When is the best time to visit New Zealand

If you don’t know which is the best time to travel to New Zealand, don’t worry, we tell you everything you need to know to plan your adventure.  We’ll tell you in advance that, generally, the best months are from December to April.

When to travel to New Zealand

Although it could be considered that we can travel all year round, undoubtedly, summer is the most suitable time to enjoy the beauty of this country. From December to the end of March, or beginning or April, you will have an ideal temperature to discover the wonders of New Zealand.

On the other hand, depending on the area you visit, some months are more favourable than others to plan your trip.

The north of the North Island and Auckland

If your trip is orientated towards enjoying the beaches of the north of New Zealand’s North Island, arrange your trip to be there from December to March.  During these months you will be able to discover the Māori culture with a good temperature, avoiding the cold and rain of New Zealand’s winter.

The south of the North Island and Wellington

To discover the beauty of the Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Taupo or Hawke’s Bay, the best thing is to travel between December and April. The warm season offers you a pleasant climate so that you can discover what these places of New Zealand can offer you as you please.

The north of the South Island, Nelson

If you don’t know when to travel to New Zealand to visit the city of Nelson, and the region of Marlborough, we recommend the warm season (from December to March). In this area the weather is cooler, but even so, you will be able to enjoy its beaches and scenic charms.

The centre of the South Island

The best time to visit New Zealand and discover Christchurch or climb Mount Cook and wonder at the Franz-Josef and Fox glaciers is December to March. It is the perfect time to discover the region on foot, swimming, or by relaxing in one of the area’s thermal spas.

Queenstown and the south of the South Island

Between December and April you will be able to discover the lakes and mountains of this region of New Zealand.  Large forests, mountains and rivers await you to go hiking and do other adventure sports in nature.  However, if you want to ski, go to Queenstown from June to August, since it is the perfect place for this winter sport.

Chatham and Solander islands

If you are wondering when to visit New Zealand to discover its more remote islands, from December to March continues to be the best time.  The good temperature will accompany you to experience a unique adventure on wild islands that very few visitors know about.

Now, what is the climate in New Zealand like? And which months correspond to the main seasons of the year? Below, we explain everything in detail.

The seasons of the year

Take note of the different seasons of the year in New Zealand.

New Zealand spring

Spring in New Zealand goes from September to November, and although it is the perfect time to be immersed in nature, the temperatures range from  4ºC to 18ºC, if you aren’t afraid of the cold, you will be able to swoon with the immense waterfalls and an explosion of flowers.

New Zealand summer

We have already said that summer is the best time to travel to New Zealand, especially from December to February when the temperatures range between  21ºC and 30ºC. An ideal time to enjoy the sea, discover the cities and walk in the mountains.

New Zealand autumn

From March to May, autumn takes place in this exotic country, with temperatures between  7ºC and 21ºC, with plenty of sunny days and a very stable climate in general.  It will enable you to walk, go kayaking, and enjoy many regions of the country with good weather.

New Zealand winter

Between June and August, the ski slopes overflow with visitors, there are also interesting winter festivals of wine, and many travellers prefer it so they can avoid the tourist season.  If you travel in winter you will find temperatures that range from 1ºC to 15ºC.

Finally, there is another factor to determine when to travel to New Zealand, and this is the tourist season.

Tourist season in New Zealand

The high season obviously coincides with the warm season, in other words, from December to February. New Zealand summer’s mean very crowded beaches, higher prices and difficulty finding accommodation. But is also the time when numerous festivals and sporting competitions are celebrated.

The mid-season, however, goes from March and April, and is a good time since the prices are not as high, there are less tourists, and the temperatures are still good.

In the low tourist season, from May to August, you will find numerous offers, air fares at a better price, except in ski resorts.

With all of this, now you have all the information you need to plan your trip to New Zealand and discover a country that you will always want to return to.