Relocating to New Zealand opens up a whole new world of adventure for our expat and migrant clients, and winter (June–August) is no exception. From snowy escapes to sunny island retreats, here’s our insider guide to how the Kiwi holiday during the cooler months.
1. Embrace the Snow: Ski Holidays in the South Island
Winter in New Zealand means ski season. It is possible to ski on the North Island’s central plateau volcanoes (yes volcanoes!) but the snow quality is variable and accommodation options are limited. Instead many Kiwis head to the South Island - Queenstown and Wanaka are go-to destinations with ski fields such as Cardrona, Treble Cone, The Remarkables, and Coronet Peak. Mt Hutt, a 90 minutes drive from Christchurch, is also popular. And the smaller club fields in North Canterbury like Round Hill, Ohau and Mt Dobson offer a different experience again.
When to Go:
Mountain weather is famously unpredictable, so timing your trip well can make a big difference:
Late June: The school holidays push many families onto the slopes early, but it’s still the start of the season, so snow coverage can be hit-or-miss. If you can, wait it out.
July: Expect peak crowds thanks to NZ’s school holidays. While it's the busiest time, it also brings a fun, lively energy to the slopes, with events, activities, and generally solid snow if the season starts strong.
August: Often considered the best month, a sweet spot with great snow depth, more settled weather, and a buzz from international visitors and uni students.
Early September: Spring skiing!! Softer spring snow, warmer days, lower prices, and fewer people. Snow can start to thin out early in the day, but the relaxed vibe makes up for it - on sunny days, don’t be surprised to see skiers in fancy dress or even swimwear soaking up the last of the season.
Insider Tip: Get your family skiing at Cardrona
One I’ve personally used and highly recommend—if you have young children, Cardrona’s Skiwees programme (or Lowriders for snowboarders) is a fantastic way to get them confident on the slopes while you enjoy some adult ski time. We booked our kids into the four-day programme, and they stayed with the same instructor and group all week. The atmosphere was amazing, with daily hot chocolates and a big focus on fun as well as skiing. It made the whole experience stress-free and enjoyable for the whole family.
What to expect from skiing in New Zealand
Skiing in New Zealand is different compared to Europe,North America or Japan. Here's what to expect:
Smaller fields, shorter runs, and chairlifts rather than high-speed gondolas or heated chairs.
Limited ski-in/ski-out. Most of our skifields are in areas of high natural value that require environmental protection, so on-mountain accommodation is rare. Instead, visitors typically stay in nearby towns like Queenstown or Wānaka and travel up to the slopes each day by car or shuttle bus.
Self-drive is the norm, but parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays. On busy days, ski fields may close access once capacity is reached. Some resorts offer the option to park at a lower level and take a shuttle up to the mountain.
Utilise the Base Drop-Off zone. You may end up parked well below the base area, so it’s a good idea to drop off your family and gear first. That way, only the driver needs to hike back up, making it easier for everyone to get on the slopes sooner.
Ski shuttles are big buses (not vans), and they must be booked in advance during busy periods.
Après-ski culture happens in the town where you’re staying, after you’ve gone back to your accommodation, not on the mountain. Queenstown is the most lively so base yourself there if you prioritise off-piste action.
2. Not a Skier? Try Golf, Mountain Biking or Hot Pools
Queenstown and Rotorua are great for winter golfing, mountain biking, and indulging in natural hot springs. While mornings may be crisp, clear winter days often make for great outdoor adventures.
In Queenstown, try a round at Millbrook Resort or Jack’s Point, then unwind at the Onsen Hot Pools with a view of the Shotover River.
Rotorua offers some of the best mountain biking trails in New Zealand, and the recently opened Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is the perfect place to soothe those burning quads and hammies. With its blend of luxury wellness and Māori healing traditions, it’s an ideal way to warm up and wind down after a day on the trails.
3. Head for the Sun: Pacific Island Escapes
One of the advantages of living in New Zealand is being just a short flight away from the stunning islands of the South Pacific. Many Kiwis escape the winter chill by heading north to soak up the sun. Here are some popular short-haul tropical getaways with direct flights (ranging from around 3 - 9 hours):
Fiji – Ideal for families, couples or groups who enjoy beach resorts, warm hospitality, and plenty of activities like swimming and snorkeling.
New Caledonia – A blend of South Pacific charm and French flair, with beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and a relaxed cultural vibe.
Bali – While a bit further and no longer the budget secret it once was, Bali still offers incredible value with the right planning. Ideal for spa retreats, surfing, yoga, and vibrant food scenes. Steer clear of the peak tourist zones for a more authentic experience.
Just remember: school holidays in NZ get busy, so either avoid them or book early for better prices and availability, especially for island resorts.
4. Local Long Weekends and Cosy Retreats
Not everyone has time (or budget) for a big winter holiday, but that doesn't mean you can’t enjoy the season. Kiwis often rent out their bach (or holiday home) in the off-season and you can find some great places that are either booked out or super-expensive over the summer. Consider a cosy cabin in the Coromandel, a vineyard villa in Martinborough, or a lakeside stay in Taupō for a relaxing weekend. Think fireplaces, hot chocolate, board games, and brisk walks in beautiful landscapes.
Winter in NZ doesn’t mean staying indoors - unless you want to! Whether you're chasing powder, sunshine or just a bit of peace and quiet, New Zealand and its Pacific neighbours have something for everyone. Start planning early to make the most of your first winter down under.
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand!
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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements (Kiwi Launch Pad) through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.
Source: www.mobile-relocation.com