Southern Hemisphere Winter Luxury Travel Inspiration
Every season brings new reasons to visit the lands Down Under. Our region’s rich diversity of landscapes and climates means that there is something for everyone, all year round; and the Southern Hemisphere winter months (June, July, August) are no exception! From footprint-free powdery-white beaches to untracked powder snow; awesome outback adventures and exceptional underwater experiences Australia, New Zealand the idyllic islands of Fiji provide sensational winter luxury travel options.
To help inspire Southern Hemisphere winter luxury travels Down Under, we’ve put together at collection of our favourite winter luxury travel experiences that are sure to have you packing your bags to travel Down Under over coming months:
Four fabulous winter luxury travel experiences in New Zealand
Hot tub stargazing
The Southern Hemisphere night skies twinkle particularly brightly at this time of year. Dark nights and clear skies far from city lights make for some spectacular stargazing. Head to the lovely Lindis tucked away in the Ahuriri Valley to enjoy romantic hot-tub stargazing on the balcony of your private pod. The Lindis Lodge neighbours one of New Zealand’s International Dark Sky Reserves where our Travel Designers can connect you with a private guide to introduce you to the Southern skies.
Celebrate Maori New Year
Matariki (Maori New Year – 28th June 2024) is celebrated country-wide and marks the beginning of the winter solstice. This ancient festival welcomes the arrival of the Matariki constellation to southern skies and is celebrated with moving dawn ceremonies, colourful cultural performances and inspiring art exhibitions that provide windows into long-held Maori myths and legends. The region around Lake Taupo and Rotorua is particularly rich in Maori heritage, ask our Travel Design team to help you uncover the magic of the Maori culture with a respected local elder by your side to share practices passed down through generations and visit spectacular cultural sights.
Curl up by the fire with an award-winning Central Otago Pinot Noir
Enjoy reconnecting with friends and family or enjoy the romance of a red wine by the open fire with a stay at beautiful Blanket Bay. Sample and collect some of the finest Otago Pinots from the surrounding region, then cosy-up by the open stone-fireplace to enjoy views over Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks beyond, glass of red in hand; or as our Travel Design team to arrange a private dining experience in the lodge’s wine cave lined with carefully aged vintage wines.
Heli-ski the Southern Alps
New Zealand’s Southern Alps become a powdery white playground for skiers and snowboarders between June and September. Whilst Queenstown is without doubt the nation’s adventure capital all year round (offering everything from bungy jumping and mountain biking to zip-lining and jet-boating), for those looking to escape the crowds we can curate heli-skiing adventures from some of our favourite luxury lodges (including Minaret Station, where guests enjoy intimate mountain-top indulgences and miles upon miles of untracked snow).
Four of our favourite winter luxury travel experiences in Australia
Given the vast distances and diverse climates spanned by our beautiful region, those in search of sun will also be rewarded in the Australian winter months. In fact, these can be some of the best times to visit the tropical treasures of Northern Australia (The Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberley, Arnhem Land and Kakadu)
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
Not only do the Australian winter months offer some of the best conditions (clear blue skies and clear underwater visibility) for snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef’s technicolour coral gardens. This time of year also offers some of the region’s most wonderful wildlife opportunities: the northern-most ribbon reefs (near Lizard Island) are the only place on the planet where you can dive with dwarf Minke Whales (June/July) whilst the warm waters of the wonderful Whitsundays attract hundreds of humpback whales throughout the season.
Go on safari in the tropical Top End
March through to October also offers the ideal conditions for Top End touring. Go early in the season to enjoy the best of the wet (waterfalls thundering and barramundi biting) or wait until later in to see wildlife and beautiful birds congregating as the water supplies subside. Either way, head north to enjoy authentic introductions to Australia’s indigenous culture and access to some of the country’s most breathtaking ancient landscapes – our Travel Design teams can recommend some immersive Top End lodges (including Bamurru Plains and Finniss River Lodge), connect you with some fabulous Top End expedition cruises and curate one-of-a-kind touring itineraries on land, sea or air in Australia’s Top End.
Cruise the spectacular Kimberley Coast
Repeatedly named as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2024, the Kimberley Coast shines spectacularly at this time of year. Small-group luxury expedition-style cruises explore some of the most remote reaches of our planet visiting breath-taking natural wonders such as the Horizontal Falls, Montgommery Reef and the King George Cascades between March and October. Alternatively, ask our Travel Design team for luxury private cruise options along this coastline.
Camp under the stars at Uluru
The months between May and September offer some of the most comfortable day-time conditions for outback explorations. With the summer sting out of the air, this time of year invites visitors to enjoy some of the region’s most rewarding outdoor adventures: from the Kings Canyon Rim Walk to the Larapinta Trek multi-day hike; or the many beautiful walks around Uluru and the neighbouring Kata Tjuta. The shorter days also mean you won’t have to get up quite so early to enjoy the sunrise spectacle over Uluru (Ayers Rock) and that you can squeeze in a visit to the twinkling Field of Light before dinner. A stay at Longitude 131 also offers the very special opportunity to snuggle into a deluxe swag on your private balcony to enjoy a night-cap (or the whole night) under the outback stars.
A fabulous time to visit the idyllic islands of Fiji
The Southern Hemisphere winter months offer generally settled and warm conditions in Fiji. Between the months of May and October, is also the best time to enjoy Manta Ray encounters and surfing adventures – or simply park yourself under a palm tree at one of the fabulous Fiji island resorts.
So, contact our Travel Designers today to curate winter wonders that are just right for you
Australia: ausdesign@southern-crossings.com
New Zealand: nzdesign@southern-crossings.com
