
Winter Festivals & Cultural Events
⛷️ North Island
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Whakapapa – Mt Ruapehu: Largest ski field in NZ, great for families and first-timers.
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Tūroa – Mt Ruapehu: Known for long runs and spectacular views of the central plateau.
🏂 South Island
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Coronet Peak – Queenstown: Famous for night skiing and alpine vibes.
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The Remarkables – Queenstown: Family-friendly and scenic, with terrain parks.
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Cardrona Alpine Resort – Wānaka: Ideal for all levels, with a ski village feel.
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Treble Cone – Wānaka: The South Island’s largest ski area, favoured by advanced skiers.
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Snow Farm NZ – Wānaka: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow play.
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Ōhau Snow Fields & Lodge - Nestled in the Mackenzie High Country, this serene spot offers uncrowded slopes and a cozy lodge with lake views.
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Mt Hutt – Canterbury: Voted NZ’s best ski resort multiple times.
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Porters Alpine Resort – Canterbury: Close to Christchurch and great for a quick trip.
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Mt Dobson – Mackenzie: Wide-open slopes and dry snow.
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Roundhill – Lake Tekapo: Incredible views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.
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Fox Peak – Mackenzie: A club field offering big terrain and uncrowded slopes.
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Temple Basin – Arthur’s Pass: A backcountry favourite.
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Craigieburn Valley – Canterbury: Advanced terrain, no frills, all thrill.
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Broken River – Canterbury: Club field with a relaxed, communal feel.
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Mount Cheeseman – Canterbury: A welcoming, family-run ski club.
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Hanmer Springs Ski Area – North Canterbury: Ideal for beginners.
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Awakino Ski Field, Waitaki - Remote and rustic for the true adventurer.
Add to your snow experience with these awesome tours and activities!
New Zealand's Ski Fields: Your Winter Playground
🌌 Matariki, Nationwide (Late June–July) – Celebrate Māori New Year with storytelling, kai, and stargazing across NZ.
🌈 Winter Pride, Queenstown (15–25 Aug) – Inclusivity on the slopes and the dance floor.
🎶 Snow Machine Festival, Queenstown (9–14 Sept) – Ski by day, rave by night
🏃♀️ Run The Forest, Rotorua (9 August) – Participate in a winter trail run/walk through Rotorua's unique geothermal and Redwood trails.
🎭 Armageddon Winter Expo, Auckland (31 May–2 June) – A pop culture extravaganza featuring anime, comics, and gaming at the Auckland Showgrounds.
🌇 Auckland Lantern Festival, Auckland (July) – Immerse yourself in a beautiful lantern-lit cultural experience showcasing local and international art.
🎬 Lōemis - Midwinter Festival, Wellington (June) – Lightshows, music, arts and crafts, food and cinema.
🎨 World of Wearable Art (WOW) Show, Wellington (18 Sept–5 Oct) – A fusion of fashion, art, and performance showcasing innovative wearable art designs.
🍽 Visa Wellington On a Plate, Wellington (August) – A month-long culinary extravaganza showcasing the capital's vibrant food scene.
🍻 Beervana, Wellington (August) – A craft beer festival attracting beer lovers from all over.
🧊 The Midwinter Session, Christchurch (2nd August) – Celebrating local, featuring an incredible lineup of food, musicians, and a selection of the finest beers, wines and spirits from the Waitaha Canterbury region.
🏮 Midwinter Carnival, Dunedin (21 June) – A lantern-lit celebration of solstice.
⛷ Taupō Winter Festival, Taupō (27 June–13 July) – Celebrate the 10th anniversary with dazzling light displays, live performances, and family activities at the Mercury Light Hub.
Add to your snow experience with these awesome tours and activities!

🛳️ Cruises & Tours
Milford Sound Fly, Cruise, Fly
Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour with Cruise and Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
Mt Cook & Tekapo Small Group 2-day Tour from Queenstown
Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland
Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland
Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland
Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland
🔭 Aoraki/Mt Cook Stargazing – Celebrate Matariki with the darkest skies in the Southern Hemisphere
Ultimate Stargazing Experience - Lake Tekapo
🧖 Hot Pools & Spas
Onsen Hot Pools Experience - Queenstown
Hell's Gate Mudbath & Spas - Rotorua
Wai Ariki Hot Springs - Rotorua
Secret Spot Hot Tubs - Rotorua
🍷 Wine Tours
Original Wine Tour - Queenstown
Arrowtown - Local Wine Tasting
Marlborough Private Winery Tour
Quintessential Scenic Auckland Wine Tour (West Auckland) Private Tour
Off the Snow Experiences
Winter Travel Tips: Pack Smart, Travel Smooth
Here’s what you need to know before heading out into NZ’s winter wonderland:
Getting Around
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Flights: Domestic airlines connect major cities to Queenstown, Christchurch, and Rotorua.
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Car hire: Great for flexibility, but ensure your rental has snow chains (especially in the South Island).
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Scenic trains: Try the TranzAlpine for breathtaking mountain views.
What to Pack
Clothing:
🧥 Insulated waterproof jacket (down or synthetic)
🧤 Gloves (thermal and waterproof)
🧣 Scarf or neck warmer
🧢 Beanie or thermal hat
🧦 Wool or thermal socks
👕 Base layers (merino or polypro)
👖 Warm pants (fleece-lined or wool-blend)
🧥 Mid-layer (fleece or sweater)
Shoes:
👢 Waterproof boots with grip (for snow or icy towns)
👟 Comfortable walking shoes (for indoors or city days)
Extras:
😎 Sunglasses (yes, snow glare is real!)
🧴 Sunscreen (essential at altitude)
🛷 Swimsuit (for hot pools!)
🔌 NZ power adapter
🏥 Travel insurance (with snow cover if skiing)
Add to Your NZ Winter Getaway - Must-Do Tours and Experiences
Across New Zealand
Create a dream itinerary with tours, activities, and experiences provided by our best New Zealand tour operators—select your city destination to get started!
Winter Getaway NZ: Discover the Magic of
Aotearoa's Coolest Season
As the Southern Hemisphere tilts into its cooler months from June to September, New Zealand transforms into a wonderland of snow-capped peaks, misty forests, bubbling hot pools, and bustling Winter festivals. Whether you're craving alpine adventure or cozy cultural experiences, Winter in Aotearoa is a season you don't want to miss!
During this time, the country also celebrates Matariki, the Māori New Year—marked by the reappearance of the Pleiades star cluster. It's a time of reflection, remembrance, and connection, bringing communities together through kai (food), storytelling, and stargazing.
A Tale of Two Winters: North vs. South
The North Island offers a gentler winter, with milder temperatures (10–15°C) and less snow but more rain in the likes of Auckland. Explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, soak in hot springs, or wander through Auckland’s art festivals.
The South Island, on the other hand, fully embraces Winter with snowy landscapes, sub-zero temperatures, and alpine magic. Queenstown and Wānaka shine as winter playgrounds with top ski fields, frosted vineyards, and glowing festivals.