If you’re anything like me, when you think of a road trip you think summer, sun & sand. Well, New Zealand is just as beautiful in Winter as it is in Summer. Best of all, there is barely anyone there! As not many people are travelling in winter, there is almost no traffic on the roads and it feels like you have the whole country to yourself!

Top Winter Activities New Zealand

Queenstown Winter Festival

Every year, Queenstown hosts a festival to commence the beginning of Winter. It’s a celebration of music, comedy, snow and a whole lot of fun! From fireworks to races, this festival has everything to cure your winter blues. Starting from 21st June and carrying over the long weekend, this is perhaps the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest celebration of winter!

Queenstown Winter Festival

Trek Franz Josef Glacier

The Franz Josef Glacier is one of the South Islands most loved treasures. This World Heritage site will often see fresh snow on top of the ice during winter. If you’re a keen explorer there is are a range of 1.5 – 5 hour treks which starts in the town of the same name as the Glacier. They will take you up to 750m up to the ice monsters face!

Franz Josef Glacier

Hitting the Slopes on the Mountain

New Zealand’s slopes are some of the legends. From one of the most popular ski fields of Coronet Peak, surrounded by the Remarkables in the South, to Turoa Ski Field, the skiable volcano in the North, there is no shortage of mountains. So why not grab a board or a pair of skis and have a go at one of the sports making New Zealand’s famous?

Skiing in New Zealand

Rotorua Geothermal hot springs

What could be better than jumping into a naturally heated hot spring after a cold day? Kerosene Creek is just 35 minutes’ drive from Rotorua. It is heated from a natural spring under the Earth, which bubbles up into the water, creating warm waters in the creek. Best of all, there is no admission price!

Rotorua Hot Springs

Whale watching in Kaikoura

The best time to catch the widest range of whales is in winter. Head down to Kaikoura to see the Whales while they take a rest stop in Kaikoura as they migrate from the cool Antarctic waters, up to the warmer tropical oceans. On the perfect days, you can see the Humpback whales somersaulting on the horizon, with the crisp, blue sky of winter days which is unforgettable!

Whale Watching in New Zealand

Adrenaline Activities at Lake Tekapo

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Not only does Lake Tekapo offer a wide range of the most popular activities, but it also offers activities you may have never heard of! Snow tubing is a new one for me, however, it is the most fun! How more can you embrace the snow than sliding down a giant hill?!

Winter Activities in New Zealand

There’s no better time to hire a Campervan and take that road trip you’ve been dreaming of!

So, what are you waiting for? There’s no better time to embrace winter! Grab your quote here. Don’t forget to check out our deals and specials on campervan hire in New Zealand.

About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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