“In winter, the land falls silent. But for those who walk it — really walk it — it speaks volumes.”
From the snow-kissed peaks of the Southern Alps to the rugged coastlines of the North Island, New Zealand’s landscapes shift and settle into something quieter, something softer. This is a time when the trails grow still, the light grows golden, and every breath feels like it matters.
Winter walking in New Zealand isn’t just about ticking off trails. It’s a sensory journey through time and terrain — one that rewards the curious with raw beauty, fewer footsteps, and unforgettable moments. For those seeking the comfort of a warm base after a cold day on the track, Hampshire Holiday Parks are perfectly placed to bring you closer to nature — and closer to yourself.
Let’s begin.
Ōhope Beach – Footprints in Time
Base Camp: Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
In the eastern curve of the North Island lies Ōhope — where stories are held in the land, and each step is layered with history. This is a place where you don’t just walk through nature — you walk through time.
Ngā Tapuwae o Toi (Footprints of Toi)
This legendary loop reveals ancient pā sites, cliff-edge lookouts, and dense native forest alive with birdsong. On a still winter’s day, you’ll feel like you’re the only one left walking the earth.
⏱ 5–7 hours loop | 📏 17 km | More info
⚠️ Track Update: A section remains closed due to a slip. Check Whakatāne District Council for the latest safe access info.
Kohi Point Scenic Track
Sea cliffs, pōhutukawa, and cultural markers along the way.
⏱ 2–3 hours | 📏 5 km | More info
Ōhope Scenic Reserve – Fairbrother Loop – A serene native bush loop rich in birdlife — including morepork chirping at dusk — and a gentle inclining climb to a lookout over Ōhope Beach.
⏱ Approximately 50 minutes loop | 📏 Around 2.3 km | More info
Kaikōura – Where Mountains Fall into the Sea
Base Camp: Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park
Here, in this small coastal town where the mountains rise straight from the ocean, winter brings a haunting kind of beauty. The Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway is more than a trail — it’s a meeting place of land, sea, and sky.
Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
Watch fur seals bask on the rocks as you walk high above cliffs carved by ancient tides. If you pause, you might hear whales breach offshore — their exhale like thunder in the quiet.
⏱ 3 hours loop | 📏 11.7 km | More info
Nearby shorter walks:
Hinau Track – A forest breathing in stillness.
⏱ 30 mins | 📏 1.2 km | More info
Puhi Puhi Reserve – A loop where tūī sing and ancient trees keep watch.
⏱ 10–15 mins | More info
Arrowtown & Queenstown – Gold Dust and Glacier Air
Base Camp: Arrowtown Holiday Park or Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
Just a stone’s throw from Queenstown lies Arrowtown — a village steeped in gold rush history, now wrapped in winter’s quiet elegance. When frost clings to the grass and the Arrow River trickles in slow motion, this place feels like a page from a storybook.
Tobins Track
An old bridle path that climbs gently toward sweeping views of the Wakatipu Basin. On a clear winter morning, golden tussocks shimmer against white-peaked ranges.
⏱ 1–2 hours return | 📏 6.6 km
More info
Sawpit Gully
More rugged, more remote — a trail through whispering forest and frozen gullies, echoing with the flight of native birds and the wind on ridgelines.
⏱ 2–3 hours loop | 📏 8 km
More info
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
Climb through pines and past poetry to see Lake Wakatipu like never before.
⏱ 2–3 hours return | More info
Tiki Trail
A forested stairway to Skyline views, with the option to summit Ben Lomond if your legs are brave and the snow forgiving.
⏱ 1–1.5 hours one way | More info
Wānaka & Glendhu Bay – Walks in a Snow Globe
Base Camps: Wānaka Holiday Park or Glendhu Bay Holiday Park
Come winter, Wānaka and Glendhu Bay feel like postcards brought to life. Mountains sharpen in the cold air. Lakes turn glassy. And the walking? Sublime.
Mount Iron Track
A short climb, a big reward — the kind of view that makes you forget your legs are burning.
⏱ 1.5–2 hours loop | 📏 4.5 km | More info
Waterfall Creek Track
Stroll past the iconic Wānaka Tree, the lake lapping quietly beside you.
⏱ 1–1.5 hours return | 📏 3 km | More info
Roy’s Peak Track – The climb is long. The view is legendary.
⏱ 5–6 hours return | 📏 16 km | More info
Millennium Track – A lakeside trail that links Glendhu Bay to Wānaka.
⏱ 2–3 hours one way | 📏 12.5 km | More info
Blue Pools Track – An hour’s drive from Wānaka through the stunning Haast Pass, the Blue Pools Walk is short, serene, and utterly enchanting. A wide gravel trail leads you through native beech forest to a swing bridge suspended above crystal-clear, glacier-fed pools. In winter, the colours seem even sharper — the blues deeper, the stillness more profound.
⏱ 1 hour return | 📏 3 km | More info
What to Bring on a Winter Walk in New Zealand
Even the gentlest trail can surprise you in winter. Be prepared — and the land will open itself to you.
Clothing: Layers — thermal, fleece, waterproof
Boots: Sturdy and waterproof
Gear: Headlamp, gloves, sunblock, map or GPS
Food & Water: Trail snacks and a thermos of something warm
Safety: First aid kit and always tell someone where you’re going
Why Winter?
Because in winter, the trails breathe. They whisper stories. And if you listen — really listen — you’ll hear them. This is not just a season. It’s a state of mind. A time to walk slower, look longer, and appreciate the stillness that summer so often drowns out.
Ready to Step Into New Zealand’s Wild Side? Explore Our Parks and Plan Your Winter Escape
