Fun Winter Activities in New Zealand

Visiting New Zealand in the winter for some might seem an adventure some might wonder why it would be worth undertaking. However, New Zealand is a top destination for winter sports and has plenty of outdoor or indoor activities to do to have fun while keeping warm. The mountains of New Zealand offer some of the most interesting winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding at the world class resorts that can be found in various locales around the country.

Lake Wanaka is gorgeous any time of the year but it the winter it has a special charm. Take a walk up Mount Roy to enjoy the views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring covered with snow. Wanaka is located just northeast of Queenstown and is a bit more quiet, maybe less commercialized tha
Queenstown. The Treble Cone, Cardrona, Snowpark, and Snowfarm ski fields are not far away, and you can rent a cottage on the lake for a wonderful winter weekend getaway.

Mount Ruapehu is the largest ski-able area in New Zealand and at 2,797 meters it is the highest mountain in the North Island. It supposedly receives more snow than any other mountain in New Zealand, so most are not disappointed with plenty of snow to play around in. On the northwest side is Whakapapa, which is ideal for less advanced skiers and on the southwest side is Turoa has more difficult glacial ski runs.

Queenstown is one of the most popular spots for winter activities with The Remarkable Mountains providing excellent skiing as well as unforgettable alpine views. Coronet Peak offers a unique opportunity to ski at night, the only place in New Zealand with this winter treat. Take Crown Range Road up into the mountains to park at a lookout point and just enjoy the snow capped peaks surrounding you.

Mackenzie Country is located in the North Island and offers a number of winter attractions that will leave an impression on you. Lake Ohau and Lake Tekapo are popular spots for fishing or four wheel driving or just taking in the views of Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand at 3,754 meters.

Winter scenery in New Zealand is full of picturesque snow-capped mountains and fresh alpine air. Each place has its own character and feel, and even for those less adventurous there are plenty of winter-time activities indoors, especially in larger cities like Auckland. The west coast of the South Island is nice and quiet during this period as well, even though the beach doesn't seem as inviting due to the temperature. Too many places and too little time makes it difficult to plan the perfect winter trip to New Zealand but the place is a winter playground for many who adore its mountaintops.