Photo © Hallertau Restaurant, Riverhead, Auckland

1 - Fine dining

Imagine sitting at a candlelit table in front of a comfortable log fire and tasting New Zealand's most exquisite gourmet delights at a fine-dining restaurant, the perfect winter treat for you and a loved one. The cuisine style known as Pacific Rim is New Zealand's strength when it comes to fine dining. Pacific Rim blends the flavours of South East Asia, the Pacific and Japan. Seafood, the traditional Maori hangi (an earth oven), fresh fruit and locally produced venison and beef are just a selection of the must-try cuisine on offer. Combine this with world-class local wines and you have a memorable dining experience.

2 - Staying in a hotel/luxury apartment

There's nothing like home-sweet-home – unless it's a luxurious 5-star hotel suite or stylish apartment. A night or two in one of these fancy accommodation options will make you feel like a superstar. Pamper yourself by staying in a luxury hotel, and take advantage of the excellent (often 24-hour) service. Top-class facilities such as indoor pools, gyms, spas and saunas are usual, and guarantee your stay will be memorable. Apartments are great if you love the conveniences of home, while staying in absolute luxury.

3 - Renting a luxurious vehicle

Make that winter road trip a little bit more special and hire a luxury vehicle, or just treat yourself to a new car for a week. I'm sure most of us sit in traffic and stare wistfully at that Mercedes or brand new BMW beside us and wish that we could have the pleasure of owning one of those... And even though we may not be able to afford one, we can still pretend for a few days by renting a luxury vehicle. It will make that road trip one to remember, or just make an ordinary week feel special. The hardest part will be giving it back!

Photo © Destination Northland

4 - Wine/chocolate/beer tasting

Indulge your taste buds and head to a vineyard, brewery or chocolate factory near you. Or, even better, put together a road trip for you and your friends or family and taste your way around the country. Vineyard and brewery tours around our premier wine and beer-producing regions are great ways to indulge in fine beers and wines without the worry of transport, while a visit to a boutique chocolate factory is the ultimate chocoholic's experience. You can see how these delicious chocolates are made, taste a few samples, and of course shop for gifts and indulge yourself with special treats.

Photo © Destination Rotorua

5 - Scenic flight

New Zealand's winter scenery is absolutely spectacular, from snow-capped mountains to glassy lakes. It's a great time to take a scenic flight and marvel at our own winter wonderland from the air. A scenic flight can take you to a secluded spot where your feet or your car can't go. Scenic flights are available throughout New Zealand, from the Bay of Islands in the north to Fiordland in the south. Small planes or helicopters (usually seating up to six people) take you over New Zealand's most scenic spots, and some pilots or guides also provide commentary.

Photo © Destination Lake Taupo

6 - Shopping

Yes, shopping may not appeal to some people, but many others could happily spend many hours cruising through shops. Spoil yourself this winter and check out shops that you've never been to. Whether you're after something special, from designer clothes to a bargain from a factory outlet store, or perhaps something for the kids, you'll find it here. There's also a wide range of art galleries, speciality shops and souvenir outlets, plus weekly markets are held throughout New Zealand. Make sure you leave room in your schedule for some retail therapy!

Photo © Destination Lake Taupo

7 - Guided fly-fishing/hunting

Just because it's getting cold outside doesn't mean you should avoid getting out and about. This winter, why not take that guided outdoor trip that you've been thinking about? Our rivers and lakes offer some of the best fly-fishing in the world. Trout were introduced specifically for recreational anglers and both rainbow and brown varieties can be found in abundance. Organised hunting trips pursuing such animals as deer, duck and pig, are available in many areas around the country.

8 - Massage/pamper session

Warm yourself up with a relaxing massage or a luxurious pamper session. You'll feel so good that you won't care what the weather's doing. This is a great travel idea for a mid-winter girls' weekend. New Zealand offers the full spectrum of treatments and services, guaranteed to make you feel wonderful. These include exclusive spa and rejuvenation centres that offer on-site massage services, facials, beauty options and exclusive treatments, and alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal treatments, iridology and reiki.

9 - Health retreat

Treat your mind, body and soul this winter and escape to a health retreat. Think soothing hot pools and healthy activities - it's a great way to brighten up your winter from the inside out. At a health retreat you'll be relaxed with soothing massages, including hot-stone treatments, health consultations, exercise options and beauty treatments, not to mention healthy, delicious food. It's the ultimate way to treat yourself and unwind.

10 - Seeing a show or performance

Take your pick from the exciting range of shows and performances happening all over the country this winter. Make a night of it and rope as many people as you can into coming with you; it may just be the best night of your winter. Professional theatre companies are scattered all around New Zealand and put on fantastic shows from low-budget community plays and children's pantomimes to hilarious Kiwi comedies and musical extravaganzas such as Chicago, Les Miserables and Cats.