As a country of friendly people, fascinating culture, and some of the most awesome landscapes you’ll ever lay eyes on, there’s a lot to like about New Zealand.
The island nation, which is sometimes known by its Māori name of Aotearoa, has a lot of plus points for travelers in winter.
For starters, winter in the northern hemisphere means summer in the southern hemisphere, where New Zealand is located.
The months from October through to March bring long and warm sunny days, which are perfect for exploring New Zealand’s impressive scenery.
Another plus point is that English is the official language (alongside Māori), meaning you shouldn’t have trouble finding your way around or enjoying the experiences you are looking for.
It is a country very used to welcoming tourists from around the world and is known for being safe.
In fact, New Zealand is ranked as the fourth safest country in the world according to the 2023 Global Peace Index, with only Ireland, Denmark, and Iceland ahead of it.
It is also ranked as a Level 1 on the US Department of State’s Travel Advisory System, which is the safest possible level.
So, even though it’s on the other side of the world, this is one of the safest countries you can visit this winter – ideal for solo travelers or digital nomads.
The North Island
The capital city of Auckland is likely where you’ll fly into when you arrive in New Zealand, and it is located in the northwest of the North Island.
This city has a charming harbor with fantastic seafood restaurants, the opportunity to go sailing or kayaking, and a Sky Tower with a viewing deck that’s over 1,000ft tall.
Head southeast of Auckland, and you’ll arrive in Rotorua, a town famous for geothermal hot springs and pools.
Further east still is Hawke’s Bay, home to the art deco town of Napier, which has a fascinating feel and plenty of luxury eateries.
On the southern edge of the North Island, you’ll find another of New Zealand’s great cities, Wellington.
This leafy and hilly town is a hub of art and youth, home to many museums, varied and interesting architecture, and more craft beer breweries than you can probably manage in one pub crawl.
The South Island
There are no fewer than 10 national parks on the South Island, which shows just how beautiful it is.
One of the most northerly is the coastal destination of Abel Tasman, a great place to enjoy secluded beaches, kayaking, swimming, and hiking.
Also in the north is Marlborough, which is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the country.
Two of the real gems in New Zealand’s embarrassment of riches when it comes to national parks are Aoraki and Fjordland.
Aoraki is the country’s Alpine region, home to its largest glacier, its largest mountain in Mount Cook, and also a dark sky reserve that is unbeatable for star gazing.
As for Fjordland, this is a true wilderness area of dramatic deep fjords covered by lush, green forests. The two most famous are probably Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound.
For those seeking some nightlife, Wanaka and Queenstown are two mountain towns with a great vibe and no shortage of places to party.
What Else Should I Know About Visiting New Zealand?
The country uses its own New Zealand Dollar, and NZ $10 is the equivalent to about USD $6 at the time of writing.
While English is as widely spoken in New Zealand as it is in the U.S., you won’t make any enemies by learning a few Māori phrases that are commonly used, such as ‘kia ora’, which means hello and ‘tena koe’, which means thank you.
They drive on the left in New Zealand, and renting a car is a great way to get around the country as there is not a lot of traffic and the roads are very well maintained.
