Firstly, deciding what makes a good winter walk is a subjective exercise. My selection includes walks that are beautiful at any time of year, but also lesser walks that are much enhanced by snow cover, whether in winter or the adjacent seasons. They are mostly day-walks to mountain peaks with a few overnighters and valley walks thrown in.
I’ve limited walks to those that are not too technical in winter: I managed to do them, so not too technical. Walking in winter brings added risk and complexity, so I hope these offer you a few ideas for walks you can expect to survive! 🤪 If you want technical tips on climbing these sorts of mountains in winter then see my recent blog post on that topic.
Just click on the titles to access the write up for each walk including photos (of course).
Content
- Canterbury
- Queenstown Lakes & Central Otago
- West Coast & Tasman (+Fiordland & Aoraki Mt Cook)
Canterbury
I lived in Christchurch for four years and so most of my winter tramping was done in the surrounding mountainous areas, including the Canterbury Foothills, Arthur’s Pass, Hanmer Springs and Lewis Pass. These are generally less touristed areas than around Queenstown and Wanaka.
Arthur’s Pass
Arthur’s Pass looks very nice under snow, but avalanche risk increases later in the season, so check conditions before heading out. Some of the walks I’ve done are probably a bit gnarly for winter, but I wrote an Arthur’s Pass best-of post which you might like to look at for more ideas.
Avalanche Peak
As the only poled route to a summit in Arthur’s Pass National Park, Avalanche Peak is often the first mountain people climb in the area. Those poles also make it a good winter option. There are two routes up – the Avalanche Peak Track and Scotts Track. In very early winter we did the circuit, but with increased avalanche risk you’ll be better off on the Scotts Track, which sticks to a ridge. Views from the ridge of Mt Rolleston and the Crow Glacier are spectacular, and from the summit you can see into the Crow Valley.
Mt Aicken
Across the valley from Avalanche Peak is Mt Aicken. Views are spectacular, and I particularly liked the view up a very U-shaped Devils Punchbowl Creek.
A similar option back across the valley again is Mt Bealey, a peak we tackled in November. The higher sections of both peaks are accessed via ridges, which helps lower avalanche risk.
Mt O’Malley
Mt O’Malley shares its bush track access with Mt Aicken, but above the treeline the route becomes trickier, making it suitable for more experienced walkers. I’ve tackled this walk in both snowy and clear conditions. While the attractive tarn on the route freezes and disappears under snow in winter, the summit views of snowy peaks are particularly impressive.
Mt Cassidy – Blimit Traverse
Spectacular views of Mt Franklin and surrounds are a highlight of this walk. We did it in late autumn with enough snow cover to enhance the views, but conveniently the north facing scramble to Blimit was snow free. In more wintery conditions this route might become quite challenging. In this case you could stop at Mt Cassidy and still be satisfied with a good day out.
Kelly Range Tarns
On the West Coast side of Arthur’s Pass are a few excellent peaks to climb, but one of the winter highlights for me was a relatively easy walk to tarns in the Kelly Range. When I visited these tarns were frozen but not covered in snow, and hence visible. This is a great combination and made for an excellent walk.
Nearby Kellys Hill is one of the easier peaks to climb in the area, and is accessed on the same track to the tree line. We climbed it in winter but without snow.
I can highly recommend other more challenging walks on the west side of Arthur’s Pass like Goat Hill, Mt Barron and Mt Pfeifer, but I’ve not done these in winter conditions and they could be quite challenging (particularly Mt Barron).
Woolshed Hill
This steep but shortish walk to the 1429m summit of Woolshed Hill is likely to be pretty safe in winter. I’d purposefully saved this walk until peak winter conditions. You don’t spend all that much time above the bushline, but when there your views of surrounding peaks and the Waimakariri Valley are excellent.
Bealey Spur
We climbed to an unnamed peak on Bealey Spur in spring after heavy snowfall and it was rather magical. Views of the Waimakariri Valley from roughly half way up are excellent, and it looked great in white.
Walking as far as the hut is longish but family friendly, and continuing off-track to the top of the spur is not too hard.
Mt Bruce
Technically just outside of Arthur’s Pass National Park, Mt Bruce is nevertheless in amongst it scenery wise. There is a track to below the summit, and the final off-track climb was reasonably straightforward for us even in mid winter. There are views of peaks, ridges and spurs in all directions.
Lewis Pass & Hanmer Springs
Two contrasting areas here best accessed from the town of Hanmer Springs, or else a 2+ hour drive from Christchurch. The mountains and U-shaped valleys around Lewis Pass are all beech forest and grassy tops, whilst the area north of Hanmer Springs is tussock, heath and scree. They both make great winter walking destinations.
Lewis Pass
Norma
The climb up Norma is essentially one long ridge to the top, and hence in very snowy conditions we found navigation pretty straightforward. Just stick to the ridge and enjoy the spectacular views.
Travers Peak
Travers Peak is a relatively quick climb and so a good choice for those short winter days. Happily, you won’t compromise on views from the summit, which are excellent.
Lewis Tops & the Apprentice
Access to the Lewis Tops from Lewis Pass is pretty easy, so it’s a quick way to get above the bushline in winter. Walking on to The Apprentice is well worth the effort for excellent views.
You could also climb nearby Lucretia, but the tallest peak in the area, Mt Technical, would require beginner mountaineering skills in winter.
Hanmer Springs
Mt Clara
Maybe it was the perfect winter conditions when we climbed Mt Clara, but this quickly became one of my favourite walking experiences. It’s a fairly long walk, and I imagine it’d be a real slog – and less beautiful – in the heat of summer. For me, the highlight was definitely the views: a striking patchwork of snow and scree across countless surrounding ridges and peaks.
Mt Charon and Dumblane
In mid winter the heath vegetation on our way up Mt Charon via Dumblane was very colourful. The terrain is never too difficult, and you get a leg up by starting at Jacks Pass (~851m).
Neighbouring Mt Isobel can be accessed from the same starting point, and is a fairly easy walk. You might be joined by a few others.
Mt Princess
I climbed Mt Princess in spring with still significant snow coverage on the rugged south face, which was an impressive sight. The big lake below this south face, Princess Bath, was frozen and covered in snow, so this walk will be a different kind of beautiful in summer and autumn.
Navigation was easy but the crux of the route was a tricky scramble in one spot on the ridge to the summit. There are other routes up the mountain but I was not confident in the safety of those in winter. One for more experienced trampers.
Canterbury Foothills
The Canterbury Foothills rise to 2333m at Mt Taylor, and so are not as diminutive as the name suggests. There are heaps of walks, many suitable for winter as the terrain is seldom technical.
Craigieburn Range Peaks
The Craigieburn Range is a long line of roughly 2000m high peaks that for the most part are easily accessed up spurs and along ridges from the eastern side. The terrain is mostly tussock and scree, with patches of beech forest on the lower slopes. They are good options to gain height without too much complexity, and are certainly more beautiful in winter with snow cover. There are a number of small independent snow fields and one commercial operation on the upper slopes, attesting to the area’s winter credentials.
Hamilton Peak & Nervous Knob
You can visit a couple of peaks and a small ski field on this nice circuit walk. Great views west from the tops.
Mt Izard
Easy navigation along a ridge to the tops. Great views along the range to the north.
Mt Cloudsley
Access to this 2107m high peak, the second highest in the range, is actually pretty simple, along the aptly named Long Spur. You can start conveniently in Castle Hill Village.
We’ve climbed various other peaks in the Craigieburns in other seasons, including Mt Cheeseman, Blue Hill and Willis Peak (this route circumnavigates the commercial Porters ski field), and the range’s highest peak Mt Enys. My route up Mt Enys would be a bit far for winter, but you might be able to climb it from the Porters Ski Field road. There are also a variety of shorter walks in the area, including the stroll around Castle Hill Rocks. We did this walk on the day we first tried climbing Hamilton Peak, but couldn’t because of very deep snow.
Porters Pass
Castle Hill Peak
This is a popular choice for those wanting to test themselves on a high peak in winter. You walk on scree and rocks almost the whole way, and so it will sometimes be easier in winter than summer. The final ascent is steep and you might need crampons in winter. Views from the top are excellent.
The usual route is from Porters Pass over Foggy Peak, but you can also do a circuit over Mt Plenty.
Mt Torlesse
Next to Castle Hill Peak, Mt Torlesse is much less visited because you access over private land, and it’s a harder walk. You’ll need some winter experience to get up it in snow, but snowy views from the top are spectacular.
Red Hill
Views from Red Hill over the lumpy topography around Lake Coleridge are fabulous at any time, particularly so after decent snowfall.
We started on the Porters Ski Field access road, which I think only opens to the public for winter. From here it’s a not too difficult walk to the summit. If the road is closed you can walk down the road from the locked gate, or else climb the mountain from the east, or from Mt Lyndon.
Trig M
Trig M is one of the easiest peaks to climb around Porters Pass, and you get very nice views of Lake Lyndon and surrounding mountains. This is not as spectacular as some walks, but is an accessible option after heavy snowfall. My title links to the shorter route from Starvation Gully, but you can also do a longer route via Coach Stream.
You can also climb Mt Lyndon on the other side of the lake, although this is a harder (though short) off-track walk. We’ve been up a couple of different routes – here’s a link to when there was a bit of snow around.
Ben More
After an initial climb onto the tops you can do a circuit along broad, flat ridges, making Ben More a low risk winter option. Definitely nicer scenery with some snow.
Mt Oxford
A little further away from Porters Pass, Mt Oxford is probably the best of four smaller mountains on the northern edge of the Canterbury Plains, with nice beech forest and options for a longer circuit or shorter out and back walk. We climbed it in winter and the views west over the Puketeraki and Torlesse Ranges were very nice with a bit of snow cover.
Rakaia River & Lake Coleridge
Black Hill
I was almost ready to publish this collection when the views from Black Hill popped up as the screen saver on my work computer. I couldn’t believe I almost forgot Black Hill! It’s a long walk for winter and you’ll need good fitness, but views of the Rakaia River and surrounds are top class.
A shorter version is to go as far as Donald Hill, but this is far less epic.
Mt Oakden
Despite climbing Mt Oakden in mid winter we encountered almost no snow on the mountain. It had been a dry and warm winter, and the route up is north facing so should be accessible for much of the year. It’s steep almost all the way up though, so if it is snowy then beware of loose wet avalanches on your way down.
Having said all of that, Mt Oakden provided absolutely knock-out views, including of the braided Wilberforce and Rakaia Rivers. So get on up there.
Peak Hill
Peak Hill is one of the most popular mountains in Mid-Canterbury. It’s a relatively short walk to the 1240m summit, and the 360 degree views take in Lake Coleridge, the Rakaia River and numerous mountain peaks. A great introductory* walk in any season, particularly so in winter. Get there early to beat the crowds (you’ll meet them on the way down).
(*There are steep and potentially slippery sections, in part due to the muddiness of the track, but overall it’s not difficult terrain).
Steepface Hill
The relentlessly steep ascent of Steepface Hill, (with one short flat bit), gets you to the top without much messing around, though you’ll need strong legs and decent fitness. The steepness means potential avalanche risk, but we climbed it with just a thin layer of snow. Views from the top are very satisfying, including the Rakaia River passing by, and over snowy backcountry mountains to the west.
Nearby Rat Hill was also an enjoyable walk that would be suitable for winter, though we did it in spring with just a bit of snow left on the surrounding hills.
Big Ben
The walk to the summit of Big Ben involves a long but attractive approach up the Dry Acheron stream, so you’ll need all day to do this in winter. (We finished in the dark). The mountain itself is easy to climb and not that distinctive, but views of the Mount Hutt Range and lumpy glacial topography are excellent.
Mt Alford
The climb up Mt Alford was not all that memorable, however going over my photos for this post I realised the wintery views from the summit were well above average. Lots of high ground to the west contrasts with the flat as a pancake Canterbury Plains to the east. One of the more accessible walks in this selection.
Ashburton Lakes & Rangitata River
Mt Harper
Mt Harper is still one of my favourite winter peaks (at least as I remember it). At 1829m you gain a decent amount of height but the terrain is never too challenging, and there are options for at least two different circuits. The highlight for me was views of surrounding mountains, especially the Ben Mcleod Range. The link from the title is when we first climbed the mountain in winter, but I also did a circuit including Cairn Hill in autumn.
Mt Potts
We climbed Mt Potts (2184m) in mid-spring when there was still plenty of snow about but more daylight for a long day out. Views over the Kā Tiritiri o te Moana / Southern Alps were magnificent.
An easier but less spectacular walk in the area is The Pyramid, and if you want just a short walk to still excellent views then try Mt Sunday.
Mt Catherine Summit; or Point 1877m
For winter photos you’ll need to view my first attempt on Mt Catherine from the west, when I stopped at point 1877m due to deep snow. I subsequently climbed the mountain on a longer route in summer. Either way, Mt Catherine is mostly tussock and scree, so if the conditions are right you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting to a vantage point for awesome views.
Mt Somers
Mt Somers is made up of a different type of rock than other mountains in this area, and its position on the edge of the Canterbury Plains offers great contrast in views.
You can climb Mt Somers as an up and down walk from Sharplin Falls Reserve, but I’ve linked to a longish circuit in the title, returning via Pinnacles Hut. Both these routes as described involve climbing the south face of Mt Somers, which will be challenging in winter due to snow and ice. If you are not at that level then you can climb it in a long day from the north side via Pinnacles Hut, returning the same way. If you don’t have enough daylight for that then consider staying at the hut. You can also climb Mt Somers from the west, starting on the Rhyolite Ridge track to Woolshed Creek Hut.
Woolshed Creek Hut Circuit
This is a walk to a hut at lower elevations, which makes access in winter pretty feasible. The gorge scenery is excellent and unusual in NZ, and the high peaks in the area will likely be very snowy.
Moorhouse Range Tops
Views of the Rangitata River were a highlight of this walk to the Moorhouse Range tops, enhanced by snow down to low elevations. The range is not too high (we walked to point 1153m) and the terrain never too rugged, so a pretty achievable objective in winter conditions.
Little Mt Peel
Not much snow when we climbed Little Mt Peel, but as a classic walk on the edge of the Canterbury Plains it was a great day out. There’s a track to the top that can get slippery in winter (the boardwalks apparently), but otherwise a straightforward walk with attractive vegetation and great views over the plains to the east, and backcountry to the west.
Mt Sinclair
On the somewhat remote south side of the Rangitata River, in an area called Mesopotamia, sits Mt Sinclair. It’s a bit of a mission to get to the top, and you’ll need a good amount of daylight to do this walk in a day. (Or you could camp next to the tarn.) The final climb to the top was steep and icy, although I took a more forgiving route on the way down. Having said all of that, views of the barren but dramatic scenery to the south and west were very impressive, particularly with snow cover. A good option in early to mid spring for experienced walkers, subject to avalanche risk.
Back up the road is a much easier option, Coal Hill, that should also be nice in winter.
Queenstown Lakes & Central Otago
Queenstown Lakes
Sugarloaf Pass to Point 1290m
The not-too-long walk to a vantage point above Sugarloaf Pass in Mt Aspiring National Park offers very high quality views, with just a short section off-track on tussock grass. A very good option in winter.
Mt Alaska
Mt Alaska is my favourite of three peaks in the Whakaari Conservation area near Glenorchy that are accessible on day walks – the others are Mt McIntosh & Black Peak. (Black Peak would be quite a long walk for winter).
The north facing ridge offers reasonably straightforward access to the summit, from where there are fabulous views. If you don’t fancy going all the way to the summit there is a nice vantage point at lower elevation. There is also a rustic hut you can stay in.
Brow Peak
Brow Peak sits just behind Arrowtown, and views over the Wakatipu Basin are very good. Nevertheless, backcountry views over many wrinkly hills to the north are the highlight for me, and it’s one of my favourite walks in the area. In summer its nice to be there in the early evening so the hills are given definition by the setting sun. In winter you’ll get a similar effect all day.
There are a few ways up, and the longest approach via Big Hill Saddle is the most fun. An alternative walk in the area is Big Hill itself.
Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond is a popular walk right behind Queenstown. Views of Lake Wakatipu and countless mountains including the Remarkables are fabulous. Only my wife Sophia has climbed it in proper winter conditions, so I don’t have any good winter photos, but it is a good walk in any season. The track can get icy in winter, and if you want to avoid that then consider climbing Bowen Peak which is right next door and accessed on the same track for most of the way. This should be a lot quieter also.
Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill is another walk on the edge of Queenstown, but is considerably shorter and easier than Ben Lomond. It’s not that high but is in the thick of it scenery wise, so views are very good for only moderate effort.
Crown Peak
Crown Peak is one of those mountains clearly enhanced by snow cover. I’ve climbed it in other seasons and it is just okay. The longer route from Arrowtown is tracked the whole way and pretty easy walking. You can also climb Crown Peak from the Crown Range Road. This is shorter but perhaps not as rewarding.
Rock Peak
Rock Peak is one of our go-to walks for when we have limited time. It’s on a vehicle track the whole way and so never steep, and access in winter will be straightforward in all but the deepest snow.
Rocky Peak & Diamond Lake Circuit
This excellent shorter walk near Wanaka is particularly attractive in winter. Only problem is there is a good chance the track will have thick ice on it in sections. Nevertheless, we managed to get by without putting our crampons on, though you might take them (or micro spikes) if you have them.
I’ll give Roys Peak a mention here. This exceedingly popular walk is not my favourite, as for the most part you walk through weedy farmland with hoards of others. Nevertheless, I imagine good snow cover may keep the crowds away, and make it all the more beautiful. Certainly, views of Lake Wanaka and surrounds from up high are magnificent all year round. Other walks around Wānaka that might be good in winter include Breast Hill, Sentinel Peak, and Corner Peak., though I’ve only done them in summer.
There are more advanced walks in the Queenstown Lakes area that you can do in winter, including Bold Peak, Lake Hope, and an overnighter to Doolans Creek Tarns. I’ve not done these in winter myself, but I’ve seen blog reports and social media posts of people who have. Nevertheless, with beautiful lakes and tarns a feature of these walks, summer might be better anyway. Other walks I’d recommend in summer or autumn rather than winter are the Mt Shrimpton Tarns (so the tarns are not covered in snow), and the Queens Drive Wye Creek Circuit (Queens Drive would be risky in winter I think).
Central Otago
Central Otago is a good option for winter. The terrain is generally easy enough walking, and the sometimes plain hillsides are enhanced with a bit of the white stuff.
Chain Hills
I’d timed our walk in the Chain Hills after snowfall, as I wanted to see one of my favourite mountain ranges, the St Bathans Range, up close with snow cover. I wasn’t disappointed. This walk is very suited to winter – the walking is never hard, and the scenery is particularly attractive under snow. I imagine it would all be a bit hot and bare in summer.
Cloudy Peak
Cloudy Peak is an excellent Central Otago experience, and the walking is never hard, making it a good winter option. You’ll probably have the place to yourself as well. Not much snow when we walked, but the rolling, wrinkly hills were very attractive, and the soft winter lighting was nice.
Double Peak
The short but somewhat steep walk from Lindis Pass to the summit of Double Peak offers grandstand views of this scenic area. It can get very snowy, enough to close the road sometimes, but in such conditions the views are spectacular.
There are plenty more options to consider in Central Otago (have a look at my best-of selection), but consider Devils Creek Track to Mt Kinaki, Lindis Peak, Longslip Mountain (on the Canterbury Border opposite Double Peak) and Dromedary Hill (over the border in southern Canterbury).
West Coast & Tasman
(Plus honourable mentions of Fiordland & Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.)
Mt Fox to Point 1646m, West Coast
Now, this is cheating a bit, because we climbed Mt Fox and beyond to point 1646m in early March. But as you can see there’d been an unseasonal cold snap, and so I think it’s fair to say we experienced winter conditions. We stayed the night, and it was the coldest night we’ve ever experienced. The views of New Zealand’s highest peaks to the east were mountain grandeur at it’s finest, or at least of the sort accessible by non-mountaineers. I do think this would be suitable for real winter, as once past point 1345m the terrain is reasonably flat, so I don’t imagine avalanche risk would be all that high. Maybe check with the local DOC office in Franz Josef.
The rest of the West Coast is really excellent but often rugged walking, and although we’ve not walked there in winter, some of the walks we’ve done would be suitable. Consider Buckland Peaks, Mt Pfeifer and Mt Brown because there are huts to stay in, and day walks to Mt Haast and Klondyke Spur/Valley, where the conditons are similar to Lewis Pass.
Lake Angelus, Tasman
There are three established routes to beautiful Lake Angelus, and a big, comfortable and popular hut to stay in next to the lake. It’s a pretty popular route, even in winter, so book ahead. Nevertheless, the most picturesque route over the tops is not a beginners route in winter conditions – you’ll likely need winter gear and experience. We were lucky with perfect weather. Magnificent views at any time of year.
Fiordland and Aoraki Mt Cook National Parks are the other main areas we’ve walked in NZ, but only a couple of times each, and only in summer. They are wonderful areas and winter tramping is possible, but some of the higher peaks will be challenging. I’ve included a couple of pictures with snow in them to complete the collection.
