Welcome to New Zealand winter! Yes, June is the start of winter in New Zealand and there are heaps going on during this time. (“Heaps” is a Kiwi slang term for “a lot”, Learn more about the lingo here). Needless to say, you will need to wrap up warm especially if you are spending time in the South Island. While June is the beginning of the snow sports season in New Zealand, for other regions away from the snow, June is actually one of the cheapest months to travel New Zealand.In this quick and simple guide to travelling New Zealand in June, we’ll go over the typical weather in June, typical prices in tourism, June events, as well as some awesome activities to do in June in New Zealand. Not to mention, some June travel tips for New Zealand.For more advice on when to travel in New Zealand, take a look at when is the best time to go Backpacking in New zealand

Lake Tekopa

Lake Tekapo is a large beautiful glacial central South Island lake surrounded by mountain ranges with the Southern Alps rising majestically to the north together with scores of other mountain ranges to the east and west.

Lake Tekapo has a quaint little town, made up mostly of holiday homes and accommodation, but is still large enough to offer a range of shops including, souvenir shops, a petrol station, a bakery and a small supermarket. Tekapo has become an important tourist town centrally located and only 3 hours drive from Christchurch airport.

Activities include; jet boating, star gazing in an observatory, horse riding, golfing, fishing, hot pools, alpine activities and skiing.

Tekapo is home to one of the most famous heritage buildings in New Zealand, the Church of the Good Shepherd. It is arguably one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand, built on the lake shore it offers a stunning view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Tekapo is also the scene of a major hydro power scheme that now includes a 26-kilometre canal to carry water. The scheme contributes to New Zealand’s largely renewable energy based power supply and has not degraded the environment.

ATTRACTION

• Tekapo Springs
• Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo
• Dark Sky Project
• Mount John University Observatory
• Mount John
• Mt John Summit Circuit Track
• Silver River Stargazing

Aoraki Mount Cook Tourism

The Aoraki/Mt Cook region is sometimes called the Mackenzie Country—it’s the high inland basin beneath the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook, south west of Christchurch.

At 3,753 metres Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain. It towers above a splendid cast of massive snow-clad peaks that make up the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Nudging one side of Aoraki/Mt Cook is the mighty Tasman Glacier, a 30 kilometre giant and one of the longest outside the Himalayas.

Mt Cook village is an easy five hour drive from Christchurch. We recommend visitors take the route from Christchurch to Fairlie, gateway to the Mackenzie Country (the Mackenzie Country is named for Jock MacKenzie, an infamous Scottish sheep rustler). From here the road passes through a land of lakes, vast open spaces and golden, tussock-covered hills rolling towards the towering Southern Alps.

On the way you will pass turquoise glacial lakes such as Lake Tekopa. The Church of the Good Shepherd sits on its shores and has a spectacular and famous view of the Southern Alps framed by its altar window.

At Mt Cook Village you can experience high country life at its best. There’s plenty to do within the village and surrounding areas—from glacier skiing in the winter to hiking and fishing in the summer. As well as awesome alpine scenery, Aoraki/Mt Cook can surprise you with some of the best cuisine you could possibly imagine.

Nelson

Nelson Tasman is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, with diverse geography capturing everything from long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains.

Perhaps it’s the sun, perhaps it’s the location, but Nelson Tasman has long been a magnet for creative people. With one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country, you’ll find an array of craftspeople living in the region; traditional, contemporary and Māori. Visit their studios, explore the weekend craft markets, taste the delicious locally made artisan products and find something extraordinary to take home with you.

Walk the sun-drenched sands of Golden Bay or head inland to Takaka and see the impossibly clear waters of New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs. Walk the three-to-five day Abel Tasman track or, for a different view, take a sea kayaking tour around the coast and see a seal colony and little blue penguins bobbing in the water. Taste your way around the region by bicycle on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail or get your daily dose of adrenaline with a visit to one of the region’s world-class mountain bike parks.

Or just relax… Sit in the sun, sip a wine from one of the local vineyards, and dine on the famous Nelson Bay scallops.

FiordLand

Te Anau, a picturesque township on the shores of Lake Te Anau, is the gateway to the southern wilderness area of Fiordland National Park and Milford and Doubtful Sounds, as well as the departure point for many walking trails. Fiordland National Park is New Zealand largest conservation area.The peaceful township of Manapouri lies on the shores of the lake of the same name and Waiau River. Manapouri triggered environmental consciousness in New Zealand in the 1950s when plans were made to flood the lake for power generation.  Nowadays, Manapouri is the starting point for Doubtful Sound excursions and a variety of day and overnight walks.Of the 14 fiords in the Fiordland region, only Milford Sound is accessible by road. From the head of the fiord, cruise boats take visitors past majestic Mitre Peak and 16 kilometres (10 miles) out into the open sea.Doubtful Sound – three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound – is Fiordland’s second-largest fiord. Accessed by boat and plane, this remote wilderness area is renowned for its wildlife and arresting natural beauty.