Our readers have been keeping their eyes open and their cameras close during what has to have been one of the most spectacular autumns in recent memory.
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Until today, blue skies had reigned for weeks, sending the sun shining down on autumn foliage.
According to meteorologists, the most vivid colours are seen when autumn has bright sunny days and cool (but not frosty) nights, just the kind of weather we've been enjoying.
"Under these conditions leaves can make a lot of sugar as their veins close down, trapping pigments that produce the glorious red and purple hues," according to the Metservice website.
"Alternatively, if autumn has lots of cloudy days and warm nights then these red pigments are missing and the display is rather drab."