Best time to visit New Zealand

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New Zealand

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.

49 THINGS TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND (NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 09)

Hobbiton

Hobbiton

September–February • activity

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

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

November–April • nature

No, these lights overhead in the caves are neither stars, nor electric lamps, but actually bioluminescent worms!

Stargazing

Stargazing

December–April • nature

There is no better stargazing place in the world than South Island, New Zealand, with its perfect views on other galaxies

Blue Lake

Blue Lake

November–May • nature

When you look at this amazingly clear water with blue and violet hues, it seems to be fake, but it is real indeed

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

September–May • nature

The thermal wonderland amuses with bright-coloured pools, daily geyser eruptions, steaming grounds, and boiling muds

Milford Sound

Milford Sound

December–January • nature

White foaming waterfalls cascading down the mountains' peaks are particularly spectacular after heavy rains

Tunnel Beach, Dunedin

Tunnel Beach, Dunedin

November–March • activity

Dunedin Beach with the tunnel, sandstone cliffs, rocks and caves create a nice territory to be explored

Lupine

Lupine

mid-November–late December • nature

The scenic landscape of New Zealand’s South Island astonishes with varied colors

Biking

Biking

November–April • activity

Amazing trails winding across New Zealand scenic mountainous landscapes seem to be made especially​ for cyclists

Te Araroa—New Zealand's Trail

Te Araroa—New Zealand's Trail

October–March • activity

One of the newest and most beautiful trails in New Zealand, Te Araroa will become your adventure of a lifetime!

Kiwis' Breeding Season

Kiwis' Breeding Season

August–April • nature

Cute flightless baby kiwis are safer and closer to humans at Rainbow Springs, kiwi wildlife park in Rotorua

Climbing Mount Cook

Climbing Mount Cook

November–early January • activity

When you reach the summit of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, you will feel like a conqueror of the world

Body Board Down the Sand Dunes

Body Board Down the Sand Dunes

November–April • activity

It's like snowboarding, surfing and sledging, yet without snow, water or sledges, just sand dunes and a dose of adrenaline

Tawaki—the Rainforest Penguin

Tawaki—the Rainforest Penguin

July–early December • nature

Tawaki is the only penguin in the world that lives in the rainforest and not in the icebergs' surroundings

Gannet Colony

Gannet Colony

mid-October–April • nature

Gannet couples demonstrate a strong sense of paternal responsibility fighting for the right to hatch their single egg​

Great White Shark Cage Diving

Great White Shark Cage Diving

December–June • activity

The inquisitive great white shark's eyes staring at you will remain in your memory for a long time

Waipoua Forest

Waipoua Forest

December–February • nature

The forest fascinates with its huge ancient kauri trees, colourful ferns, and exotic birds

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

November–May • activity

The stunning beauty of Tongariro volcanic landscapes spotted with emerald-like crater lakes

Jet Boating

Jet Boating

September–April • activity

Jet boating in New Zealand's quick and shallow rivers flowing through steep canyons evokes an immeasurable thrill

White Island Tour

White Island Tour

September–April • activity

ATTENTION! On December 9, 2019 the volcano eruption occurred. Active marine volcano amazes with bubbling mud pits, multicolored mountains, green lakes, and hot steams

Sea Lions Breeding Season

Sea Lions Breeding Season

November–January • nature

Better not to intrude into the huge mammals' pre-breeding fights and stay away until they settle territorial disputes

Arthur’s Pass

Arthur’s Pass

December–February • activity

Alpine beauty elates the hikers of the Arthur's Pass

Luging

Luging

November–April • activity

Comfortable gondolas, fast and twisted luge tracks, and beautiful sceneries make luging compete with traditional sledding

Huhu Grub

Huhu Grub

November–March • food

When Huhu beetle larvae are eaten with closed eyes, they may be easily confused with buttery chicken

Mt Ruapehu Crater Climb

Mt Ruapehu Crater Climb

December–April • activity

You will see rugged rocky slopes, ancient lava flows, glacial valleys and the largest Ruapehu Crater Lake

Surfing

Surfing

September–April • activity

New Zealand surf spot map boasts 28 marks on the North Island and 10 locations on the South Island

Kororā (Little Penguin) Breeding Season

Kororā (Little Penguin) Breeding Season

November–March • nature

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

Shotover Canyon

Shotover Canyon

October–November • nature

If you like water extreme sports, try Shotover river and canyon and you'll remember it for the rest of your life​

Pohutukawa Tree

Pohutukawa Tree

November–January • nature

Pohutukawa tree is known as New Zealand Christmas tree as its crimson blossoms appear during Christmas time

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

September–November • activity

The whole country is considered a birdwatching spot and its coastline​ is labeled as a seabird capital

Catching Whitebait

Catching Whitebait

West Coast, South Island: September–mid-November | Elsewhere else: August–November • activity

Whitebaiters spend long hours to fish precious whitebait with the nets

Kea Bird

Kea Bird

July–January • nature

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

Bar-Tailed Godwits

September–March • nature

Could you cross 10,000 km without food and rest? Seems unreal, but not for bar-tailed godwits

White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting

October–May • activity

New Zealand's turbulent rivers invite for a breathtaking white water rafting, just hold tight to keep inside your raft

New Zealand Cruises

New Zealand Cruises

October–April (December, January, and February are peak months) • activity

Get the ultimate "Lord of the Rings" experience while cruising along New Zealand

Black Water Rafting

Black Water Rafting

November–April • activity

You will raft the cave rivers, climb up the rocks of Ruakuri Cave, go black water tubing and view blue glow worms

Hoiho–Yellow-Eyed Penguin

Hoiho–Yellow-Eyed Penguin

November–early April • nature

Unique appearance of a yellow-eyed penguin hoiho cannot be confused with any other species, even during moulting

Rock Lobsters

Rock Lobsters

mid-May–March • food

Lobster meat is destinguished by sweet flavour that makes your mouth water

Black Sand Piha Beach

Black Sand Piha Beach

December–March • nature

Piha Beach in Auckland dazzles with black sands as well as great surfing opportunities and large rocks towering from the water

Crown Range Road

Crown Range Road

March–April | October–November (all year round) • activity

The highest major road in New Zealand boasts scenic views

Pavlova Dessert

Pavlova Dessert

late November–December • food

The soft inner texture of the cake is covered with crispy crust topped with fresh fruits and whipped cream

Clams

Clams

December–April • food

New Zealand clams cooked in white wine, sweet Thai​ chilli sauce and coconut milk is a culinary masterpiece

Sailing

Sailing

September–May • activity

Find delight in peaceful, silent and scenic gliding on water

Cascade Saddle Route

Cascade Saddle Route

December–February  • activity

Most people would like to omit spots like this, unless you are a true adventurer

The White Heron Sanctuary Tours

The White Heron Sanctuary Tours

September–early March • activity

Elegant White Herons impress with their snow-white plumage and particularly graceful walk

Lindis Pass

Lindis Pass

all year round • activity

The highest road on the South Island of New Zealand

Rodeo

Rodeo

December–February • activity

New Zealand rodeo is a thrilling, but also cruel sport that continues despite the protests of animal protection groups

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

September–December (all year round) • activity

Enjoy your favorite wind sports surrounded by stunning landscapes

50 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Aurora Australis

Aurora Australis

out of rangeMarch–September • nature

Green and pink aurora australis hues poured over the dark sky resemble a giant witch's​ pot with a magic potion

Matariki–Māori New Year

Matariki–Māori New Year

out of rangeJune 28, 2024 • event

Matariki traditional New Year is associated with a miraculous constellation referring to Māori genealogy

Milky Way

Milky Way

out of rangeJune–August • activity

Millions distant stars of the famous Milky Way paint starry rainbows over New Zealand's sky during winter nights

Baby Fur Seals Watching

Baby Fur Seals Watching

out of rangeApril–October • nature

Hundreds of restless fur seal pups play in water streams while their moms go hunting in the ocean

Great New Zealand Muster

Great New Zealand Muster

on holdApril 6, 2024 • event

It means hundreds of fluffy sheep running along the street of Te Kuiti, the world's shearing capital

Tekapo Springs Hot Pools

Tekapo Springs Hot Pools

out of rangeJune–August • activity

Where else on Earth could you take a hot natural bath outside surrounded by snowy winter sceneries if not in New Zealand?

Hiking through the Glaciers​

Hiking through the Glaciers​

out of rangeJune–August • activity

New Zealand's glaciers are a great wonder of nature and should be included into your must-see list

Queenstown Winter Festival

Queenstown Winter Festival

out of rangeJuly 7–10, 2022 ("Welcome to Winter") • event

A ten-day winter fun is made of mountain races, street performances, foods and music, and above all – famous Dog Derby

Rugby Haka

Rugby Haka

out of rangemid-February–early August • activity

New Zealand rugby players keep spectators electrified during the entire match starting with vigorous haka cries

World of WearableArt Awards Show (WOW)

World of WearableArt Awards Show (WOW)

out of rangeSeptember 20–October 8, 2023 • event

You're going to be truly WOWed by this explosion of extravagance

Kayaking

Kayaking

out of rangeJanuary–February • activity

Kayaking in New Zealand will take you to secret and ancient nooks

Sled Dog Experience

Sled Dog Experience

out of rangeJuly–August • activity

Go for a ride with a team of huskies in a picturesque backcountry

Bluff Oysters

Bluff Oysters

out of rangeMarch–August • food

Oyster lovers will appreciate particularly succulent, fishy and almost metallic-flavored Bluff Oyster

Hot Water Beach at Coromandel Peninsula

Hot Water Beach at Coromandel Peninsula

out of rangeJune–August • activity

Jacuzzi is nothing comparing to caressing underground springs gushing out of the dug up sand pools

Kāwhia Kai Festival–Hamilton Waikato

Kāwhia Kai Festival–Hamilton Waikato

canceledearly February 2023 • event

Māori cuisine has many specialties. Try sweet potato and meat cooked in underground ovens and served in flax baskets

Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day

out of rangeFebruary 06 • event

Festivities introduce to Māori culture highlighting traditional underground oven cooking and tribal customs

Skiing

Skiing

out of rangemid-June–September • activity

New Zealand's slopes are excellent for a ski holiday

Monteith's Dog Derby in Queenstown

Monteith's Dog Derby in Queenstown

out of rangeJuly 7–10, 2022 • event

Barking and cheering sounds hover over the snowy slopes while dogs and their owners race headlong down

Hokitika Wildfoods Festival

Hokitika Wildfoods Festival

out of rangeMarch 9, 2024 • event

Beetles larvaes, baby fish with guts and lambs' testicles assure unforgettable experience for adventurous foodies

Paragliding

Paragliding

out of rangeMarch–September • activity

In comparison to sky diving, paragliding allows the pilot to control their flight, making them midair masters

Wine Harvest

Wine Harvest

out of rangeFebruary–April • food

Classic New Zealand wine trail embraces 80% of local wineries

Snowboarding

Snowboarding

out of rangemid-June–September • activity

No matter whether you are a novice in this sports or a keen rider, New Zealand boasts slopes and steeps for all levels

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

out of rangeFebruary–June • activity

New Zealand's underwater kingdom lacks only little mermaids. Otherwise,​ the abundance of marine species is amazing

Electric Gardens Festival

Electric Gardens Festival

out of rangeMarch 30–April 7, 2024 (March 30—Melbourne, March 31—Sydney, April 6-7—Perth) • event

Electronic-centric music festival in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth

Balloons over Waikato

Balloons over Waikato

out of rangeMarch 19-23, 2024 • event

One of the largest hot air balloon festivals in New Zealand

Dolphin Encounter

Dolphin Encounter

out of rangeJune–August • activity

Have you ever dreamt about swimming together with joyful dolphins? Dreams come true in Kaikoura

Skydiving in Queenstown

Skydiving in Queenstown

out of rangeJune–August • activity

New Zealand's snowy sceneries look even more amazing from the height of 12,000 feet above the earth

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia Nuts

out of rangelate May–October • food

The sweet taste and soft buttery surface of macadamia nuts make your palate water

Wanaka Snow and Ice Driving

Wanaka Snow and Ice Driving

out of rangeJune–August • activity

This is your chance to drive prestigious​ European cars on the most challenging ice and snow surface

Cave Walk at Craigieburn

Cave Walk at Craigieburn

out of rangeJanuary–March • activity

The danger of Craigieburn caves is not to be underestimated: challenging oneself is not bad, yet caution is vital

Whitebait Season

Whitebait Season

out of rangemid-August–late November • food

Whitebaits fritters made of transparent worm-like baby fish fried with eggs and flour is a prime New Zealand's delicacy

Passionfruit

Passionfruit

out of rangeFebruary–May • food

Sweet and tart, exotic passion fruit will refresh you during New Zealand's summer and autumn

Golden Kiwifruit

Golden Kiwifruit

out of rangeMarch–May • food

Golden kiwifruit is a special New Zealand's yellow and sweeter kiwi variety

Persimmon

Persimmon

out of rangeApril–June • food

The fruit consistency varies from soft like jelly to crispy like apples

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

out of rangeJune–July • nature

People's favorite marine inhabitants come closer to the shores in winter

Spring Blossoms on the South Island

Spring Blossoms on the South Island

out of rangelate August–early October • nature

White and pink colours prevail in spring floral parades throughout the South Island

Snow Tubing

Snow Tubing

out of rangelate June–August • activity

Similar to coming down the water slides in aquapark, only better, because this time you slide on snow instead of water

McLaren Falls Park in Autumn

McLaren Falls Park in Autumn

out of rangeMarch–May • nature

Rusty red Cypress trees are the main autumnal decoration of McLaren Falls Park

Crankworx Rotorua

Crankworx Rotorua

out of rangeMarch 16-24, 2024 • event

A world famous mountain biking competition

Anzac Biscuits

Anzac Biscuits

out of rangeApril 25 • food

Biscuits with the history behind them remind of soldiers' mothers and wives who used to send the pastry overseas

Feijoa

Feijoa

out of rangeMarch–June • food

The juicy seeds-filled feijoa flesh is excellent when raw, but also good in puddings, pies and jams

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangelate December–early January  • event

New Zealand is the second country in the world to welcome the New Year

Anzac Day

Anzac Day

out of rangeApril 25 • event

On the Anzac Day, New Zealanders watch parades and eat legendary Anzac​ biscuits

Wairarapa Balloon Festival

Wairarapa Balloon Festival

out of rangeMarch 28-April 1, 2024 • event

Colorful ballooons over the beautiful Wairarapa Valley

Spearfishing

Spearfishing

out of rangeFebruary–June • activity

A nice way to combine diving with hunting

The Kōwhai

The Kōwhai

out of rangeSeptember–mid-October • nature

Sweet-scented yellow kowhai flowers allure numerous birds

Tamarillo

Tamarillo

out of rangeApril–October • food

Cut tamarillos 'bleed' with red gel and are served with a pinch of sugar or salt

Red Bull Defiance

Red Bull Defiance

overJanuary 18–19, 2020 • event

A unique race combines running, kayaking and mountain biking

Classic Fighters Omaka

Classic Fighters Omaka

out of rangeApril 18–20, 2025 • event

An action-packed family-friendly weekend

Summer Tube Rides

Summer Tube Rides

out of rangelate December–February • activity

If you miss winter tubes, summer has prepared another seasonal tubing trail for you

Last updated:
Jan
8.7
Feb
8.9
Mar
8.6
Apr
8.1
May
7.5
Jun
7.2
Jul
7.1
Aug
7.2
Sep
7.3
Oct
7.6
Nov
8
Dec
8.6

New Zealand weather in January

8.7/10 score
Excellent
19° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
January is the second warmest month of the year and one of the best months to visit New Zealand. The balmy temperature in the North Island reaches high twenties degrees Celsius (seventy Fahrenheit). It’s time for outdoor festivals, beaches, and hiking. You can go to one of New Zealand's Great Walks, go sailing in the Bay of Islands or try surfing. Don’t forget to wear protection against harmful UVF lights. The South Island is a few degrees cooler in July. The coolest temperature can be observed in the southern part of the South Island, like Dunedin and Invercargill or inland cities and towns like Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, and Alexandra. However, it is still comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities. It’s a great time to visit glaciers and take nature-watching tours.

New Zealand weather in February

8.9/10 score
Excellent
19° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The last month of summer is the warmest in New Zealand with balmy temperatures on both the North and South Islands. Since it’s warm even in the mountains, February is a good time for camping. But you’ll still need to pack a light jacket because the temperature can fall to 10°C (50°F) on some nights. The warmest part of New Zealand, Northland, has perfect weather with temperatures soaring to hot levels. February is also the driest month almost everywhere in New Zealand, except for Northland and the West Coast of the South Island. But even there, rains are quite moderate. February suits well for caving and canyoning, rafting, and kayaking on both islands.

New Zealand weather in March

8.6/10 score
Excellent
17° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The first month of fall is still very warm and suits perfectly for visiting New Zealand. The mellow temperature in the Northland of the North Island fits for any outdoor activity. The Bay of Islands and Lake Rotorua are still good for a beach trip with swimming and fishing. Auckland and Tauranga have comfortable temperatures in March. Changing seasons are more visible in the Central Otago region of the South Island and Hawke's Bay in the North Island where fall foliage is especially picturesque. March is a great time to visit wineries and vineyards. Otago region on the South islands is known for its Pinot Noir. March is a relatively dry month for most regions with the exception of the West Coast of the South Island. In Queenstown and inland South Island areas, March is the wettest month of the year. The temperature in Dunedin and Invercargill, Alexandra, Lake Tekapo, and Queenstown is the coldest in New Zealand, but still comfortable enough to walk around in a sweater.

New Zealand weather in April

8.1/10 score
Excellent
15° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
You can experience all four seasons in one day in New Zealand. Especially, if you come in a month like April when the weather is quite capricious and unpredictable. If you get lucky, you will witness crisp sunny weather with cloudless blue skies that is perfect for hiking and sightseeing. The temperature in the North Island can reach 20 degrees Celsius (high sixties Fahrenheit). But the nights are going to be definitely cool. So keep a warm jacket by your side. April is considered to be a perfect month for hiking in the South Island to see beautiful fall colors. Despite the fact that it is slightly colder here than on the North Island, days are still very pleasant for walking trails around Wanaka, Arrowtown, and Queenstown. There can be occasional snow in the mountains, and the temperature at night can drop to freezing level. Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, and Alexandra, as well as Dunedin and Invercargill, are the coldest at this time. April is quite dry at most areas of the South Island, except for its West Coast. Westport, Hokitika and Milford Sound are very rainy. Northern New Zealand, particularly Northland, Auckland, and Tauranga also have more rains in April than other parts of the country.

New Zealand weather in May

7.5/10 score
Very good
14° average
average temperatures
12 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
May marks the transition between fall and winter months in New Zealand. It’s not a popular time to visit since many outdoor activities like hiking are not that pleasant due to colder weather, while skiing is still not available in the mountains. The weather in May is very unpredictable. It can change from sunshine to rain and snow very fast. The colder temperature require an insulated jacket and some warm clothes. North Island that is generally warmer has moderate temperatures around 15°C (57°F) while on the South Island, it can easily drop to freezing. It’s still possible to do day hikes, go fishing or cycling. It rains a little bit more on both islands in May in comparison with April. The first snow usually falls in the mountains in mid or late May.

New Zealand weather in June

7.2/10 score
Very good
12° average
average temperatures
12 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
June marks the arrival of winter in New Zealand and the high season for all winter sports. Colder temperatures are observed in the whole country. June also brings more rain to the most of the North Island and snowfall in the mountains on both North and South islands. If you plan to visit Auckland, pack an umbrella. June is a good time to visit ski resorts that start operating during this month. Coronet Peak usually opens first. On North Island skiing is popular in Ruapehu and Taranaki.South Island has ski areas in Otago, Nelson, Canterbury, Wanaka and Queenstown that always celebrates the arrival of snow. The South Island has cooler temperature than the North Island. It is also more dry here, and days are sunny and crisp. Southern Alps and are especially beautiful at this time. West Coast of the South island experiences more rains than the rest of it during June.

New Zealand weather in July

7.1/10 score
Very good
11° average
average temperatures
12 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
July is a mid-winter month in New Zealand, and visitors can witness different weather patterns at this time: sunny weather, rain, snow, and hail. However, winter on both islands is never too extreme. July is a good month to try skating, snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding in the picturesque mountain ranges of Taranaki, Otago, and Queenstown. The temperature in July ranges from below freezing in Christchurch and Queenstown on South Island to comfortable and warm in Gisborne and Whangarei on the North Island. July is quite wet in New Zealand. That especially concerns the North Island where Auckland and Wellington receive lots of rainfall. Meanwhile, On the South Island, Westport and Queenstown are quite dry in July. July is the least sunny month in New Zealand, but there are still nine hours of sunshine.

New Zealand weather in August

7.2/10 score
Very good
11° average
average temperatures
12 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The last month of winter is considered to be the best for skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand. There is plenty of snow, and the temperature remains quite cool throughout both islands. The weather is rather cold in mountainous regions and you should wear warm insulated clothes. North Island has quite moderate temperatures in Auckland, Rotorua, New Plymouth, and Wellington, especially during the day. South Island also has warm weather in Nelson and Christchurch and a few degrees cooler air in Queenstown and Invercargill. It is raining quite often, but not too much. Snow is typical for higher elevations in August. Some areas can also experience flooding. Days get longer stretching to 11 hours of daylight by the end of the month.

New Zealand weather in September

7.3/10 score
Very good
12° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
September brings more sunny weather, longer days and warmer temperatures. The skiing season is still going on in the mountains, at least in the beginning of the month. By the end of the month, the snow is melting actively kicking off the exciting white water rafting on New Zealand rivers. However, the main activity during this month is visiting blossoming valleys and admiring spring blooms. Air temperature quickly rises to comfortable levels on both islands reaching the mid to high teens. However sudden polar cold waves and freezing nights are still possible. September is the month when you can see “four seasons in one day”. September is not too rainy in New Zealand. Most places get as much rain in September as during winter months. Queenstown is a bit more rainy than usual during this month.

New Zealand weather in October

7.6/10 score
Very good
14° average
average temperatures
11 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The second month of spring brings mellow and warm weather to New Zealand. It’s a perfect time for sightseeing, hiking or any kind of outdoor activity. The ski season is over by this time, however, there are still plenty of wild blooms to check out in all areas. The Wellington has its best weather in October. However, mind the strong winds. All major areas of New Zealand enjoy comfortable temperatures in high teens Celsius. October is a quite wet month, with more rainfall than in September almost in all areas of New Zealand.

New Zealand weather in November

8/10 score
Excellent
15° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
November is a warm and dry month in New Zealand that marks the transition from spring to summer. It’s a great month for hiking, sightseeing, kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. 15 hours of daylight will help you to squeeze maximum fun out of 24 hours. Pack a light jacket for colder nights, during the days it would be t-shirt weather. Day temperatures stay in high 20 degrees Celsius (up to 70s Fahrenheit). In places like Christchurch, Tauranga, Gisborne, and Nelson temperature can rise to quite hot. November is not a wet month and less rainy than October, but some days still might be rather rainy. In Queenstown, for instance, it’s quite rainy all spring. Whangarei is also rather wet in November.

New Zealand weather in December

8.6/10 score
Excellent
17° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
December marks the beginning of beach season in New Zealand. Combine it with the Christmas holidays, and you’ll get a perfect combination. Visit Tauranga that offers many surf beaches as well as Gisborne on North Island. December provides hot temperatures perfect for sunbathing and swimming. However, keep in mind that the water around New Zealand is never really warm. Also, wear plenty of UV protection and keep in mind that the South Island gets strong north-western winds during December. December is perfect for hiking in the mountains that receive hot temperatures during the day but can get chilly at night. December is the wettest summer month, however, the amount of rain is not that large. You will get plenty of sunny days to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beautiful nature.