finest in the world.
• Gibbston Valley Winery. A winery restaurant passionate about using seasonal local ingredients, including produce from their organic kitchen gardens.
• Rātā. Set in an urban beech forest, their intriguing menu features local seasonal highlights and their pickles and ferments preserve the tastes of the south.
• Sherwood. Another great restaurant with close ties to local producers, large kitchen gardens, and a dedication to seasonal eating.
• The Grille. The menu here highlights the best seasonal flavours, with a butcher’s board featuring unusual cuts of Central Otago meats and Southland seafood.
• The Lodge Bar. Hunting lodge chic in the heart of Queenstown, with a menu of seasonal delights. Don’t miss the Bluff oysters and the Cardrona venison.
• True South Dining Room. Part of the Rees Hotel, their adventurous menu changes monthly, and only uses produce sourced south of Waitaha Canterbury.

If the dining options above whet your appetite for more fine Central Otago produce, Royalburn Farm Shop in Arrowtown or Mckibbon's of Royalburn in Queenstown are great spots to find local fruit and veg, meats, charcuterie, free-range eggs, and small goods. Pack a picnic or take a taste of Queenstown home.