Discover autumn in Murihiku Southland, one of the best times to visit.

March to May

Temperatures between 10°C and 20°C

Autumn in Southland isn't just a season, it's a full-on colour show. The air turns crisp, the days pull in, and the hills and forests light up in fiery shades of gold and red. It's the season for slowing down and soaking it all in, whether that's crunching through leaves in Queens Park, chasing waterfalls in Fiordland, or wandering the wild tracks of The Catlins under a canopy of colour.

From March to May, Southland serves up some of its best moments. Think beech forests glowing in Fiordland, ancient podocarps standing tall in The Catlins, and oaks and maples dropping their leaves in Invercargill. It's also prime time for our unique nightlife, Southern Lights dancing across the sky, and the elusive little brown kiwi rustling in the dark. Add hearty kai, local brews, and a vibe that's pure Murihiku, and you've got an autumn worth writing home about.

Southland Delights

Autumn's the season for hearty flavours and comfort food, and Southland knows how to deliver. Start with the star of the show: Bluff oysters. Plucked straight from the cool waters of the Foveaux Strait, these beauties are at their peak this time of year; the salty tang and silky texture are pure southern magic. They're so legendary, they've got their own festival. Pair that with a steaming hot pie made from fresh, local ingredients, and the smell alone will warm you up after a crisp autumn walk.

Got a sweet tooth? Our cafés have you covered. Grab a slice of classic Kiwi lolly cake or a strawberry lamington from the cabinet, or head to Invercargill's lolly emporium, Toot Sweets, for a sugar fix that'll make you feel like a kid again.

And then there's the cheese roll, a true Southland icon. More than just cheese and bread, these little beauties are a rite of passage. Ask a local who makes the best, and you'll get a dozen different answers, so the only way to settle it? Try as many as you can. They're the ultimate autumn comfort food, especially alongside a bowl of soup when the weather cools down. Wash it all down with a local craft beer or a steaming Southland coffee, and you've got the perfect seasonal feast.

Events Galore

Roll your shoulders back, indulge your soul, and let your senses overload. Events so wholesome - you could serve them at a country picnic, and landscapes so scenic – they inspire postcards and fantasy novels. Southland comes alive with events during autumn. Celebrate the harvest at the Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival, an annual celebration of Southland's home harvest. Interactive displays, demonstrations, workshops, speakers, music, competitions & activities for all! Lasting three days, the Harvest Festival will have enough happening to keep your family busy. Or visit the oldest port town of New Zealand for the annual Bluff Oyster and Food Festival, which offers a delicious array of oysters, other local seafood, an oyster-chucking contest, live entertainment, and more.

Uniquely Southland

Autumn is prime time for chasing magic in the south. Top of the list? The Southern Lights (Aurora Australis). When the nights get longer, your chances get better—head to Rakiura Stewart Island, our International Dark Sky Sanctuary, for skies that'll blow your mind. Can't make it across the water? Slope Point or Fiordland are epic spots too.

Back on the mainland, soak up 360° views from the Bluff Lookout, snap a pic at the iconic Stirling Point signpost, and wander the Foveaux Walkway with the Strait stretching out before you. This is where State Highway 1 begins, and adventure never ends.

Feeling brave? Autumn's a great time to tick off a bucket-list experience like Great White Shark encounters in the Foveaux Strait. Or slow it down and go kiwi spotting on Rakiura, wild beaches, rolling dunes, and the thrill of seeing our little brown locals in their natural habitat.

While many dream of snowy peaks and cosy fires, Murihiku Southland shows a different kind of wonderland. Here, autumn unveils a vibrant tapestry of colours, crisp air, and unique experiences that enchant.

Discover one of the many walks in Southland, from short walks like Mores Scenic Reserve, Dolamore Park and Forest Hill Scenic Reserve to epic multi-day walks such as the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks and the Hump Ridge Track or check out one of many walks in Fiordland in our Hike Fiordland guide. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful seasonal colours and explore the region. 

Embark on a wildlife-spotting adventure. Cruise through the serene Patea Doubtful Sound, home to dolphins, seals, and penguins. Take a night tour and witness the elusive kiwi foraging in its natural habitat. Go stargazing in our dark-sky sanctuary, where the Southern Lights dance across the canvas of night. Head to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny lights illuminate the darkness, creating a mesmerising spectacle.

Find warmth and comfort in Southland's charming towns as the evenings grow cooler. Sip on a locally brewed craft beer at a cosy town pub. Immerse yourself in the region's history at the Te Hikoi Museum in Riverton. Explore the vibrant art scene in Gore, with its Eastern Southland Gallery and murals adorning the streets.

Planning Your Autumn Escape

Autumn in Southland is an invitation to slow down, savour the moment, and connect with nature. So, pack your bags, your curiosity, and an appetite for adventure – Southland awaits with open arms and an autumnal embrace you won't soon forget.

Remember, this is just a glimpse into what Southland has to offer in autumn. Be sure to check out the latest events before your trip. 

So, what are you waiting for?