Eight awesome Autumn adventures

There's a lot to see and do down the middle of the North Island when you travel the Thermal Explorer Highway from Auckland to Napier. You'll discover hot pools, caves, mountains and spectacular scenery on your way, and finish up with a glass of Hawke's Bay signature syrah to toast your successful trip. 

While you're in the Hawke's Bay, you must visit the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony before the feathered tenants depart for the winter. The gannets are in residence on the cliff top from November until late April, so this month is your last chance to see them before spring. 

It doesn't get much more adventurous than climbing a volcano. On the Tongariro Northern Circuit, you can tackle two. The 43km track winds its way around the slopes of the active volcanoes Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngāuruhoe and passes through unique and stunning landscapes, including volcanic craters, brilliant blue lakes and glacial valleys.

For more volcano action, head across the Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto Island. Rangitoto is the volcanic cone that dominates the Auckland landscape and has been a symbol of Auckland for as long as any of us can remember. But you don’t need to view it from afar. The climb, all 259 vertical metres of it, takes you through lava fields, forest and lots of scoria. And should you need a diversion/distraction/excuse to stop climbing, peel off the main track and check out the lava caves. Bring a torch.

The road from Westport to Greymouth has been called one of the top ten coastal drives in the world. It's pretty special. If you travel at sunset do not be surprised if you have to stop at one of the many viewpoints to take in the dusk, unable to continue your journey until all sense of light has left the horizon. 

Enjoy panoramic views over Fiordland mountains and alpine lakes plus native vegetation and birdlife on the Key Summit track, an easy half-day walk on the Routeburn Track from the Milford Road.

Autumn is probably the best time of year to tackle the Otago Central Rail Trail. Not too hot, and did we mention the scenery? The skies are limitless, the countryside staggering. And there are heaps of places to stop and stay so you yourself won’t be staggering at all. Fighting fit, in fact.

Way, way south. Ulva Island, just off the coast of Stewart Island is an open sanctuary with a network of easy walking tracks to explore. Discover deserted beaches, cheeky weka and all the quiet solitude you'd expect to find on a remote island.