When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
New Zealand is a small island country towards the south-east of Australia in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of two large land parts, the South Island and the North Island, and over 700 smaller islands surrounding it. With a population of just 5 million residents, most of the country is still an undisturbed beauty. This is because almost 85% of the population lives in urban areas like cities, and the remaining spread out over the country. It is also one of the last countries to be settled by people apart from the native Polynesians. Therefore, it has the best natural biodiversity giving it stunning natural beauty.

Tourism
New Zealand has on offer some of the most amazing natural beauty in the world. With picturesque green forests, towering snow-capped mountain peaks, mist-cloaked fjords, beautiful National Parks, ancient glaciers, lots of thrilling adventure opportunities, active volcanoes, and serenity of golden sun-kissed beaches, untamed wilderness, gushing glaciers to pristine lakes, the rich Maori culture, some of the best wines and lots more. No wonder it is the most sought-after destination in the world today. Tourism is an important sector in New Zealand’s economy and contributes about 6% of the total GDP and employs about 7.5% of the country’s workforce.
Geography
New Zealand lies in the southern hemisphere. Because of this, its weather patterns and seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. This is a blessing in disguise as travelers can travel to enjoy the sun in New Zealand when it winters in Europe and North America. Besides, a significant number of visitors (around 1.5 million per year) travel from Australia to New Zealand as well. This is because of its proximity to the Australian landmass, making it an easy travel destination for Australians. Let us first look at the different seasons in New Zealand to understand when the best time to be there is.
Summer season:
This season lasts from December to February, when the temperatures are warm and welcoming. This is the best weather for exploring the cities and engaging with the crowds. The overall environment is always pleasant and delightful. Specifically, the month of February is overall the best weather in New Zealand. You can expect the summers to be hot and January to be the hottest when temperatures to above 30 degrees Celsius for several days. Despite this, the average temperatures will be 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during summers, which is extremely good for all tourism-related activities. When it comes to the weather, New Zealand is full of sunshine and clear sunny skies. All this when the rest of the northern hemisphere is covered in a cold wave with many countries facing the freezing cold.
If you are not used to the heat and are coming from a cold country, the heat and the hot weather can make things a bit difficult for tourists to get acclimatized to. However, it is these pleasant temperatures make all the outdoor activities a lot of fun and engaging. Summers will host a lot of tourism and non-tourism-related events. There will be triathlons, races, marathons, and several other events happening. Tourists can participate in any of these events or enjoy them as a viewer. Everything is in full bloom, and you will find all the vegetation in its full glory. Days are the longest of the year, and you will find that a single day will fit in a lot more activities than you can cover.
Autumn season:
Autumn season will last from March to May when the climate changes and the temperatures start to dip as winter approaches finally. The weather is great, and the temperatures are not too hot or not too cold. Towards the middle of the season, you will see the leaves will change color slowly and fall away to send a message that winters are imminent. Nevertheless, you will see beautiful Copper, Red, Orange, and Yellow-colored leaves everywhere on the ground and the trees, making the views mesmerizing and captivating. This will last a few days, but if you catch the right days, the beauty is something that makes for great memories.
This season is especially preferred by outdoor activity enthusiasts like hikers, climbers, who can make use of the pleasant and soothing weather to appreciate the beauty of nature, undertake biking, camping, rock climbing, mountain climbing, hiking, and more. You can also go wildlife spotting in their natural habitat. The weather is warm with sunshine and a cool breeze. All make a wonderful combination to explore the country without getting fatigued and sweaty due to the heat, usually in summers. Hiking mountain trails are still open and accessible even at higher altitudes, and you can enjoy the hikes without getting tired, which are comparatively easy due to the cooler weather. Similarly, you can undertake cycling tours in the cities or countryside, which will take you through beautiful cities, towns, gardens, and villages and treat this time of the year.
Winter season:
Winters will last from June to August, and these 3 months will see temperatures dip to their lowest in the year. You will see snow everywhere, and if you are a winter lover, you can visit at this time of the year to enjoy all the winter activities that New Zealand has to offer in the winters. The temperatures can drop quite a bit, get chilly, and go up to 5 degrees Celsius. Urban and rural temperatures can vary quite a bit. The rural areas like villages, mountains, jungles, etc., can face even negative temperatures. Overall average temperatures will be in the range of 7 to 13 degrees Celsius, and days will get shorter. So plan your outdoor activities in sync with the sunrise and sunset times that are available on a lot of weather apps.
Winters are a ski lover’s paradise in New Zealand, with a lot of mountain slopes fully covered with snow and ready for them. These slopes are safe for skiing and available in different elevations and grades for skiing. If you are a first-timer, do not worry, as there are quite a few gentle hill slopes that allow newcomers and beginners to ski safely with ease without risk anything. If you are more adventure-seeking and brave, you can opt for the winter hiking activities that will take you through some mountain trails full blanketed by snow cover.
The quiet natural beauty of the surroundings makes it a very surreal affair. This is the most recommended activity in winters and is almost like meditation. We cannot miss the ancient glaciers in New Zealand, which are a sight to behold in winders. You can check one of the several like Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, and more. Don’t miss the fun of sledding on the glaciers.
Spring season:
Spring season lasts September to November, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 21 degrees Celsius. The days are brighter, start to get longer than the winters with comparatively more sunlight and sunshine. Day weather will feel soothing pleasant with the warm sunshine and the cool winds that blow, indicating summers’ onset. Even the natives will start to move out regularly, and you can see them enjoying the sunshine and sunbathing in the lakes. The spring weather brings a lot of excitement to activities like trekking and hiking that people have been waiting for all winter.
However, the trails can be damp and muddy due to the thawing ice in the mountains. Spring and autumn have a lot in common, and you can pursue the same activities that we already discussed in the autumn section. E.g. cycling tours, hiking, exploring outdoors, mountain climbing, etc. All the natural beauty and vegetation is in full bloom, with fresh leaves and flowers covering the landscape, the hills, and valleys. This is a time when the weather ensures you can do a lot more without getting easily tired. Spring and autumn give some of the best views in New Zealand. While you can still see snow on mountain tops, there will be some places where it has not completely melted, and you can still enjoy snow activities.
It is a good time to hit the coastline for wonderful sunny beaches and warm waters to welcome you. You can enjoy some water sports like paragliding or jet skiing or alternately go on boat tours and enjoy snorkeling.
Best time to travel for good weather
Undoubtedly summers are the best with longer days and great sunny weather. However, the high temperatures may not be comfortable for all, so carry sunblock creams, light clothing, a hat, and some shades to give you some respite. This is the time when the entire country comes to life, and you can enjoy the best of all activities. Besides, a summer Christmas and New Year’s Eve make it even more exciting.
If summers are too harsh, try autumn or spring, which will be milder and far more pleasant on your body. The days can be a little shorter, but the autumn season views of the colorful leaves and their shedding are mesmerizing, as is the beauty of seeing all the lush green landscape with nature in full bloom in the spring season. You can also hit the coast and enjoy the sunshine and seas as well.
Cheapest time to travel
Summers will be extremely expensive as prices of accommodation and airfares soar to the highest of the season and year. So unless you want to enjoy summers and can manage to book months in advance, we do not recommend this season even though it is the best. We would suggest you explore deals and options for the milder spring and autumn season. You will very easily get good rates and discounts ranging from 10-20% or even more for accommodation, local activities, and airfares.
Events Calendar
Do keep these events in mind as you plan your travels as it makes the trip more enjoyable and enjoys the local events.
January
- ASB Bank Tennis Classic, Auckland
- Heineken Open, Auckland
- Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, Auckland – sailing event
- World Buskers Festival, Christchurch – street festival
- Wellington Cup Race Meeting, Wellington
February
- Hawke’s Bay Wine and Food Festival, Hawke’s Bay
- Speight’s Coast to Coast, South Island – A multisport endurance race
- Waitangi Day Celebrations, Bay of Islands – New Zealand’s national day
- Garden City Festival of Flowers, Christchurch
- Brebner Art Deco Weekend, Napier – Art and Heritage festival
- Devonport Food and Wine Festival, Devonport
- Auckland Arts Festival
March
- Pasifika Festival, Auckland – Cultural festival
- New Zealand International Festival of Arts, Wellington
- Ellerslie International Flower Show Christchurch, Christchurch
- Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, Hokitika
- Arrowtown Autumn Festival, Arrowtown
April
- Warbirds Over Wanaka, Wanaka – Air show
- Fletcher Challenge Forest Marathon, Rotorua
- Bay of Islands Country Music Festival, Bay of Islands
- Matariki – Maori New Year
June
- National Agricultural Fieldays, Hamilton
July
- Queenstown Winter Festival, Queenstown
- Christchurch Arts Festival. Biennially
- Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival, Bay of Islands
September
- Montana World of Wearable Art Awards, Wellington
- Alexandra Blossom Festival, Alexandra – Spring festival
- Gay Ski Week
October
- Kaikoura Seafest, Kaikoura
- Dunedin Rhododendron Festival, Dunedin – Cultural Festival
- Nelson Arts Festival, Nelson
- Queenstown Jazz Festival, Queenstown
November
- Toast Martinborough, Martinborough
- Canterbury A&P Show, Christchurch
- Southern Traverse, South Island
December
- Nelson Jazz Festival, Nelson
- Christmas
- New Years Eve celebrations
Summary
New Zealand makes for an excellent tourist attraction with the best of natural beauty and urban landscapes. The sparse population and the sparsely populated rural areas make the country seem as if it is still stuck in history a few hundred years back. This undisturbed beauty is what attracts a lot of travelers to this part of the world. With a lot of events and activities to keep you entertained and busy, you will be engaged throughout your holiday and enjoy it to the full.
What i do not understood is if truth be told how you
are not really much more smartly-liked than you might be now.
You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore considerably
in terms of this topic, produced me in my view believe it from
numerous various angles. Its like men and women aren’t interested unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga!
Your own stuffs outstanding. All the time deal with it
up!
you’re actually a excellent webmaster. The web site loading pace
is amazing. It sort of feels that you’re doing any
unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork.
you have done a magnificent task on this matter!
After checking out a handful of the blog articles on your site, I seriously appreciate your technique of writing a
blog. I saved it to my bookmark webpage list and
will be checking back in the near future. Please visit
my web site as well and let me know what you think.
Hiya! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know
how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird
when browsing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able
to correct this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share.
With thanks!
I am curious to find out what blog platform you are utilizing?
I’m experiencing some small security problems with
my latest site and I’d like to find something more safe.
Do you have any suggestions?
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things to
enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
Excellent article. I will be facing many of these issues as
well..
Quality posts is the crucial to attract the people to pay a quick
visit the website, that’s what this site
is providing.
It’s not my first time to visit this web site, i am visiting this web site dailly and get pleasant facts from here
all the time.
Hi mates, how is the whole thing, and what you
would like to say concerning this article, in my view its genuinely awesome
designed for me. asmr https://app.gumroad.com/asmr2021/p/best-asmr-online asmr
I used to be able to find good info from your articles.
quest bars http://bit.ly/3C2tkMR quest bars
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of
any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time
and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with
something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
scoliosis surgery https://0401mm.tumblr.com/ scoliosis surgery
Hello to every one, as I am genuinely eager of reading this
website’s post to be updated on a regular basis.
It consists of nice material. cheap flights http://1704milesapart.tumblr.com/ cheap
flights
Hello to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting
more from this website, and your views are good for new
visitors. ps4 games https://tinyurl.com/45xtc52b ps4 games
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually
something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try
to get the hang of it! quest bars https://www.iherb.com/search?kw=quest%20bars quest
bars
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it,
you might be a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog
and will eventually come back later in life.
I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great work, have a nice morning!
scoliosis surgery https://coub.com/stories/962966-scoliosis-surgery scoliosis
surgery
Greate post. Keep posting such kind of info on your page.
Im really impressed by it.
Hey there, You’ve done an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and
for my part recommend to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.
https://parttimejobshiredin30minutes.wildapricot.org/ part time
jobs hired in 30 minutes
Hey there! I realize this is kind of off-topic however I needed to ask.
Does running a well-established blog such as yours take a large amount of work?
I’m brand new to writing a blog but I do write in my diary everyday.
I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share
my own experience and views online. Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for new aspiring blog owners.
Appreciate it!
Currently it looks like BlogEngine is the top blogging platform out there right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
This is a topic which is near to my heart… Cheers! Where are
your contact details though?
This text is invaluable. Where can I find out more?
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. But think
of if you added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this website could undeniably be one of the
most beneficial in its field. Amazing blog!
Terrific work! That is the kind of info that are meant to be shared
across the web. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher!
Come on over and seek advice from my site .
Thank you =)
Excellent blog you’ve got here.. It’s difficult
to find good quality writing like yours nowadays.
I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an impatience over
that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come
further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.
Wonderful, what a web site it is! This weblog gives valuable data to us, keep it up.
Saved as a favorite, I like your blog!
It’s actually a great and helpful piece of info.
I’m happy that you just shared this helpful information with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after
browsing through some of the articles I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m certainly pleased I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it
and checking back regularly!
Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would
really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme.
Thanks a lot
Everything is very open with a very clear clarification of the issues.
It was truly informative. Your site is very helpful.
Thank you for sharing!
My coder is trying to persuade me to move to
.net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress
on a variety of websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform.
I have heard very good things about blogengine.net.
Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content into it?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Do you have any video of that? I’d love to find out some additional information.
Wow! In the end I got a web site from where I be able to really get valuable facts concerning my study and knowledge.
Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I’ve
truly enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I’ll be
subscribing for your feed and I’m hoping you write
again soon!
It is a very great thing, hope seeing it again.
It is a very great way.
It is a very great method.
When we read it, could find it is the great thing.
Right away I am ready to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming again to read
more news.
When we find it, could find this is very good.
Thanks for your article on this website. From my personal experience, periodically softening up a photograph could provide the digital photographer with a chunk of an imaginative flare. Often however, that soft blur isn’t just what you had at heart and can in many cases spoil an otherwise good photo, especially if you anticipate enlarging this.
that is a great thing.
Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you
share some stories/information. I know my viewers would value your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.
It is appropriate time to make a few plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I may just I want to counsel you some attention-grabbing issues or suggestions. Maybe you can write subsequent articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!|
Hi! I realize this is sort of off-topic but I needed to ask. Does building a well-established blog such as yours take a massive amount work? I’m completely new to running a blog however I do write in my diary on a daily basis. I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my personal experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!|
If you wish for to grow your familiarity just keep visiting this web site and be updated with the latest gossip posted here.|
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Thanks for supplying these details.|
Hi! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!|
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.|
always i used to read smaller articles or reviews that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading here.|
Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers|
Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of
hard work due to no back up. Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?
I think this is among the most significant info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers|
Hello, I enjoy reading through your post. I like to write a little comment to support you.|
May I simply say what a comfort to uncover a person that genuinely knows
what they’re talking about on the internet.
You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
More people have to look at this and understand this side of the story.
I was surprised that you’re not more popular since you most
certainly have the gift.
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This article posted at this web site is truly nice.|
It’s going to be end of mine day, except before ending I am reading
this impressive paragraph to increase my
experience.
We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your website provided us with helpful information to work
on. You have performed an impressive process and our entire community will likely be grateful to you.
Hi there to every body, it’s my first pay a quick
visit of this webpage; this webpage consists of remarkable and truly
fine data for readers.
Wow, superb blog structure! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall glance of your site is excellent, let alone the
content material!
Your mode of describing all in this paragraph
is truly pleasant, all can easily understand it, Thanks a lot.
Hello there! This article could not be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my previous
roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I will send
this information to him. Pretty sure he will have a very good read.
I appreciate you for sharing!
I got this web site from my pal who told me on the topic of this web page and
now this time I am browsing this web page and reading very informative articles at this place.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though
you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about,
why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?
Take a look at my website – coupon