New Zealand Winter Holiday Destinations

New Zealand Winter Holiday Destinations

Winter holidays in New Zealand can be magical, whether you find yourself amidst snowy mountain ranges and wide open spaces or indoors keeping warm. Find out where you can go to experience a spell-binding winter escape in New Zealand.

• Destinations
• Attractions
• Skiing and Snowboarding Recreation

Are you considering a break over the winter months? Just because the temperature drops, doesn't mean your holiday plans have to be low on relaxation or thrills - depending on your definition of holiday fun. There are many winter holiday destinations in New Zealand, in both North and South Islands. Here are our top ten picks for a holiday escape in the chillier months:

1. Queenstown
The winter months are some of the best in which to experience Queenstown, the South Island's trendiest resort town. Surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range (which visually more than lives up to its name), Queenstown is a Mecca for skiers and snowboarders, but can be equally appealing for those seeking a winter wonderland in which to relax or enjoy the company of friends. Enjoy the alpine vista or hit the slopes at Coronet Peak - it's the only ski field in New Zealand to give you the choice of skiing at night. If you can, time your visit to coincide with the Queenstown Winter Festival.

2. Hanmer Springs
Further north, but still in the South Island, Hanmer Springs is a top winter holiday destination for many people. If you're looking for a quick weekend escape or a longer winter break, Hanmer will suit. Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, this tourist town is buzzing in winter, but there's also plenty of opportunity to get away for some peace and quiet amidst stunning alpine scenery. Visit the famous hot pools, take a mountain bike ride in the hills, walk to the top of one of the area's peaks, or get a thrill with bungy jumping or jet boating.

3. Ruapehu
Mount Ruapehu, in the central North Island, has the largest skiable area of anywhere in New Zealand. With a single lift pass, you can access two areas: Whakapapa, on the north-west side of this volcanic peak, is ideal for all skiers (from beginner to advanced), while Turoa, on the south-west side, offers wide trails and glacial skiing. This area of the country is favoured by the snow gods too, receiving more snow than any other ski field in New Zealand. While you're in the Tongariro National Park, take time to visit the other volcanoes - Tongariro and Ngaurahoe - and experience the area by mountain bike or on horseback if this appeals!

4. Mackenzie Country
Think open vistas, sheep stations and impressive glacial lakes - and you'll be in tune with the Mackenzie Basin area, in the shadow of the mighty Southern Alps and Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. During the winter months, you'll be able to see these mountains in all their snow-covered glory and soak up the crisp air and blue skies of a clear winter's day. Visit Lake Tekapo, at the centre of the region, and experience some of the best fishing and four wheel driving along the Waitaki River system. There is also plenty of native forest here, where you can get your fill of walks, native plants, bird watching (and listening), horse trekking and mountain biking.

5. Lake Wanaka
Lying to the northeast of Queenstown, Wanaka is ready to charm you after the hustle and bustle of its (bigger and bossier) sister city. The Mount Aspiring National Park is diverse in its natural beauty - from rocky mountainous areas to glaciers, forests and ski areas. If you're looking for a ski or snowboard holiday, Wanaka is the perfect base from which to reach the Treble Cone and Cardrona ski fields. For a quiet winter holiday escape, rent a cottage on the shores of Lake Wanaka and explore the region on foot. For a winter adventure escape, try rock climbing, jet boating or rafting.

6. Methven
Drive an hour out of Christchurch and you'll find yourself in Methven - the base of choice for those heading for the slopes of Mount Hutt. There are more than 365 hectares of ski field to explore, so take time to fully experience Mount Hutt's excellent ski terrain and facilities. And there's more to this winter holiday destination than snow; in the heartland of the South Island, you can also walk, ride on horseback or play golf against a stunning scenic backdrop. To relax indoors, venture into the town's bars and restaurants for warming food and entertainment.

7. Auckland City
The City of Sails can be enjoyed at any time of the year - as a winter holiday destination, Auckland City has many indoor attractions and activities. Visit the Auckland Museum; let your inner child out with indoor climbing or karting; be mesmerised by underwater creatures at Kelly Tarlton's world famous Underwater World; or view the city from the Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. And if there's a moment to spare, enjoy sightseeing and shopping in New Zealand's largest city, then take cover from the cold in one of the city's harbourside cafes for coffee, lunch, dinner or drinks.

8. Christchurch
As well as being a favourite gateway to South Island winter holiday destinations, Christchurch also offers an appealing range of activities in the cold season. In July and August each year, the city hosts the Christchurch Arts Festival - the South Island's biggest art event, showcasing local and international talent in visual arts, theatre, dance, music and comedy. In Lyttelton, by the sea, winter also means the arrival of the Lyttelton Harbour Festival of Lights. Happening in mid-winter, this celebration of Lyttelton features a street party, winter light show, masquerade party and cultural events including an art show, films, a winter solstice dance party, performances and jazz music.

9. Wellington
Wellington may not boast the best winter weather, but you can be sure of some creative inspiration in New Zealand's cultural capital. Each visit promises something new - visit Te Papa to see the latest art and culture exhibits, see contemporary art at one of the city's many galleries or get a taste of live performance at one of the city's theatres. In July and August, the International Film Festival (touring a number of New Zealand centres) provides plenty of top quality cinematic experiences from around the world.

10. Marlborough
The Awatere Valley in Marlborough is the place to experience the splendour of high country in the winter time. From Blenheim, take a tour to Molesworth Station and other historical homestead accommodation on high country farms. There, you'll be treated to a traditional New Zealand meal, complete with local wine, and enjoy views of snowy mountains and clear, open skies. The ideal winter retreat from city life, a tour of Marlborough's high country will allow you to discover something of life in the New Zealand rural outback.

Looking for more information? Find winter holiday destinations in the NZS.com directory.

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Travel images from Flickr: Winter in New Zealand, New Zealand Lake and Dolphin.