-
Search
Search
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Snow-dusted peaks, crisp air, and starry skies mark winter (June to August) in Aotearoa New Zealand. This edition features Matariki celebrations, thrilling ski adventures, luxurious new stays, and immersive cultural experiences - perfect for crafting unforgettable winter itineraries for your clients.
From stargazing this Matariki and soaking in hot pools to wildlife and ski fields, there's plenty to see and do in our winter wonderland. Learn about winter weather, driving safely and iconic activities with our Hōtoke Winter 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Course. Sign up or log in(opens in new window).
Matariki, the Māori New Year, is marked by the rising of Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades) and celebrates remembrance, renewal and connection. Events across the motu (country) celebrate with rich cultural performances, food festivals, and stargazing.
From Auckland’s Matariki Festival(opens in new window) (7 June - 13 July) to Rotorua’s immersive Te Pā Tū(opens in new window) dining experience, New Plymouth’s TSB Festival of Lights(opens in new window) (19 - 22 June), and Dunedin’s Stargazer Train(opens in new window) - Matariki lights up Aotearoa New Zealand from north to south. Learn more about Matariki(opens in new window) and include some festivities in your client’s itinerary for next year.
Matariki star cluster
Winter has well and truly arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand, and all major ski fields across the North and South Islands are now open for the season! From Mt Ruapehu’s Whakapapa and Tūroa in the Central North Island to Mt Hutt in Canterbury, and Cardrona, Treble Cone, Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables in the Queenstown-Lakes region. This year, Cardrona Alpine Resort leads the charge with new lifts, expanded dining, and 150 hectares of new terrain, making it New Zealand’s largest ski area. Check out our Skiing in Aotearoa New Zealand factsheet(opens in new window) and start planning.
Mt Hutt Ski Field, Canterbury
Learn about New Zealand’s newest hybrid accommodation concept, combining different styles of lodging under one roof by offering both private hotel-style rooms and shared hostel-style dorms.
Now open in Christchurch, Drifter is New Zealand’s first design-led hybrid hotel-hostel, combining boutique comfort with a vibrant social atmosphere. It offers stylish dorms, private rooms, and premium suites - ideal for solo travellers, groups, and families. Delivering great value for design-conscious travellers seeking both comfort and connection, with new locations in Wellington and Auckland on the way, Drifter are expanding their offerings across New Zealand.
Planning tip: Add Christchurch Tram(opens in new window) to your clients’ itinerary for a relaxing way to explore the city's attractions. Suggest a stop at Riverside Market, a buzzing culinary hub for casual dining and all conveniently right on Drifter’s doorstep. and great value adds to any city stay.
Drifter, Christchurch
This winter, explore immersive new experiences across the motu (country) from intimate cultural journeys to creative escapes in Queenstown and rejuvenating alpine wellness. These tours offer fresh ways to connect, reflect, and unwind.
Pepeha Journeys’ Tiaki Promise Tour in Rotorua is a three-and-a-half or five-hour small-group cultural experience (maximum six guests), designed to make te ao Māori (the Māori world) accessible and enriching for international travellers. Departing from Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa(opens in new window), the tour includes visits to sacred sites, native plant knowledge, gourmet picnics, and a calming Kawakawa Tea Ceremony. Expert guides warmly welcome guests into their whānau (extended family), share pepeha (personal introductions), and lead immersive journeys through serene forests, healing springs, and river landscapes.
Planning tip: Experience the three-and-a-half hour Tiaki Promise for yourself, on a self-famil with our Explore New Zealand Discount Programme for FREE and up to 30% off for your travel partner. Apply today(opens in new window)!
Pepeha Journeys, Rotorua
Art Adventure Tours, Queenstown offers half and full-day painting and drawing experiences in stunning landscapes around Queenstown and Lake Whakatipu. Tours include luxury transport (hotel or airport transfers), all art materials, expert guidance, photo stops, and visits to local galleries or studios. A boutique picnic lunch is served lakeside or in peaceful forest settings, blending creativity with wellness and relaxation.
Planning tip: Complete the experience with a stay at Azur Lodge(opens in new window), where curated local art and serene lake views inspire and relax your clients after their creative day.
Art Adventures NZ, Queenstown
Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown offers private cedar-lined hot pools overlooking the Shotover River and alpine peaks, blending relaxation with breathtaking nature. The winter 2025 expansion introduces two healing Tri-Ritual Experiences, luxurious day spa suites, a serene lounge, and upgraded changing rooms - perfect for rejuvenation any time of year and includes a complimentary shuttle service from central Queenstown.
Planning tip: Book your clients’ itinerary with a stay at The Rees Hotel(opens in new window)(opens in new window), renowned for its lakeside luxury and stunning views, paired with a scenic wine tour by Appellation Wine Tours(opens in new window), for intimate access to Central Otago’s boutique vineyards.
Onsen Hot Pools, Queenstown
New Zealand continues to earn global recognition, with recent international awards highlighting its outstanding food and wine, sustainability, and visitor experiences. These accolades reinforce New Zealand's appeal as a premium destination for discerning travellers seeking quality, authenticity, and innovation.
Amisfield Restaurant, near Queenstown in Central Otago, has been ranked #99 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants extended list (in a list of the top 100 restaurants in the world) and third in Food & Wine’s Global Tastemakers Awards. Known for its trust-the-chef tasting menu, seasonal ingredients, and award-winning wines, it delivers a distinctly New Zealand fine dining experience with stunning Lake Hayes and mountain views.
Planning tip: Complete your clients’ luxury itinerary with a stay at Stoneridge Estate(opens in new window), a five star lodge just minutes away, featuring private balconies, spa baths, and vineyard views.
Amisfield Restaurant ranked 99 in World’s Best Restaurant
Otago Peninsula in Dunedin has been named on Wanderlust Magazine’s 2025 Green List(opens in new window), the only New Zealand destination featured this year. This prestigious global recognition highlights leaders in sustainable travel across destinations, operators, and experiences, showcasing Otago Peninsula’s commitment to eco-friendly tourism and conservation.
Planning tip: A visit to the Royal Albatross Centre(opens in new window) is a must for clients exploring Otago Peninsula. Guided tours provide incredible close-up views of the world’s only mainland royal albatross breeding colony while highlighting vital conservation efforts.
Otago Peninsula Named on Wanderlust’s 2025 Green List
Looking for more inspiration to help curate some new and exciting itineraries this season? Check out previous editions of our 'What’s New In New Zealand' article for a collection of new eco-accommodation and exciting experiences from around the motu (country)