From glowing caves to star-filled skies, winter is one of the best times to explore Aotearoa. Here's what's waiting for you - from north to south.

2 July 2026

🪱 Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves📍 Waitomo, North Island Approx. 2.5 hrs from Auckland - or the perfect stop on a road trip south via Rotorua (add ~1 hr from Rotorua)

Underground, thousands of tiny bioluminescent lights turn the dark into something completely otherworldly. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of New Zealand's most iconic experiences - and winter is the perfect time to visit, with smaller crowds and crisp air on the walk in. If you're heading down from Auckland, swing through Rotorua first and make a proper road trip of it.

Base yourself at Tasman Holiday Parks – Rotorua before continuing south to Waitomo.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves📍 Te Anau, South Island Approx. 2.5 hrs from Queenstown

A short boat ride across Lake Te Anau leads you into one of the South Island's most magical secrets - ancient limestone caves lit entirely by glowworms. In winter, still water and quiet trails make the whole experience feel even more remote and special.

Base yourself at Tasman Holiday Parks - Te Anau.

✨ Stargazing

Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve 📍 Lake Tekapo, South Island Approx. 3 hrs from Christchurch or Approx. 3hrs from Wanaka

One of the largest dark sky reserves in the world, and Lake Tekapo sits right at its heart. On a clear winter night, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in full - no filters, no light pollution, just one of the best views on the planet. Join a guided stargazing tour at the Mount John Observatory or simply step outside your accommodation and look up.

Base yourself at Tasman Holiday Parks - Wanaka

🌲 After-Dark Walks

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest - Treewalk Night Lights📍 Rotorua, North Island

After dark, Rotorua's famous Redwoods Forest transforms into something magical. Hundreds of sculptural lanterns light the ancient treetops along an elevated walkway - part art installation, part forest experience. Running through winter, it's one of the most memorable things you can do in the North Island.

Base yourself at Tasman Holiday Parks – Rotorua.

♨️ End the day well

Thermal Pools & Hot Tubs

Winter adventures don't end when the sun goes down. At Tasman Holiday Parks - Rotorua, soak in the park's own unique mineral hot pool or take a dip in the heated pool - no need to go anywhere. Heading south? Te Anau and Wānaka both have private hot tubs and saunas waiting for you after a long day on the road. Cold air, warm water - there's no better way to end a winter's day in New Zealand.

See more of our parks in New Zealand.