Winter wonderlands
Tanya Chaffey of Chaffey and Turner Travel Associates in Tauranga shares her top picks for destinations that make the cold well worth it.
While many of us dream of ditching the winter coats and chasing the sun, there’s something irresistibly charming about leaning into the season instead. Think snow dusted villages, steaming mugs of mulled wine and the soft crunch of fresh powder underfoot. Tanya Chaffey of Chaffey and Turner Travel Associates in Tauranga shares her top picks for destinations that make the cold well worth it.
Whether you're dreaming of frosty escapades in the heart of Finland's Lapland, carving pristine powder in Japan's renowned skiing destinations, or soaking in Iceland's geothermal allure, my guide to the ultimate winter holiday will transport you to where the festive spirit and the magic of the season create an unforgettable experience. From the artistry of ice sculptures in Harbin to the wildlife wonders of Canada's snowy terrains, each destination offers its unique charm and promise of an enchanted winter.
Finland
Venturing into the heart of Finland, especially around the Arctic Circle and Lapland, feels like stepping right into a winter fairy tale. Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is your year-round hub for all things Christmas, and meeting the real-deal Santa and Mrs Claus at the Santa Claus village is pure magic. Try snuggling up in an igloo for the night. If you're lucky, you'll get front-row seats to the Northern Lights right from your bed. There’s loads of adventure activities right on your doorstep, too. Hop on a snowmobile and take in the stunning winter landscapes. Or opt for a gentler journey with a reindeer or dog sled ride. Japan The snow in Japan is really something special. Places like Niseko and Hakuba are known for their light, dry powder — often called “Japow” — and offer terrain for all skill levels. The ski season generally runs from December to April, though dates vary depending on location and snowfall.
Many resorts have ski-in/ski-out access, and all-inclusive options that include everything from steaming bowls of ramen to international dishes. Take a break from the slopes to explore an onsen village. Or visit the snow monkeys warming themselves in natural hot springs.
Iceland
Winter in Iceland feels slower, quieter, and more surreal, with only a few hours of pale daylight and long, starlit nights. It’s an ideal time to soak in the country’s geothermal pools — the Blue Lagoon is the most famous, but there are dozens of others tucked into lava fields and coastlines across the country. Christmas here comes with its own folklore. Iceland’s holiday season is rich with stories of elves and the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous characters who arrive one by one in the lead-up to Christmas. The blend of natural drama and cultural tradition makes a winter visit something you won’t forget.
Harbin, China
In Harbin, ice becomes art. Each year, the city hosts the world famous Ice and Snow Festival, where towers, sculptures, and even entire buildings are carved from blocks of ice and lit up in vivid colour. There's an ice amusement park, too, and food stalls serving everything from spicy skewers to hearty dumplings. Russian influence lingers in the city’s architecture and cuisine, adding another layer of interest. Temperatures can drop below –35°C, so dress for deep winter.
Canada
Few places do winter like Canada. Whistler is a favourite for skiers and snowboarders, with varied terrain and a lively après-ski scene. Think alpine lodges, open fires, and a reliable snowfall that draws visitors from around the world. For wildlife lovers, Churchill in Manitoba is one of the best places to see polar bears in their natural habitat. Or head further north on an Arctic cruise, where the frozen wilderness might offer glimpses of walruses, Arctic foxes, and even narwhals.
Adventure in comfort
Tanya Chaffey from Chaffey and Turner Travel Associates is UNO's new travel columnist, this time offering her expert advice on navigating luxury travel with the whole family.
Luxury and family-friendly travel don’t always go hand in hand. But travelling with children doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the finer things in life. Tanya Chaffey from Chaffey and Turner Travel Associates is UNO's new travel columnist, this time offering her expert advice on navigating luxury travel with the whole family.
photos SALINA GALVAN + supplied
Embarking on travel with children creates life-long memories that you and your family will treasure for years to come.
It does, however, require a bit more planning to balance relaxation with family-friendly needs. Here are a few tips to get you going.
• When it comes to choosing which destinations to visit with children, look for spots that offer both premium amenities and child-friendly activities. Think resorts with dedicated childrens' clubs, private villas or hotels offering family suites and family activities.
Luxury resorts in places like the Maldives, Bali or the Caribbean offer specialised kids' programmes and family activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Also, consider destinations with easy access to nature, such as safaris in Africa, or mountain retreats in Europe, which can engage children while offering relaxation for parents.
• Invest in private tours or excursions. A private guide for a day trip, a yacht charter, or even private spa treatments can offer both family-friendly activities and some quality adult downtime. This can be especially helpful if your child has specific interests or needs (eg a zoo tour for animal lovers). Luxury hotels sometimes offer VIP access to major attractions, meaning you can avoid long lines and crowds, which makes it easier with children.
• Many cruise lines offer amazing inclusions for children, like standing waves, rock climbing walls and even dodgems. And the wide variety of cuisine onboard means there will be options for even the fussiest eaters. Be sure to enlist the help of a travel agent, who can suggest the best cruiseline that will work for you and your family.
• When booking flights, ask your travel advisor to book with an airline that has child-friendly amenities (like bassinets, entertainment and children's meals). Many airlines offer priority boarding, extra legroom, and specialised children's kits to make the flight more enjoyable.
• Finally, even with the best planning, travelling with children can bring surprises – meltdowns, sickness and the like – so remain flexible. Having an advisor on hand means there is always someone available to accommodate last-minute changes or requests. But staying relaxed and patient is the key to enjoying the experience!
Tanya Chaffey is a specialist for premium travel for the Bay of Plenty. Having been in the industry for 17 years, she’s explored 65 countries, with many more on her bucket list, and is a master at planning journeys off the beaten path.
She visits hidden gem destinations and finds experiences that give her an incredible perspective on the culture of a place. One of her best travel experiences was visiting Paro Taksang, or Tigers Nest Monastery, in Bhutan and most recently visited the Five Stans of Central Asia.
No matter your travel plans, whether it's a multi-generational trip of a lifetime, or a romantic seaside escape, the team at Chaffey and Turner Travel Associates will make your holiday special.