Travel

6 Reasons You Need To Book A Winter Vacay To New Zealand

By Renée Ardon-Coppinger
31st Jan 2023

Aotearoa, New Zealand, is a country of such diverse beauty, and there’s something so luxe and cosy about a winter escape experiencing some of the most stunning locations and hidden gems without all the summer holiday-goer locals and crowds. And with a massive New Zealand sale going on right now at Flight Centre, there’s no excuse not to get your diaries out and start organising your next unforgettable adventure.  

To get you planning, we’ve put together six of our favourite reasons you need to book a winter vacay to New Zealand, stat.

Witness The Spectacular Southern Lights

Although this extraordinary phenomenon can occur anytime throughout the year, scientists have discovered that the captivating light displays are most common during the winter months particularly when the temp is at its lowest. One of nature’s most incredible displays, the Southern Lights (also known as Aurora Australis) emit spellbinding coblues, greens and purples from the heavens and is a bucket list item that people travel all over the world for. 

Take A Hot Tub With A View

A hot tub looking out rolling hills, crystal clear lakes and sweeping lush mountain ranges with a vino in hand? It’s a big yes from us. After a day of big adventures or hiking, it’s time to rest those weary bodies and warm up at one of New Zealand’s famous hot pools for some seriously mesmorising views down to the unspoiled greenery below. Great for a solo spa day, or for a cheeky romantic couples experience, this is definitely one for the must do list. 

Cycle From The Coast To The Countryside

Pedalling your way through New Zealand’s charming countryside and coastline is an absolute delight and a laidback way to see the sights. Peppered with galleries, cafes, local produce markets, vineyards, picnics and swimming spots, The Tasman Great Taste Trail encapsulates it all with an exceptional network of cycleways stitching together stunning destinations like Nelson Wakefield, Richmond Motueka and Kaiteriteri. The entire trail takes around four days with over 174kms to cover but you can also choose to tackle it in bite-sized pieces too. Perfect for couples, families and groups of mates, it’s one you won’t forget.

Visit Middle Earth

Movie geeks simply cannot miss the experience to fulfill their wildest childhood dreams and experience the sheer magic of Middle Earth at Hobbiton, the famous filming location of the Lord of The Rings trilogy. Wander through the shire, get lost in the hobbit holes, listen to the whimsical stories of how the land came to be, and even head to the Dragon Inn on the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour where you’ll find out all the secrets behind filming and cast.

Warm Up With A Wine

It’s no secret that New Zealand is home to countless delicious wine regions - from Marlborough, Nelson, Waikato and Hawke’s Bay, Sauvignon Blanc lovers will rejoice in the endless slew of gorgeous cellar doors and restaurants scattered in some breathtaking parts of the country where you’ll be able to spend a cosy afternoon by the fire warming up with a glass or two. 

Become A Snow Bunny 

There are almost too many epic places to ski and snowboard in New Zealand—from Cardrona to Cornet Peak, Treble Cone to Turoa, the country is surrounded by awesome summits to get your ultimate snow fix. But if you’re not a thrillseeker there is an array of snow fields brimming with natural splendour for you to traverse, hike and soak in.

The Remarkables is certainly one of our favourites with breathtaking views over Queenstown, and whether you’re a first-timer, beginner or full-blown shred machine, this mountain has it all. You can even Yooner down the slopes—a lightweight and fun sit-down ski that really gets the heart pumping.

Now that you’re hooked, why not head into a Flight Centre near you to work with the friendly expert team who can find you the best deal, or simply just head to the Flight Centre site and jump on these deals before they disappear? 

Editor's note: this article was produced in partnership with Flight Centre. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.

Image source: Unsplash
 

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