Winter in New Zealand is a magical time, offering a wonderland of alpine scenery, festivals, hot springs and spectacular winter trails. Best of all, you don’t need to be an avid skier to make the most of the season. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or relaxation, these four destinations are the perfect winter getaway. Here we take a look at some of the best things to do in New Zealand in winter (off the slopes).
Auckland
Be sure to visit the Auckland War Memorial. Image from Auckland Brand Library.
With its sparkling twin harbours and dramatic volcanic hills, New Zealand’s largest city is surrounded by rugged natural beauty. Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) comes alive in winter with the Matariki Festival 2025, celebrating the Māori New Year. Marked by the Matariki cluster of stars appearing in the night sky in mid-winter, the festival features stunning light displays, traditional performances, and a host of events that honour Māori heritage.
For history buffs, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is a must-visit. Part of the Auckland Museum, it’s a war memorial for the Auckland province with fascinating exhibits that tell the story of New Zealand at war, as well as the nation’s military history, Māori culture, and natural heritage. The museum is located in the beautiful Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park in the cone of an extinct volcano.
Keep warm and treat yourself at Parakai Springs, Auckland in their naturally heated, geothermal mineral pools. With both indoor and outdoor pools and two huge water slides, Parakai Springs is perfect for unwinding on a chilly day, and one of the best winter activities. There are also private spas and an exclusive adults-only rock pool available.
Where to stay
In the heart of West Auckland, you’ll find modern, spacious accommodation at the Quality Hotel Lincoln Green, and a host of Auckland’s restaurants and natural attractions at your doorstep.
Napier
Let's go golfing at Cape Kidnappers. Image from Gary Libson.
Further south on the North Island is the heart of New Zealand’s food and wine country, in the renowned wine-making region of Hawke’s Bay. Here you’ll find world-class wineries and delicious gourmet food, most notably at Winter F.A.W.C! (Food and Wine Classic). The winter edition of the long-running food and wine festival, this is where top chefs and winemakers come together to create over 50 incredible culinary experiences and events right across the region.
Sip award-winning wines at Craggy Range, one of New Zealand’s most prestigious wineries, and one of the best wineries in Napier. Dine at their acclaimed Craggy Range Restaurant and sample seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce, while taking in stunning views of Te Mata Peak. The region is also home to New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate Winery, where you can visit their cellar door in the Taradale Hills to taste their exclusive range.
Golf enthusiasts will love Cape Kidnappers, a world-renowned golf course high on the craggy peninsula with dramatic cliff-top fairways and stunning ocean views. Round off your list of things to do in Napier and explore the city’s Art Deco heritage at the Art Deco Centre. Take a guided walk or a vintage car tour to hear the stories behind the famed 1930s architecture, a legacy of Napier’s rebuild after the devastating 1931 earthquake.
Where to stay
In the heart of Art Deco Napier, Quality Inn Napier is an ideal option for exploring the town’s historic charms. Close to Westshore Beach, Comfort Inn Westshore Beach is another great option with Hawke’s Bay wineries within easy driving distance.
Christchurch
Nothing better than relaxing in a hot spa! Image from Christchurch Image library.
Enjoy rare wildlife encounters against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. One of the most popular things to do in Christchurch is whale watching, and nearby Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world where you can see these majestic creatures so close to shore. Giant sperm whales are seen all year round here, while winter is the season for humpback whales on their migration north to the tropics. Keep a look out for fur seals, dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross too.
Experience the chill of Antarctica at the award-winning International Antarctic Centre, an interactive museum where you can meet real-life huskies and ride in the all-terrain amphibious Antarctic Hägglunds vehicle. Feel the icy blast of a snowstorm while learning about life on the frozen continent, in the Antarctic storm simulator, one of the fun things to do in winter in Christchurch.
For the ultimate in self-care, relax and unwind in the oceanfront He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools in New Brighton, Christchurch. These luxurious heated saltwater pools offer a rejuvenating escape with stunning coastal views. For a special pampering, book in a Sunrise Soak and watch as the morning sun comes up over the eastern horizon as you soak in the warm waters.
Where to stay
After a relaxing day in the hot pools Christchurch, Hotel Elms offers modern and stylish accommodation in a peaceful location amongst beautifully manicured rose gardens.
Nelson
Classic Car Museum in Nelson is a must-visit. Image from Joshua Williams
At the top of the South Island, the Nelson Tasman region makes for an idyllic winter retreat. Take advantage of the crisp winter air to explore the Abel Tasman National Park, one of the top things to do in Nelson during winter. Go hiking on scenic coastal trails or take a boat tour to see the golden beaches and clear waters. You’ll also find stunning alpine lakes and native beech forest in the Nelson Lakes National Park, which marks the start of the Southern Alps.
Car and nostalgia lovers will appreciate the impressive private collection at the Classic Car Museum Nelson, home to over 150 vintage and classic automobiles spanning 115 years of motoring. From a 1903 restored Cadillac to classic cars of the 1950s, this museum is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates automotive history and craftsmanship.
Discover the best wineries in Nelson, a region known for its superb pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, and chardonnay. Meet the winemakers at picturesque cellar doors, relax over a long lunch and sample some unforgettable wines while taking in the picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and lush vineyards.
Where to stay
Enjoy cosy, country-style accommodation at The Honest Lawyer, a charming English country pub and hotel with views of the Waimea Estuary, Tasman Bay and distant mountains.