There are plenty of winter activities in New Zealand that you have to try at least once in your life!
New Zealand is a no-brainer when it comes to crazy outdoor adventures and breathtaking landscapes. There’s no shortage of fun within its North and South Islands, equally teeming with stunning scenery. All you have to do is rent a car, and you're pretty much all set for a road trip you'll be talking about for the rest of your live.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
Well, that depends on what you wanna do. Overall, the best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months, January to March, when the days are longer and the temperature is warmer.
But, if you enjoy skiing, sledding, and all sorts of cold winter sports more than anything else, better visit when it’s winter in New Zealand. The winter months in New Zealand are from June to August.
June marks the start of ski season, and most ski areas start to welcome visitors again. If you wanna ski and land on powder snow, the most ideal time to visit would be July and August, when there is heavier snowfall.
Furthermore, winter in New Zealand is considered off-season, so prices tend to be cheaper. However, this also means some landmarks might be closed. Fret not—there are still heaps of the best places to visit in New Zealand in the winter! Here are eight experiences that should be on your New Zealand winter itinerary!
1. Soak in the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown
Photo courtesy of @arnaalayne
Winter temperatures in New Zealand can go as low as 10°C in the south and 16°C in the north. So if you’re looking for a great way to battle out the cold, the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown is one of the best things to do in New Zealand during the winter. Nothing beats soaking in a cedar-lined hot pool spa filled with detoxifying water when you’re on vacay! This is a definite must-do in Queenstown!
📍 162 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown
2. Go Skiing at The Remarkables
Whether you’re a beginner or a novice, skiing is a must in New Zealand
If skiing in New Zealand is at the top of your travel bucket list, The Remarkables in Queenstown has got to be one of the best ski resorts you have to check out! You can get a ski pass that includes multi-day lift passes and even save yourself from the hassle of lugging around heavy ski equipment by renting your gear.
Have a ball of a time on the ski slopes as your package comes complete with a round-trip transfer between Coronet Peak and Queenstown. And while you’re here, all you need to think about is what kind of terrain to ski on!
📍 Round-trip pick up from 37 Shotover Street, Queenstown
🗓 18 June to 16 October 2022
3. Fly in a Helicopter and land on the Franz Josef Glacier
Enjoy the powder snow on Franz Josef Glacier!
Winter in New Zealand brings about the most captivating alpine views. What better way to be mesmerized by these snowy peaks than on an exciting helicopter flight above Franz Josef Glacier? You’ll go as high as 6,000 feet over the steep glacier on this flight before landing right on it for some fun in the snow.
You can double the fun when you opt for the Twin Glacier helicopter flight to soak in the natural beauty of Fox Glacier too during this 30-minute experience.
📍 29 Main Rd, Franz Josef Glacier 7886
4. Experience Snowshoeing at The Remarkables
Kids above 7 are welcomed to tag along!
Wanna try something new? Go snowshoeing! If you're coming with kids, snowshoeing is one of the best things to experience snow in New Zealand. You get to travel up and down the majestic slopes of The Remarkables mountain range at your own pace. Don't worry if it's your first time; you will be in good hands with experienced alpine guides throughout the 3-hour hike!
📍 3/15 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, Queenstown
5. Go Skydiving in Queenstown
Feel on top of the world when you skydive
Revel in New Zealand's winter sceneries with the ultimate adrenaline adventure Queenstown offers - Tandem Skydiving! Book a 15,000 feet skydive and experience up to 60 seconds of liberating free fall. If you can keep your eyes open, don't forget to spot Lake Wakatipu as a pleasing bonus to this thrilling activity!
📍 35 Shotover Street, Queenstown
6. Visit Te Puia in Rotorua
Don’t let the smell drive you away, Te Puia has heaps of fun in store!
Another great way to warm up during winter in New Zealand is to visit Te Puia and immerse yourself in Maori culture. Watch the famous Rotorua geysers (don't miss Pohutu Geyser!) erupt from the ground and revel in the warmth from the steam. There are also cauldrons, mud pools, and more to explore in this geothermal wonderland. After touring around the park, find respite with the local Maori and experience different indigenous traditions.
📍 Te Puia Hemo Road, Tihiotonga, Rotorua 3010
7. Heli Hike on Fox Glacier
Be welcomed by this scenery when you heli hike on Fox Glacier!
Make New Zealand your winter playground by heli hiking on Fox Glacier! It may sound intimidating, but heli hiking is as simple as hiking in a remote area, only accessible via a helicopter ride. No need for crazy stunts such as jumping off the heli!
This heli hiking experience gives you front-row seats to the majestic Victoria Falls and the magical ice caves at Fox Glacier. You can also make it a full day's adventure with an exhilarating ice climbing experience. It's a definite bucket list activity, so make sure to pack your cameras!
📍 44 Main Road, State Highway 6, Fox Glacier 7859
8. Catch a Winter Festival
Prep for major winter fun in New Zealand!
Get ready to scream and jump for joy because wintertime means Mardi Gras and other festivals are finally on! One exciting event is the Taupō Winter Festival featuring great music, creative art installations, gastronomical food and stunning performances. You’re sure to have a fantastic time here! Other winter fests in NZ include the Matariki Festival in Auckland, which marks the Maori new year, Winter Pride in Queenstown, and many more!
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