In Pictures - Autumn Trail Colours
Otago is known for its beautiful autumn colours, and cycling along any of the region's five Great Rides is an excellent way to experience them.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, Otago's network of trails offer the best autumn riding experiences in New Zealand....and the photo opportunities are spectacular too!
Check out the gallery below for some of the best photographs of the autumn colours from across Otago's biking and walking tracks.
Riding through piles of crisp golden leaves on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail (credit Cameron Mackenzie)
Long shadows on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail (credit Cameron Mackenzie)
The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is lined with gold in autumn (credit Will Nelson)
The Alexandra Bridge is spectacular from any direction (credit Cameron Mackenzie)
Alexandra is an ideal hub for exploring the Otago Central Rail Trail & Roxburgh Gorge Trail (credit Will Nelson)
Clyde is the start / finish of the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Lake Dunstan Trail (credit Will Nelson)
The Clyde Bridge also marks the start / finish of the Alexandra River Track which links to Alexandra (credit Will Nelson)
The Lake Dunstan Trail winds its way around the Bannockburn Inlet (credit Will Nelson)
The Lake Dunstan Trail is magnificent year-round (credit Will Nelson)
A cyclist on the Lake Dunstan Trail at Bannockburn Inlet (credit Will Nelson)
Riding around Lake Hayes on the Queenstown Trail is unforgettable on a calm autumn morning.
The Arrow River Trail is one of the best places to photograph autumn colours along the Queenstown Trail.
Historic Arrowtown in autumn is awash with golden leaves
Autumnal views across the Ida Valley towards the Otago Central Rail Trail (credit Cameron Mackenzie)
Crossing the historic Ophir Bridge near the Otago Central Rail Trail (credit Tim Hawkins)
Iconic autumnal landscapes on the Otago Central Rail Trail (credit Tim Hawkins)
Book early to ride the Otago Central Rail Trail in autumn, it's the most popular time of year (credit Brian Richards)
Early morning mist along the Clutha Gold Trail (credit Cameron Mackenzie)
Meandering along the river on the Clutha Gold Trail (credit Cameron Mackenzie)
About the Trails
Otago Central Rail Trail - the iconic 152km trail follows the old railway line through the heart of Otago, passing through charming towns and offering stunning views of the region's autumn landscapes.
Roxburgh Gorge Trail - this grade 2-3, 34km trail winds through a spectacular river gorge, with towering cliffs and stunning foliage creating a breathtaking backdrop.
Clutha Gold Trail - following the mighty Clutha River, this 73km grade 1-2 trail takes you through picturesque rural landscapes and past historic gold mining sites, all set against a backdrop of colourful autumn leaves.
Lake Dunstan Trail - a more challenging grade 2-3, 55km ride, the trees along the trail turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning display of colours. You can also expect cooler temperatures and crisp, clear days, making it the perfect time to get out and explore the trail.
Queenstown Trail - a network of 130kms of trails is divided into several sections, each offering its own unique scenery and challenges. Some of the highlights of the trail include the Gibbston River Trail, which takes you through the picturesque Gibbston Valley wine region, and the Arrow River Trail, which offers stunning views of the Arrow River and the surrounding mountains which are all set against a backdrop of vibrant autumn colours.
Click here for a useful guide to the best places to see autumn colours in Queenstown.
The Clutha River flows into Lake Dunstan (credit Will Nelson)
Misty, autumnal evening views across the Ida Valley out to the Otago Central Rail Trail (credit Cameron Mackenzie)
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