Winter road trips in New Zealand
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 20 Jan 2026
Winter is a wonderful time to visit New Zealand because of the extraordinary snow experiences, exciting winter festivals, amazing geothermal wonders, spectacular Southern Lights, and the unique Māori New Year celebration. And, of course, there’s no better time to see New Zealand’s snow-covered mountains, remarkable glaciers, and bustling ski slopes.
Please remember, if you're planning on taking your rental car past the snow line, you may need to purchase additional protection products, and in some areas, you may also be required to carry snow chains. Always keep up to date with the weather conditions and be prepared to alter your plans if conditions become dangerous.
Winter events in New Zealand
The Winter Festival in Queenstown / Tāhuna
New Zealand Steampunk Festival in Oamaru
Food and Wine Classic in Hawke’s Bay
Matariki Festival in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau
South Island ski fields
The best way to experience the South Island’s slopes is by renting a car in Queenstown / Tāhuna for the drive to Wānaka. Queenstown / Tāhuna is full of life through the cold winters, when snow sports enthusiasts flock to the city to test their skills. Be sure to head to Coronet Peak or the Remarkables and experience the famous ski fields.
Check road conditions before crossing the Crown Range Road toward Wānaka. The road offers many scenic lookouts, as well as access to the popular Cardrona ski field. From Wānaka, you can also visit Treble Cone.
The thermal pools of Canterbury / Waitaha
With a hire car from Christchurch / Ōtautahi, you can easily access idyllic hot springs to escape the frosty winter chill. Before you head to the springs, be sure to explore beautiful Christchurch / Ōtautahi, a city that has been rebuilt following devastating earthquakes. You can explore the historic centre by tram and rug up for a stroll along the Avon River.
Just two hours up the road, you'll find the thermal pools of Hanmer Springs, and if you want to hit the slopes, the area offers great skiing opportunities, as well as plenty of scenic hiking trails.
Bay of Islands
Not interested in braving the cold and experiencing the snow? All good. New Zealand is a country of many climates, and you’ll be able to find sunshine in the beautiful Bay of Islands — a region almost designed to be explored by campervan. Before exploring the islands, rent a motorhome in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau and if your timing is right, you can celebrate the Matariki Festival and learn more about Māori culture while you’re there.
From Auckland, head north to Paihia, where you can take boat tours even in the winter time. To finish off your journey, head to Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua to enjoy its stunning coastal views.
Slopes of Mt Ruapehu
Start your journey with a rental car from Rotorua and explore the geothermal wonders that have made the city internationally famous. Wai o Tapu is one of the best places to witness the volcanic landscape of the area.
Continue south to Tongariro National Park and the iconic Mt Ruapehu, home to New Zealand’s largest ski area. On the Turoa Ski Field even beginners can have a go. From the top of the mountain, you’ll have some fantastic views over the region, including Mount Ngāuruhoe.
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around New Zealand by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
