When do the leaves change in Central Otago & Queenstown?

Golden poplars and willows planted by 19th-century gold miners line the Arrow and Shotover rivers, turning Arrowtown and Queenstown gold through April into May.

Autumn foliage at Arrowtown
📍 Arrowtown, Central Otago & Queenstown· Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Forecast coming soon

Weather data for Central Otago & Queenstown lands with the next model run. Meanwhile, explore the map.

Known for

  • Arrowtown cottonwood and poplar gold
  • Gibbston Valley vineyard color
  • Lake Wanaka willow reflections

Things to do in fall in Central Otago & Queenstown

1 iconic stop — scenic drives, farms, haunts, and the views locals plan their October around.

Arrowtown

Historic town

A former gold-rush town near Queenstown planted thick with European poplars, oaks, and sycamores that turn gold through April. The annual Arrowtown Autumn Festival each late April draws crowds for the color and a parade.

Don’t miss: Buckingham Street avenue · Arrowtown Autumn Festival · Chinese Settlement historic site

Guides

Autumn in April: The Southern Hemisphere's Secret Season

While New England sleeps through winter, the Southern Hemisphere has its autumn: New Zealand's gold, Tasmania's rare fagus, and Patagonia's red forests.

See it on the map

Nearby & similar

Canterbury & Mackenzie CountryBariloche & the Argentine LakesAll of New Zealand →

Cities in Central Otago & Queenstown

Local peak timing and things to do in fall, computed for each city.

Queenstown