Try our final information to exploring the South Island of New Zealand in winter, together with meals, wine, snowboarding, hikes, highway journeys, and extra.
As cliched as it would sound, New Zealand is a winter wonderland. There are such a lot of issues you’ll be able to throughout New Zealand’s South Island in winter, it’s only a matter of selecting your choice.
The South Island is unquestionably essentially the most lovely in New Zealand. However throughout winter, most actions and cities decelerate, providing you with the chance to discover with out the fear of not discovering lodging or getting a seat at a restaurant.
Winter is a particular time in New Zealand with Queenstown and Wanaka changing into the gateway to the slopes as sure produce turns into ripe for selecting.
Although the North Island of New Zealand additionally has some nice choices for issues to do in winter, we’re specializing in the extra rugged and wild South Island for this text. Don’t miss an epic winter vacation on the South Island of New Zealand!
Issues to Do in New Zealand’s South Island in Winter
Though temperatures drop and the times get shorter, the South Island’s surroundings is nearly as good because it ever was with blue-bird days, to drizzles of snow, to finish white-outs. Winter is a shocking time of the yr to get out and discover!
Snow Sports activities in New Zealand’s South Island
New Zealand is a mecca for snow sports activities with an enormous number of groomed slopes to beautiful backcountry landscapes. The South Island comes alive throughout winter which spans from June to October, relying on the place you go.
There isn’t a scarcity of slopes to shred in New Zealand, it simply comes right down to which one and the place you need to strap on the boots. What makes the South Island so good for snowboarding and snowboarding is that every part is so shut collectively.
You may board a morning session on Coronet Peak and end the day on The Remarkables, it’s simply the proper place to spend your winter days whereas in New Zealand.
Coronet Peak
Located between Queenstown and Arrowtown, Coronet Peak is the proper place to start out your day off within the snow.
With a number of the greatest groomed runs in New Zealand, Coronet Peak is the place to go if you wish to take it simple whereas having fun with spectacular views of the Southern Alps and the rolling inexperienced hills of Queenstown.
Try our information to the most effective issues to do in Queenstown.
Treble Cone
Treble Cone is located solely an hours drive from Mount Aspiring Nationwide Park close to Wanaka. Those that head to Treble Cone search extra technical runs whereas runs are a lot steeper.
Treble Cone takes the cake for the most effective surroundings as Lake Wanaka, Roys Peak and Mount Aspiring are all seen from the beautiful ski fields of Treble Cone.
Cardrona
Solely a forty five minute drive out of Wanaka is Cardrona and roughly the identical from Queenstown. Cardrona is ideal for many who love a problem with a snowboard park and plenty of excessive runs.
Cardrona can be fairly chilled out for many who need to espace the chaos of Coronet and the Remarkables.
Don’t miss our full information to the most effective issues to do in Wanaka.
Queenstown’s well-known mountain backdrop is world well-known and for good causes, however do you know that snowboarding and snowboarding is completely potential up there?
The Remarkables recognized to most as ‘The Remarks’ is a end result of groomed runs and terrain parks located underneath Double Cone Peak. The Remarks are solely a 30 minute drive from the centre of Queenstown making it excellent for a day trip on the slopes.
Mt Hutt
While you consider Christchurch, you is likely to be pondering purely of coastal vibes, farm land and good meals? Only one.5 hours drive west from Christchurch, Mt Hutt ski subject is at your step. Mt Hutt has every part from bunny hills to skilled ski runs in its vary of ski hills.
Temple Basin
Excessive up on the Arthur’s Move, Temple Basin could look to be in an oddly unusual place however it actually couldn’t be anymore scenic than this with Mount Rolleston instantly throughout the valley.
Temple Basin is a quiet ski subject however that provides you extra space to your self as most head to the extra accessible Mt Hutt.
Meals & Wine
If it’s not snowboarding and snowboarding, it’s wine to take pleasure in in New Zealand’s South Island in winter. New Zealand has a number of the most well-known vineyards within the Southern Hemisphere and the wine itself is simply so scrumptious!
So the laborious half is selecting the place you need to go wine tasting.
Winter on the South Island brings issues down a couple of notches when it comes to crowds so in the event you take pleasure in a fairly wine, there are many locations to select from so I’ve listed the most effective wine areas on the South Island.
Wine
Malborough Area
Inside vary of Abel Tasman Nationwide Park, a mecca for climbing trails and kayaking comes the beautiful Malborough wine area.
The Malborough area is just not solely probably the most well-known wine areas in New Zealand however most likely on the earth and in shut proximity to Christchurch and Wellington. One factor that wont allow you to down is selection of which cellar and winery to go to.
The Malborough area has over 600 particular person growers who largely develop Sauvignon Blanc grapes with numerous different grapes grown to provide a plethora of choices to maintain you tasting all day lengthy.
Like most areas in New Zealand, the Malborough area provides a number of the best meals and most of it may be eaten at cellar doorways accompanying the vineyards. E-book a full day wine tour to expertise the most effective of the area!
Kawarau Gorge
From the slopes of The Remarkables ragged but lovely Kawarau Gorge is a wine drinkers paradise. I can’t consider a extra lovely place on the South Island to go wine tasting.
One second you will be shredding the slopes of the Southern Alps and the following you may be bundled up subsequent to a hearth ingesting a few of New Zealand’s most treasured wines.
Kawarua Gorge is a brief 30 minute drive from the centre of Queenstown heading in direction of Cromwell and Wanaka. It’s a phenomenal spot on a winter vacation in New Zealand.
Meals
The South Island of New Zealand is actually a spot for foodies from vegetarian to every part in between. The additional you sway from the cities, the higher the produce will get. And meals wonderful even throughout winter in New Zealand!
Having travelled to New Zealand 4 occasions, I’ve had a fairly good likelihood to pattern a number of the finer meals on provide starting from market meals to restaurant meals and listed below are the most effective locations to getting essentially the most salivating meals on the South Island.
Motueka
The local weather in Motueka and surrounds is simply unreal contemplating the place it’s located. Motueka is correct on the tip of the Southern Alps and proper subsequent to Tasman Bay.
Motueka receives simply the proper quantity of rain and sunshine making it among the finest locations to develop fruit, greens, dairy and a provide of seafood.
To really pattern Motueka’s best produce the Motueka Sunday Markets provide an array of domestically grown meals, wines and treats.
Central Otago
The Central Otago area is a haven for meals at the exact opposite finish of the island in comparison with Motueka. There actually isn’t any particular city in truth it’s the entire space that produces a considerable amount of New Zealand’s fruit provide with cherries, apricots, peaches, apples to call one or two.
It could actually get fairly chilly within the Otago, particularly on a winter’s day and the proper repair is a beautiful pie from one of many oldest bakeries in New Zealand, Jimmie’s Pies positioned in Roxburgh. The best choice is an natural apricot and rooster pie, yum!
Akaroa
It’s actually laborious to imagine, however Akaroa is simply a 3 hour flight from my residence in Sydney, Australia and I’m in foodie heaven! Akaroa is extra than simply being a really chilled out place for browsing, rise up paddle boarding and climbing trails, meals is an enormous factor right here for such a small place.
Akaroa is closely influenced by France on account of an early try at French settlement upon its shores with no success leaving traces of French historical past on this particular city.
Alongside Akaroa’s principal avenue, there are such a lot of locations that each one have a really French really feel to them with bakeries, cafes and eating places dotted in every single place you see.
Seafood on the Banks Peninsula can be a number of the greatest on the South Island and may usually be sampled at native pubs or supermarkets.
If you wish to get a espresso repair, you’ll have zero issues doing so in Akaroa because the odor of roasted beans wafts down the primary avenue.
Bluff is the furthest place south you’ll be able to go on the South Island with out driving into the Tasman Sea. Bluff is famend for its oysters and to have a good time this scrumptious delicacies, a pageant is held initially of winter.
The Bluff Oyster & Meals Pageant is among the greatest meals festivals in New Zealand, so in the event you occur to be adventuring round The Catlins, Fiordland or Rakiura get to this pageant ASAP!
South Island Street Journeys in Winter
Winter highway journeys in New Zealand will be simply as enjoyable as summer time highway journeys! Why would possibly you be asking?
New Zealand’s South Island roads within the winter are a lot quieter with fewer buses, vehicles, and motorhomes making it simpler so that you can get from one place to a different, aside from Queenstown the place it’s busy all yr spherical.
Relying on which South Island New Zealand airport you fly into, there might be many decisions on the place to go and what to see in your highway journey.
Street Journeys from Queenstown
From Queenstown there are simply so many choices on the place to go so for the beginning of your highway journey, base your self in Queenstown for the primary 4 days. This provides you with a possibility to discover Milford Sound, Glenorchy, Central Otago and even the Catlins.
After Queenstown, head to Wanaka through Arrowtown and Cardrona over the Crown Move and make option to Mount Aspiring Nationwide Park the place Rob Roy Glacier will be hiked to.
Wanaka to Haast is among the greatest and most scenic drives within the South Island with a number of places to cease and go to waterfalls reminiscent of Thunder Creek Falls, Roaring Billy Falls and Fantail Falls.
When you get onto the West Coast, landscapes drastically change as you exit the beautiful Southern Alps. There are occasions the place you’ll be able to catch glimpses of The Tasman Sea and different occasions you’ll be driving by way of countless stretches of highway which weaves and winds by way of lush native forests.
Knights Level Lookout is incredible for 180 diploma views of the rugged West Coast.
Fox and Franz Josef Glacier are one of many principal causes for guests on the decrease West Coast because the Westland Tai Poutini Nationwide Park stays to be probably the most rugged, untouched landscapes in New Zealand.
The Southern Alps tower above to over 3,000 metres creating huge slopes and mountains of native forests, glacial rivers and the enduring Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier which is separated by a 30 minute drive which means each will be visited in at some point alone.
E-book your go to to each glaciers through helicopter on Get Your Information.
North of Franz Josef Glacier, the highway continues by way of the sleepy farming cities of Whataroa and Hari Hari adopted by the coastal city of Hokitika which is known for its driftwood and greenstone.
When you get to Kumara Junction, there are two decisions on which highway to take. There’s Arthur’s Move which is among the most scenic mountain passes on the South Island.
Or you’ll be able to proceed to drive up the West Coast to Punakaiki and find yourself in Kahurangi Nationwide Park or Abel Tasman Nationwide Park. So now we have two choices so listed below are each!
Arthur’s Move connects the West Coast to Canterbury through the unusual however lovely city of Otira, the place theres a pub there with a very massive statue of Gandalf and a dragon.
Otira onwards, you begin the drive alongside the banks of the Otira River to the Otira Viaduct Lookout which is severely a powerful piece of engineering given its location.
Kea are fairly frequent across the city of Arthur’s Move particularly at Satan’s Punchbowl Waterfall so you should definitely go on the quick hike that leads from the close by city, however don’t let your fingers get close to them as they pack a punch with their beak!
The remainder of the drive takes you previous Craigieburn Forest Park the place snowcapped peaks are in every single place you look adopted by Citadel Hill is a scene from The Chronicles of Narnia. From Springfield, the drive to Christchurch takes about 1 hour.
Flying into Christchurch
Flying into Christchurch on the South Island definitely has its advantages in case you are a seaside sort of particular person and even in the event you love the mountains. All the things is so near Christchurch in truth you’ll be able to see snowcapped peaks from many streets of Christchurch.
Deciding which option to go will be fairly a dilemma, however to not fear, I’ve all of it sorted. Get your engine began and cruise on to the mountain city of Methven which is close to Mt Hutt Ski Resort.
Conserving the mountain theme alive it’s time to move to Aoraki Mount Cook dinner through Lake Tekapo which is known for its lakeside church, you’ll discover out why once you see a number of the photographs taken there.
The drive to Aoraki Mount Cook dinner Village is roughly 2 hours through the sting of Lake Pukaki which is among the most beautiful South Island drives when the climate is evident.
As soon as in Mount Cook dinner Village, there are a large number of walks and treks to undertake such because the Hooker Valley Stroll, Tasman Glacier Stroll and the Sealy Tarns Lookout Stroll.
Onwards to Twizel and the beautiful panorama of Lindis Move brings you to Tarras, Cromwell and onto Alexandra. To expertise Central Otago, take Freeway 8 alongside the Clutha River.
Dunedin is among the most original cities in New Zealand when it comes to its heritage and structure and its shut proximity to the Otago Peninsula which is simply magical. I might extremely advise doing the Sandymount Reserve hike for beautiful views over the hills and coastlines of the Otago Peninsula.
The Northern Winter Street Journey Possibility
One other incredible choice in case you are based mostly in Christchurch is the highway north. Kaikoura is 2 hours north of Christchurch and provides a number of the most original views on the South Island with pristine seashores, seal colonies backed by the Kaikoura Ranges.
Kaikoura presents the chance to kayak with wild dolphins, hang around with wild seals or the chance to go climbing to Fyfe Mountain or greater within the Kaikoura Ranges.
Additional north is Blenheim which is a beautiful wine area simply inland from the Cook dinner Strait. Blenheim is the gateway to the Marlborough wine area the place 148 wineries are based mostly within the Wairau Valley, so there’s all the time a fairly good likelihood you will see a drop that you just choose whereas in Blenheim.
Picton lies simply past Blenheim to the north and is understood to most because the port city which ferries you from island to island nevertheless there are some things that you are able to do in Picton apart from leaping on a ferry and fleeing north.
Picton is one of the best ways to discover the Queen Charlotte Sound and the hike generally known as the Queen Charlotte Observe which will be hiked at the moment of yr because of the a lot calmer climate situations on the high of the South Island. The Queen Charlotte Observe begins at Ship Cove.
Picton to Nelson is a couple of 1.5-hour drive by way of a couple of mountainous and forested areas. Nelson is a captivating seaside city positively value a minimum of 2 days to discover.
Nelson onwards you’ll be able to choose to drive to Motueka and on to Marahua which is the most effective place to hire a kayak or begin the Abel Tasman Coastal Observe. Freeway 60 heads straight as much as Collingwood the place Golden Bay and Cape Farewell will be explored from.
You can even take the ferry over to the North Island of New Zealand and proceed your highway journey north when you’ve got time!
Finest Winter Cities in New Zealand’s South Island
Winter within the South Island, New Zealand usually means many small cities decelerate. So there are fewer crowds, higher parking, and cheaper lodging.
There’s simply one thing about New Zealand cities within the winter particularly people who have beautiful mountain backdrops. Right here’s a listing of the most effective cities to go to throughout winter in New Zealand.
Arrowtown
Not removed from the hustle of Queenstown and a 20-minute drive from Coronet Peak, Arrowtown is ideal for escaping the typically loopy Queenstown, and you are able to do so by heading in for a scrumptious lunch or late afternoon drink at locations just like the Fork and Faucet or the array of bakeries that Arrowtown has.
Arrowtown’s wealthy historical past with gold makes this city a worthwhile go to with an eerie backdrop of conifers and snowcapped peaks.
Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier Township
Fox presumably has the most effective backdrop in the entire of New Zealand for a winter vacation, with lush forest lined mountains solely a brief flight from the peaks of Mount Tasman and Aoraki Mount Cook dinner.
Fox is a smaller, quieter model of Franz Josef and probably loads higher with a pleasant group of locals, cafes and an all-round good vibe which is kind of a pleasant place to go to through the winter months.
Glenorchy
Glenorchy in winter, in truth any time of yr, will get the award for greatest city in New Zealand. Glenorchy is simply magical and the additional you drive alongside the perimeters of the Richardson Mountains, the extra you’re taken away by the by no means ending scene of mountains, rivers and forests.
Glenorchy principally is the city that nobody is aware of about and it’s just one.5 hours out of Queenstown.
Motueka
Motueka is the place to go once you simply don’t need to be within the chilly. Motueka’s place on the map offers it excellent climate all yr spherical and the possibilities of getting frostbite are fairly slim as the nice and cozy climate simply retains on retaining on.
Methven
90 minutes from Christchurch is the small ski city of Methven. Though Methven isn’t fairly located amongst the mountains, it’s fairly rattling shut with solely a 25-minute drive to the slopes of Mt Hutt.
Methven has a knack for naming its pubs after colors with the Brown Pub and the Blue Pub which are sometimes stuffed with skiers and snowboarders after a protracted day of shredding up on the slopes of Mt Hutt.
If you’re heading south to Queenstown or Wanaka through the inland scenic route, Methven will nearly assure to have a mattress for you.
Little Akaloa
If Christchurch doesn’t do it for you, why not head out onto the Banks Peninsula to discover a number of the little seaside cities reminiscent of Little Akaloa and Akaroa solely 2 hours drive from the center of Christchurch.
Little Akaloa doesn’t provide a lot when it comes to cafes and eating places however it does provide quiet seashores surrounded by rolling inexperienced hills.
It’s the excellent place for a peaceable swim among the many protected bay.
Oban (Stewart Island)
Oban is kind of a distance from the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps however typically it’s okay to alter issues up. Oban is the primary city positioned on Raikiura (Stewart Island) and is understood for being a fairly fishing city with solely a small inhabitants of individuals dwelling there.
It is among the furthest locations you’ll be able to go south which requires crossing the tough Foveaux Straight by ferry however as soon as you’re there you’ll see why it’s a must-visit.
Oban is in style for recognizing kiwis (the fowl) and in addition an awesome place for recognizing the Aurora Australis (southern lights).
Finest Brief Winter Hikes
A variety of huts through the winter months grow to be inaccessible until you’re geared up with the correct gear to entry them reminiscent of crampons.
Climbing in winter is frequent within the South Island and will be fairly breathtaking with contemporary coatings of snow amongst rugged peaks.
Lots of New Zealand’s Nationwide Parks a minimum of have 1 or 2 hikes open through the winter. Tracks and trails grow to be much less crowded permitting you to take pleasure in your environment with out the trouble of being round different individuals.
Hooker Valley Glacier Stroll
- Distance: 8 kilometres
- Begin / End: Whitehorse Campground
- Time: 4 to five hours return
- Problem: Simple to average
That is the most effective simple hike you are able to do in Aoraki Mount Cook dinner Nationwide Park with out it being too strenuous. This return observe takes you to the foothills of the three,000 metre large Mount Sefton because it weaves and winds its approach alongside the Hooker River which requires numerous swing bridge crossings.
On the midway level of the path, be rewarded with beautiful views of Hooker Glacier Lake, usually stuffed with chunks of ice that has cracked off the Hooker Glacier whereas Aoraki Mount Cook dinner turns into the centre piece to the panorama.
Kaikoura Peninsula
- Distance: 8 kilometres return
- Begin / End: Kaikoura Peninsula Carpark
- Time: (numerous ending factors)
- 10 minutes to Lookout Level
- 45 minutes return to Whalers Bay Lookout
- 1 ¼ hours return to South Bay Lookout
- 1 ¾ hours return to South Bay
- Problem: Simple
Kaikoura hosts a number of the greatest views alongside the east coast of the South Island which for some brings again recollections of climbing coastal elements of Eire.
Views of the Kaikoura Ranges are breathtaking in addition to the views proper right down to Goose Bay and past the escarpment of the seabound cliffs to the north. The stroll begins on the Seal Colony direct from the carpark.
Lake Matheson
- Distance: 5 kilometres
- Begin / End: Café, 5 kilometres west of Fox Glacier township
- Time: 1 to 1 ½ hours
- Problem: Simple
Lake Matheson is presumably the preferred stroll on the West Coast of New Zealand and is open all yr spherical. Solely taking 1.5 hours, the stroll round Lake Matheson is a mixture of trails by way of dense forest with a viewing wharf that usually displays the mountains of Aoraki Mount Cook dinner and Mount Tasman.
Devils Punchbowl
- Distance: 5 kilometres return
- Begin / End: Arthur’s Move township
- Time: 50 minutes
- Problem: Simple
This beautiful hike is positioned on the backside of Arthur’s Move and is a spot the place Kea are generally noticed frolicking round. Satan’s Punchbowl is a powerful 131 waterfall that consists of a shear drop into the abyss beneath.
Citadel Hill / Kura Tawhiti
- Distance – No set distance
- Begin/ End – Citadel Hill 55km east of Arthur’s Move
- Time – at personal tempo
- Problem – Simple to average
If you’re driving from the West Coast to Christchurch through Arthur’s Move, there’s a superb likelihood you’ll discover a hill lined in a large number of rock formations which can be well-known for being a set on The Chronicles of Narnia film.
The rocks are extraordinarily weathered on account of them being composed of limestone. There isn’t a set strolling observe so be at liberty to go at your individual tempo or wander the place you want.
What else is on within the South Island throughout Winter?
The Queenstown Winter Pageant is an entire lot of freezing chilly enjoyable and as you most likely guessed, based mostly within the journey and adrenaline capital of New Zealand, Queenstown.
Occasions held on the winter pageant will be pretty loopy with daring swims in Lake Wakatipu, canine sled races on Coronet Peak to music being performed dwell on a stadium with the Remarkables as a backdrop.
Sizzling Swimming pools fed from pure springs are additionally so enjoyable in Winter. Onsen Sizzling Swimming pools close to Queenstown, Tekapo Springs Sizzling Swimming pools close to Lake Tekapo, and Hanmer Springs Thermal Swimming pools close to Hanmer Springs are a number of the high scorching swimming pools to go to for a pleasant soak after journey actions within the winter.
Stargazing will be an all yr spherical factor however throughout winter, night time skies are usually loads clearer making it excellent for stargazing and astrophotography.
Among the finest places to go stargazing is Aoraki Mount Cook dinner Nationwide Park as it’s located in a Darkish Sky Reserve the place there are strict limitations to infrastructure inflicting mild air pollution.
It’s a really massive reserve coming in at 4,300 sq. kilometres so there might be no scarcity of locations to cease and benefit from the wonderful Milky Manner.
I hope you loved my information to exploring New Zealand’s South Island in winter. Did I miss something? Have any suggestions? Go away a remark beneath and let me know.