When to go to New Zealand
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand’s seasons are of course the opposite to much of the rest of the world. Generally speaking, the better months to travel tend to fall between October and April with Xmas, Easter and January/February being peak season. June to September are their winter months and unless you are keen skiers, it is unlikely you will be taking a New Zealand family holiday during this period, although certain locations are perfectly accessible. Temperatures can vary by 10 degrees between the warmer North Island and cooler South Island.
Please bear in mind that even during peak seasons, the weather in New Zealand can be extremely changeable. All that stunning scenery was created as a combined result of earth movement and climate and you WILL get deluged upon at some point in your trip, if not regularly. The rainfall is most pronounced on the west coast of the South Island and unfortunately, many of the activities often get cancelled at short notice because of inclement conditions. Embrace it if you can and learn to love the torrential waterfalls and the pounding ocean waves – and take some decent waterproofs!
January
A popular time to travel. Hot, sunny, dry days are common throughout the country. Activities, rental vehicles and accommodation need to be pre-booked well in advance.
February
A popular time to travel. Hot, sunny, dry days are common throughout the country. Activities, rental vehicles and accommodation need to be pre-booked well in advance.
March
Still a very good time to travel with slightly more settled weather. This is the optimum month to enjoy long, warm, sunny days without the crowds.
April
A pleasant time to travel although temperatures are starting to cool off as the country heads towards autumn. The weather can be quite settled. Easter is peak season in New Zealand and activities, rental vehicles and accommodation need to be pre-booked well in advance.
May
This is an enjoyable period of settled weather as autumn gets into full swing. Daytime temperatures are still comfortable but days are getting shorter and rainfall increases.
June
The start of winter with cold crisp days. Snow arrives in the mountains whilst rain falls in the North Island. Temperatures fall below freezing in the centre of the South Island although it remains relatively mild around Auckland.
July
The coldest month in the middle of the New Zealand winter. Heavy snowfall arrives in the South Island whilst rain falls in the North Island. Temperatures fall below freezing around Queenstown although it remains relatively mild around Auckland.
August
The middle of the New Zealand winter. Heavy snowfall means ski resorts are busy on both islands. Temperatures fall below freezing around Queenstown whilst it remains relatively mild around Auckland.
September
Spring is in the air, days get longer and temperatures are on the rise. Rainfall is still quite common though. The weather can be extremely changeable – crisp, sunny days mixed with cooler, showery periods.
October
Spring is in the air, days get longer and temperatures are on the rise. Rainfall is still quite common though. The weather can be extremely changeable – crisp, sunny days mixed with cooler, showery periods.
November
Spring merges into summer, days get longer and temperatures are on the rise. The weather can still be extremely changeable – crisp, sunny days mixed with cooler, showery periods.
December
A popular time to travel, with Xmas being peak season. Hot, sunny dry days are common throughout the country. Activities, rental vehicles and accommodation need to be pre-booked well in advance.
Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.
01728 752751
New Zealand in pictures
