New Zealander’s guide to Tasmania

Leave the ski fields of home behind and head across the ditch for a holiday that will excite and surprise.

Whether it’s making tracks over sweeping buttongrass plains, breathing in the world's freshest air or feasting amongst flames in cities bathed in red, Tasmania is like nowhere else on Earth. Kiwi turned passionate Tassie local, sailor Julie Porter, is a crew member of SV Rhona H – Hobart’s oldest and smallest operating tall ship. If you’re seeking a New Zealander’s ultimate guide to Tasmania, Porter has recommendations galore.  

 
What sets Tasmania apart?  

From coast to coast, Tasmania is alive with destinations and experiences that can only be found here. 

Give yourself goosebumps exploring historical sites and hear chilling tales of Tasmania’s colonial past year-round. Take a morning stroll with a friendly wombat or up the ante with a cool dip in an alpine river.  

From intrepid road trips, secluded wellness escapes and wild cultural festivals to sensorial food and wine experiences, Tasmania is unlike anywhere else in the world. In autumn, a flaming spectacle of deciduous fagus leaves erupts across the island’s alpine forests, including areas around Cradle Mountain and Mount Field. 

“The turning of the fagus is something you can’t find in New Zealand,” Porter says.

Once the fagus has turned its golden colours and the leaves have dropped, the views of Lake Field are still stunning.

"Put on a (puffer) jacket, known as a Tasmanian tuxedo, and get out and enjoy the crispness.” 

Deep dive into what sets Tasmania apart from New Zealand.

Top things to do in Tasmania

Your trip isn’t complete without knowing the best things to do in Tasmania in winter.

Uncover snow-covered winterscapes, or bask in the unparalleled ocean views of Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay. Nature lovers can go wild with Tasmanian devils at Devils@Cradle or chance a wombat or pademelon encounter while hiking the challenging and iconic Overland Track. Foodies can also explore Tassie winter through taste at top destinations like Melshell Oyster Shack, Pooley Wines or Lark Cellar Door. 

“Sail or cruise Tassie’s stunning waters – so much like the Marlborough Sounds or the Bay of Islands, but with a distinctly Tasmanian flavour,” Porter recommends as her top winter take. “You can choose a traditional classic wooden boat that recognises our maritime heritage like the SV Rhona H, Sail Kerrawyn or the Julie Burgess, or try something a little quicker.”

For even more top things to see and do in Tasmania, check out the island’s top 10 attractions.

Things to do in Hobart

Head to Tasmania’s south and explore the top things to do and see in Hobart.

Fuel up with farm-fresh brunch at Sunbear then walk the heritage streets a stone's throw from the water with a visit to renowned Salamanca Market (8.30am–3pm every Saturday). Uncover the past at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or jump on a ferry for a short cruise up the Derwent River to Mona (Museum of Old and New Art), where curiosity and controversy await.

For nature-based Hobart things to see, make tracks for kunanyi / Mount Wellington and breathe lungfuls of fresh alpine air while basking in panoramic views of Hobart and beyond. To end the day, spend your evening harbourside savouring fresh seasonal produce whipped into bold Italian cuisine at Peppina or head to the inner city to enjoy festive eats and sounds In the Hanging Garden.

Things to do in Launceston  

Journey north to experience the best Tasmanian attractions Launceston has to offer.

Uncover one-of-a-kind urban wilderness at Cataract Gorge where you can explore the rugged cliffs and serene river reserve via a heritage chairlift ride. Then venture back to the city and school yourself in Tasmanian Aboriginal and natural history at Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.  

For foodie things to do, Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Indulge in paddock-to-plate dining experiences at Stillwater and Black Cow Bistro or sample the best wines of the region paired with a meal at Timbre. Wine yourself up even more by touring the Tamar Valley Wine Region. Hop between the cellar doors and savour the uniquely Tasmanian notes of cool-climate vintages while soaking in views of the rolling landscape.  

Summer events you can’t miss

The flipside to Tasmania in winter is the string of long, balmy days in summer, utterly stacked with events to liven up your holiday.

A must on your Hobart things to see list is Tasmania’s Taste of Summer festival. Indulge in endless days of feasting with prime seats for viewing the New Year’s Eve fireworks over the harbour. You can also take in the heart-pounding action of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Cheer on your favourite as yachts race up the River Derwent, bound for Constitution Dock.

“Auckland might be the city of sails, but Hobart hosts the largest wooden boat festival in the Southern Hemisphere: the Australian Wooden Boat Festival,” Porter says, “So you can enjoy looking at over 1000 wooden boats of all shapes and sizes, and crafts associated with all things wooden boats.” The festival (7–10 Feb) is free to enter.

Porter also loves venturing north and feasting in the sunshine at Festivale (31 Jan–2 Feb), one of the top food-forward things to do in Launceston, Tasmania.

Winter events you can’t miss

During the cold months, expect crisp days, darkly mysterious nights and a plethora of exciting things to see and do in Tasmania with winter events across the state.

Bask in the red glow of Dark Mofo (13–23 June) as you dine among the smoke and flames of Winter Feast, before baring all in the Nude Solstice Swim to pay homage to winter. Erupt into song fireside at the Festival of Voices (28 June–7 July), then ignite your brain cells in celebration of science and art at one of the many Beaker Street Festival (6–13 August) events. Further afield, Devonport Jazz (25–28 July), Bicheno Beams (29 June–20 July), and Tasmanian Whisky Week (5–11 August) will ignite your soul fire and light up your winter.

Explore Tasmania your own way

With so many things to visit in Tasmania, taking the wheel on a winter road trip will unlock boundless surprises and exciting detours.

Hit the road on a Northern Forage drive journey and experience winter via the senses, hunt for berries among dewy fields or sip a dram or two on a distillery tour. Next, venture deep into the Western Wilds and stand at the Edge of the World. Journey deep into the ancient wilderness aboard a heritage steam train at Queenstown or cruise the serene Gordon River at Strahan. Then make your way to Tasmania’s Heartlands to explore the towns of Tasmania’s colonial past. On the Great Eastern Drive, make for St Helens and carve up thrilling mountain bike trails. Then track south to comb the serene white-sand beaches of the larapuna / Bay of Fires area. Finally, embrace winter on the Southern Edge: taste your way through the Huon Valley’s cider trail or unearth wonders deep within dolomite caves.

Tasmania is a bit like exploring the North island, the South Island and Bluff all on one island: so many options. 

“Remember to slow down, enjoy the scenery and watch out for our wildlife," Porter says. She also suggests venturing south to Cockle Creek and Southport to explore Tasmania’s southernmost point, or heading north west to Stanley and the Edge of the World: the realm of the roaring forties.

Before you embark on your Tasmania winter road trip, consult the NZ to Tasmania holiday itinerary to plan your idyllic jaunt around the island.

Things to know

A trip to Tasmania is unlike any other, so it’s worth knowing what to expect once you’re here.

A direct flight from Auckland to Hobart takes just 3hrs and 30mins. Add an hour or so if you need to hop via Melbourne. Once off the plane, it’s time to rug up. Winter days can be chilly with the coldest temperatures diving to around 0–5°C in some places. Enjoy average maximum temperatures of around 12°C. Prepare for rain at any moment – the local saying “jacket on, jacket off” carries a lot of merit with Tasmania’s wild climate changing by the day.

On crisp, clear nights, Porter says you might be lucky enough to spot an epic Aurora Australis light show.

“Stay overnight at Bruny Island, down the Channel or Huon for the best spots,” Porter suggests. “It’s a special treat and even works on smart phones when the time is right.”

You might wonder, “when is the best time to visit Tasmania?” All four seasons bring distinctive shifts in native flora, fauna and food seasonality, so no matter when you visit, natural beauty and unique experiences await. Whichever season you choose, Tasmania will be a holiday you won’t forget.