The Best Places to Visit During the NZ Winter Holidays

New Zealand is a beautiful country that offers many options for tourists to explore. Although New Zealand is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventure activities, there is still much to do during winter. The country's mild winter temperatures and stunning snow-capped mountains make it a great winter holiday destination. In this blog post, we'll focus on three cities in New Zealand - Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin - and some of the winter activities you can do in these cities.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a small city on New Zealand's South Island known for its Scottish heritage, beautiful architecture (including our 5-star Dunedin hotel), and wildlife.  

Enjoy a craft beer tour on your winter holiday! Dunedin is known for its craft beer scene, with several local breweries producing a range of unique and delicious brews. Tour some of the city's breweries, taste some of their beers, and learn about the brewing process.

The Otago Museum is another must-do winter activity. It offers a range of exhibits, including natural history, science, and art. The museum is also home to the Perpetual Guardian Planetarium, which offers a range of shows that explore the night sky and the universe.

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and a popular tourist destination. Its mild winter climate makes it a great place to explore during the cooler season.

The Sky Tower is a must-visit attraction in Auckland's city centre. Standing at 328 meters, the Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. The tower offers stunning panoramic views of the city, and during the winter season, you can experience the Sky Tower's SkyWalk or SkyJump. The SkyWalk is a thrilling experience where you can walk around the Sky Tower's exterior while attached to a safety harness. The SkyJump is a bungee jumping experience where you jump from the top of the Sky Tower and freefall for 11 seconds before a wire catches you.

A few minutes walk from the Sky Tower is Aoetea Square, which hosts an ice skating rink during winter. The ice rink is open from late June to mid-July and offers a fun activity for families and friends.

If you want to escape the Auckland rain and keep warm, why not enjoy stunning artwork at the Auckland Art Gallery? The gallery houses an extensive collection of local and international art pieces showcasing different periods and styles. Visitors can explore the galleries at their own pace and enjoy the diverse range of art on display. In addition to its permanent collection, Auckland Art Gallery frequently hosts temporary exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists from around the world. It also offers various events and activities throughout the year, including talks, tours, and workshops, providing visitors with an immersive art experience. Visiting the Auckland Art Gallery is a perfect way to spend a rainy day immersing yourself in art and culture while staying warm and dry indoors.

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's South Island and is known for its English heritage, beautiful parks, and gardens. Although Christchurch is known for its summertime activities, there's still plenty to do during winter.

One of the must-visit places in Christchurch during a winter holiday is the Port Hills. The Port Hills offer stunning city views and are a popular place for hiking and mountain biking during summer. The Port Hills transform into a winter wonderland during the winter season, offering great opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The Port Hills are just a short drive from the city centre and provide a great day trip for families and friends.

The Antarctic Centre is another popular winter attraction in Christchurch. It offers an interactive, simulated Antarctic experience. Visitors can experience an Antarctic storm, see penguins, and ride on a Hagglund, a vehicle used in Antarctica. The Antarctic Centre is a fun and educational experience for families and friends.

Book Your Winter Getaway

New Zealand's mild winter climate, stunning scenery, and various winter activities make it an excellent winter holiday destination. A winter holiday in New Zealand is a fantastic way to experience the country's beauty and enjoy various exciting winter activities, and there's no better place to stay than Fable Hotels. We have a range of luxury hotel offers available over the winter months. Whether you're a thrill seeker or looking for a more relaxed winter experience, Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin offer plenty of options to suit everyone. So pack your bags and book your stay today!