A guide to New Zealand’s seasons
While it is a lovely country to visit for most of the year, the best time to visit New Zealand is from December to March. Temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). The weather is ideal for exploring the country’s breathtaking landscapes as well as activities such as snorkeling.
There are two main things to consider before planning a trip to New Zealand: While the climate in the country is generally quite pleasant, it varies significantly depending on which region of the country you’re in. While the northern parts of the country experience subtropical climates, it gets colder the further south you go. The mountainous regions, particularly the inland areas, experience temperatures as low as 14°F.
Secondly, the seasons in New Zealand are the exact opposite of what they are in the northern hemisphere. For example, if you were to visit New Zealand in July hoping to enjoy the summer, you’ll actually be visiting in the middle of winter!
Best Time To Visit
overview
we recommend
- Hike the trails of Mount Cook National Park
- Join in the excitement at the New Zealand Sevens rugby tournament
- Spot dolphins off the coast of South Island
overview
we recommend
- Savor fine wine and food at the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival
- Head to beaches of Mount Maunganui for some fun under the sun
overview
we recommend
- Spot wildlife in beautiful Fjordland
- Enjoy New Zealand’s stunning natural scenery on a Great Walk route – such as the Routeburn Track and the Abel Tasman Coast Track
overview
we recommend
- Surround yourself in the breathtaking fall foliage in Hawke’s Bay
- Stargaze in Lake Tekapo
- Cycle down the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds
overview
we recommend
- Seafood lovers unite at the Bluff Oyster Festival
- Hang out by the Wellington waterfront for some whale and orca watching
overview
we recommend
- Welcome winter at the Queenstown Winter Festival
- Explore the breathtaking, snow-covered Franz Josef Glacier
- Set off on a whale-watching cruise in Kaikoura
overview
we recommend
- Celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, at the Te Papa Museum in Wellington
- Soak in a hot spring in Rotorua
- Hit the slopes at Mount Ruapehu in North Island
overview
we recommend
- Take in the spectacular scenery at Milford Sound
- Savor an explosion of flavors at Visa Wellington on a Plate
- Winter hike across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
overview
we recommend
- Say hello to spring with Nelson’s Cherry Blossom Festival
- Stroll through Christchurch, the Garden City of New Zealand
overview
we recommend
- Discover the harbor city of Wellington
- Attend the Auckland Heritage Festival
overview
we recommend
- Visit Hobbiton, the site of The Lord of The Rings film
- Walk through a tunnel to reach the spectacular Tunnel beach in Dunedin
- Savor a traditional Maori Hāngī meal at the Bay of Plenty
overview
we recommend
- Ring in the New Year in Gisborne – the first city in the world to welcome the New Year
- Enjoy the pristine beaches of New Zealand, along with generous servings of fish and chips
- Sip on world class Pinot Noir at a winery in Central Otago
Seasons in New Zealand
In New Zealand, summer runs from December to February and temperatures can vary from 57 – 82 °F. So, if you want to enjoy warm temperatures (which is advisable if you want to explore the country’s bountiful natural scenery), the best time to visit New Zealand is in these months. It is, therefore, no surprise that November – March is the peak tourist season in the country.
If you prefer things cooler, then fall/autumn runs from March to May, with temperatures between 50 – 75 °F. After this period, you’ll experience New Zealand’s winter, which runs from June to August and sees temperatures anywhere between 48 – 68 °F .
Spring arrives in September and continues through November with temperatures hovering around 53 – 71 °F. Because of this, you may find that spring is a comfortable alternative to summer.
New Zealand Travel Tips
Discover the best time to visit New Zealand’s specific regions:
- Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, is best experienced during winter. Apart from it being less crowded, the decreased surface melt on the glacier will make it all the more striking to look at.
- Rotorua with its natural spas and Maori sites is well worth a visit and the best time to visit the region is between Jan – March when temperatures are around a pleasant 70 °F.
- If you want to sail or swim in New Zealand’s beautiful Fjordland, you’re in luck. You’ll have an enjoyable experience all year round. However, if you want to enjoy the wildlife, then going during fall (March-May) is advisable.
What to Pack for New Zealand
So, you have decided on when to go. All you need to decide now is what to bring. New Zealand is a land of stunning landscapes and many outdoor adventures and the best way to explore the country is to go on hikes, treks, and sailing expeditions. So, no matter where you are headed to in New Zealand, a comfortable pair of hiking boots and a camera will go a long way in providing you with a true New Zealand experience. However, in many ways, choosing what to pack relates closely to when you want to visit New Zealand.
If you want to visit during the summer, you should consider bringing lighter clothes such as T-Shirts, shorts or light pants, and maybe a sweatshirt for cooler temperatures. Remember to pack sunscreen and sunglasses as well as a sun-hat, as the New Zealand sun can be quite intense.
The same applies for fall/ autumn, though we recommend you bring more cold weather gear and long sleeve shirts and t-shirts. New Zealand in spring can often be quite warm and you should consider layering up, as the changes in temperature can be significant depending on where you are.
Of course, if you choose to visit New Zealand during the winter, focus on bringing cold weather clothes, thick pants, sweatshirts, and fleeces, as well as gloves. Some of New Zealand’s most startling scenery, like the Fox Glacier, are in relatively cold locations.
From the Blog
From the impossibly beautiful Southern Alps to ancient glaciers, forests and beaches, get your lowdown on the stunning natural wonders of New Zealand.
From incredible aquatic adventure travel expeditions to exhilarating aerial trysts and electrifying exploits on terra firma, our list of top 10 adventures from around the world will take your breath away! Some experiences in life are worth living for. Discover them today.
Grand cascades, raging torrents, glorious fountains or ferocious rapids – there are few in the world who don’t enjoy waterfalls; and the more magnificent they are, the better!
Sorry, your search found no results.
Popular Trips to New Zealand
Plunge into New Zealand’s untamed wilderness, and experience its vibrant cities and culture on this specially curated vacation. Uncover Auckland’s assorted charms, and sample some lovely wines on Waiheke island. No trip to this area is complete without visiting the iconic Waitomo Caves, and the lovely Hobbiton Movie Set from the ‘Lord of the Rings’…
Take a road trip through the best-loved sites of both Australia and New Zealand. Starting in Sydney, explore this vibrant city with treasures such as the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Drive through the rugged Outback to Uluru, the heartland of aboriginal culture. Next, enjoy snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef and as…
On this intensive New Zealand round trip, you will experience the scenic diversity of the South Island. Go stargazing at Lake Tekapo, explore the history and heritage of Oamaru, and say hello to penguins at the Blue Penguin Colony. Surround yourself in the incredible landscape of the Otago Peninsula and Milford Sound – this is…
“Set off for Middle-earth! On this New Zealand trip, discover the locations that helped infuse magic into the ‘Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ films. Take in the views of the azure waters and breathtaking landscape of the Coromandel Peninsula, and later, visit Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. Take a tour…
Marvel at stunning landscapes and experience New Zealand’s Maori culture as you journey from North to South Island on this customizable road trip. Hot springs, the iconic Waitomo caves, pristine lakes, and the ‘Lord of the Rings’ setting of Hobbiton await you at North Island. While here, trek through the volcanic valley of Rotorua, and…
Experience a stunning natural playground on your custom New Zealand road trip! Starting from vibrant Christchurch, explore glaciers, fjords, and towering mountains at scenic South Island. Drive on to the sunny North Island for wildlife adventures, Maori cultural excursions, relaxation, and world-class wines! Do you wish to add more exclusive experiences, unique accommodations, or destinations…
Sorry, your search found no results.
Best Places To Visit
Safety
While New Zealand is generally thought of as a pretty safe country to visit, it’s still a good idea to take the same level of care and caution as you would at home. Read the top tips from our experts before starting on your New Zealand travel plans.
Things To Do
Although New Zealand is a relatively small country, it’s an incredibly diverse one, filled with great grasslands, towering mountains, warm pacific waters, and a vibrant metropolitan culture. Thanks to this diversity, there is no shortage of things to do in New Zealand.
The Enchanting Difference
USA
USA
Canada
USA
Australia
USA