Winter is June to August in New Zealand, and the country at this time of year is much quieter. It’s the slow season for tourism, so if you’re going to our banks, you can get some incentives if the majority doesn’t come. It isn’t only emptier (this means you’re the only one in the midst of breathtaking scenery), but you’re going to experience things that aren’t the same or also in the hot months. This is a guide to some of New Zealand’s favorite things to do in winter, which will make your travel memorable.
- Mountains
They are just the best mountains. You will be shocked when you step off the Queenstown plane and watch the magnificent mountains all year long but it will be something else in the winter! In New Zealand, there are nice ski areas. This is the only place you can find a particular crowd of people who gather to ride the stunning and snowy slopes. There are 20 ski pistes in New Zealand. Hutt, Coronet Peak and Treble Cone, Queenstown, Cadrona, The Remarkables, 1 hour 45 minutes away by car from Christchurch, and Whakapapa in the North Island are the most popular Fresh Zealand ski and snowboard spots.
- Hot swimming pools
New Zealand has thermal activity, meaning that hot springs are known everywhere, some are smaller and less well known, although some have to catch. Hot pools are not only relaxed, thermal water has therapeutic advantages. On the volcanic plateau of New Zealand, Rotorua is situated on the North Coast. There are numerous heated basins and natural hot springs if you know where to look, it’s the center for geothermal activity. Some of the southern locations at the Franz Joseph Glacier include Tekapo Springs, Maruia Springs, Hanmer, and the Glacier Hot Pools to relax and comfortably in the spa.
- Gloomers
Winter is the perfect time to visit the ancient glaciers. The glaciers in New Zealand, Franz Josef, and Fox Glaciers are situated on the west coast of South Island, where the winter weather is more appealing. That means the skies are open, making glacier hiking and helicopter rides a great experience. With its snowy mountain background, the glacier looks most stunning, and in winter, the perfect blue ice is less dirty, which makes it look pristine.
- Matariki celebrated
Matariki is characterized by the rising of the Matariki constellation (also the Pleiades or Seven Sisters) in the middle of winter, the festival of Maori’s New Year. For harvesting preparation, a time of contemplation, recognition of the past, and our ties with one another and with the natural world, Matariki is a key marker. Matariki is an important marker in our harvest calendars. All over the world, festivals take place in June and July every year in the country.
- See Live for Rugby
Winter is rugby season, another bonus for visiting New Zealand. Having All Blacks play in their homeland is one of New Zealand’s most famous forms. Get the chills while watching the popular live Haka and get a taste of the rugby spirit in New Zealand while enjoying the exciting atmosphere. For more relevant matches, visit The All Blacks website, or The Rugby Union of New Zealand and the Rugby League of New Zealand.
- Booths
Wine tours are classic summer activities, sure, but the bodegas still love winter. Although the vine is naked, you still have incredible views and you can taste world-famous New Zealand wine. New Zealand is countrywide in various wine regions. Most bodies deliver great food and convenient indoor seating in restaurants.
- Events & Festivals
Several festivals take place all over New Zealand during the winter. From culture, fashion, and film to food festivals. Some of the favorites are;
# Festival of the Waiheke Arts
# Jazz Festival in Wellington
# Wellington A Plate, Beervana Wellington Food and Wine Classic Festivals;
# Hawkes Bay
# Tv Festival of New Zealand International
# Festival of Authors and Readers Dunedin
# Festival Steampunk
# Week of NZ Fashion
- Roads to walk
The Great Walks in New Zealand are not ideal for winter walking but when you go hiking, shorter walks are generally accessible and healthy and in winter they are just spectacular. Maybe just an hour or a full day stroll. Be mindful that it is getting colder, that certain roads are icy, and the sunsets in winter earlier so that it is primed. Everywhere you are a walking path is bound, which takes you not too far into the magnificent native bush and the breathtaking scenery. Listen to some of New Zealand’s native birds’ special birdsong.
- Sledding Puppy
Yeah, sleighing dog. Traditionally from the northern hemisphere, but on a sleigh with traditional Arctic sledders, you will enjoy a tour of breathtaking New Zealand. Underdog New Zealand is owned by a dog-loving couple who run their dogs all over North America, near Wanaka, in the South Island of New Zealand. Of course, when there is snow, this is a more authentic experience.
- Season South Lights
Aurora Australis, which is usually called The Southern lights, is caused by a reaction in the solar wind with the gases that make the sky bright with pink and green displays. It’s a rare sight because it’s hard to get south, and the conditions have to be right. The best time to see them is in the winter months. New Zealand is one of the South Poles countries so you might see that awesome phenomenon if you are going as far south as you can. Stewart Island, Tekapo Bay, The Catlins, Wakatipu Lake, Invercargill, and Dunedin are among the best locations to spot the Southern Lights.
