This site uses affiliates. Thank you for buying through our links and supporting this blog.
Your guide to traveling New Zealand in winter – things to know and things to do
New Zealand is a fantastic destination year-round, and that includes winter. The truth is that NZ winter isn’t even that cold, and affords you some really incredible views and perks!
With the summer crowds gone the high season prices get cut down considerably and the landscapes take on a new, emptier and wilder feel. In winter the mountains get covered in a white snowy blanket and the wildlife is at its best.
Book your NZ winter essentials.
These are the must haves and must dos when visiting New Zealand in winter!
Book your accommodation
Maori Cultural Experience
Visit Milford Sound
Whale watching tour
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Polynesian Spa Hot Springs
Why visit New Zealand in winter
New Zealand is a year round destination and winter in New Zealand offers some really spectacular scenery and events sans the crowds and hefty price tag.
The most obvious reason to visit New Zealand in winter is for skiing and snowboarding in the peak of Northern hemisphere’s summer. If that’s the case, head over to Queenstown for a winter holiday.
Outside of Queenstown, New Zealand sees a lot less tourism in winter which means no crowds as you travel around the country. You’ll get impressive sights like Milford Sound (almost) all to yourself and accommodation will be much more affordable. New Zealand isn’t a cheap country and the prices of accommodation and rentals in summer can often go through the roof. Traveling in winter will allow you to save considerably.
Winter in new Zealand is also a fantastic time for nature lovers. The winter months are the best time of the year for whale watching and are the perfect time to visit New Zealand if you want to see the wildlife. If you are into astro photography and/or want to see the Southern Lights, the winter months will afford you some increbile night skies.
24 magical things to do in New Zealand in winter
For the most part, traveling to New Zealand in winter is the same as in summer. While you might not want to go for a cold swim, almost all the popular activities are available year-round. But there are some things that you can only do in winter – like snowboarding, watching humpback whales splashing around in the sea, or seeing the southern lights.
If you’re traveling to New Zealand in winter follow our North Island and South Island itineraries, and when in Queenstown, Kaikoura, Canterbury, Rotorua and Northland pay special attention to the activities below.
1. Hit the slopes
New Zealand is a fantastic destination for a ski or snowboard holiday and in June all the snow bums make their way to this little corner of the world looking for some fresh pow.
There are many ski fields in New Zealand to choose from. Queenstown is by far the most popular winter destination with easy access to several ski resorts, Wanaka is a strong contender too. In the Canterbury region, you’ll find Mt. Hutt and the clubbies and then there’s Ruapehu up on the North Island.
Read Next: Your guide to the best skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand
2. Do a day-trip to Milford Sound
Another one of those activities that are great year round, but made a little bit more special in winter. As you’ll drive through Fiordland National park you’ll be greeted with snow and Mitre Peak is even more stunning with a white crown. Not to mention that in winter you might just get this little piece of paradise all to yourself, at least for a moment. Wrap up and enjoy Milford Sound!
Since the road conditions can be tricky in winter it might be best to book an organized tour. Don’t worry, it won’t be as crowded as in summer!
Book your Milford Sound tour:
Small group tour from Queenstown
Read next: How to pick the perfect Milford Sound tour
3. See the Aurora Australis
In winter, when the days are short and the nights are long, New Zealand offers the perfect conditions to see the Aurora Australis which can sometimes be seen as far north as Wellington. However, you’ll need a significant solar wind activity to see it from that far North.
You’ll need a Kp of 6 or 8 to see the Aurora from the bottom of the South Island, at a Kp of 8 you should be able to see it from Christchurch and it takes a Kp of 9 to see it from Wellington. You can check the aurora forecast here.
4. Get your heart pumping
Queenstown is considered to be the adventure capital of New Zealand, and Rotorua is the adventure capital of the North Island. The crazy bungy jumps, canyon swings, zip lines, jet boats, race cars and God knows what else bring in more than three million visitors a year and are available year round.
While getting splashed by cold water on a jet boat ride or rafting might not be as enjoyable on a frosty winter morning as it is on a hot summer afternoon, you’ll be spoilt for choice as far as blood pumping activities go.
Fear not, you won’t be missing out on any of these by visiting in winter, you’ll just be able to add a ton of winter activities on top of the usual stuff!
Book your adventure in Queenstown:
Book your adventure in Rotorua:
Rotorua Zorbing
Rotorua canopy tours
Rotorua White Water Rafting
Swoop bungy swing
5. Do a Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
If you’re up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then have a look Heli Hiking. A helicopter takes you up the Franz Josef Glacier and lands on the ice. From here your guide takes you on a hike exploring narrow crevasses, blue ice tunnels, and ice caves. That sounds pretty awesome right?!
Book your adventure
6. Apres ski & nightlife in Queenstown
Winter in Queenstown is wild. Every night, after the slopes close, the town comes alive with snow bums rushing to the pubs for a serious apres-ski session.
Rhino’s Ski Shack takes the crown and here you’ll find all the hardcore skiers and snowboarders. If you’re still in your ski gear head over to 1876 for a cheap jug on the terrace. World bar is a fabulous pub with great food, teapot style cocktails and the perfect ratio of posh and chill. Then dance your night away at Loco, Searle Lane or the Bungalow.
Read Next: Epic things to do in Queenstown in winter
7. Explore middle earth
Lord of the Rings was filmed entirely in New Zealand and you can find a lot of the LOTR filming locations around Queenstown. Just outside town you’ll find Amon Hen, Ithilien Camp, Isengard, Lothlórien, the lands of Rohan and more iconic locations of the Middle Earths.
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan we recommend you book guided a LOTR tour and a guide will take you to the best viewpoints and provide plenty of context and backstage stories for the ultimate experience.
Book your Middle Earth tour:
Read next: Best LOTR filming locations in NZ
8. See the glow worms
Time to see what Waitomo is famous for. Book this black water rafting tour for the morning. We recommend going for the 3-hour tour rather than the 5-hour tour, as the 5-hour tour doesn’t really give you much more and is quite a bit more expensive. The tour will start with your guides explaining a bit about the caves, and dressing up in a wetsuit, gumboots and a fashionable helmet before going underground.
After a bit of crawling you’ll get to a spectacular sight; a hall FULL of glowworms. There are so many glowworms that their light is bright enough for the guides to take some pictures of you with them.
Then you get to the rafting part of the tour. Don’t expect something like the rafting in Rotorua, but leisurely floating under a sky of glowworms in an underground stream on an inflatable donut. Less thrilling, but absolutely not less interesting. The guides love joking around and will definitely keep you entertained while keeping everyone safe.
If you’re not a big fan of floating in the water or narrow caves, then this boat tour of the glowworm caves is a better choice for you.
9. Do a Maori cultural experience
The Māori people were the first to settle in Rotorua and it is still the country’s heartland of Māori culture. There are multiple Māori villages that you can visit here and they all offer an interesting cultural experience. They sometimes sell out so make sure to book your Maori night in advance.
We went to Te Pa Tu, formerly known as Tamaki Māori Village which was voted the 7th best experience in the world by TripAdvisor in 2018 and I highly recommend booking this experience.
After an invigorating welcome (if you’re lucky you might be chosen as your tribe’s chief), you’ll be shown around the village. During the evening you’ll learn about Maori tattoos, partake in traditions like the world-famous haka and play Maori games. After the tour through the village, they will put on an incredible show for you and end the evening with with arguably the best part; a delicious hangi dinner.
Book your tour:
Cultural Experience at Te Pā Tū
10. Celebrate Maori New Year – Matariki
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades and it also refers to the season when they first rise on the southern sky, usually in late June or early July.
Its appearance announces the end of a year and the beginning of a new one. Matariki is celebrated by remembering the year that has been and letting it go.
11. Warm up in the hot pools
Soaking in hot pools is by far my favourite activity during New Zealand Winter. Due to the geothermal activity, there are plenty of natural hot springs across the country.
The most famous and most active area is Rotorua where you can find plenty of natural hot streams which you can visit for free. Then there’s the spas and commercial hot pools that leverage the hot springs to fill up their pools, the Polynesian Spa Hot Springs in Rotorua and Hamner Springs on the South Island.
And lastly, there are the artificially heated pools like the insta-famous Onsen Pools and Omarama pools.
12. Go whale watching
Kaikoura is a well known whale watching destination. Here you can see the sperm whale year round, but in winter it gets even better! As the humpback whales make their way up north in search of warmer waters for their calfs.
The humpbacks are at the peak of their migration through Kaikoura in July and that’s the perfect time to join a whale watching tour and see these playful creatures jumping out of the water.
13. Enjoy the tourist free country
When you visit New Zealand in winter you’ll get to enjoy it all to yourself! Outside of the ski resorts tourists are few and far apart. You’ll get to enjoy the hotspots like Milford Sound and Cathedral Cove without the usual crowds, at a fraction of the price!
Accommodation costs and rental prices are considerably lower in the winter months so if you don’t mind a little bit of cold, visiting New Zealand in winter is a great way to avoid the crowds and save some money.
14. See Kiwi Bird
The elusive kiwi bird is a flightless bird and a national symbol of New Zealand, but since these are nocturnal animals and they’re endangered they’re quite hard to spot in the wildlife. But lucky for you, there are several kiwi bird sanctuaries in New Zealand, like the Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown. Here you can observe the flightless kiwis in a nocturnal enclosure that mimics their natural environment.
Seeing a kiwi bird in an enclosure is great, but spotting a kiwi in the wild is so much better! If you’d like to be one of the lucky few to see a kiwi bird in the wild then Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary on the West Coast is the best place to do so (right after Ulva Island). Book this tour which combines a kayaking trip on Lake Mapourika and a visit to Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary
Book your adventure:
Kayak, Hike and Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary
15. Do some winter hikes
The mountains are especially beautiful in winter and some of the popular hikes that get extremely busy in summer, are practically empty during the winter months. The great walks have plenty of availability in their otherwise booked out huts and other popular tracks, like the Tongariro Alpine crossing, are just waiting for you to explore them.
However hiking in winter comes with its own challenges. There is a risk of avalanche and paths are often hidden under the fresh snow so a mountain guide is recommended.
16. Visit Rotorua
It’s not just the hot springs that make Rotorua the perfect winter destination, it’s the whole geothermal shazam and then some! Rotorua is fantastic year round, but in winter there’s special charm about it with hot steam forming clouds in the cold air and the pleasant warmth seeping out of the geothermal cracks as you walk past.
Winter is the perfect time for visiting Wai-o-tapu. You’ll be able to avoid the crowds and and the heat coming from the lakes and mud baths will keep you pleasantly warm.
Read Next: What to do in the geothermal Rotorua
17. Go on an off-road adventure
The West Coast is wild, and the backcountry on the West Coast is even wilder! Buckle up and explore its rainforests, hills, and valleys on a buggy or quad tour.
You’ll venture so far off the beaten path it will feel like you got lost in Jurasic Park. But don’t worry, there are no hungry dinosaurs on New Zealand (that I know of).
Since this part of New Zealand has rather shitty weather year round, you’ll have pretty much the same experience visiting in June or January, few degrees up or down.
Book your adventure:
Franz Josef Glacier Quad Bike Tour
Waterfall and Forest Track buggies (from Greymouth)
18. Try snow kiting
What do you do when you have countless kilometres of snowy clearings and an abundance of wind? You go snowkiting, obviously!
There are countless locations around across New Zealand where you can take your kite up. The Crown Range between Wanaka and Queenstown offers some fabulous opportunities for snowkiting and the hills in Cantebury are arguably even better.
19. Explore Northland
The northernmost part of New Zealand has its own subtropical microclimate and it is much warmer in winter than the rest of New Zealand.
The further north you go, the warmer it gets and here you’ll get temperatures of up to 16C (61F)! While this might not be enough to make you wanna go for a swim, the many beaches and bays are a fabulous sight and perfect for a walk down the shore.
Make sure to check out Cape Reinga, take the scenic Mataury bay road, check out Rainbow falls in Kerikeri and go sailing around the bay of islands.
20. Go heli skiing
Don’t feel like sharing the slopes and waiting in line for the chair lift? Then heli-skiing is for you! Hop on a helicopter, land on a mountain peak and carve your own lines down the powdery slopes for the ultimate New Zealand winter experience!
This fun adventure is no joke though, you’ll need to be a pretty good skier or snowboarder and be in decent shape.
21. Wine tasting
Why not enjoy a glass of kiwi wine in front of the fireplace? There are 10 major wine regions in New Zealand and hundreds of wine estates for you to choose from.
The most popular wines in New Zealand are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. You’ll get the best sav in Marlborough and the best Pinot Noir in Central Otago. Hawkes Bay is known for the red blends and here you’ll find a fantastic Syrah and Cabernet.
22. Check out the Club ski fields
Club ski fields, as the name suggests, are ski fields run by ski clubs. Since the clubs have a limited budget these ski fields are small and the infrastructure is outdated but the vibes make up for it and they’re an awesome experience.
Forget about gondolas and chairlifts! In most cases you’ll need a harness and a nutcracker to hook up to the tow rope, it’s like skiing in the good old days!
23. Queenstown Winter Festival
The Winter Festival in Queenstown has a long standing tradition and dates back to 1975. Today the Queenstown Winter Fest is a 10 day long event packed with competitions, championships, shows, concerts and all sorts of fun events. The festivities are deliberately fun and unusual, like the Dog Derby, Rope tug on skis and the winter plunge in the cold cold lake. Then, at night it turns into a party.
24. Visit a Jade carving studio
Jade has a special place in Maori culture and jade carving is a traditional craft. Different shapes have different meanings and it is said a jade-stone should always be gifted, never bought. In Rotorua you can visit the Mountain Jade Carving Studio where you’ll learn everything about this ancient craft.
Winter holidays in New Zealand
Unlike winter in the Northern hemisphere, there are only a few holidays throughout winter in New Zealand, no Christmas markets nor NYE fireworks. However, these events can also impact the opening hours of shops, attractions, bars, and restaurants. Availability of accommodation and tours, as well as prices, might also be affected.
Below is a list of the most prominent dates you should be paying attention to when planning your winter trip to New Zealand.
King’s Birthday – 5 June
Matariki Day (Maori New Year) – June or July, date varies
School Holidays – Usually 2 weeks in early July, greatly impacts the crowds especially on ski fields.
Winter weather in New Zealand
We always say that in New Zealand you’ll get four seasons in a day. Because New Zealand is a relatively small island in the middle of a massive ocean, the wind will bring all sorts of weather from all sides. This means that snow is no stranger in December and you can get warm sunny days in July. New Zealand weather is unpredictable.
That being said, most of New Zealand is coastal meaning mild weather year-round but the temperatures quickly decrease as you travel south. You’ll find the most snow in the mountainous areas, like the Central Plateau on the north island, and the Southern Alps on the south island. The snow line is lower in Otago and Canterbury but it rarely falls in the valleys.
June is the month with the shortest days and it often sees the most rainfall. The ski fields are usually often towards the end of the month.
July is generally the coldest month in New Zealand. Because the school holidays usually fall in July, this month sees an increase in domestic travel.
August is when the temperatures start rising, you can start seeing clear signs of spring towards the end of August.
September is the last month of winter but in many places around New Zealand, it already feels like spring. Most ski fields will still be open but in the valleys, it’s getting warmer.
When is winter in New Zealand
Winter in New Zealand starts at the end of June and lasts till the end of September, making July, August and September the official New Zealand winter months.
What to pack for New Zealand in winter
Make sure to pack some good quality waterproof boots, warm socks, a (preferably long) winter coat, a compact umbrella, gloves, scarf and hat, warm layers, but also your beach towel and swimwear to enjoy the hot pools.
Shop these Winter essentials:
Getting around New Zealand in winter
The best way to explore New Zealand is by renting a campervan but since this can be a rather cold experience in winter, a rental car might be the better option so you can sleep in a warm hotel room at night.
New Zealand is best explored by campervan!
Roam free with the flexibility of a campervan in New Zealand. Set your own pace, wake up to new views every day, and make unforgettable memories along the way!
Driving in New Zealand in Winter
For the most part, driving in New Zealand in winter is no different to driving in any other season. It can actually be a lot more pleasant and safer since there are fewer tourists on the roads. One of the main things to be aware of when driving in New Zealand is that they drive on the left side of the road.
Care should be taken in some places where the roads are prone to ice and snow, or at night in regions where temperatures go below the freezing level. In some parts of the South Island, you will be required to carry snow chains, for example, to drive the Crown Range or the road to Milford Sound.
In the rare case of extreme weather, some roads might be temporarily closed. You can check for road closures here.
Read next:
Rotorua in winter: Incredible things to do in winter in Rotorua
Queenstown in winter: Epic things to do in Queenstown in winter, suggested by a local
NZ winter sports: Best skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand
North Island itinerary: North Island in 2 or 3 weeks
South Island Itinerary: South Island in 2 or 3 weeks
Reliable travel insurance
Good travel insurance is an absolute must when traveling abroad, and we’ve learned that the hard way!
Now we always get insured before we leave and Travel Insurance Masters is our go-to platform to find the best insurance options for the specific trip.
The TIM platform works as a search engine and suggests the best insurance company and insurance plan for your criteria so you don’t end up paying more for things you don’t need! It also takes into account your age, nationality, destination etc. which can greatly impact the final price.
You can get your quote & provider recommendations here.
Hi There! My family and I are headed to NZ in June/July. I’m wondering if I need to book our reservations for activities such as the caves and cruises and things prior to being there? Or can we must reserve a place to stay and then make daily reservations for activities? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!
Hi Tiffany, It’s always best to book in advance. However, winter isn’t as busy as the rest of the year (but be mindful of school holidays!) so you can get by with booking just a week or so in advance. Make sure to check my North Island and South Island itineraries for the best NZ experiences, there’s plenty of activity recommendations there. Queenstown and Rotorua are especially nice in winter!