It’s getting colder. It’s the type of weather that makes you want to stay inside - opt for takeaways rather than dining out, and cancel social plans in favour of staying in bed. Door frames are swelling from the rain, noses are pink with cold, and you’re weighing up the financial cost versus emotional gain of buying that ultra-heavy microfiber winter duvet. Are you strong enough to hold out for a Briscoes sale, or will the winter temperatures win? 

It’s this kind of weather that can make winter quite gloomy for a lot of people (myself included). So, it seems like the perfect time, rather than to let the misery of grey skies and numb fingers win, to escape the winter blues and shake off the cobwebs of the last few months. Whether winter is your favourite season, or you’re currently looking into how much it would realistically cost to relocate to Bora Bora, this blog post is here to be your New Zealand winter-wonderland guide. 

While the South Island is often the poster child of many of our Tourism New Zealand campaigns, the North Island has no shortage of fantastic weekend getaways for anyone wanting to escape the big smoke. 

I’ve spent a lot of time imagining what my ideal holiday in the Bay of Islands would look like, but embarrassingly, have never been. It’s the perfect destination to rope together a few of your favourite and explore the rolling hills and coastline, and adorable townships which are as historically significant as the landscape. Just north of Russel are the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a great place to spend the day touching up on the history of Aotearoa, at the treaty grounds themself, the carving workshop, or the Ceremonial War Canoe Ngātokimatawhaorua. 

Mosey inland and you’ll have plenty of adventures waiting for you - Kawiti glow worm caves are less than a half hour drive from Paihia, and are perfect for those of you who want the glow worm cave experience, without the claustrophobia. It's a 200 metre guided walk through the caves across a wooden boardwalk - no squeezing yourself through narrow spaces required! If you’re craving relaxation, head westwards to Te Waiariki Ngawha Springs. These natural geothermal pools are known for their healing properties, making it a fantastic place to soothe away those winter aches and pains.

If you’re desperate for a get-away to the East Coast, you’ll have no shortage of adventures to keep you busy, whether you’re wanting a mini weekend getaway or a week long adventure. Even the drive into Tauranga offers spectacular views and adventures in Karangahake gorge, where you should definitely stop for a stroll along the path which winds its way along Ohinemuri River. There’s plenty to do, whether it's exploring the ruins of the old mills, or exploring the railway tunnels which run through the mountains. Be warned though - the tunnels are dark and can be a kilometer long, so if you love a spooky adventure then definitely give it a go, but if you’re not such a fan of all things eerie, it might be best to stick to the open-air trails. 

In Tauranga itself you’ll have plenty to keep you busy, with Waimarino adventure park offering a water trampoline, kayaking and a kayak slide, warm thermal pools and a whole lot more. If you find yourself in Tauranga on a clear day, suss a picnic and make the hike up Mt Maunganui where you’ll find panoramic views of the bay - the work out will be worth it, trust me! The historic village is ideal for those of you wanting a quirky adventure, and offers not just a step back in time to Tauranga’s Colonial past, but an art gallery, a movie theatre, and plenty of boutique shops. Regardless of what the winter weather has in store, you’ll be in for a treat.

Wellingtonians looking for a weekend getaway not too far from home? Base yourself along the Remutaka trail and you’ll be in for a treat - mountain biking and hiking as an obvious start, the area is also a haven for avid bird watchers. On the northern end is Greytown, which offers the Cobblestone museum, plenty of cafes and restaurants, art galleries and boutique designer stores; for a town of barely 2000 inhabitants, there’s no shortage of things to do. This area is perfect to spend clear winter days cycling through native bush and the carefully cultivated trails, and then warm your cockles at any of the number of vineyards the region has to  offer. Martinborough is the best spot for vineyards, boasting Poppies, Ata Rangi, and Palliser Estate as some of the most popular, and have some divine wines and food on the menu to keep you satisfied. 

So, although winter can leave us wanting to go into indefinite hibernation, there’s still plenty for us to explore. Scenic country roads and idyllic New Zealand adventures are waiting for you - let’s get going? 

Craving some South Island travel inspo? Look out for it in our next blog posts!