Where to stay in the Fall
Everyone wants to know the best time to travel. The team at Luxury Villas of New Zealand can unreservedly say that Fall (for our American friends) or Autumn (as we say downunder) is fantastic for exploring and enjoying the very best of New Zealand.
By the time March rolls around, New Zealanders (fondly referred to as “Kiwis”) have settled back into their day jobs after their traditional long December/January summer vacations. It’s a time where fewer people are enjoying the stunning and sparsely populated beaches, nor are they dominating the rivers, trails, golf courses and other landscapes. This also means less pressure on activities and hospitality services. Fancy the best table in the house, anyone?
While still balmy in the North, further south, the seasons are more distinct. The change of season produces an artist's palette of golds, oranges, auburns and reds and a likely dusting of snow on the mountain tops; it is a paradise of crunchy leaves underfoot, plenty to see and do and delicious seasonal cuisine.
The Landing, Bay of Islands
Autumn is also the time of the annual vintage in New Zealand with winemakers carefully measuring sugar levels that signal the harvesting of grapes from the Bay of Islands, Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa regions of the North Island and the famed Marlborough, Nelson and Central Otago regions of the South.
Guests can touch the vines from their lounge chair in the Vineyard Villa (pictured below) at The Landing, the only Luxury Villa of New Zealand property with their own vineyard estate and winery onsite. In the upper North Island, we are not quite ready to give up on summer yet; Autumn is for swimming from the golden sandy beaches a few paces from The Boathouse in the Bay of Islands or enjoying the surf break that’s visible from Te Arai Lodge.
Less sandy but just as ‘gram-worthy’ are the indulgent heated salt or mineral pools and spas that are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation at this time of the year. Check out the infinity pool of Rahimoana at Eagles Nest and your private spa under the stars at Falcon Brae. Or enjoy the fresh mountain air and rural vistas from the pool at The Homestead at FLOCKHILL.
Stunning Autumnal vista from the pool at FLOCKHILL.
It is also relaxed ‘down on the farm’ and families can enjoy spending time with a myriad of farm and sea life at the coastal Foley Villa at Wharekauhau on the south-eastern coast of the North Island, at Annandale or Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses in the South Island. On the land, you’ll marvel at the wonders of nature as deer velvet turns to hard antler and the stags amorously begin to court hinds. While at sea, it's the best time to see Kaikoura’s seal pups and the dusky dolphin pods.
One of the best parts of visiting high country station, FLOCKHILL at this time of year is the contrast between spending long warm days hiking, bouldering or horse riding and relaxing by the fire as the evenings cool. Of course seeing their 11,000 plus sheep growing out their woolly coats ahead of Winter is “iconically New Zealand” too.
It’s also a wonderful time to experience the mountains and lakes as you fly into the remote glacial valley that is home to the exclusive Minaret Station near Wanaka.
Central Otago is renowned for distinctive autumnal colours and the time of year is keenly celebrated by locals with events such as the popular Autumn Festival in Arrowtown and the Festival of Colour in Wānaka. There is no better place to experience the stunning display than at Piwakawaka Point Estate, a luxuriously appointed property with 6km of lake frontage.
The morning and evening light on the Otago grasses, mountains and lakes is something to behold. Piwakawaka Point Estate has 12 km of private hiking and biking trails which are perfect for experiencing the full effect of the Autumnal hues on the landscape.
There are multiple living and entertainment areas in which to relax or dine, a full sized tennis court and an oversized spa pool in which to soak after a day of activities.
In Queenstown, two magnificent villas leave you spoilt for choice, combining outstanding amenities, with proximity to the outdoor adventures, vineyards, gastronomy and vibrancy the region is renowned for. Larger groups can soak up the expansive mountain views while indulging in the 14 person hot tub right on the lakefront at Drift Bay Lodge. On the other side of town, Hawks Nest is perfect for families or groups of friends with five beautifully appointed suites, a media and games room, a New York style downstairs bar, gym equipment, and a tranquil wellness room - perfect for morning meditation.
Across New Zealand Autumn days are still long - the heat of summer is starting to cool off, and the weather is typically settled. It makes for incredible conditions for outdoor and adventurous pursuits - whether that be a round of golf (with fabulous courses within a stone’s throw of most properties), watersports, hiking or skydiving.
We unabashedly encourage guests to visit during March to May.
Contact us to help plan your Fall stay.