New Zealand in April: Great Weather and Fun Festivals

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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.

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New Zealand Weather in April

Autumn in New Zealand is great for traveling to Queenstown.
Enjoy perfect sightseeing weather conditions in Queenstown.

The weather in New Zealand in April fluctuates from mild to cold, averaging between 8°C and 18°C. While the days are generally warm, nights tend to be cooler. Compared to summer, rainfall is also higher in New Zealand in autumn.

April is an ideal month for hiking in New Zealand, particularly on the South Island. With Queenstown enjoying an average temperature of 3°C to 11°C, which is perfect for sightseeing tours and hiking the Queenstown Hill Walking Track.

The North Island is comparatively warmer than its southern counterpart, with Rotorua’s temperature ranging between 9°C and 18°C. Since the sun is still out, the weather is comfortable enough to swim at the beach, especially during the first few weeks of April.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to go to New Zealand.

Weather in New Zealand in April - Rainfall and Temperatures

MarAprMay
Avg Daily (°C)19.617.615.5
Avg Nightly (°C)15.31412.3
Avg Daily (°F)686460
Avg Nightly (°F)605855
Avg Rainfall (mm)3243.548

Why Visit New Zealand in April

Visit Arrowtown in New Zealand in April.
Visit Arrowtown during their festive season when the color of the leaves also turns into a lovely golden hue.
Check out this Hobbiton sign in New Zealand.
The Hobbiton movie set is a must-visit for any Lord of the Rings fan.

While most tourists would prefer to tour New Zealand in the summer season, there are many great reasons to go on a holiday to New Zealand in April. Here are some of them.

  • Fun autumn festivals: One of the best things about visiting New Zealand in April is you will have the chance to witness fun outdoor festivals, such as the Akarua Autumn Festival in Arrowtown. It is a five-day festival that attracts large numbers of local and international visitors.
  • Great weather: New Zealand enjoys pleasant weather in autumn, making it a great time to explore. For instance, the temperature in Auckland is warm enough to explore outdoor attractions like Cornwall Park and Auckland Zoo. Autumn in New Zealand is characterized by colorful and vibrant landscapes, making it an incredible time to visit the country, particularly if you are a photography enthusiast. The best place to admire New Zealand's colorful autumn scenery is Arrowtown, a historic town on South Island.
  • Cheaper rates: Traveling to New Zealand can be expensive, especially during the peak summer season. However, ticket prices start to get cheaper in autumn, making it the best time to visit if you are traveling on a budget. Since not many tourists come to New Zealand in autumn, you can expect great deals on accommodation. So, if you are a budget-conscious traveler, this is a perfect time.
  • Fewer tourists: April is one of the quietest months in New Zealand. Tourist arrival starts to slow down, so you will be spared the trouble of dealing with the crowd while visiting the local attractions. The likes of the Hobbiton movie set and Abel Tasman National Park, which tend to get jammed with tourists, will be pleasantly quiet around this time.

Where to Go and What to Do

Swim at Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand.
Go for a swim at the gorgeous beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula.

You will find many fun things to do in New Zealand. If you are in Queenstown, rent a car and drive to Lake Wanaka. Depending on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand, consider spending a day or two in Wanaka. Have a picnic by the lakeside and oak up the incredible autumn views of the lake. Explore Wanaka Lavender Farm, or go on a wine tour at the scenic Rippon Winery. If you are an avid hiker, consider hiking Roy's Peak track, which offers phenomenal views of the Southern Alps.

April is still warm enough to swim in most places in New Zealand. Cool down with a dip in the beautiful Koekohe Beach on Otago Coast. Waikato's New Chums Beach is one of those untouched beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula that are worth visiting in April. Since there is no road access to the bay, you need to hike for about 30 minutes to reach there.

Dolphins and orcas can be found on Wellington's coast during autumn. While touring Wellington, do not forget to explore the waterfront or catch a ferry to the charming towns of Picton or Eastbourne.

In April, the crowds of summer have already departed, leaving many attractions almost empty in New Zealand. Since April in New Zealand falls outside the tourist season, you will find airfares and accommodations cheaper, making it a perfect time to visit if you are on a budget. But the best thing about traveling to New Zealand in April is the colorful autumn scenery, which you can enjoy in various places in the country. Check out our customized trips in New Zealand if you are interested in developing your own itinerary.

Other articles:
New Zealand in March
New Zealand in May

Published by Tim Green, updated on December 21, 2023

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