7 Best places to visit in New Zealand during winter to see snow
In this article I reveal 7 of the best places to visit in New Zealand during winter to see snow on mountains, and in particular on the South Island of New Zealand.
I’m assuming that you want to visit New Zealand during winter to see snow on the mountains and not because you think that it’s low season in New Zealand, because it’s not.
The winter season in New Zealand runs from June to August and can be one of the busiest periods in New Zealand. Many visitors come from overseas to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, and many New Zealanders themselves take time off especially in July to hit the ski slopes.
While some mountains have snow on their tops all year round, so even in summer, you increase your chances of seeing snow on most mountains when you visit New Zealand during winter.
The best New Zealand Island to visit to see snow on mountains during winter is the South Island of New Zealand where the Southern Alps are located. While you could visit the North Island to see snow on mountains, for example Mount Taranaki or Mount Ruapehu, you’ll have the greatest choice of places on the South Island of New Zealand. And in my opinion, the best places to see snow in winter are located on the South Island.
So what are the best places to visit in New Zealand during winter to see snow on mountains? I’d recommend the following locations going from North to South on the South Island of New Zealand…
1. Kaikoura The Kaikoura Ranges, which form the backdrop to the Kaikoura township and Kaikoura coast are often snow-capped during winter in New Zealand. The only thing about Kaikoura is that you must visit it during a period that it’s not raining to enjoy the views. But then again, if it is raining and you’re into wildlife, you could visit the seals, which tend to lie down on the coastal rocks not too far from the town center.
2. Hakatere This region is known for its Lord of the Rings scenery, but what you should know is that there are several lakes and mountains in around Hakatere that look gorgeous with snow during winter. You can either follow the Hakatere Potts Road or the Hakatere Heron Road to get to these lakes and see snow-capped or snow-covered mountains. But please be aware that these roads are dirt roads that are best traveled on by 4-wheel drive vehicle.
3. Lake Tekapo The Mackenzie District is almost always guaranteed to have snow in winter, because of its high elevation. Lake Tekapo for example is located at an elevation of around 700 meters, so if snow is expected to fall till 500 meters, you can expect the mountains around Lake Tekapo to be entirely snow covered. At Lake Tekapo you can either do the Mount John Walkway and walk up to Mount John or drive up to the Mount John Observatory and enjoy scenic views of snow on the mountains surrounding Lake Tekapo. You can also do the 30 minute drive from Lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki to see Mount Cook (if it’s not in the clouds) and Ben Ohau Range. Both should have a good amount of snow on them.
4. Lindis Pass Lindis Pass is a joy to drive through during winter, but you have to catch it on a good sunny day. Lindis Pass tends to be plagued by fog during winter, so you won’t enjoy much of the winter scenery if you catch it on a bad day. Also be aware that Lindis Pass is a mountain pass, so you must carry snow chains, because the road is almost always guaranteed to have either snow or ice or both on it during winter. And please remember that it can be closed if the driving conditions are too bad, so check ahead of time whether Lindis Pass is open before attempting to drive through it in winter.
5. Lake Wanaka Lake Wanaka is a good place to visit during any season of the year. However, in winter, the mountains are either snow-capped or snow covered, but again, you must catch it on a good day, because like Lindis Pass, Lake Wanaka tends to be plagued by fog and low cloud during winter. But if you do catch it on a good day, you can walk up Mount Roy to enjoy gorgeous scenic views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring.
6. Central Otago Central Otago following State Highway 85 is a joy to drive through during winter in New Zealand. You can drive from either Clyde or Alexandra to Omakau, Lauder, and then onto Idaburn. On the way you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of Hawkdun Range with snow. But again, like Lindis Pass and Wanaka, this region tends to be fog plagued, so to enjoy views of Hawkdun Range, you’ll have to drive through it on a cloudless or partly cloudy day. If you do catch it on a foggy day and the days have been very cold with freezing temperatures, you might get to see unearthly views like the one in the following picture.
7. Queenstown Queenstown can be a busy place during winter in New Zealand, because there are several ski fields in its vicinity. If you’re not into skiing, you can also go snowshoeing on trails that ordinarily are used as walking trails during spring, summer, or autumn such as the Queenstown Hill Time walk and several trails on The Remarkables. And if you’re into scenic driving, you could drive up the Crown Range road to a lookout point and enjoy the snow covered mountain views. Beware that the Crown Range road goes through a mountain pass, so again you’ll be required to carry chains when you drive up this road and fit them when signs tell you to do so, because you may be fined if you ignore such signs.
I always like to throw in bonuses, so here’s the 8th place I’d recommend visiting in New Zealand during winter…
8. West Coast On the West Coast, you’ll not only be able to enjoy coastal views, but when looking east, you’ll be able to see the snow-capped Southern Alps. Lake Matheson would be an ideal place to visit during winter in New Zealand. And while you’re there, you can visit Fox Glacier. Surprisingly enough, the West Coast enjoys fairly good weather during winter in New Zealand.
So there you have it… 8 of the best places to visit in New Zealand during winter to see snow. I hope you enjoy the snow on the mountains when you visit the South Island of New Zealand.
Filed under How-To Travel Guide
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