Best time to visit New Zealand
- Dec
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Best time of year to visit New Zealand
December to March is considered to be the best time to visit New Zealand. If madding crowds don't confuse you, summer season with its mellow weather will be perfect for grasping the beaches, enjoying clams, exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and stargazing. You could also opt for mild and uncrowded autumn and spring. October and November are all about baby lambs in green pastures and Lupin blooming, while April and May will show you terrific Aurora Australis, Milky Way, and stunning autumn foliage. The North Island gets lots of rains, while South Island often sees massive snowfalls and temperatures below zero between June and September. Winter season rejoices passionate skiers, hot pools lovers, and whale watchers.
33 THINGS TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND (DECEMBER 03 - DECEMBER 12)
Hobbiton
A fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit? Picturesque Hobbiton movie set will transfer you to the Middle-Earth
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
No, these lights overhead in the caves are neither stars, nor electric lamps, but actually bioluminescent worms!
Blue Lake
When you look at this amazingly clear water with blue and violet hues, it seems to be fake, but it is real indeed
Biking
Amazing trails winding across New Zealand scenic mountainous landscapes seem to be made especially for cyclists
Climbing Mount Cook
When you reach the summit of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, you will feel like a conqueror of the world
Te Araroa—New Zealand's Trail
One of the newest and most beautiful trails in New Zealand, Te Araroa will become your adventure of a lifetime!
Tunnel Beach, Dunedin
Dunedin Beach with the tunnel, sandstone cliffs, rocks and caves create a nice territory to be explored
Kiwis' Breeding Season
Cute flightless baby kiwis are safer and closer to humans at Rainbow Springs, kiwi wildlife park in Rotorua
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
The thermal wonderland amuses with bright-coloured pools, daily geyser eruptions, steaming grounds, and boiling muds
Body Board Down the Sand Dunes
It's like snowboarding, surfing and sledging, yet without snow, water or sledges, just sand dunes and a dose of adrenaline
Kayaking
A kayak exploration trip ensures a safe and entertaining adventure through New Zealand's hidden nooks
Gannet Colony
Gannet couples demonstrate a strong sense of paternal responsibility fighting for the right to hatch their single egg
Luging
Comfortable gondolas, fast and twisted luge tracks and beautiful sceneries make luging compete with traditional sledding
Jet Boating
Jet boating in New Zealand's quick and shallow rivers flowing through steep canyons evokes an immeasurable thrill
White Island Tour
Active marine volcano amazes with bubbling mud pits, multicolored mountains, green lakes and hot steams
Tawaki—the Rainforest Penguin
Tawaki is the only penguin in the world that lives in the rainforest and not in the icebergs' surroundings
Huhu Beetle Grub
When Huhu beetle larvae are eaten with closed eyes, they might be easily confused with buttery chicken
Sea Lions Breeding Season
Better not to intrude into the huge mammals' pre-breeding fights and stay away until they settle territorial disputes
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The stunning beauty of Tongariro volcanic landscapes spotted with emerald-like crater lakes
Mt Ruapehu Crater Climb
You will see rugged rocky slopes, ancient lava flows, glacial valleys and the largest Ruapehu Crater Lake
Surfing
New Zealand surf spot map has 28 marks found in the North Island and 10 locations in the South Island
The Lost Gypsy Gallery Bus
The bus full of bizarre mechanisms bursts into tinkling, ringing, buzzing and gurgling sounds as soon as you touch any gadget
Lupin Spotting
The scenic landscape of New Zealand’s South Island astonishes with varied colors
Pohutukawa Tree
Pohutukawa tree is known as New Zealand Christmas tree as its crimson blossoms appear during Christmas time
Kororā (Little Penguin) Breeding Season
Only 25 cm tall, lovely blue penguins waddle 1,5 km, swim 70 km and climb 300 m to lay eggs and feed their offsprings
White Water Rafting
New Zealand's turbulent rivers invite for a breathtaking white water rafting, just hold tight to keep inside your raft
Kea Bird
Curious kea parrots develop taste for everything new to diversify their regular diet of plants and berries. It does not matter that they already have wings, they would still sip from your can of Red Bull
Bar-Tailed Godwits
Could you cross 10,000 km without food and rest? Seems unreal, but not for bar-tailed godwits
Black Water Rafting
You will raft the cave rivers, climb up the rocks of Ruakuri Cave, go black water tubing and view blue glow worms
Rock Lobsters
Lobster meat is destinguished by sweet flavour that makes your mouth water
Hoiho–Yellow-Eyed Penguin
Unique appearance of a yellow-eyed penguin hoiho cannot be confused with any other species, even during moulting
Sailing
Find delight in peaceful, silent and scenic gliding on water
The White Heron Sanctuary Tours
Elegant White Herons impress with their snow-white plumage and particularly graceful walk
55 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Aurora Australis
Green and pink Aurora Australis hues poured over the dark sky resemble a giant witch's pot with a magic potion
Stargazing
There is no better stargazing place in the world than South Island, New Zealand, with its perfect views on other galaxies
The Milky Way
Millions distant stars of the famous Milky Way paint starry rainbows over New Zealand's sky during winter nights
Milford Sound
White foaming waterfalls cascading down the mountains' peaks are particularly spectacular after heavy rains
Baby Fur Seals Watching
Hundreds of restless fur seal pups play in water streams while their moms go hunting in the ocean
Hiking through the Glaciers
New Zealand's glaciers are a great wonder of nature and should be included into your must-see list
Rugby Haka
New Zealand rugby players keep spectators electrified during the entire match starting with vigorous haka cries
Arthur’s Pass
Alpine beauty elates the hikers of the Arthur's Pass
Tekapo Springs Hot Pools
Where else on Earth could you take a hot natural bath outside surrounded by snowy winter sceneries if not in New Zealand?
Sled Dog Experience
Go for a ride with a team of huskies in a picturesque backcountry
Hot Water Beach at Coromandel Peninsula
Jacuzzi is nothing comparing to caressing underground springs gushing out of the dug up sand pools
Waitangi Day
Festivities introduce to Māori culture highlighting traditional underground oven cooking and tribal customs
Waipoua Forest
The forest fascinates with its huge ancient kauri trees, colourful ferns, and exotic birds
Great New Zealand Muster
It means hundreds of fluffy sheep running along the street of Te Kuiti, the world's shearing capital
Great White Shark Cage Diving
The inquisitive great white shark's eyes staring at you will remain in your memory for long
Wanaka Snow and Ice Driving
This is your chance to drive prestigious European cars on the most challenging ice and snow surface
Shotover Canyon
If you like water extreme sports, try Shotover river and canyon and you'll remember it for the rest of your life
Skiing
New Zealand's slopes are excellent for a ski holiday
Paragliding
In comparison to sky diving, paragliding allows the pilot to control their flight, making them midair masters
Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
Beetles larvaes, baby fish with guts and lambs' testicles assure unforgettable experience for adventurous foodies
Monteith's Dog Derby in Queenstown
Barking and cheering sounds hover over the snowy slopes while dogs and their owners race headlong down
Snowboarding
No matter whether you are a novice in this sports or a keen rider, New Zealand boasts slopes and steeps for all levels
Kāwhia Kai Festival–Hamilton Waikato
Māori cuisine has many specialties. Try sweet potato and meat cooked in underground ovens and served in flax baskets
Catching Whitebait
Whitebaiters spend long hours to fish precious whitebait with the nets
Scuba Diving
New Zealand's underwater kingdom lacks only little mermaids. Otherwise, the abundance of marine species is amazing
Skydiving in Queenstown
New Zealand's snowy sceneries look even more amazing from the height of 12,000 feet above the earth
The Queenstown Winter Festival
10-day winter fun is made of mountain races, street performances, foods and music, and above all – famous Dog Derby
Dolphin Encounter
Have you ever dreamt about swimming together with joyful dolphins? Dreams come true in Kaikoura
Macadamia Nuts
The sweet taste and soft buttery surface of macadamia nuts make your palate water
Birdwatching
The whole country is considered a birdwatching spot and its coastline is labeled as a seabird capital
Bluff Oysters
Oyster lovers will appreciate particularly succulent, fishy and almost metallic-flavored Bluff Oyster
Matariki–Māori New Year
Matariki traditional New Year is associated with a miraculous constellation referring to Māori genealogy
Pavlova Dessert
The soft inner texture of the cake is covered with crispy crust topped with fresh fruits and whipped cream
Whitebait Season
Whitebaits fritters made of transparent worm-like baby fish fried with eggs and flour is a prime New Zealand's delicacy
Golden Kiwifruit
Golden kiwifruit is a special New Zealand's yellow and sweeter kiwi variety
World of WearableArt Awards Show (WOW)
You're going to be truly WOWed by this explosion of extravagance
Wine Harvest
Classic New Zealand wine trail embraces 80% of local wineries
Cave Walk at Craigieburn
The danger of Craigieburn caves is not to be underestimated: challenging oneself is not bad, yet caution is vital
Snow Tubing
Similar to coming down the water slides in aquapark, only better, because this time you slide on snow instead of water
Anzac Biscuits
Biscuits with the history behind them remind of soldiers' mothers and wives who used to send the pastry overseas
Rodeo
New Zealand rodeo is a thrilling, but also cruel sport that continues despite the protests of animal protection groups
Black Sand Piha Beach
Piha Beach in Auckland dazzles with black sands as well as great surfing opportunities and large rocks towering from the water
Passionfruit
Sweet and tart, exotic passion fruit will refresh you during New Zealand's summer and autumn
Cascade Saddle Route
Most people would like to omit spots like this, unless you are a true adventurer
Whale Watching
People's favorite marine inhabitants come closer to the shores in winter
Persimmon
The fruit consistency varies from soft like jelly to crispy like apples
Clams
New Zealand clams cooked in white wine, sweet Thai chilli sauce and coconut milk is a culinary masterpiece
McLaren Falls Park in Autumn
Rusty red Cypress trees are the main autumnal decoration of McLaren Falls Park
Tamarillo
Cut tamarillos 'bleed' with red gel and are served with a pinch of sugar or salt
Anzac Day
On the Anzac Day, New Zealanders watch parades and eat legendary Anzac biscuits
Spearfishing
A nice way to combine diving with hunting
The Kōwhai
Sweet-scented yellow kowhai flowers allure numerous birds
Spring Blossoms on the South Island
White and pink colours prevail in spring floral parades throughout the South Island
Feijoa
The juicy seeds-filled feijoa flesh is excellent when raw, but also good in puddings, pies and jams
Summer Tube Rides
If you miss winter tubes, summer has prepared another seasonal tubing trail for you
