Make the Most of Winter in New Zealand’s South Island

Indulge in a spectacular winter in New Zealand/Aotearoa’s South Island with snow-strewn mountains and star-filled skies. Also known by its Māori name of ‘Te Waipounamu’, the South Island is brimming with activities and adventures that are perfectly suited to the cooler months. Pick up your Dollar rental car from any of the branches located around the South Island and follow this guide to make the most of your winter down south.

Embrace the Night Sky

Right in the heart of the South Island, you’ll find the picturesque town of Lake Takapō/Tekapo and its Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Because of lowered humidity, higher visibility and longer nights, winter makes for the perfect time to explore the night sky at Dark Sky Project, the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Discover a night sky like you’ve never seen before as you journey to the stars through the Dark Sky Reserve’s Summit Experience, taking you to the top of Mount John’s 1029-metre peak. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you on the tour, sharing with you interesting facts and captivating stories of the Southern night sky. This two-hour experience will lead you through a journey of the galaxies that soar above us, opening your eyes to everything from the Milky Way to far-off planets. You’ll also get the unique opportunity to have a glimpse through the reserve’s high-powered telescopes, including their impressive 16’’ telescope in their private observatory dome.

Marvel at the Sea Creatures

Nestled into the shores of the east coast of the South Island is Kaikoura, one of the only places in the world to be able to easily spot sperm whales. These majestic ocean creatures glide through the water around you and put on a show that you won’t be able to find anywhere else, flaunting their mammoth tails and soaring through the waves. This unmissable activity is made even better in winter, with a range of other sea animals able to be spotted around the coast of Kaikoura. In June and July, humpback whales move gracefully through the waters around Kaikoura, as well as several species of dolphins that are known to visit this area almost daily. To make the most of your encounter with these incredible creatures, jump aboard Whale Watch, New Zealand’s only vessel-based whale watching experience. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with the world’s largest toothed predator and potentially get the chance to see fur seals and the wandering albatross, as well as a range of other marine life that lives in these waters that surround Kaikoura.

Explore the Glaciers

Head to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the centre of South Island and discover the natural beauty on offer in and around this region. Whilst Aoraki is home to the country’s tallest mountain, it’s also the location of some of the region’s most spectacular glaciers. Discover the majestic structures of these icebergs around the Tasman Glacial Lake atop a boat with Hermitage Tours’ Glacier Explorers, the only glacial boat tour in New Zealand. The tour is both a great way to experience the enormity of these environmental beasts from atop the lake and also learn more about the history of the glaciers from the informed guides that take you throughout the Tasman Glacier. And, during winter, these glaciers will be at their biggest.

Summit the Ski Slopes

There’s no better time of the year than winter to make the most of the snow-strewn mountain ranges that surround the Southern Alps of Queenstown/Tahuna. Renowned for its adventure activities, Queenstown and neighbouring Wānaka are both home to ski resorts that are suited to adventure-seekers of all levels and abilities. Glide down the pillowy-soft slopes and look out over the mountain ranges as you take the chairlift to the hill’s summit. The Remarkables are a great place to get started for all of your snow-filled holiday needs, with a resort that boasts seven terrain parks to choose from, depending on your skill level. To make your visit to the snow extra special, settle in at The Shelter bar and restaurant in The Remarkables Park and indulge in a hearty meal and a hot drink, all with the most spectacular view of the soaring mountain ranges as they envelope the skyline around you.

Follow this guide to make the most of a trip to New Zealand’s South Island this winter, with everything from snow sports to glacier encounters and so much more.