Visiting New Zealand in June offers something that no other month quite matches: crisp clean air, golden late-afternoon light, and an endless starry night sky. As the Māori New Year begins, the rise of the Matariki star cluster signals a time to reconnect, remember, and rest. This guide is your local go-to for celebrating Matariki and planning one of the best winter holidays NZ has to offer. From snow-capped day hikes in Arthur’s Pass to starry displays above Lake Tekapo, and rich hot chocolate stops across the South Island, there’s no shortage of reasons to hit the road. With over 30 years of local knowledge, Mode Rentals makes your winter roadie stress-free and enjoyable. Whether you're seeking the best stargazing New Zealand has or just want to unwind in scenic towns like Wanaka, this guide offers a mix of adventure, cultural insights, and practical travel tips for visiting New Zealand in June.
Why Visiting New Zealand in June is Worth It
June marks the beginning of winter in Aotearoa. Temperatures drop, skies turn crisp, and daylight hours shorten, creating perfect conditions for road trips and stargazing. More importantly, June holds deep cultural meaning with the arrival of Matariki, the Māori New Year. With long nights and fewer tourists, it's one of the most rewarding times for travelling across the country. Roads become quieter, tracks less crowded, and accommodation more available. Instead of summer’s rush, there’s time to enjoy slow drives through beautiful landscapes and take your time seeing what New Zealand has to offer. Whether you’re hiking, relaxing or chasing night skies, June provides experiences that feel more personal.
Local tip: Dress in layers, book accommodation early in more remote regions, and always check weather updates for alpine roads.
Celebrate Matariki Under a Starry New Zealand Sky
Matariki marks the start of the Māori lunar calendar. When the Matariki star cluster, also known as Pleiades, rises above the eastern horizon before dawn, it signals a moment for honouring the past, reconnecting with whānau, and setting intentions for the year ahead. Communities across the country mark this time with celebrations, shared meals, storytelling, and stargazing events. In cities like Auckland and Wellington, you can expect public light shows, fireworks, kapa haka performances, and night markets. Regional towns host more intimate gatherings, think community bonfires, hot food stalls, and local legends told under a clear sky. If you're travelling, plan a stop near one of New Zealand’s official dark sky zones for an even more vivid experience. Places like Aoraki Mackenzie or Great Barrier Island have minimal light pollution and offer uninterrupted stargazing. This holiday makes visiting New Zealand in June an even more special time with unforgettable night skies and moments to reflect and remember.
Remember: Matariki is more than just a sight to admire, it’s a time to pause, think about those no longer with us, and step into winter with a sense of connection.
Visit Mt John Observatory: New Zealand’s Stargazing Gem
When people talk about stargazing in New Zealand, Mt John Observatory almost always comes up. Perched above Lake Tekapo, this observatory sits inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best stargazing locations in the world. Thanks to strict light control in the region, skies remain free from glare. That means stars appear brighter, constellations are sharper, and you can often see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Mt John’s altitude (1,029 metres) and dry air give stargazers uninterrupted views of the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky, including Matariki during the early morning hours. The observatory offers guided tours through the Dark Sky Project, where expert guides walk you through constellations, Māori sky legends, and telescope viewing sessions. On colder nights, heated outdoor seating and jackets are available to help you stay comfortable while soaking up the stars. Try visiting mid-week for quieter tours and book in advance to secure your session, especially close to Matariki’s peak. This starry experience is one of a kind and not to be missed when you’re visiting New Zealand in June.
Hike Arthur’s Pass Day Walks
Arthur’s Pass is one of the most scenic alpine regions in New Zealand, and June transforms its landscape into a snow-kissed playground. Located in the Southern Alps, this area is filled with accessible winter walks that suit a range of experience levels. Start with the Devils Punchbowl Walking Track, a well-maintained 2km return walk leading to a powerful waterfall cascading down 131 metres. Snow can often be found around the trail edges during winter, and mist in the mornings adds to the experience. For those after more elevation, the Bealey Spur Track offers panoramic views of the Waimakariri River Valley. This moderate hike takes around 4-5 hours return, and parts of the trail may be snow-covered, so wear hiking boots with good grip and take trekking poles. Pack thermals, windproof layers, gloves, and a beanie. Carry a thermos with something warm, and always check the weather before heading out. Even short trails can become icy or foggy quickly in alpine zones.
Relax in Wanaka or Hike Roy’s Peak
Wanaka is the kind of town where time slows down. Nestled between the mountains and the lake, it’s perfect for recovering from big hikes or road trip legs. The cafés serve hearty winter menus, you can browse shops for a range of handmade and local goods, and there’s always a cosy fire nearby. Wanka is a perfect stop for those visiting New Zealand in June, offering relaxation and exciting activities, depending on your preferences. For those still hungry for adventure, Roy’s Peak is a great option. This challenging 16km return hike takes you above Lake Wanaka and offers sweeping views of snow-capped mountains. It's steep, steady, and fully exposed to the elements, so prepare for wind and temperature drops. Winter can often mean icy sections, so make sure you check track conditions and take the right gear. After hiking, head to Alchemy Bar & Bistro or Big Fig for warming meals, or wander the lakefront for low-key walks with unbeatable scenery.
Local Tip: If hiking Roy’s Peak during shorter daylight hours, start early; sunrise treks are popular but chilly. Always pack layers, a torch, and a change of socks.
Sip the Best Hot Chocolate NZ Has to Offer
A good hot chocolate can be the highlight of a winter road trip in June. Whether warming up after stargazing or celebrating a hike well done, here are spots around the country that serve some of the best warming hot chocolates:
- Patagonia Chocolates, Wanaka
- Patagonia Chocolate is a famous spot for exquisite artisan chocolate. You’ll find delish chocolate treats, coffee, ice cream and hot chocolate here, a wonderful winter spot to warm up in.
- OCHO Chocolate Factory, Dunedin
- OCHO (Otago Chocolate Company) offers a unique experience by combining a chocolate factory tour with a café serving delectable hot chocolates.
- She Chocolaterie, Christchurch
- Located in Christchurch, She Chocolaterie is celebrated for its luxurious hot chocolate offerings. Their menu features a variety of flavours, including the Mayan Chilli hot chocolate, which has been highlighted as one of the best.
- Scopa, Wellington
- This Cuba Street cafe offers thick, Italian-style hot chocolate, less like a drink, more like a dessert. Add whipped cream for good measure. A lovely place to pop in if you are passing through or flying into Wellington before you get on the road.
- Fergbaker, Queenstown
- An extension of the famous Fergburger, Fergbaker is celebrated for its baked goods and beverages. Their hot chocolate has been described as the world’s best.
Stay in a Unique and Unforgettable Accommodation Experience
For a night you’ll never forget, swap the usual motel for a completely transparent PurePod. These glass eco-cabins immerse you in the landscape with the starry sky above and native bush surrounding you. Ideal for June’s clear winter nights, PurePods offer warmth, privacy, and panoramic views, making them perfect for stargazing right from bed. If you’re road-tripping the South Island, two PurePods make excellent additions to your winter itinerary. The Taima PurePod, near Kaikōura, sits above rolling hills with views toward the snow-capped Seaward Kaikōura Range. Closer to the Queenstown-to-Te Anau route, the Pōhue PurePod is nestled in the hills above Port Levy, offering a quiet escape with sunrises and starlight. Both are remote, off-grid, and designed to keep you warm while feeling fully connected to nature. These PurePods aren’t just accommodations for the night but a wonderful experience when visiting New Zealand that you won’t forget.
Stay Warm & Travel Comfortably This June
Exploring New Zealand in June opens up experiences you won’t get any other time, quiet trails, peaceful roads, snow-dusted scenery, and skies filled with stars. Whether you’re honouring Matariki beneath a dark sky, walking through the alpine and snowy tracks in Arthur’s Pass, or relaxing in Wanaka with a warm drink in hand, visiting New Zealand in June offers a lovely balance of stunning adventures and time to rest and relax. From Mt John Observatory to Roy’s Peak, the country is ready to show off its quieter beauty.
At Mode Rentals, we’re more than just a car rental service, we’re your Kiwi travel buddy. Whether your plans include hikes, stargazing or hot chocolate cafés, our modern, comfortable rental vehicle options help to get you there safely. Pick up from Auckland City, Auckland Airport, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown and hit the road for the best winter holiday this June.
