Winter
New Zealand goes into overdrive rather than hibernation during winter. Crisp blue skies, steaming geothermal pools and a vibrant après-ski atmosphere bring the country alive.
The months from June to August herald the ski season in both the North and South Islands where world class ski fields can be found amidst spectacular scenery. But there’s just as much excitement can be found off the slopes.
Rotorua (Central North Island) is steaming with relaxing, hot mineral pools, Queenstown (South Island) is alive with winter festivals, and the country’s major cities - Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch - make for great weekend breaks to shop for designer brands and dine at world-class restaurants.
In the North Island, Mount Ruapehu is home to the country’s largest ski fields. Mount Ruapehu dominates the skyline of Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage Site for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
The South Island has over seven public ski areas and numerous other private fields. Coronet Peak in Queenstown is the most popular field and Mt Hutt in the Canterbury region has one of the longest and most consistent seasons in the Southern Hemisphere. The highlight of the ski season would have to be the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival, a major event on any snow enthusiast’s calendar.
June is the month to welcome in Matariki, the Maori New Year, with multiple cultural celebrations throughout the country. Then comes the start of the scallop season in August and the Coromandel Scallop Festival is the best way to celebrate and indulge in this tasty delicacy.
View these and more Winter images from the Tourism New Zealand's Image Library. All images are available to download.
Tucked high inside the eastern rim of the Southern Alps, overlooking the Canterbury Plains, Mount Hutt receives some of the deepest, lightest, driest powder in New Zealand. The wide open terrain is perfect for first-time skiers and families; the challenging south face delivers challenging runs for extreme skiers and boarders.
Photo credit: NZ Ski
Carved by glaciers and draped in snow, the Remarkables ski area overlooks Queenstown and the Wakatipu Basin. The gentle slopes are particularly perfect for learners and families. But it’s not all tame - powder bowls and off-piste extreme runs above Lake Alta provide challenge for more advanced skiers.
Photo credit: NZ Ski
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Snow falls on Queenstown village just a few times a year, but when it does the effect is magical. For most of winter, snow-based activities are confined to the region’s many mountain ranges. In the valleys and the towns, life continues as usual with golf, jet boating, rafting, lake cruises, hiking, shopping and restaurant hopping.
Photo credit: Destination Queenstown
From Whakapapa skifield, on the side of Mt Ruapehu, the volcanic cones of Tongariro and Ngauruhoe are a surreal sight. Mt Ruapehu has a permanent cover of snow and ice, including seven glaciers. It also has the only commercial skifields in the North Island – Turoa on the south-west side of the mountain and Whakapapa on the western slopes.
Photo credit: Tourism NZ
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