Why Visit New Zealand in Winter? A Quiet Season Full of Wonder

While most travellers from Japan head south in summer, there’s something deeply special about discovering New Zealand during winter. With direct flights from Tokyo to Auckland, the journey has never been easier. And what awaits on the other side? Clear blue skies, snow-capped mountains, steaming thermal pools, and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere that lets you breathe deeply and reconnect — with nature, with yourself, or with someone you love.

For those who live in Japan, where winters tend to be grey and urban, New Zealand offers a refreshing contrast. From sipping hot coffee in a lakeside café in Queenstown, to spotting sheep on the rolling hills of the Waikato, to soaking in Rotorua’s geothermal springs — the experiences linger. Visitors often speak of the warmth, not just in the temperature of the hot pools, but in the kindness of the people and the slower pace of life.

Top Winter Destinations in New Zealand

• Queenstown & Wanaka – Snow lovers rejoice. These alpine towns offer skiing, snowboarding, and breathtaking lake views.
• Rotorua & Taupō – Ideal for travellers who want warmth without snow. Think steaming geysers, forest walks, and lakeside hot springs.
• Auckland & Northland – Milder temperatures and a chance to explore Māori culture, coastal beaches, and winter gardens.
• Christchurch to Mt Cook Road Trip – A classic South Island route with dramatic alpine landscapes and stargazing.

What makes the trip unforgettable? The first time you see a night sky untouched by city light. The sound of crunching gravel on a frosty morning walk. A woolly sheep looking up from the paddock. These are the kinds of quiet, grounded moments that stay with you forever.

What to Pack for a Winter Trip to New Zealand

New Zealand winter weather can be unpredictable — clear one moment and drizzly the next — so it’s important to pack for layering, warmth, and comfort. Here’s a suggested list:

• Warm base layers (merino is ideal)
• A good waterproof outer layer (jacket or coat)
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Gloves, scarf, and a hat
• Swimwear for hot springs
• A small daypack for hikes or town exploring
• Reusable water bottle and snacks (especially useful on long scenic drives)
• Travel adapter for NZ power outlets

Below: Japanese translation generated with the help of ChatGPT — just to help with clarity for some of our readers.

日本から行くなら、重ね着が基本。薄手のウールインナー（メリノウールなど）がとても便利です。雨の多い地域もあるので、防水のアウターも忘れずに。

寒暖差が激しいので、温泉に入るときや町を歩くときも、脱ぎ着しやすい服装が安心です。

To keep that warm feeling going even after you return to Japan, visit our shop in Izumisano, Osaka during winter to re-live that cozy New Zealand spirit and stock up on the woolly things. Whether it’s a pair of wristwarmers, a soft merino scarf, or a possum blend beanie, a little piece of Aotearoa can warm your heart (and hands) all season long.

haere tū atu, hoki tū mai

go well and return in good health, have a safe trip - an idiom farewelling visitors and hoping that they will return in good health.