GloboTreks is reader-supported through affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! – Norbert
Traveling to New Zealand in the winter months will expose you to all the magnificence this country has to offer. The already stunning landscapes and natural beauty are only enhanced by snow-clad mountains, and the winter wonderland scenery is an idyllic time for cycling, walking, and soaking in hot pools.
For nature and adventure enthusiasts, winter is the best time to visit, as the numerous winter activities are in full swing.
My first visit to New Zealand was during winter, and I couldn’t have been happier with my introduction to the country.
Depending on the day and which island I was on, the weather would vary from comfortably temperate, which was great for hiking, to cold and snowy, which was ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
So, if you’re planning a visit during the colder months, here’s everything you need to know about the New Zealand winter.

What is the Weather Like During New Zealand Winters?
As it’s in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand’s winters are during the months of June, July, and August (the summer months in the northern hemisphere). These winter months bring cooler weather and rain. Temperatures typically range around 12 – 16°C (53 – 61°F).
The New Zealand climate is rather temperate. The northern parts have subtropical weather while inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -10 C in winter.
But most of the country lies close to the coast, which means fairly mild temperatures and moderate rainfall during the winter months.
During the summer, it can often reach temperatures of 20 – 30ºC. So, if you want to enjoy the incredible beaches of this beautiful country then visit in summer when the country becomes the ultimate beach bum’s paradise.

Fun Things to do in Winter in New Zealand
Many people think that winter means staying indoors and waiting for summer to roll around before being able to explore, adventure, and have fun.
That’s simply not true. In New Zealand, winter months bring a whole host of exciting activities and opportunities for excursions.
These are some of the most popular activities to enjoy during winter in this amazing country:
Go Star-Gazing on the South Island
Arguably New Zealand’s most picturesque island, the South Island is the place to be during the wintertime. Although exquisite all year long, the winter brings with it a touch of magic.
The snow-capped alpine ranges become extra enchanting in their powder-white coats. Between glacial valleys, shimmering lakes, rugged coastline, and flourishing flora & fauna, you’ll feel like you were dropped in paradise.
One of my favorite things to do here during winter is to stargaze at Lake Tekapo. This area is part of the International Dark Sky Reserve which means there’s barely any light pollution.
Due to this, it’s the perfect place to kick back and take in the wonders of the Milky Way. It’s especially good during the New Zealand winter as the nights are crisp and clear.
If you get really lucky, you could even witness the Aurora Australis (the Southern Lights).
Experience the Beautiful Milford Sound
Milford Sound is located on the West Coast of the South Island and is one of the most spectacular fjords of New Zealand, with towering mountains and one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
You can choose to observe marine life underwater from the observatory and take the 2-hour cruise along the fjord to enjoy the waterfalls, seals, and the playful dolphins swimming next to the cruise.

Or, you can kayak along the river, surrounding yourself with the magnificent mountains that tower above the water.
You can also explore the nearby village of Milford Sound and its lakes or go hiking across the terrain for an unforgettable experience.
Visit the Tongariro National Park
The Tongariro National Park is a must-do stop during winter to enjoy its snowy scenery and get involved with some skiing and snowboarding.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the world’s best-known single-day hiking trails that traverses through volcanic peaks and around sacred Maori lakes, is a popular hike during the summer.
Still, if you’re an experienced hiker with crampons and an ice ax in alpine terrain, then this hike should be at the top of your list.

Also, if you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, Mount Ngauruhoe is one of the iconic settings in Peter Jackson’s movies – Mount Doom. Did you ever picture Mount Doom covered in snow?
Hop Across the Country Looking for Lord of the Rings Sceneries

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand, with many of its shots carried out in places like Queenstown’s Remarkable Mountains to represent the Caradhras Mountains, Te Anau for Fangorn Forest, Matamata for Hobbiton (you can still visit the Hobbiton Movie Set), Canterbury as Edoras, and many more.
There are tours specially dedicated to visiting LOTR locations, and from personal experience, they are well worth it!
During my visit to the Misty Mountains filming location, I was absolutely blown away by the dramatic scenery.

Skiing and Snowboarding
Located in New Zealand’s North Island, Mount Ruapehu is one of the country’s biggest wintertime playgrounds. It houses two ski areas with provisions made for beginners too.
Here you can indulge in some of the famed winter activities like snowboarding and skiing. So for those thrill-seekers, whether beginner or intermediate, you will have no shortage of runs and slopes to tackle.
If you find yourself in the South and you’re looking to shred some powder, then popular South Island fields include Cardrona, Mount Hutt, and Treble Cone.

Whale Watching
The nutrient-rich waters of Kaikōura Bay are visited by pods of sperm whales all year round. There are many boat tours and even whale-watching helicopter tours you can join.
The winter months are prime whale-watching times. At this time, you’re far more likely to spot these magnificent creatures.
This is because many migrating whales pass through the area on their long journeys. These include humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales, and southern right whales.
Humpback whales, for example, leave the icy Antarctic waters during the winter period and head further north, searching for warmer tropical waters near Tonga and Australia.
But lucky for us, they usually make Kaikōura a pitstop on their long-haul trek. Other places to catch them are Wellington and Picton.
Kick Back in a Hot Spring

It seems counterintuitive to whip out the swimwear in winter, but New Zealand’s geothermal hot springs are something to be experienced.
Rotorua on the North Island is famous for its warm-water wonders, and so is Hanmer Springs on the South Island. You can even experience these geothermal gems on a guided tour.
Along your travels, you can check out Taupo, Tongariro, and the Bay of Plenty’s White Island for some more geothermal activity. This is the perfect addition to a freezing ski trip and a truly rejuvenating way to end your holiday.
Cultural Activities to Enjoy in New Zealand in Winter
Whether you’re an outdoor junkie looking to slow the tempo down a little, or you prefer the cultural element of travel, there’s something in New Zealand for everyone.
This country is so diverse in its landscape, people, and culture that you won’t have trouble finding just the right activity to suit your tastes. These are my top picks:
Celebrate the Maori New Year

Matariki, the seven stars known as the Pleiades star cluster, is also the name of the Māori New Year which is rich with tradition. It’s celebrated throughout New Zealand and marks the beginning of the winter solstice.
This ancient celebration commemorates the arrival of the Matariki (Pleiades) constellation to the southern skies and, thus, the end of the harvest season. It is celebrated with winter festivals, ceremonies, and cultural performances.
Try a Little Wine Tasting

New Zealand is home to some fantastic wine regions, and sampling some of the local wines should definitely be part of your itinerary.
You can even join a guided wine tour and meet fellow wine lovers. There’s nothing cozier than sipping on a delicious glass of ruby-red wine while it warms you from the inside out.
Depending on where your travels take you, central Otago is a good place to sip on some reds, as well as Napier.
Central Otago and Napier are great areas for reds, while the best white wines in the country can be found in the Marlborough region. Most wineries have restaurants where you can sit snuggled up inside while you enjoy your glass of vino.
Embark on an Alpine Train Journey
The TranzAlpine train takes you on a breathtaking journey over Arthur’s Pass between Christchurch and Greymouth. The mountains, lakes, and rivers that you can experience from the open carriage are so much more picturesque in winter than at any other time of year.
The full journey takes around five hours and covers 233 km (139 miles), and is possibly the best way to take in the glorious landscapes of the South Island.

What are the Benefits of Visiting New Zealand in the Winter?
The New Zealand weather may be glorious in the summer, but the country is truly stunning during the winter months. However, it’s not just the snowy peaks that make New Zealand an ideal winter destination. Some of the many benefits of visiting during this time include:
- Quieter roads: Less tourists visit in the winter which means the roads are less busy. This makes road-tripping across New Zealand a much more pleasant experience.
- It’s cheaper: As with many destinations, hotels and other types of accommodation are way cheaper during the off-season than the peak season. So, if you’re on a tight budget, you can stay in some amazing places you wouldn’t be able to afford in the summer.
- The glaciers are at their biggest: New Zealand’s awe-inspiring glaciers, like Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, are larger during the winter, which makes it the best time to see them.
- You can still enjoy warm weather: The Bay of Islands is often referred to as the “Winterless North,” and temperatures there can reach 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) even during winter. So, if you need to warm up after a period in the south, you can catch a few days of sunshine in the north.
As you can see, there is no shortage of wintertime activities to choose from in New Zealand, and plenty of reasons to visit during the colder months.
Whether you’re looking to embrace the adrenaline and adventure enthusiast in you, see some beautiful landscapes, or throw yourself into the vibrant culture – you’re in for a treat in New Zealand.
Essential Info: Logistical Tips and Tricks to Book your Trip to New Zealand
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Kayak. These are two of the sites I use the most due to their exhaustive search on several websites and airlines around the world. They usually bring the cheapest fares.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
If you’re looking to save money by staying at a hostel, HostelWorld has the largest inventory of hostels. On the other hand, Vrbo offers a wide variety of rooms and apartments at affordable prices.
For hotels, guesthouses, and other types of accommodation, I also recommend Booking.com. They usually have the cheapest fares for guesthouses and hotels. I always book my hotels with Booking.com.
DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance with comprehensive coverage will protect you against unexpected events like theft, cancellations, injury, and illness. I use HeyMondo to insure my trips.
If you’re a nomad and travel often or long term, then SafetyWing could help you save a lot of money on travel insurance.
FIND THE BEST TOURS AT THE BEST PRICES
If you’re looking for the best day tours and cheapest ticket entrances to local attractions, I recommend checking Viator, as they have the largest selection of attractions, passes, and activities all around the world.
OTHER TRAVEL AND MONEY-SAVING TIPS?
Lastly, check out my resources page for some of the best products and companies to use for your trip. If you like saving money (like I do!), then this page will help.


LET ME HELP YOU TRAVEL MORE BY GETTING ADDITIONAL TIPS AND INSPIRATION VIA THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER.
Plus, receive a short e-book with 15 Beginner Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Flights!