Our Favourite Family-Friendly Winter Getaways in New Zealand
Winter in New Zealand often gets overlooked, but we think it’s one of the best times to explore our own backyard. The roads are quieter, accommodation is often more affordable, and there’s something special about slowing down beside a roaring fire after a day outdoors.
As a family travelling with little ones, we’ve learnt that winter holidays don’t have to revolve around skiing. Some of our favourite family memories have come from cosy lakeside cabins, geothermal adventures and peaceful beach walks where we practically had the whole coastline to ourselves.
Here are some of our favourite winter escapes around New Zealand.
Pukawa Bay, Lake Taupō
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to truly switch off, Pukawa Bay has become one of our favourite winter destinations.
Tucked away on the southern shores of Lake Taupō, it’s quiet, scenic and feels worlds away from the busy pace of everyday life. We loved waking up to mist sitting over the lake, spending slow mornings with coffee overlooking the water, and ending the day by the fire while the kids played.
One of the things we love most about staying here is that you’re close enough to explore the Central Plateau but far enough away to enjoy complete relaxation. You can easily take day trips to Tongariro National Park, Tokaanu Thermal Pools or simply spend the day lakeside.
Our stay at Pukawa Bay reminded us that sometimes the best family holidays aren’t about doing more—they’re about slowing down together.
Rotorua
Rotorua is one of those destinations that works in every season, but winter makes it even more magical.
The cool air makes soaking in geothermal hot pools even more enjoyable, and there’s no shortage of family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re exploring geothermal parks, watching bubbling mud pools, riding the Skyline gondola or spending hours at the Redwoods, there’s something for every age.
Some of our favourite family activities include:
- Polynesian Spa family pools
- Skyline Rotorua gondola and luge
- Redwoods Treewalk
- Whakarewarewa geothermal area
- Kuirau Park (free geothermal park)
The cooler temperatures also make walking around Rotorua much more comfortable than during the height of summer.
The Coromandel
Most people think of the Coromandel as a summer destination, but honestly, we might love it even more during winter.
Without the summer crowds, places like Cathedral Cove, Hahei Beach and New Chums Beach feel peaceful again. You can take your time exploring without worrying about finding a park or squeezing through busy walking tracks.
Winter also means crisp beach walks, cosy cafés and beautiful golden sunsets.
If you’re lucky enough to get one of those classic Coromandel winter bluebird days, you’ll often find the beaches just as stunning as they are in January—only with far fewer people.
Hanmer Springs
If your family loves relaxing, Hanmer Springs is hard to beat.
The famous thermal pools are perfect for warming up on a chilly day, and the children’s pools and water slides make it fun for the whole family.
Outside the pools you’ll find forest walks, mountain biking, mini golf, playgrounds and plenty of cafés for warming up with hot chocolate.
It’s one of those destinations where everyone leaves feeling refreshed.
Queenstown
Queenstown is famous for skiing, but even if skiing isn’t your thing, it’s still an incredible winter destination for families.
Ride the Skyline Gondola, enjoy lakeside walks, take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, visit nearby Arrowtown or simply enjoy the snowy mountain views.
Many accommodation providers have fireplaces, making evenings extra cosy after a day exploring.
Wānaka
Just over an hour from Queenstown, Wānaka offers a slightly slower pace that’s perfect for families.
Spend time at Puzzling World, walk around the lakefront, visit the famous Wānaka Tree or head up nearby Cardrona if your family enjoys snow.
It’s relaxed, beautiful and full of places where kids can simply run around and explore.
Mount Maunganui
Winter at the Mount is surprisingly underrated.
Sunny winter days are perfect for climbing Mauao before grabbing brunch at one of the many cafés. The beaches are quiet, parking is easy and you’ll often find locals swimming even in the cooler months.
If the weather isn’t perfect, there are plenty of family-friendly cafés, playgrounds and nearby activities to enjoy.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo almost feels made for winter.
Snow-capped mountains, turquoise water and cosy accommodation create the perfect backdrop for a family getaway.
Relax in the hot pools, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, enjoy stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve or simply take in the incredible scenery.
It’s one of New Zealand’s most picturesque winter destinations.
Why We Love Travelling in Winter
Winter travel feels different.
There’s less pressure to tick off attractions and more opportunity to simply enjoy being together. Whether we’re playing board games by the fire, exploring quiet beaches or warming up in hot pools, these slower holidays often become our favourite memories.
Travelling in the off-season also means:
- Better accommodation availability
- More affordable prices
- Fewer crowds
- Easier parking and shorter queues
- A more relaxed experience for families
As parents, we’ve found that travelling slower often makes holidays more enjoyable for everyone.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to travel overseas to experience an incredible winter escape.
From lakeside cabins and geothermal adventures to peaceful beaches and alpine villages, New Zealand has so many incredible places to explore during the cooler months.
If you’re planning a family getaway this winter, we’d absolutely recommend adding one (or a few!) of these destinations to your list.
Have you visited any of these places in winter? We’d love to hear about your favourite family-friendly winter escapes around New Zealand.
Kiwis Off Course 
Leave a comment