16 New Zealand Experiences for the Luxury Traveller in Winter
If you’re dreaming of a higher-end escape filled with jaw-dropping scenery, boutique experiences, and unforgettable moments — New Zealand is a perfect match for the luxury traveller. And winter brings an incredible magic that is missed by many who choose summer to visit.
From helicopter glacier hikes and hot spring stargazing to gourmet tastings and iconic fiord cruises, it’s an unmatched destination for travellers seeking premium adventure across Aotearoa.
Wild Kiwi is a New Zealand-born company, and we’ve hit everywhere imaginable across the North and South islands in search of the finest experiences to feature. So we are tapping into our endless local knowledge to give you a guide to the top luxury activities in New Zealand to save for your trip. Let’s jump in!
New Zealand North Island Luxury Experiences
#1 Māori Cultural Dinner Experience – Rotorua
This is one unique culture and culinary experience not to miss. Enjoy a premium dining experience paired with Māori storytelling, haka performance, music, and traditional hangi feasting. It’s an immersive, high-end cultural night out, and a true way to connect with New Zealand’s rich history.
#2 Rotorua Hot Springs & Polynesian Spa
The otherworldly geothermal wonderland of Rotorua holds endless options for deluxe activities. Soak in naturally heated mineral pools overlooking Lake Rotorua at one of the numerous hot springs and spas. This is relaxation at its finest, blending Māori wellness traditions with modern spa luxury. Bonus: Rotorua mud and hot springs hold incredible health and skin benefits!
#3 Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Imagine the pitch black night sky with thousands of stars visible, but put that into a glowworm cave. Jaw-dropping is putting it lightly. Step into a sparkling underworld, walk through an underground network of fascinating formations, and float through caves lit by thousands of blue glowworms. A magical, otherworldly luxury experience that will leave you in awe.
#4 Mount Maunganui Mussels & Seafood
This one is for the seafoodies, and will leave your tastebuds in euphoria. During a visit to The Mount, dive into a true kaimoana experience (Māori for “food from the sea”) with a plethora of fresh and famous seafood spots. After a sunset stroll around Mt. Maunganui, relax with a prosecco and sample some of New Zealand’s famous green-lipped mussels and fresh seafood at boutique local spots along the Bay of Plenty—coastal indulgence at its best.
#5 Taupō Jet Boating on the Waikato River
Taupo is renowned for its natural beauty, and one of the stunning main features is the Waikato River. Feel your heart pumping on a thrilling jet boat experience through the river’s crystal-clear waters and past stunning rock canyons. This activity might be higher on the adrenaline scale, but one worth doing nonetheless to spice up your luxury activities.
#6 Hobbiton Movie Set Tour – Matamata
Hot or cold, rain or shine, this is a spectacular experience in any weather and the perfect way to connect with one of New Zealand’s most iconic sights. Wander through the vibrant, rolling hills of the real Middle-earth, dotted with hobbit holes just like the movies. Actually, they are from the movies! There’s even a fully furnished dwelling to see what hobbit life would be like. Finish with a hot drink at The Green Dragon Inn for the full Hobbiton experience.
#7 Hamilton Gardens in Cambridge
Explore internationally acclaimed themed gardens in Cambridge—lush, tranquil, and the perfect stop for those who love horticultural beauty. Get lost in hedge mazes, marvel at artist installations, and discover unique architecture or quirky sculptures. No worries about the weather, this fascinating site is open year-round!
New Zealand South Island Luxury Experiences
#8 Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
If you miss this, have you been to New Zealand? A must-do for any luxury traveller, Milford Sound is a natural wonder of the world that will leave you in awe. Keep an eye out for seals and dolphins as you glide through towering fjords with flowing waterfalls and misty peaks—an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s pristine Fiordlands to put it lightly.
#9 Lake Tekapo Hot Springs & Stargazing
A luxurious and relaxing experience like no other, made all the more magical in winter. Imagine sitting in the hot rejuvenating pools as the steam floats around you in the winter air under millions of stars. Wow is the right word. Soak in thermal pools under one of the world’s clearest night skies for an out-of-this-world activity in the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve that offers some of the best stargazing on Earth.
#10 Lake Tekapo Hiking & E-Biking
One of the best ways to take in the vast and surreal beauty of Lake Tekapo is to walk or bike around it. Take in alpine views and turquoise lakes at your own pace—whether you’re gliding on an e-bike or hiking the scenic tracks. Explore pine forests, cliffside viewpoints, quiet nooks, and breathtaking hilltops on paths that aren’t strenuous.
#11 Queenstown Horseback Riding – Walter Peak Station
This is one activity too many miss out on, and one not to overlook if you truly want to see Queenstown’s incredible natural beauty. First, cruise on the historic 1912 steamship on the lake ringed by high mountains. Then, saddle up for a boutique horse trek across breathtaking high country with views of Lake Whakatipu, finishing with an afternoon tea at the historic farmstead. It’s lightly active but holds endless awe-inspiring moments.
#12 Franz Josef Glacier Hike
Mother Nature puts on her best with this activity on an activity truly unlike anything else in the world. Strap on your crampons and walk across shimmering ice formations that look like a sea of diamonds. Explore this profound glacier that is so stunning it has to be seen to be believed. A scenic helicopter ride is the cherry on top for luxury seekers, giving you aerial views of the vast valley below.
#13 Kaikōura Dolphin & Whale Watching
One of the best places in the world to witness unbelievable marine life up close and personal, Kaikōura’s dolphin experience or whale watching is a must for the ocean souls. Set sail with a small group boat tour to spot sperm whales, dusky dolphins and albatross in their natural habitat. If you’re feeling active and adventurous, you can snorkel with playful dusky dolphins that swim all around you.
#14 Mt. Difficulty Wine Tasting & Luncheon
You, surrounded by sprawling grape vines and rolling hills, tasting world-famous New Zealand wines from the source — sounds like afternoon perfection, right? Sip award-winning Central Otago wines paired with a locally-sourced lunch in one of the South Island’s most serene regions. Better yet, this is included on our South Island Escape!
#15 Abel Tasman Coastal Walk or Kayaking
Often referred to as “the most beautiful national park of New Zealand”, Abel Tasman is a standout for stunning nature and premium activity options. Choose between a scenic coastal walk through prehistoric forests and along rugged coastline dotted with seals. If you’re feeling a bit more active, sea kayak along the coastline through turquoise waters, visiting golden sandy beaches. It’s THE luxury escape into nature you’ve been looking for, and amazing in any season.
#16 TranzAlpine Scenic Train – Greymouth to Christchurch
This one is all about relaxing in awe. Rated as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, sit back comfortably and take in the South Island landscapes as the train snakes through the most spectacular alpine and river scenery. It is the luxe of luxe for train journeys not to be missed. And no worries, as this one is included on our South Island Pioneer trip!
Amplify Your Adventure with Premium New Zealand Travel
All of the above exude a high-end vibe for activities and excursions around New Zealand, comfortable in colder weather, and made even more impressive during the winter months. Feeling the need to do it all? Our 21-day New Zealand Odyssey premium tour takes you through the best of the North and South islands for the ultimate adventure in style and comfort!
