MAGIC New Zealand in Winter
The 9 Best Things to Do in New Zealand in Winter
What is the weather like in winter?
While New Zealand's winter months do bring cooler weather and rain to parts of the country, many locations only experience a mild winter.
In the North Island, average temperatures range from 10-16 degrees Celsius (°C). Northland is sometimes called the "winterless north" because of the mild temperatures and frequent sunny days.
While the North Island is warmer in winter, it is also wetter, with high average rainfall in July and August.
The geography of the South Island means winters are much colder and experience snowy conditions. Frosts and heavy snowfall are common, with temperatures ranging from 7-12°C in most places. The coldest areas of New Zealand in winter are Central Otago and the Mackenzie basin, where temperatures frequently fall below zero.
The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest part of the country and experiences heavy rainfall in winter.
New Zealand's winter months are June, July and August.
Weather in June
June sees the shortest day of the year (21 June) and chilly weather around the country.
New Zealand celebrates the Queen's Birthday on the first Monday in June. This long weekend is a popular time to travel for Kiwis, as it's the last public holiday before Labour Weekend in October.
Cosy bach weekends are popular over this weekend in winter destinations such as Rotorua or Christchurch.
The rest of the month is quiet, until the ski fields open - usually around mid-June.
In Auckland, the average high temperature is 15°C and the average low is 8°C.
In Queenstown, the average high temperature is 8°C and the average low is 0°C.
Weather in July
July is the coldest month of the year in New Zealand.
In July the ski season is in full swing, so this is a fantastic time to visit Queenstown, Christchurch and Ruapehu. Even if you're not a skier, these regions are stunning under a dusting of snow.
School holidays usually fall in July, so this a popular time for local families to travel.
In Auckland, the average high temperature is 14°C and the average low is 7°C. This is also the wettest month of the year, with an average of 15 days of rain. Showers are common, so you might have sunshine one minute and a downpour the next.
In Queenstown, the average high temperature is 8°C and the average low is -1°C. As a ski hub, you'll find the towns bars and restaurants packed in the evenings though, so there are plenty of places to warm up and enjoy an apres-ski.
Weather in August
As the last month of winter, August is still cold but slowly warming up for spring. You can expect rainy, blustery days in the North Island and snow in the South Island.
There are no school or public holidays in August, so it is a quiet time to travel around the country. The ski fields are particularly quiet mid-week, so this is a great time to hit the slopes.
In Auckland, the average high temperature is 15°C and the average low is 8°C.
In Queenstown, the average high temperature is 10°C and the average low is 0°C.
The best winter activities
New Zealand in winter is quieter, with the exception of top ski destinations which become a hive of activity. If you're wondering what you can do in winter, check out these top things to do.
Skiing
The ski areas are in full swing, and the mountains of the Central Plateau, Canterbury and Central Otago are blanketed with fresh snow. Snow enthusiasts should make a point of trying several different ski fields in Queenstown and Wanaka, there are four world-class ski fields within an hour and a half of each other. For a thrill, try heli-skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing or sledging.
Hiking
Many popular hiking tracks in the North Island are ideal in winter. The majority of tracks are free from snow all year round, so you can still explore the great outdoors.
Note that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is covered in snow during winter and is dangerous to attempt unless you are experienced and well-equipped. If you want to tackle this track in winter, the best option is to hire a mountaineering guide.
In Auckland, temperatures are mild and sunny days are common. It’s the perfect time of year to hike up Rangitoto – chances are you’ll have the dormant volcano all to yourself.
Relax in natural hot pools
New Zealand is home to some impressive, naturally heated hot pools. There’s nothing like soaking weary bodies at the end of a long day skiing or exploring.
Visit the Hawke's Bay
In the Hawke’s Bay, the cooler months are a time for delicious citrus fruits and hearty vegetables. Head to the Havelock North farmer’s market to make the most of locally grown, fresh produce.
Celebrate Matariki
Between June and July the Matariki festival is held throughout New Zealand. Matariki has always been an important time in the Māori calendar – strongly connected to the seasons, Matariki is a celebration of the upcoming year.
Go skiing and snowboarding
Winter can only mean one thing: snow! And with so many epic ski resorts to choose from, there’s no excuse not to shred some powder during your visit. Even if you’re a beginner, most of the terrains in the North and South Islands will cater to your demands – many of them have separate runs for different skill levels, and guided instruction is an option, too. Mount Ruapehu is your key destination in the North Island, while popular South Island fields include Cardrona, Mount Hutt and Treble Cone.
Go whale watching
Autumn and winter are the best seasons to head down to Kaikoura for whale watching. These majestic creatures are at the peak of their migration period in July, so you’re likely to see a number of different species at once. Other places to catch sight of the whales include Wellington and Picton.
Celebrate the Maori New Year
Matariki (the Maori New Year) is celebrated countrywide and marks the beginning of the winter solstice. This ancient festival observes the arrival of the Matariki (Pleiades) constellation to the southern skies, and thus the end of the harvest season. Various community festivities are held each year, which usually include dawn ceremonies, cultural performances, art exhibitions and the sharing of local myths and legends.
Cosy up in the hot springs
Too cold, too soon? Not to worry – New Zealand’s geothermal springs will come to the rescue. Rotorua is famous for its hot-water wonders, as is the South Island’s Hanmer Springs. The latter is close to a ski field, too, making it a perfect stopover after a day hitting the snow. Taupo, Tongariro and the Bay of Plenty’s White Island are other thermal treasures to discover on your travels.
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