RoomMate Cabins’ top 10 places to visit in New Zealand
Apr 27, 2022
Summer is officially on its way out and winter is just around the corner, but we shouldn’t let that stop us from exploring this beautiful country!
Our portable cabins manage to find their way all across the country, with suppliers located all over New Zealand. We have canvassed opinions to come up with the definitive list of 10 places you have got to visit this autumn/winter.
With so many places to choose from to holiday in New Zealand during the colder months, we wanted to give you a few ideas of places to go. We’re not reinventing the wheel here. These are some of the most popular holiday destinations in New Zealand and for good reason.
1. Bay of Islands
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, the Bay of Islands is a holiday hot spot. Located just three hours from Auckland, the Bay of Islands is a truly magical place – even in winter! With 140+ islands to discover, we recommend getting yourself booked onto one of the numerous cruises that run out of Paihia. Getting out onto the water, you are likely to come across some pretty awesome marine life including dolphins, whales and even penguins. Although… you may want to stay out of the water once the temperature drops.
2. The Coromandel Peninsula
Another favourite amongst Auckland holidaymakers, the Coromandel Peninsula is just a short 2.5-hour drive from downtown Auckland. Despite the proximity, it feels a thousand miles apart. Escape the hustle and bustle and discover craggy mountains cloaked in native forest and a huge coastline of golden sandy beaches.
3. Mt Maunganui
The Mount, as it is affectionately known by the locals, is an awesome place to visit in the summer as well as the cooler months. As beaches go, the one at The Mount is hugely impressive. There aren’t many beaches in the world that have an extinct volcano just sitting at one end! Mount Maunganui provides the perfect backdrop to this lively coastal city. It’s also a great spot to head up to watch the sunrise. The Mount is a great place for surfing, beachside wandering, hiking and is perfect for those looking for a good time with plenty of places to go out to eat and drink.
4. Tongariro National Park
In the centre of the North Island is one of New Zealand’s winter gems. The Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage Site due to its spectacular volcanic features as well as its importance to Māori culture. The park is home to New Zealand’s best one day walk – the Tongariro Crossing. Thousands of people every year take the 19.4km tramp through this spectacular National Park, carving their way between towering volcanic peaks and past shimmering emerald lakes.
If you don’t feel like hiking, you can head to the Chateau for a hot chocolate by the fire or their famed high tea experience.
5. Napier
Napier is a wine-lover’s paradise. Located in the Hawke’s Bay, another of New Zealand’s sunniest destinations, the grapes down there simply thrive – in particular, the red varietals. With plenty of cellar doors, it’s a great place to go and do some sampling and the vineyards tend to have spectacular locations. If wine is not your thing, there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied from world-class golf to amazing wildlife to the stunning art deco buildings of Napier and nearby Hastings. With plenty of sun even during the colder months, this should be on your list of places to visit all year round.
6. Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman National Park is one of our all-time favourite places to visit any time of year. This is one of the areas in New Zealand that receives the most hours of sunshine! If you are looking for action, then hire a kayak for the day and head off exploring the park’s stunning little bays and coves. For the super-active, why not give the Abel Tasman Coast Track a go – one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks, it’s a stunning 51km tramp with some unbelievable views
7. Fiordland National Park and Fiordland
We’re not sure any list of anything at all in New Zealand is complete without mentioning Milford Sound! Without a doubt one of the most popular destinations in the country, Milford Sound should be a ‘top of the list’ item for any visitor to New Zealand and a must-do for anyone living here. Located in the Fiordland National Park, this World Heritage Site is truly spectacular. Take a cruise out to the Sound or for the energetic, try tramping the Milford Track – another of New Zealand’s great walks.
8. Franz Josef Glacier
It’s a close call whether it’s better to visit Franz Josef in the summer or the winter. For us, winter just pips it, as you get to experience the surrounding snow-capped mountains which will take your breath away. It’s so cool to take a helicopter ride up onto the glacier for a day of exploring. Discover spectacular blue ice caves and peek down some cavernous drops as you get to take in the full magnificence of the Franz Josef Glacier from high up above.
9. Lake Tekapo
Located between Queenstown and Christchurch, Tekapo is an awesome place to visit in the colder months. The colour of the water is captivating – the turquoise waters look like someone has dropped in some food colouring! While the water certainly looks tempting, be warned – they’re glacial so they don’t tend to warm up no matter what time of year you visit! Away from the water, make sure you take the drive or hike up to the top of Mt John where you will find the observatory as well as some amazing views down over the lake and township.
10. Queenstown
Last but certainly not least on our list of places to visit this winter is Queenstown. The ideal destination to enjoy the skiing and snowboarding, Queenstown is also a fantastic place to visit. As the adventure capital of New Zealand (sorry Rotorua!) there is so much to do here no matter what you’re into. From the all-action bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating and paragliding to the more sedate wine-tasting, lakeside walks and cruises, this is a city that is always alive. Queenstown’s location means it’s also a great base for exploring – nearby Arrowtown, Cromwell and Wanaka are all within driving distance for day trips so there is a lot of exploring to be done in and around Queenstown in the winter months.
So, there you have it. RoomMate Cabins list of 10 places you simply must visit. And if you choose to stay at home, why not add some extra space with a portable cabin in your backyard? Find your local supplier today.