The Best Time to Visit New Zealand

Planning your trip to New Zealand, but not sure when is best to travel? The good news is that New Zealand is beautiful year-round. It just depends on what you want to see and do!

Summer

With average temperatures ranging between 20 – 25 degrees Celsius, December to February is the warmest and driest time to visit New Zealand. Take to the water with a snorkel or a kayak, hit the hiking trails, or just relax and enjoy the sights bathed in summer light. The perfect time to sun yourself on the beaches and enjoy the warm weather, this is also considered the busiest season. Expect to see plenty of fellow travellers and locals alike out and about enjoying the long days of sunshine.

Autumn

Want to see the countryside awash with rich orange and red leaves? Travelling in autumn gives your holiday a stunning backdrop and more varied temperatures (average 10 – 22 degrees Celsius). The summer crowds thin a little and snow may begin to fall as winter approaches. Let your tour driver navigate the mountain passes as you soak in the scenery served up in golden-red shades by one of the most beautiful seasons.

Winter

As winter rolls around, the south becomes a hub for skiers and snow bunnies. Tours of the South Island taper off but continue to operate all year on the North Island where the winter is milder. Bubbling mud pools and spurting geysers make the geothermal wonders of the north a perfect hot-spot to visit, the rich history and culture flows strong year-round, Mt Ruapehu sits framed in the Tongariro National Park like a masterpiece brushed with snow, and the coastline is still beautiful to explore (just from the shore or atop the water, rather than in it!).

Spring

Get the best of both worlds, with temperatures a little milder (average 15 – 20 degrees Celsius) but remnants of snow still dusting the mountain peaks. The landscape bursts with colourful new blooms, wildlife begins to stir, and baby lambs frolic in the vibrant green fields. The snow begins to melt, feeding waterfalls that barrel down the hillsides and cliff faces – a great time for the thrill-seekers to do some white-water rafting!