Top Winter Activities in South Island NZ
- Written by News Company
The South Island is known to be a very special place in the winters, and the area really comes alive in these months. For anyone on a campervan hire new zealand journey during the cool months, this is where you will want to be. Queenstown and Wanka are both known to fully thrive in the winters due to the nearby alpine ranges and incredible skiing opportunities. This is the surreally beautiful territory where Lord Of The Rings was filmed, and it is known to be at its most pristine in the cool months. There are a number of winter festivals and other activities that take place in this season as well, making this one of the hottest destinations for winter travelers.
Queenstown
This is a winter hotspot if there ever was one. There are a variety of top ski resorts right in the area, making this one of the top places in the world for a ski vacation. The local scenery is alpine and gorgeous, with fine snow and plenty of action including great restaurants, bars, nightlife, and hotels. The slopes here are known to be some of the finest in the world and range from highly experienced, expert slopes to beginner slopes where those just starting out can get acquainted with the sport. This truly is the Aspen or The Alps of New Zealand, so if you’re into a winter ski vacation then this is definitely your place.
Hot Springs
The South Island is famous for its geothermal hot springs which are incredibly refreshing in the winter months. There is nothing like a healing, calming soak in mineral rich, warm waters on a cold winter day. There are a number of spots throughout the island that feature these hot pools. If you want to combine them with a nice hike, then head to the Welcome Flats Hut on the Copland Track on the West Coast. This hike is is a long one but will be worth it since at the end of the walk you will find a modern and fully comfortable hut to sleep in and three natural hot pools in which to enjoy a soak. Campervan hire new zealand journeys are all about a combination of outdoor activities and relaxation, and this hike combines the two. There are also a number of famous hot springs in Lake Tapo and Hanmer Springs, so no matter which area you are traveling in chances are you can find some hot springs to enjoy.
Rugby
New Zealand’s most popular sport is at its peak in the winter months, with rugby fever taking over the nation. It is hard not to be infected by it when traveling on the south island in the winter, so why not join in? There are a number of local rugby teams in every region and rugby stadiums ranging from massive to small and local. Catching one of these matches is truly exciting even if you don’t know much about the sport itself. There matches are rowdy and impassioned, and you energy from the crowd is amazing. There is really nothing like this anywhere else in the world, so it is highly recommended that you take in a match on your journeys. Just do your research and find out where a match is happening in the region you are traveling in. This will be a very unique and exciting way to spend an afternoon, so take advantage of it while you have the chance and get out to see a match on your travels.
Surfing
Yes, winter surfing is not only possible but it’s popular. The waters on the south island may get cooler during these months, but the waves never stop. These waters are known to cast forth some of their best waves at this time of year. Of course hardcore surfers aren’t going to allow some cool weather to stop them from taking advantage. Just throw on a wetsuit and hit the waves and you will be showing out like a real New Zealand surfer. Do your research and figure out which breaks you wish to experience, then get out there and take advantage of some of the best surfing to be had worldwide no matter the weather.
South Island is a truly fun place to take a campervan hire new zealand journey, with many outdoor activities on offer plus a plethora of things to do and winter hotspots all over the region. The scenery is gorgeous and there are thousands of other campers who will be traveling along with you, not to mention friendly locals and an assortment of cities and towns that really come to life in the winter and offer many restaurants and shopping opportunities. This is one of the top road trips worldwide, so make sure to keep it on your bucket list.