New Zealand is beautiful year round, but we can’t deny when the snow capped mountains appear, there is excitement in the air!
Winter months in New Zealand are June, July and August. The temperatures drop a little and there is a bit more rainfall but don’t let that deter you from the beauty across the country.
Winter temperature typically range from 12 – 16℃ (53 – 61℉). Most regions in New Zealand have about 8 – 10 hours of sunlight during winter – the perfect amount to be able to enjoy the remarkable sights of the country.
Winter in New Zealand is a magical time of the year. The snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and crisp air make for a stunning landscape. Skiers and snowboarders flock to the country’s many ski resorts to take advantage of the ample snowfall. In the cities, the chill provides an opportunity to enjoy hot drinks and comfort food, or curl up by the fireplace. Winter is also the season for holiday festivities, with local events and markets showcasing the best of Kiwi culture and cuisine
We have put together a few of our favourite places to eat, drink and things to do in Winter from the top to the bottom of New Zealand. We also offer luxury accommodation services so have picked a few of our favourite luxury homes across New Zealand for you to choose from – we hope this gives you some great ideas and inspiration about your Winter in New Zealand.
With quite a mild Winter and plenty of beaches, Northland is a great place to enjoy some rest and relaxation.
We love Waiheke Island! Get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city by jumping on a quick ferry to take you over to the relaxed ‘Island of Wine’. Wavino Wine Tours offer some great options to get you around Waiheke while sampling some delicious tipples.
One of our favourite restaurants on Waiheke Island is Casita Miro – be sure to book your table in advance for this one! You can read our blog post about this amazing spot here.
Before you leave Auckland, we think you should try Ahi Restaurant. With it’s very own organic garden, you are sure to receive the freshest meals each time!
Only a 4 hour drive or very quick flight north from Auckland is the Bay Of Islands, surrounded by pristine water and beaches. If you are interested in the history of New Zealand and the Māori culture, we highly recommend a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Get a taste of the historic culture of New Zealand – you can even enjoy a hāngī, a traditional Māori way of cooking using heated rocks in a pit oven – delicious!
Stand out MajorDomo luxury accommodation in Northland
Beachfront Retreat, Waiheke Island
Located on Beach Parade, with views straight out to sea, the property reflects Waiheke’s ultimate coastal lifestyle living.
The covered Spa and outdoor shower are connected via a large open window to the huge lawn area. The entire property has been beautifully-styled and every part of the house works for family entertainment from spacious sun-drenched decks to multiple play areas with basketball, ping pong, Sky sports & smart TV, expansive lawn and beachfront access.
Eagle Spirit villa at Eagles Nest is tucked privately into the hillside promising peace and relaxation in a sheltered, sun drenched location.
Outside, enjoy the heated spa pool, 18 metre heated infinity pool or just relax on the sun lounger on the deck where the views really will take your breath away.
Taupo is a winter wonderland during the colder months. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Lake Taupo, geothermal activity, and nearby mountains. The crisp winter air offers the perfect conditions for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the surrounding ski fields. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are hot springs to soak in and enjoy, as well as scenic walks around the lake.
For the foodies amongst us, Taupo is full of restaurants, cafes and bars to indulge. We can recommend Sorrento for a spot to enjoy relaxed Italian dining with tasty New Zealand and Italian wines to match. If you enjoy a touch of tapas then we suggest you head over to Vine Eatery and Bar to delight your taste buds with their New Zealand and Mediterranean influenced menu.
Walking the Huka Falls Track in Winter is a must-do for nature lovers. The track takes you through breathtaking forests, across streams, and past tranquil pools. As you approach the falls, you’ll be greeted by the powerful rush of water, surrounded by stunning mist and ice formations. Wrap up warm and bring your camera to capture the beauty of the falls in winter. It’s a magical experience not to be missed.
Stand out MajorDomo luxury accommodation in Taupo
Alan Pye Cottage at Huka Lodge
Alan Pye Cottage takes every advantage of a superb location and sits above lush rolling green lawns and manicured gardens on the banks of the Waikato River, where the powerful and hypnotic turquoise green waters surge downstream on their way to the Huka Falls.
A heated infinity-style swimming pool and a separate private spa pool have been integrated into the outdoor landscape. There is also a fabulous stone outdoor pavilion within a private courtyard garden, featuring a magnificent fireplace.
Hawke’s Bay in winter offers a unique experience for visitors. The region, known for its stunning landscapes and vineyards, transforms into a winter wonderland with cooler temperatures, crisp air and occasional snowfall. Enjoy cozy fires, hearty meals, and seasonal activities such as hot air ballooning, skiing, and snowboarding.
Hawke’s Bay is a wine lover’s paradise, known for its world-class wineries and vineyards. Take a tour with Prinsy’s Tours to taste some of New Zealand’s finest wines. Whether you want to spend a short time at the wineries or take a full day tour, Prinsy’s Tours has something to cater for everyone.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner most days, Malo Restaurant in Havelock North is must! You could even treat yourself to one of their delicious cocktails or a gin flight – you will all find something to enjoy here.
Another favourite eatery of ours is Bistronomy in Napier. With 6 or 7 course meals with the option to wine match, this is one that will not disappoint! Bistronomy’s counterpart, Vinotech is a spot to go to enjoy a worldly wine tasting.
Stand out MajorDomo luxury accommodation in Hawke’s Bay
For those who love long lazy holidays, luxury, comfort and easy flexibility Airini Beach Villa is calling your name.
The villa features a pool and spa pool, lots of outdoor seating and lounges for long lunches and lazy afternoons spent with a book. In the evening fire up the outdoor fireplace and barbecue and settle onto the fabulous sofas with a glass of local wine.
Whether you’re after adventure or relaxation, Nelson and Marlborough provide the perfect winter escape. Explore the region’s world-renowned vineyards, take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps or relax in one of the many hot springs.
We can recommend the 3 hour scenic drive south to Kaikōura to jump on a whale watching cruise with Whale Watch, Kaikōura. This spot is one of the few places Giant Sperm Whales are seen year-round and close to shore so don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this with your own eyes!
If you fancy a cruise closer to Nelson and Marlborough, then take a look at the options E-Ko Tours have to offer. With wildlife, island and educational experiences on offer throughout the day, there is sure to be a cruise or tour around Marlborough Sounds that takes your fancy.
Fans of Asian street food don’t want to miss out on trying Hawker House in the heart of Nelson. Delicious food, inspired by Asian street food and hawker markets, the perfect spot for sharing a few bites!
Arbour in Blenheim, offers a delectable 6 course meal with the option of wine pairing. Be sure to check out the seasonal menu to see what this area of New Zealand has to offer for Winter eats.
Stand out MajorDomo luxury accommodation in Nelson/Marlborough
Falcon Brae Villa is perched on a hilltop high above Stonefly Lodge, with spectacular 360 degree views over the surrounding mountains and the majestic Motueka River below.
The large deck space overlooks the mountains and river, featuring a pool & outdoor heated spa, barbeque area for outdoor dining and entertaining with a shaded pergola.
Christchurch in winter is a truly magical experience. For those seeking a more indoor experience, cozy cafes and restaurants offer warmth and comfort, while cultural attractions like the Christchurch Art Gallery and the Canterbury Museum provide a rich and fascinating glimpse into the city’s history and heritage.
Jump on board the Christchurch Tram and experience the combination of history and sightseeing! With 18 stops around the city center, this is the ideal transport to rest your legs and see the beauty of Christchurch.
Open for lunch and dinner, The Soul Quarter, brings you Winter dining by the fire with food to warm your soul! We love their cocktail menu, the names of the drinks are great (try the Stay in Your Lane)!
5th Street is another great dinner spot in Christchurch. With a range of small, medium and large plates, you are sure to walk away from here feeling full!! Before you leave, be sure to pick up some of 5th Street’s homemade pantry essentials!
Stand out MajorDomo luxury accommodation in Christchurch
Located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and river Avon. The Residence is a three-bedroom character villa that has been recently restored to the highest standards, offering the ultimate in exclusive luxury accommodation.
The Residence has the feel of a country lodge overlooking The Georges private hotel gardens.
Tekapo is a picturesque village in the South Island, located just an hours drive from Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Tekapo is part of the one of two Dark Sky Reserves in New Zealand and is the largest one in the Southern Hemisphere! The perfect spot in Winter to admire the Dark Sky Reserve is in a hot pool! Tekapo Springs offer a great relaxation spot for stargazing – even if the weather is poor, you can still enjoy a 360֯֯֯֯ virtual reality tour of the night sky!
Optimal views of the snow capped Mt Cook/Aoraki in Winter can be seen from the Hooker Valley Track. The perfect walk for any fitness level, follow flat terrain for a 3 hour return trip of a lifetime – be sure to have the camera handy for this one!
The Astro Cafe, located close to the Mt John Observatory near Tekapo is the perfect spot to enjoy a warming coffee while taking in the surrounding snowy views.
Also located in Tekapo is Blue Lake Eatery and Bar where you can indulge in contemporary local New Zealand cuisine – try a little of everything with the sharing platter!
Stand out MajorDomo luxury accommodation near Tekapo and Mt Cook
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat – Moraine Villa
Immerse yourself in the luxurious high country estate & luxury villa set in 66 hectares of pure wilderness, and surrounded by the turquoise blue waters of Lake Pukaki and Ben Ohau ranges. With Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park at your doorstep, what more could you want?
Indulge in an inground outdoor artesian fresh water hot tub.
Queenstown is New Zealand’s Winter Wonderland! With stunning scenery and endless adventure activities, it’s the perfect Winter destination. Colder temperatures and more snowfall means the snow fields are perfect for those who enjoy any type of snow sports! The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona ski fields are all in very close proximity to Queenstown.
If you are not in to snow sports but still want to enjoy the snow on the mountains, take a scenic flight with Heliworks including an alpine landing on top of The Remarkables – all of the snow fun without all of the effort (take your camera with you because you will see Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from a whole new perspective).
Warm up in the heart of Queenstown with a bite to eat from Margo’s. Mexican inspired and absolutely delicious. Be sure to check out if the Bottomless Brunch is happening while you are in town – definitely one not to miss!
Fancy a blend of Polynesian and Asian cuisines? Blue Kanu has just that – with delicious sharing plates or the option of a set menu, you are guaranteed to enjoy all the food that comes out of the kitchen. Make sure to try their delicious cocktails too!
Queenstown is host to a multitude of events but during winter, the one not to miss is Winter Fest! Live music, comedy, night markets and more – be sure to rug up and get involved around Queenstown in the fun that is Winter Fest.
Stand out MajorDomo luxury accommodation in Queenstown
This home is luxury-lodge-living at its finest but all in the privacy and space of your own villa. It is perfectly positioned in Queenstown with panoramic sweeping views which stretch over the town and mountains and to either end of the lake.
Winter guests can rest assured they will remain cosy with central heating and two indoor fireplaces, and will appreciate the little touches like the ski boot rack and drying cupboard for ski clothes in the internal garage.
Luxury villa living by Lake Hayes in Queenstown is at it’s best with this expansive villa.
Take a dip in the private spa pool or curl up by the roaring wood fire under the sheltered outdoor seating area and gaze out over the lake and mountain range on one side of the house, or enjoy watching the golfers play a round of golf and spot a spectacular waterfall on the other side of the home.
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