We asked Walk1200km participants what they most enjoyed about walking in autumn. Here’s a selection of their responses. 

“Meeting fun guys! I mean fungi!”

– Sarah Goldberg (featured)

“I love the colours in Central Otago and cooler days.”

– Gary Kilgour

“Autumn is my favourite season for walking: I’m usually up and out the door for the sunrise – what a gift! The cooler weather is often paired with bright sunshine, which makes walking 100 times more exhilarating. It feels like every day is changing, so walking the same route remains interesting”

– Jenna Heller

“Crunching and kicking the leaves.”

– Sharon Robinson

“I love the smell of the leaves.”

– Jill Glazewski

“Cooler mornings – a hint of a frost, the changing colours and daytime walks that are not so hot and sweaty.”

– Rochelle Fleming

“The beautiful burnt colours of the changing leaves in autumn.”

– Lisa Bailey

“Autumn reminds me of chilly hop-picking mornings in Kent. Cold on the nose, breathing out breath like a dragon. Dew-drenched hedgerows, twinkly as the sun got up, bathing us in warmth.”

– Jo Gilliat-Smith

“Without a doubt, the brilliant colours of the leaves before they fall to the ground. Walking through autumn leaves brings back fond memories of time spent with my grandad. We would rake up enormous piles of leaves before diving into them!”

– Tracy Jones

“Being able to walk right through the day but still warm enough to swim in rivers and sea.”

– Maree Earl