Autumn is one of the best seasons to ride the Hauraki Rail Trail.  Busy Summer crowds are long gone, and the weather gloriously settled.  Just pack a merino and rain jacket, and you might just have the trail to yourself.

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, which means Autumn falls during the months of March, April and May.  When it’s icy outside with snow falling in many countries around the world, we’re soaking up the sun, and swimming at the beach.

Here’s 5 reasons to plan your Rail Trail adventure during Autumn.

Say Goodbye To Crowds

As children in New Zealand return to school after the Summer holidays, it’s also goodbye to the peak tourist season.  Kiwi families are back at work, making Autumn one of the quietest times to visit.

Iconic attractions, cities and towns become quieter than during the height of Summer.  This also means less traffic, shorter queues, and more readily available activities, accommodation and transport.

Breathtaking Changing Landscapes

The stunning and varied scenery with its mountains and rolling farmland becomes an even greater feast for the eyes as deciduous leaves turn colour.  Yellow, red and bronze hues blanket the country making our diverse landscape all the more vibrant.

Picture Perfect Weather

While mornings and evenings can be cool, days are predominantly settled, warm and sunny.  Although the New Zealand sun is harsh throughout the year, temperatures are lower and with careful sun protection you’re less likely to burn.

Before the onset of Winter, make the most of opportunities to hit the Trail and enjoy other nearby outdoor activities.  With a few handy layers packed you can easily strip off or add a layer or two if the weather changes.

Go With The Flow

Travelling during Autumn means plans can be flexible.  It’s great to have a broad structure for your holiday, but sometimes throwing caution to the wind is where the magic happens

Linger For Longer

Consider adding a few days on either side of your ride.  Lingering longer allows you to explore the region further.  Take advantage of off-peak rates and consider pre-planning some iconic activities and attractions.  

You can view and download the Trail Map here, or on the official Hauraki Rail Trail website.

This blog was supplied by The Hauraki Rail Trail Trust.