When to Visit New Zealand

Pristine beaches, soaring mountain peaks, sprawling national parks, bubbling volcanoes and lush forests—New Zealand’s natural beauty spans from the panoramic to the pristine, making it one of the world’s most incredible travel destinations.Beyond the great outdoors, the country has a thriving art and culture scene in cities like Auckland and Wellington and a living Maori heritage that impacts every aspect of Kiwi life. Relax at the golden beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, enjoy bird-watching on the blissful Stewart Island, cross mountains and rain forests during an epic walk on the Milford Tracks, marvel at the mysterious limestone caves of Waitomo, visit the famous wineries of Marlborough and Nelson, and go sea kayaking at the Abel Tasman National Park. The weather in New Zealand can change quickly as it’s a relatively narrow island nation. Besides summer, spring and autumn are the best times to visit New Zealand. The weather in the chart is based on North Island.

From the beaches on the Bay of Plenty to paddleboarding around the Abel Tasman National Park to hiking around Mount Tongariro, summer in New Zealand is a wonderful time for visitors wanting to explore this iconic, rugged and absolutely stunning country.The summer months in New Zealand, which last from December to February, are considered the country’s peak season. So along with long, sunshine-filled days you can expect plenty of crowds around all the main cities, like Auckland and Christchurch, and tourist destinations like Taupo and Hobbiton. Your tour to New Zealand in the summer is bound to be incredible.

Characterized by snowfall all over the southern Alps, wintry hiking experiences, and uncrowded major cities, winter in New Zealand is a beautiful time to visit. If you’re really into snow sports or aren’t bothered about exploring the main sights in the cold, winter is also a cost-effective time to tour New Zealand.Winter months in New Zealand are from June to August and during this time, the temperatures dip, ski resorts around Wanaka and Queenstown open, and cities that are outside of the snowsport markets, like Christchurch and Wellington, tend to get quieter and cheaper.

Many visitors travel to New Zealand in January, as the country enjoys pleasantly warm weather. The month is ideal to enjoy outdoor activities, such as trekking Northland's Waipoua Forest, sailing in Auckland, or surfing in Shipwreck Bay. New Zealand also hosts many outdoor festivals and events, such as the World Buskers Festival in Christchurch.

February is the last summer month in New Zealand. Families on summer break will be heading back home during this time. So the beaches and campgrounds will not be as crowded as in January, making February an ideal time to travel to New Zealand’s famous beaches, like Ninety Mile Beach and Maitai Bay in Northland. This is also a great time to camp in Abel Tasman National Park, go hiking or island hopping. There is no dearth of places you can go and things you can do if you visit New Zealand in February.

Although it is already the start of autumn in New Zealand in March, you can still enjoy summer conditions in some parts of the country. While the southern part of the country begins experiencing chilly autumn weather around this time, the North Island is still enjoying the warm summer conditions. So, March can be a great time to visit places like Hawke's Bay on the North Island, which is often full of tourists during summer months. This can be an ideal time to go on day treks through the Te Urewera National Park and enjoy other activities, with fewer tourists around to distract you. Read on to find our what your holiday to New Zealand this month will look like.

April is the middle of autumn season in New Zealand. The air is crisp and cool all around and leaves turn into enchanting hues of orange around this time. The incredible landscapes of New Zealand turn even more magical. And since it is no longer summer, many tourist destinations are quieter if you visit New Zealand in April. This is one of the best times to visit famous attractions like South Island's Lake Tekapo, which tends to get crowded in summer.

Being the last month of autumn, the weather in New Zealand in May can change from warm to wintry, depending on the places you visit. Since it is the shoulder season, some of the country's most popular destinations are somewhat busy around this time. However, the more outdoorsy attractions like the Great Barrier Island see fewer visitors compared to summer. May is also a great time for sightseeing, as it is the last month to enjoy the magical autumn landscapes of various shades of yellow and oranges. Continue reading to find out what your trip to New Zealand can look like this month.

Looking forward to skiing in New Zealand? Well, we have got great news. June marks the start of winter in New Zealand, which means the resorts in the South will start opening up for the season. Further North, you can expect to find rainy conditions, especially around Auckland, which means it is ideal for indoor exploration. All in all, if you are touring New Zealand in June, visit the South Island for outdoor fun and the North Island for indoor exploration.

Thinking of visiting New Zealand in July? Unless you are going for the snow sports season in Queenstown or Wanaka, this is not the best time to travel to New Zealand. July is the coldest month of the year and the wettest in many popular cities like Auckland. So it is not a great time to enjoy the natural wonders and attractions that New Zealand is known for. But if you are looking for bargain deals in your travel, flights to New Zealand in July, as well as accommodation rates are low. This, however, does not apply to the ski resorts in the south, which are bustling during this time of year.

August is probably the driest of the winter months in New Zealand. But the weather can still be fairly cold and wet, particularly in the north. So if you are planning a trip to New Zealand in August, we recommend that you head south for drier conditions and outdoor recreation. In places like Queenstown and Wanaka, you can still enjoy snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. But if you are visiting the north, expect to spend a lot of time indoors, exploring the many cultural institutions and fine eating establishments across Auckland, Wellington, and beyond.

September is the start of spring in New Zealand and a good time to visit this scenic country if you want to make the most out of fewer crowds and pleasant weather. In September, the country sees melting snow, warmer temperatures, and flowers blooming, while the natural beauty of the country remains stunning year-round. From exploring the untouched wilderness of the Fiordland National Park to late-season skiing adventures in Queenstown, you’ll find there are many things to do on your trip to New Zealand in September.

Visiting New Zealand in October is an amazing opportunity for travelers to explore this beautiful country without large tourist crowds around. With the ski rush over and summer yet to start, New Zealand is in the midst of the spring season in October. The weather is pleasant and colourful blooms of flowers all around. Whether you are hiking in the mountains of Rotorua or sipping wine in Martinborough, a trip to New Zealand will not disappoint visitors with its enchanting setting during this month.

Spring will be in full swing during a trip to New Zealand in November and is sure to be a colorful event. Whether you’re planning on a hiking trip through Mount Cook National Park, relaxing beach days in Northland, or sailing through Milford Sound, New Zealand has everything you’re looking for. With summer just around the corner, this time of year is perfect to enjoy the natural scenery without the holiday crowds.

As summer in New Zealand begins in December, the country is packed with tourists. The weather in New Zealand during this time ranges from pleasant to warm, ideal for exploring this stunning country. Laze in the enticing white-sand beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and enjoy water sports and swimming. Explore the art and culture in Auckland and Wellington. Discover why Queenstown is known as the world’s adventure capital. Traveling to New Zealand in December guarantees a spectacular and unforgettable adventure.