New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
North Island
South Island

What to expect from New Zealand in August

Lucy Pascual
March 8, 2024

New Zealand in August is the last month of winter, but just because it’s cold, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! In fact, the cold August conditions are perfect for relaxing in New Zealand’s phenomenal hot springs or going on a cruise through the beautiful Milford Sound, with its glorious snow-capped mountains.

Hot Spring Heaven

The last month of winter is a great time to experience New Zealand’s hot springs, where you can relax in soothingly-warm waters, surrounded by the snow capped mountains and chilly winter air.

Rotorua is an awesome destination if you're seeking a warming winter experience, as you can soak in the mineral-rich hot springs which are believed to have healing properties. The Polynesian Spa is extremely popular, with its pools over the top of Lake Rotorua giving you an escape from the cold winter air and an amazing view.

To add a bit of fun to your geothermal experience, the Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas lets you splash around in soothing natural mud pits before washing off in healing warm waters. If you're looking for a calmer experience though, Hanmer Springs on the South Island is a truly secluded retreat, sitting right next to snowy forests and mountains.

Another great way to spend your August in New Zealand is with a cruise through the iconic Milford Sound. Known for its phenomenal views, Milford Sound is so beautiful during winter. The fjord’s cliffs, waterfalls and rainforests are usually covered with snow during winter, plus there’s usually fewer crowds this time of year.

Cruises through Milford Sound will give you stunning views of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls. Keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls the area home, like seals, dolphins and Fiordland crested penguins. The calm waters of the fjord make for an amazing journey through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful areas.

Winter Magic in August

August in New Zealand is a dream destination if you love nature’s beauty. There’s truly no better place to visit if you’re a photographer, thrillseeker or just want to relax. If these wintery wonders whet your appetite for more though, check out our Things To Do in New Zealand page.

AUTHOR PROFILE
Lucy Pascual
Lucy is a true-blue Aussie living in Far North Queensland. When she's not writing, she spends her time travelling to Australia's top destinations, aiming to see as much of the country as possible so she can share its best locations with her readers.

Related Posts

Kaikoura - Where wildlife reigns supreme

It's rare thing for a construction worker to give you a smile, particularly if you're a gangling male like myself. Therefore you can understand my confusion when all 28 of them flashed their pearly whites at me as we weaved our way through the mountains to Kaikoura. Traffic lights, safety cones and excavators line the […]

Is New Zealand expensive for backpackers?

Earlier this year, it cost $7.49 to buy a single avocado in New Zealand. Yes, ONE. That's the equivalent of £4 or €4.50. For the same price you could buy yourself 12 pints of beer in Panama, 24 Kit Kats in India, or even 4kg of Spaghetti in Italy. Personally, the idea of eating and […]

Why backpackers are missing a trick with Christchurch!

"Just for a few days right?". That was the response I got when telling people I was going to Christchurch. Countless articles talk about the buzz of Auckland or the thrill of Queenstown, but the South Island's largest city always seems to be unfairly forgotten. I'd describe Christchurch like Justin Bieber - you're not supposed […]

5 Reasons NOT to visit New Zealand

1. You're at risk of turning into a Hobbit. You can actually go and visit the Hobbiton movie set from the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy and Hobbit films. And OMG, is it just the cutest thing you've ever seen! So cute in fact, that you'll want to move in and live in one […]

Kia Ora! How well do you know Māori?

In honour of  Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week), we're going to put your lingual skills to the test and see if you can guess these key Māori words & phrases correctly. Comment below with your translations and if you're right, you'll receive a little something* from the Backpacker Deals team... *an […]

New Zealand is more than just Kiwis and Hobbits

We all know a New Zealander, and we all know that they’re usually confident their country is the best in the world. Having travelled here twice and now lived here for 9 months, I must say, I can see their point. Of course, they’re fairly good at rugby, they have quite endearing accents and little […]

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down