Winter in New Zealand: Top Destinations and Weather Advice

The weather in New Zealand in winter is a lot warmer and wetter than you might expect, but there is variation depending on where you are in the country. Up in the north in Auckland, temperatures average around 11°C and 15°C with approximately 19 rainy days. It can feel balmy to a lot of people.

However, the temperatures in Queenstown in the Southern Alps can drop dramatically. Conditions dip below freezing with average temperatures ranging from -3°C and to 4°C and an average snowfall of 4 days, equating to 51 mm.

For a more seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit New Zealand.

A winter tour to New Zealand is amazing for the following reasons:

• Lower rates in the cities: As it’s the low season outside of the ski resorts, many of the cities, like Auckland and Wellington, have cheaper accommodations than other times of the year.
• Rugby season: It’s no secret that New Zealand’s favorite pastime is rugby. The season comes to a triumphant conclusion during the winter months, including many competition finals.
• Snow sports galore: If you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, you’re in luck in New Zealand in winter. The Southern Alps are at their snowy best and the resorts are all open for business.
• Southern Lights: The famous Southern Lights are on many people’s bucket list and the winter months on the South Island are the best time and place to see them.

Here are some of the best places to visit in New Zealand and the answers might surprise you. While winter sports are big in the country, the relatively warm temperatures of the North offer a cheaper alternative vacation spot.

1. Waiheke Island

Located just a short 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island has a vibe all of its own. With its own microclimate, temperatures in July can hit an average of 15°C during the day; which can feel almost tropical for winter in New Zealand. Home to artist communities, stunning beaches, and wineries as far as the eye can see, it’s a pocket paradise off the North Island of New Zealand coast.

Major attractions: Stonyridge Vineyard, Onetangi Beach and Stony Batter Historic Reserve.

Pros:

• The famous vineyards and wineries of Waiheke Island are open all year round, which is rare for winter in New Zealand, so you can enjoy sipping boutique wine overlooking the island.
• Temperatures make it one of the warmest places in the country, perfect if you’re looking to escape the cold.
• As it’s out of peak season, there are significantly fewer people around, leaving the beaches and vineyards all to yourself!

Cons:

• Ferries from Auckland will be on a winter schedule so they’re not as frequent.

2. Queenstown

Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, the fun and vibrant city of Queenstown comes to life in the winter when the snow starts to fall. It’s located in the Southern Alps and has some of the country’s best ski and snowboarding resorts and a host of amazing restaurants, bars, and shops. If you want to hit the slopes, enjoy a wintry vibe, or go on winter mountain hikes around the area, you can have it all here!

Major attractions: Skyline Queenstown, Shotover Canyon and Ben Lomond.

Pros:

• The ski season is in full flow with fresh powder dropping all through winter.
• Queenstown Winter Festival is held at the end of June every year with some of the biggest snowsports competitions, markets, and even the New Zealand Mountain Film & Book Festival.
• As it’s the city’s peak season, every resort, store, and tour company is open for business!
  

Cons:

• With it being peak season in Queenstown, prices are at their highest.
• The city can be very busy with full resorts, so book tables and rooms in advance.

3. The Coromandel Peninsula

If you’re looking for beautiful windswept beaches on the North Island of New Zealand, you must check out the Coromandel Peninsula. Although winter average temperatures of around 12°C in the daytime might not sound like beach weather, there is a secret here — the geothermal spas. Soak in a toasty natural hot tub, surrounded by stunning coastal views, or take a cozy dip in Warm Water Beach. The mild temperatures also make it perfect weather for hiking along the world-famous coastal trails of the peninsula.

Major attractions: Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, and Whangamata Beach.

Pros:

• Low season often means lower rates.
• Fewer crowds, so you can easily have the iconic hiking routes, picture-perfect beaches, and top-notch local eateries to yourself.
• Cool conditions to hike along the beautiful coastal trails of the peninsula.
  

Cons:

• The water is largely too cold for swimming or water sports unless you like cold water dips and shocks!
• Some hotels and accommodations may be closed for the season, so booking in advance is worth booking.

From zipping down the slopes in Queenstown to relaxing on a beach at the Coromandel Peninsula, there is no shortage of places to visit in New Zealand in the winter.

Looking for the best activities to explore during winter in New Zealand? From outdoor activities to natural phenomena, we’ve got you covered.

• Snowsports: With the beautiful Southern Alps dominating New Zealand’s South Island, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy snowsports during winter. Compared to Queenstown, the nearby town of Wanaka is a quieter and maybe even more picturesque alternative if you want to enjoy the slopes but aren’t into the party vibe. There are plenty of restaurants, stores, and cinemas around this beautiful ski town. Here are our skiing tours in New Zealand.
• Stargaze: If you want to see the Southern Lights or try your hand at stargazing, winter in New Zealand is a perfect time! The stunning area around Lake Tekapo is a certified Dark Sky Reserve with a huge observatory area where you can join stargazing tours or just hike up with plenty of layers and watch the skies light up on your own.
• Whale watching: New Zealand is a great spot for whale watching all year around, but the winter season is when the humpback and Minke whales start migrating north out of Antarctica. So, in addition to the sperm whales that can be spotted around the whale-watching mecca of Kaikoura all year round, from June to August, you can also spot other types of these gentle giants!

These top choices are bound to make your winter holiday in New Zealand memorable.

• Pack for all conditions — there’s a saying in New Zealand that if you don’t like the weather, you can just wait 10 minutes and it’ll completely change.
• Even though it’s chilly, the UV and sunshine on the mountain are high, so you need to stay protected with sunscreen.
• Book ski accommodation in advance as it’s the peak snow season and places get booked up really early.

If you’re thinking about visiting New Zealand in winter, there are plenty of amazing activities to make the most of this natural wonderland. From snowsports to whale watching to watching epic live rugby finals, there’s a little something to suit every kind of traveler. Planning a vacation can be tricky, so if you need support putting together a customized trip to New Zealand, our travel experts are always here to help!