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Monday, June 15, 2026
Winter (June to August) is a rewarding time to visit Aotearoa New Zealand, with average daytime temperatures of 11-15°C (51-59°F), fewer crowds and greater availability and off-peak rates across accommodation and rental vehicles in many regions. Winter also brings Matariki, the Māori New Year, and a host of special winter events(opens in new window).
From ski fields within easy reach to geothermal hot pools, wildlife encounters, seasonal dining and nights under star-filled skies and nature-based stays, here are some of the best new and notable products, experiences and accommodation options to consider for winter itineraries.
Learn: more winter planning ideas in the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist(opens in new window) Winter Course and new Ski & Snow Advanced Course.
Watch: This short film highlights winter in Aotearoa New Zealand, from Mt Hutt skiing in Canterbury to Kaikōura wildlife encounters, Christchurch city experiences, seasonal food and wine, and stargazing in Tekapō.
Reopened in April 2026 following a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, Mercure Tauranga is the city's first internationally branded hotel. Located in the heart of Tauranga's CBD, the former Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre has been transformed into an 80-room property. Newly refurbished rooms, conference facilities, on-site dining and a central location make it a strong option for both leisure travellers and groups.
Planning tip: Conveniently located for exploring the waterfront and dining precinct. Add an evening glowworm kayaking tour(opens in new window), avocado farm visit(opens in new window), or a Māori cultural dinner experience(opens in new window) to your client’s Bay of Plenty itinerary.
The recently refurbished Mercure Tauranga is the largest hotel and conference centre in the city located conveniently close to sandy beaches, restaurants, bars and cafes
Nestled amongst the native rainforest in the heart of Franz Josef Village, Rainforest Retreat offers a range of accommodation options, from heritage-style forestry huts and family stays to premium forest canopy spa lodges. Located in the heart of New Zealand’s Glacier Country, it is a strong winter base for travellers exploring the West Coast’s iconic landscapes.
Recent upgrades include refurbished studio rooms with enhanced bathrooms and contemporary finishes, while the treehouse accommodation has been reimagined as premium forest canopy spa lodges with private hot tubs and deluxe bedding. Wellness facilities continue to expand with hot tubs and Scandinavian barrel saunas, offering a warm and memorable winter stay after glacier and rainforest adventures.
Planning tip: Rainforest Retreat is the perfect base for: Franz Josef Glacier experiences(opens in new window), guided wilderness hikes(opens in new window), kiwi encounters(opens in new window) and the West Coast Treetop Walk(opens in new window).
Book your clients into the Rainforest Retreat on the West Coast of the South Island for a scenic stay set within native forest and easy access to the region's glaciers
Just five minutes from Clyde, Earnscleugh Castle Coach House is a newly renovated three-bedroom boutique stay set on a Heritage New Zealand-listed estate in Central Otago. Blending heritage character with modern comfort, it reflects the region’s gold rush history and frontier spirit, with exposed brick, timber detailing and carefully restored interiors.
The Coach House features two king bedrooms, one twin room, a fully equipped kitchen, cosy wood-fired lounge, and river and mountain views, ideal for families or small groups.
Planning tip: Guests can enjoy exploring Central Otago wineries(opens in new window), cycle the Dunstan and Otago Rail Trails(opens in new window), historic Clyde, and day trips to Queenstown or Wānaka.
A boutique heritage property with unique charm, Earnscleugh Castle Coach House is well located for clients planning to ride the Otago Central Rail Trail
Did you know you can ski in New Zealand’s North Island? Located on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa Ski Area introduces new experiences for winter, making it an easy addition to North Island self-drive itineraries.
New for winter 2026, Snowland(opens in new window) combines snow play, tubing and sledding in one dedicated zone for families and first-time snow visitors. The Sky Waka Gondola, New Zealand’s longest, returns for winter sightseeing, carrying guests 1.8 kilometres (1.1 miles) to Knoll Ridge Chalet at 2,020 metres (6,627.3 feet) for panoramic volcanic views. Skiing and snowboarding are scheduled to commence from early July 2026, conditions permitting.
Planning tip: Whakapapa pairs easily with Hobbiton™ Movie Set(opens in new window), Waitomo Glowworm Caves(opens in new window), Rotorua and Taupō. The Sky Waka Gondola(opens in new window) also offers year-round access to alpine scenery, including the High Tea at 2020m experience in warmer months for a memorable Tongariro National Park visit.
Ride the Sky Waka Gondola and experience snow play fun at the brand-new Snowland at Whakapapa Ski Area on Mount Ruapehu in the central North Island
Nestled on the shores of Lake Tekapo within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Tekapo Springs combines alpine hot pools, family-friendly activities and one of New Zealand's most unique stargazing experiences.
A highlight is the renowned Tekapo Stargazing – Soak in the Stars experience, the only guided hot pools and stargazing experience in New Zealand, combining astronomy, storytelling and exclusive hot pool access beneath some of the world's clearest night skies. Year-round offerings also include snow play, snow tubing, ice skating, day spa treatments, and thermal pools.
Planning tip: Combine Tekapo Springs with a stay at Skyscape(opens in new window), offering glass-roof stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, eco-luxury comfort and immersive privacy.
Look up at the night sky with Tekapo Star Gazing, New Zealand's only guided hot pools and star gazing experience, located within the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
A 3-hour guided walking food tour through Auckland’s iconic Ponsonby neighbourhood, showcasing one of the city’s most vibrant hospitality and lifestyle precincts. This small-group experience takes clients along Ponsonby Road to sample artisan ice cream, international bites, and locally inspired dishes, while also visiting boutique perfumeries, specialty stores and design-led retail spaces.
Along the way, guests gain insight into the people and businesses shaping Ponsonby’s food scene. Operating Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00am–2:00pm, it is an easy addition to Auckland itineraries or shore excursions.
Planning tip: Pair Big Foody Tours with a stay at Hotel Britomart(opens in new window), where guests can dine at sustainable seafood restaurant kingi(opens in new window) and explore Britomart’s laneways, eateries and easy city connections.
Send your clients tastebuds on a flavour-filled journey on this urban food safari, walking through one of Auckland's most iconic neighbourhoods
Man O’ War Vineyards, located on Waiheke Island’s remote eastern coastline, has been awarded Qualmark Gold, recognising its high-quality visitor experience and commitment to sustainability. Set within a working farm and coastal vineyard landscape, it offers a premium yet relaxed setting showcasing farm, forest and coastal terroir.
Guests can enjoy curated wine flights, private tastings and long lunches at the beachfront Tasting Room & Restaurant, all framed by panoramic Hauraki Gulf views. The Vineyard Tour & Tasting (1.5 hours) provides behind-the-scenes access, winemaking insight and guided tastings in a coastal setting.
Planning tip: Access Man O’ War via Explore Group’s ferry services(opens in new window), including the Rotoroa Island + Waiheke Wine Combo, which combines a visit to Rotoroa Island’s walking tracks and native sanctuary with wine tasting and dining at Man O’ War for a full Hauraki Gulf day itinerary.
Book your clients a wine flight, long lunch or private tasting at Man O’ War Vineyards on Waiheke Island, just a 40-mintue ferry ride from downtown Auckland
Ōhiwa Harbour Cruises & Oyster Experience is a coastal food and nature experience in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, combining harbour cruising, oyster tasting and guided storytelling with local hosts, showcasing the region’s seafood and coastal culture.
Guests enjoy freshly shucked Ōhiwa oysters alongside in-house prepared seafood including mussels and locally sourced fish, served onboard while cruising the harbour. Local guides share insights into the marine environment, history and cultural significance of the region, followed by stingray feeding and encounters, offering an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
Planning tip: Ōhiwa also hosts the annual Ōhiwa Oyster Festival(opens in new window) in May each year (2027 date tbc), a coastal celebration of the new oyster season featuring fresh Ōhiwa oysters, local seafood, chef demonstrations, and live entertainment on the harbour.
Ōhiwa Harbour Cruises & Oyster Experience offers a hands-on foodie experience where your clients can learn how to shuck oysters before enjoying a taste of the kaimoana (seafood)
Give your clients a taste of winter in Hawke's Bay with Wallingford Homestead's Truffle Weekends(opens in new window), running 24-26 July and 7-9 August 2026. Set on a historic country estate in Central Hawke's Bay, these two-night escapes combine guided truffle hunting, exceptional food and wine, and warm rural hospitality.
The all-inclusive package includes accommodation, degustation dining with matched wines, a truffle-inspired brunch, and time to relax by the fire. Beyond these special weekends, Wallingford offers boutique accommodation and award-winning dining year-round, making it a compelling addition to Hawke's Bay food and wine itineraries.
Planning tip: Pair with Hawke's Bay winery tour(opens in new window), and a visit to the weekend farmer’s market(opens in new window) for a memorable food-focused itinerary.
Experience Wallingford Homestead's 'Truffle Weekends' inclusive of accommodation, truffle hunt and wine-matched, truffle inspired degustation menu in the Hawke's Bay
Winter (June–August) is a great time to visit New Zealand, with average daytime temperatures generally ranging from 11–15°C (51–59°F)(opens in new window) in many regions, although alpine areas can be much colder and may experience snowfall. Weather conditions can vary significantly between regions, so packing layers is recommended. A warm jacket, waterproof outer layer, comfortable walking shoes and swimwear for hot pools and spa experiences will help travellers make the most of their winter holiday.
Snow can be found in both the North and South Islands. Key locations include Mt Ruapehu in the North Island and ski areas(opens in new window) around Queenstown, Wānaka, and Canterbury in the South Island. Many regions also offer snow play, tubing, and scenic gondola access.
Winter highlights(opens in new window) include skiing and snowboarding, hot pools and geothermal wellness, Dark Sky Reserve stargazing, alpine and glacier scenery, and seasonal dining and wine experiences across the country. Many itineraries combine snow experiences in the South Island with geothermal and cultural experiences in the North Island.
Yes. Self-drive is a popular way to explore New Zealand in winter. Roads are well maintained, and itineraries often combine alpine regions, geothermal areas, and coastal towns. In alpine and high-country regions, it's a good idea to check road conditions before travelling and carry snow-chains, which can be hired if self-driving. View New Zealand's touring routes and journey times with the touring map(opens in new window), and learn more self-drive tips in the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist(opens in new window) Winter Course.
Planning your clients’ next trip to Aotearoa New Zealand? Explore our What’s New in New Zealand articles featuring the latest accommodation openings, new travel experiences and seasonal highlights across the country.
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Golden landscapes, fewer crowds and wellness experiences in New Zealand
Wildlife encounters, wilderness adventures and nature tours in New Zealand
City escapes, cultural tours and heritage rail journeys in New Zealand