New Zealand/Aotearoa’s North Island is filled with a plethora of activities that can be enjoyed all year round, especially in the cooler months. Te Ika-a-Māui, which is North Island’s Māori name, is the perfect place to embrace winter and head out in a Hertz rental car to discover new adventures. Whether it’s skiing in the snowfields or embracing warmer climates up north, we’ve put together a helpful guide to give you some ideas of how best to enjoy North Island as the days grow colder.
Hit the Slopes
It’s no secret that New Zealand is home to some of the best snowfields in the world. Skiers and snowboarders travel from all over to experience the lush, white snow of the country’s slopes, and some of the best can be found in Central North Island. New Zealand’s two largest ski fields, Whakapapa and Tūroa, are home to some of the country’s longest ski runs and make for the perfect place to embrace the cold and explore the snow. Situated across large mountain peaks, the soaring views of deep valleys and snow-covered hills on these ski runs are unmatched to anything else in the country. Whakapapa is made up of expansive volcanic terrain and boasts amazing views of Tongariro National Park all around, and is also home to Ski NZ’s longest season, so you can hit the slopes all winter long. There’s also a family-friendly beginners’ program, Happy Valley, so even first-time skiers or young budding snowboarders can join in on the fun.
Indulge in Natural Hot Springs
Discover the warmer side of winter with a visit to the hot spring capital of New Zealand, Rotorua. The geothermally heated waters of the hot pools are understood to hold healing properties and have been visited by locals and visitors since the early 19th century. Whether it’s a physical ailment or just the winter blues you’re wanting to heal, the hot springs are the perfect spot to sit back, relax and soak up the warm natural waters. Sitting upon volcanic rock in the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is prolific for its geothermal activity and natural wonders. Spend the day observing the mighty geysers that explode from the volcanic ground and then relax in the afternoon with a restorative mud pool that uses a range of Indigenous herbs and muds. Being a significant town of Māori history, the hot springs provide a way to learn more about Māori culture and the healing practices and traditions that have been used for centuries.
Embrace the Warmer Climates
Head to the northern tip of North Island and discover warmer climates at the seaside towns of Northland and Bay of Islands. Paihia and Kerikeri make for the perfect beach getaway during the cooler months, with small-town charm and lots of activities to do throughout both places. Explore the surrounding Bay of Islands from any number of the extensive accommodation options at Paihia, with cruises and boat trips leaving from the town’s wharf. Nature is never too far from this quaint village, with a bush walk and waterfall located at Haruru, just west of the town. Only twenty minutes’ drive from Paihia is Kerikeri, a charming town filled with local galleries and an interesting history. Moving between these two Northland towns in your rental car is easy, with everything from historical walks to waterfalls, local dining experiences and marine life cruises right on your doorstep for you to explore.
Wine and Dine
There’s no better way to escape the cool temperatures of winter than to cosy up at a good winery. North Island is home to a range of world-class wineries and vineyards, with many of them located in Waiheke Island and Hawke’s Bay. Tantalus Estate Vineyard is a must-visit winery in Waiheke Island, with the cellar door boasting delicious wine samples and the kitchen cooking up amazing food made with seasonal local produce. As renowned for its wine as it is for its food, Tantalus is the perfect place to hole up with a good glass of red as you look out to the vineyard over a hearty lunch. In Hawke’s Bay, Elephant Hill Cellar Door delights with a selection of thoughtful wines and spectacular views. Family-owned, this winery prides itself on making visitors feel right at home with a tasty glass and a phenomenal meal, and all enjoyed with the outlook of the Pacific Ocean only a stone’s throw away.
New Zealand’s North Island is brimming with winter-perfect places and activities for you to enjoy in the cooler months. From escaping the cold and heading up north to enjoying a cosy glass of wine, from summiting the ski fields to plunging into hot springs, North Island has you covered this winter.
