Winter Wonders in New Zealand

Most visitors to New Zealand schedule their trip during the nation’s balmy summer months; however, wintertime unveils a whole new set of attractions across both islands. From world-class skiing and bubbling hot springs to incredible wildlife watching and quirky winter festivals, winter is a wonderful season to explore this incredible destination. With fewer crowds and typically reduced prices for rental cars and accommodations, it’s the perfect time to bundle up and dive into New Zealand’s winter wonderland.

Soaking in Hot Springs

Chilly winter days are ideal for relaxing in New Zealand’s geothermal pools, predominantly located on the volcanic North Island. Rotorua is particularly famous for its hot springs, featuring both natural settings like Kerosene Creek—with its warm waterfall—and luxurious manmade options where various accommodations offer private spa pools fed by natural springs. Additionally, Lake Taupo is a popular destination for soaking. Conversely, on the South Island, the European-style Hanmer Springs spa complex north of Christchurch remains one of the region’s premier attractions.

Stargazing

New Zealand’s starscapes shine the brightest during the long, clear mid-winter nights, especially above the Aoraki (Mt Cook) region on the South Island. In this location, stargazers can partake in star tours, relishing in the light pollution-controlled environment of the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Here, visitors can spot constellations unique to the Southern Hemisphere, such as the Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds, and the Milky Way. Towards the end of May, keep an eye out for the Pleiades star cluster, which heralds the Māori New Year. Additionally, if you’re traveling in the southern half of New Zealand during winter, don’t miss the chance to view the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).

Whale Watching

When it comes to whale watching, New Zealand excels at Kaikoura on the northwest coast of the South Island, a prime location for spotting the elusive sperm whale. During winter, various other whales—including humpbacks, pilot whales, blue whales, and southern right whales—can also be observed, alongside fur seals, dolphins, and even albatross. In addition, Troy Channel in Marlborough Sounds is another prominent spot for whale watching. On the North Island, activities are focused in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, and the Bay of Islands.

Wine Tasting

Even though the vines may be bare during the winter months, many of New Zealand’s winery cellar doors remain open year-round. By visiting during the off-peak winter period, wine tasting becomes a more intimate experience, complemented by many wineries offering cozy fires and blankets. On the South Island, the renowned Central Otago wineries—particularly celebrated for their pinot noir—are easily accessed from the winter sports hub of Queenstown. Moreover, Wanaka, which serves as a gateway to the Treble Cone ski resort, features two cellar doors within walking distance of the city center: Rippon and the Maude Wines tasting room. For those exploring the North Island, consider pairing a whale-watching excursion in the Bay of Plenty with a visit to local wineries such as Mills Reef Winery, known for its exceptional Bordeaux-style reds.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Typically running from mid-June to early October, New Zealand’s ski season may be shorter than the Northern Hemisphere’s; however, skiing and snowboarding here can rival the best experiences in Europe and North America. Most winter sports enthusiasts flock to the four main winter resorts around Queenstown on the South Island, though more than 25 ski areas spread across both islands offer numerous options, including snowshoeing, glacier walking, and snowmobiling. To enjoy dry powder and avoid crowds, consider planning your trip after the mid-July school holidays.

Catching a Winter Festival

Officially celebrated on 15 June, Māori New Year festivities are best observed in larger cities, particularly Auckland, which hosts an array of events ranging from Haka competitions to Māori art exhibitions in the weeks leading up to the date. Other notable winter festivals on the North Island include the Wellington Jazz Festival in June, Northland’s Russell Birdman Festival in July, and Wellington on a Plate in August. On the South Island, highlights include the Queenstown Winter Festival in June, the New Zealand Steampunk Festival in Oamaru in May or June, and Gay Ski Week in Queenstown in September.

This article is produced by GoTravelDaily for Air New Zealand. All editorial views are those of GoTravelDaily alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.