Spectacular Autumn Landscapes

Originally published 28 October 2010

As the approaching winter begins to make its mark on the British landscape, we've taken a look at some other destinations around the globe that boast spectacular autumn scenery.
Autumnal scenery in Wanaka, New Zealand

Autumnal scenery in Wanaka, New Zealand

Arrowtown, New Zealand

The tree-lined main street of Arrowtown gives away its rich gold-mining past, where well-preserved colonial buildings and wooden churches and stores still stand. Situated at the heart of New Zealand's southern lake district, Arrowtown enjoys four distinct seasons, but it is during autumn when this pretty town finds its true colours, with deciduous trees displaying green, yellow and bright orange hues.

A 20-day trip discovering New Zealand's south island costs from £3,170 per person - click to find out more.

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Ontario, Canada

Stretching over one million square kilometres from the US border to the frozen shores of Hudson Bay, Ontario boasts some of Canada's most spectacular natural wilderness. One of the jewels in its crown is Killarney Provincial Park, which in September and October transforms into a breathtaking landscape of autumnal colours, where fiery yellow and red jack pine ridges overlook clear, still lakes.

A 13-day trip exploring Ontario costs from £1,925 per person - click to find out more.

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Mount Koya, Japan

The colourful leaves (or "koyo") of a Japanese autumn are as iconic as the famous cherry blossoms of spring. A great place to witness all the colours of a Japanese autumn is Mount Koya, a secluded monastic complex which sits high in the forested peaks of the Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. Visitors here can stay in one of the hundred or so different temples and share the daily routines, rituals and meals of the peaceful monks for a unique taste of traditional Japanese society.

A comprehensive 22-day tour of Japan taking in all the major highlights costs from £4,065 per person - click to find out more.

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Wanaka, New Zealand

Resting on the southern shore of a lake sharing its name, Wanaka enjoys one of the most beautiful backdrops in the whole of New Zealand's south island. The towering, snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park reflect perfectly in the still water, and in the autumn the willow and poplar trees that line the lake turn vivid shades of yellow and gold.

A 20-day trip discovering New Zealand's south island costs from £3,170 per person - click to find out more.

More about Wanaka »

The Maritime Provinces, Canada

Stretching out into the cold waters of the North Atlantic, the eastern tip of Canada includes the beautiful regions of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. Beautiful scenery and diverse flora and fauna can be found here year round, but during the autumn months, these Maritime Provinces display some of the most striking autumn landscapes on the planet, no less than places like Cape Breton Island and the Bay of Fundy.

19 days discovering the very best of Canada's Maritime Provinces costs from £2,425 per person - click to find out more.

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Kyoto, Japan

Japan's capital city of old, Kyoto showcases ancient Japanese temples and ornate palaces, yet manages to keep up with its fast moving neighbours by weaving a new, contemporary culture in with the old. In the autumn months, the maple and ginkgo trees that line the streets and historic squares give the city a distinct new season with a display of vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves.

An excellent 9-day tour of Japan's main cities and tourist spots costs from £2,190 per person - click to find out more.

More about Kyoto »

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