Otago Central Rail Trail, NZ
Don your helmet, mount your bike and embark on a journey complete with crunchy leaves, snowy mountains and insta-perfect backdrops everywhere you look. The whole trail, from Clyde to Middlemarch, takes about four days to complete, but can easily be broken into shorter rides to suit all types of cyclists. No adventure is complete without great food and wine and the Otago Central Rail Trail is no exception, with oodles of choices from country pubs to famous wineries en route.
Tongariro Crossing, NZ
If you’ve ever dreamed of following in the footsteps of Frodo or if you’re simply a fool for a dramatic volcanic landscape, pull on those tramping boots and head to Tongariro. Trek across a volcanic alpine landscape bursting with natural wonders. Steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and vivid crater lakes are all on the menu so be prepared for a big day and one heck of a workout. It’s the perfect activity for a crisp Autumn day.
Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Just a short drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is home to many great vineyards, restaurants, unique accommodation and breathtaking landscapes. Whether it be for a long lunch, a weekend break or an extended holiday, the Yarra Valley caters to all tastes and budgets. Vineyards adopt the Autumn uniform with fields of gold, rust and red on display, practically begging you to take a stroll and crunch their leaves beneath your feet. Restaurants serve fresh Autumn produce, to fill your belly after walking among the vast landscapes. Drive or walk, either way make sure you take in all the stunning scenery that the Yarra Valley has to offer.
Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania is Autumn personified; a spectacular bouquet of colourful trees with their bursting red berries, and a dizzying amount of orange vines shedding their crisp leaves. Clear days and blue skies contrast the golden colours, lighting up the landscape and giving it heat when the sun becomes weaker. Visit Cradle Mountain at Lake St Clair National Park as it brims with colour, thanks to a natural phenomenon known as ‘The Turning of the Fagus’. The Fagus, a cold-climate deciduous beech tree native to Tasmania, struts its stuff in Autumn, creating a visual feast with its rainbow of colours. Visit Tasmania and step outside to paradise.
Muri Beach, Rarotonga
If you’re looking for a destination that’s slightly warmer, Muri Beach in Rarotonga might be your perfect destination. Swap crunchy leaves for golden sand, and take off a layer or two of clothing. Choose from a multitude of beautiful resorts dotted along the beach and while you’re at it indulge in a spa treatment or two. Don’t forget to experience the intrepid playground that is Rarotonga, from snorkeling in the Muri Lagoon, to biking around the local village, to climbing The Needle at Te Rua Manga. Autumn in the tropics? Yes please.
