The 5 Best Places To Visit This Winter In NZ

Aug 08, 2019

Make the most of your Winter Wonderland from the comfort of a hot pool, the steeps of a ski slope or aboard a boat trying to spot some whales! Check out Barcats rundown of the 5 go-to places this Winter across North and South Island. 

1. Queenstown

With the Queenstown Winter Festival late June there is no shortage of people stopping by! Fun activities take place over the week such as luggage boarding and the hospo run (where hospitality superstars show their skills in a series of tasks such as bed making and drink pouring). And the fun doesn't just stop in June, head to the South Island landmark over the Winter months to check out the famous ski slopes. 

2. Hamner Springs

Enjoy the cold by dipping into an extraordinary hot pool. Hamner Springs is deemed the ultimate place to unwind- and if you're not one for relaxing there's also an activity pool, water slides and ski slopes to enjoy!

3. Arthur's Pass

Arthur's Pass is a township in the Southern Alps of the South Island. A popular base for exploring the National Park other sites to see include the Devils Punchbowl Falls, Temple Basin and Avalanche Peak if you don't mind a good climb!

4. Kaikoura

Whale watching in Kaikoura is an absolute must this Winter! As one of New Zealand's leading eco- tourism destinations offering a variety of exciting experiences and activities it's definitely one to tick off the list. 

5. Wanaka

If you aren't a big skier but love to watch head to Wanaka this August to check out the NZ Winter Games! Held every two years there will be plenty adrenaline filled snowsports & ice events on display along with some of the world's greatest athletes.