New Zealand in November: Great Weather for Outdoors
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.
New Zealand Weather in November
The weather in New Zealand in November is generally mild and pleasant with sunny days and little rainfall. The winter snow has melted in North Island and average temperatures range from 19°C to 13°C making it the perfect place for mountain hikes and lake reflections around Taranaki. New Zealand’s capital city Wellington has similar weather, with calm days offering great opportunities for wildlife spotting or cycling tours.
The South Island experiences warm days with cooler nights with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 7°C. There is a slightly higher chance of rainfall. Queenstown is the water sports capital where you can enjoy white water rafting or river surfing, even on the odd rainy day.
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit New Zealand.
Weather in New Zealand in November - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 20.2 | 20.2 | 19.6 | 17.6 | 15.5 | 13.6 | 12.6 | 13.1 | 13.7 | 15.1 | 16.7 | 18.8 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 15.9 | 16.5 | 15.3 | 14 | 12.3 | 10.8 | 9.7 | 10.1 | 10.3 | 11.3 | 12.7 | 14.8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 68.36 | 68.36 | 67.28 | 63.68 | 59.9 | 56.48 | 54.68 | 55.58 | 56.66 | 59.18 | 62.06 | 65.84 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 60.62 | 61.7 | 59.54 | 57.2 | 54.14 | 51.44 | 49.46 | 50.18 | 50.54 | 52.34 | 54.86 | 58.64 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 27 | 29.5 | 32 | 43.5 | 48 | 59 | 52 | 51 | 43 | 37.5 | 40 | 47 |
Why Visit New Zealand in November
New Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise and late spring brings perfect weather without the long queues and inflated prices of peak season. Here are more reasons why you should visit New Zealand in November.
- Festivals: New Zealand hosts many festivals and events during November. These include the Victorian Fete in Omaru, a celebration of New Zealand’s Victorian era past; Toast Martinborough, a one-day event where you can sample the best food and wine in the heart of New Zealand’s classic wine trail, just an hour away from Wellington; and the New Zealand Tattoo and Art Festival in New Plymouth, Australasia’s biggest tattoo event.
- Nature and wildlife: November is the best month to see lupin flowers blooming around Lake Tekapo, go whale watching in Kaikōura or cruise through Milford Sound. Bird watching is also popular as the season brings opportunities to witness birds with their new chicks. The Kiwi Hatchery in Aotearoa offers a chance to spot Kiwi hatchlings, an endangered bird endemic to New Zealand.
- Less crowds & better rates: November is still a shoulder month before the peak summer season, so you’re likely to enjoy the sights with fewer crowds and perhaps even at less cost. Look for discounts on airfare, hotels and activity packages.
Where to go and what to do
One of the best things to do in New Zealand is hiking in spring due to its comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Popular trails include Lake Tekapo and the Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park. Hiking through the epic volcanic craters of Rotorua and witnessing the famous bubbling pools is a New Zealand bucket list experience.
To enjoy the warmer waters at this time of year, kayaking around the Bay of Islands or sailing in the Abel Tasman are highly recommended and both offer incredible scenery throughout. Soak up some sun on the beaches in Northland or indulge in a wine-tasting tour through Martinborough for a touch of relaxation.
New Zealand is well-known as a hub for thrill-seekers, and there are always extreme adventure activities if you are into that. Try white water rafting on the Kaituna River, bungy jumping at the Nevis Bungy, or jet-boating on the Dart River in Queenstown to get your adrenaline pumping.
For city and culture, New Zealand offers lively city hubs with plenty of indoor activities to get involved in the local culture. Catch breathtaking volcano views and learn what it takes to be an All Blacks rugby player at the Sky Tower in Auckland; wander the streets of Christchurch and soak in the mix of Gothic and Victorian architecture, or experience the trendy art and food scene at Hannah’s Laneway in Wellington.
Looking for more ideas on what to do in New Zealand? Check out our guide on how many days to spend in New Zealand for inspiration on what to see and how to plan your trip.
With warmer weather but summer holiday crowds still awaiting their trip, November is a wonderful time to visit New Zealand and revel in the country’s spectacular scenery, culture, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Still unsure where to go in New Zealand? Get in touch with our travel experts who can create a customized tour of New Zealand to suit your individual needs.
Other articles:
New Zealand in October
New Zealand in December
