Travel Guide to New Zealand Seasons
Sitting in the range south of the Tropic of Capricorn, this southern country is an all-weather tourist destination. Both North and the South Island regions of New Zealand offer moderate climate and temperatures to its visitors making it a year-round holiday destination.
Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Tasman Sea and Southern Alps, you will find spectacular natural beauty on this land far south and enough picturesque locations to amaze you for a long time.
The country enjoys long periods of daylight, mellow temperatures, and high precipitation through most of its regions. Before planning a trip to this gorgeous land of Aotearoa take some time to explore the country’s weather, places to see in their best season and other important things you might need to know as a first-time visitor to this country.
Spring Season in New Zealand
The most vibrant season of spring begins in September and reaches till November until the beginning of summer.
This is the time when people start embracing the outdoor activities and explore the great outdoors this country has to offer. Explore some of the best places to see in New Zealand in the spring season to get the best out of your travel experience.
Best Things to See in Spring in New Zealand
Lambs in Central Otago
With more sheep than humans, New Zealand is the best place to witness large herds of sheep spread in gorgeous open fields, a view perfectly giving the vibe of spring season.
In central Otago try going to sheep farming tours considered as one of the best sheep farming places in Otago Peninsula. You can see the world’s cutest Swiss Valais Blacknose sheep in family or group guided tours taking you through a spectacular landscape scenery.
Arthur’s Pass National Park
A historic and highest pass over the Southern Alps, this national park is one gorgeous beauty of the South Island. With mostly mountainous terrain, the Arthur’s Pass National Park was the first national park formed in the South Island region of New Zealand.
The national park also consists of the only railway crossing tunnel in the south island.
Cathedral Cove
Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, the Cathedral Cove’s perfect arch beaches make it the most refreshing spring scenery. One of the best sites in the coromandel, a short walk through the dramatic cliffs and arches of these beaches would be a perfect day out to explore the more than gorgeous ocean views in New Zealand.
Also known as the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve in the native Maori language, the stunning walkway can be best explored either by foot or through guided boat tours.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
A challenging yet rewarding hike through the mountainous terrains, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is recognised both for its cultural as well as natural significance.
Take a journey through New Zealand’s greatest walks and best day hikes, the hike usually takes around six to nine hours to complete journeying through the incredible Tongariro National Park. Not just the best in New Zealand but this short is known to be the best in the world hence making it a must to include in your itinerary.
Where to See Lupins in Spring?
Blooming in the season of spring to summer, the peak lupin season can be observed best in the Mackenzie Country, New Zealand, and central Otago. Plan a South Island Road trip during the advent of spring to witness the gorgeous bloom stretching all along your journey as far as Queenstown.
On your trip to New Zealand you must plan a visit to Lake Tekapo, Lake Wanaka, the Ahuriri river from mid-November to early January to observe the best of this flowering season clearly marking the beginning of spring.
Outdoors and Summers
Stretching from December to February, summer months in New Zealand offer a hot but not humid climate. Perfect time exploring the gorgeous outdoors of the country, swimming, road trips and outdoor adventures, get the best from summers in New Zealand.
You will experience moderate rainfall and many hours of sunshine and some of the best scenery in New Zealand can only be witnessed in summers.
Best Places to see in Summer
Auckland
A perfect blend of nature and urban life, Auckland’s summers are best to explore with its large ports and vibrant urban life. Try skydiving, hike through ancient volcanic cones or simply stroll through the night life of this diverse city of New Zealand.
Queenstown
Set against the dramatic southern alps, the South Island city of Queenstown is a must to include on your travel plans to New Zealand. Standing by The Remarkables, the Cecil Peak and Walter Peak, this resort town in Otago would offer you worlds best adventure sports, wide open vineyards and historic mining town all at one place.
Wellington
Set in the North Island, there are many good reasons why Wellington is New Zealand’s best place to be the country’s capital city. Known as the reactive and cultural heart of New Zealand, Wellington is home to award winning eateries, craft beer, national museums, and great coffee too!
Autumn in the South
The months of March, April and May welcome the season of Autumn in New Zealand. The most settled weather in the whole year, enjoy hiking amidst golden leaves, kayaking, cycling and more with temperatures ranging from 7 to 21 degrees celsius. Explore some of the best things to do in autumn in New Zealand.
Mild Weather
Try exploring any city or town of the country during mild weather season like this to make being outdoors more fun and relaxing than usual.
Quieter Roads
If you like solo excursions or more laid-back holidays then this season would offer you the best of New Zealand’s scenery without its peak season crowd. Good weather would stretch till late autumn.
Arrowtown Autumn Festival
Cycle or walk round the Arrow River,around the Millenium trail to see the spectacular autumn visulas. The dazzling gold, red and brown leaves would leave you awestruck as you travel around the tree lined streets of this town, cafes housed in historic buildings and cycle friendly tracks are all that you need to see the autumn season charm of New Zealand.
Winters in New Zealand
Beautiful snow-covered mountain vistas, ski resorts and rain in most parts of the country, the South island region becomes perfect for winter sports and activities. The months of June, July and August mark the advent of winter with colder weather and rain. Explore some of the best places to see in New Zealand winters.
Mount Ruapehu Skiing
Considered as New Zealand’s largest winter playground, with the best place to enjoy the snow landscapes of the region. Ski and travel in the epic north island ski areas. Mount Ruapehu Crater lake can be seen by a hike up to a ski field. You can access the country’s best ski slopes and many of New Zealand’s highest life accessible peaks too!
South Island Winters
Simply choose from a variety of preferences to enjoy your winters in New Zealand. The country simply becomes a winter wonderland in the winter season with a range of winter sports and activities to explore.
The rugged South Island is the best option to explore the winter scenery but clear blue skies, complete white landscape and dazzling lakes. From snow slopes, ski resorts to popular towns of Queenstown and Arrowtown, South island is the perfect winter getaway in New Zealand.
Queenstown
Queenstown, also known as the adventure capital of the world is renowned for its winter slopes and range of winter outdoor activities. Access the world class ski fields, resort towns and many other winter activities during this lovely season in the South Island.
New Zealand enjoys mild temperatures during the majority time of the year. The north island region shares a subtropical climate in the summer months while the South Island winters can be chilly as -10 degrees. Since a large portion of the country lies near the coastal landscapes, it directly means that majority regions of South Island enjoy mild weather, light rains and freedom to explore many winter worthy places through snowboarding or snowmobiling.
No region of the earth is free from the extreme weather e=conditions and the same goes as the case for this Southern hemisphere country where temperatures become more diminished as you keep travelling south. The north island region on the other hand promoted a more subtropical climate with the hottest months of December to February becoming a popular tourism destination.
Long Hours of Daylight
As you travel around New Zealand you will find most places with more hours of daylight, with the sunniest zones including Nelson receiving more than 2000 hours of daylight. During the summer months sunlight can last upto 9 pm or much later in the evening in many parts of the country.
As a good advice, consider sunburn to be a serious issue as you travel to New Zealand. The peak daytime from 11 am to 4 pm is best advised to keep distance from the blazing clear sun rays which due to little air contamination is very sharp in this south island country.
UV beams during daylight are specifically solid and wearing caps, sunscreens, shades are the best precautions one must take seriously while travelling around the country during summers. Even in the winter months most regions of New Zealand receive a high extent of daylight.
Expect Mild Rain
Normal precipitation in New Zealand is high but is uniformly spread across regions. Making the country a perfect spot for agriculture and other cultivating activities. Even in mild rains you can explore various parts of the country where you can experience the seasonal treasures offered by that place.
Currency- What to Know About New Zealand Dollar?
As a matter of advice for easy travel, plan to change your currency in your home country rather than changing it as you land in New Zealand. You can use an offshore credit card to avoid converting currency locally as that can be expensive after you land in New Zealand.
It is best to carry money rather than being dependent on plastic money or ATM’s. Although there is no dearth of such options all around the country, it is best to carry some money with you as you travel around rather than being always dependent on other ways of payment. Mastercard, AMEX and Visa are broadly accepted. Most places avoid charging you extra if you use them.
Do not expect to bargain at retails in New Zealand as the fixed cost concept is widely strict around the region. Retailers avoid moving from a fixed cost in majority cases however although rare, in case you see an opportunity to talk it out somewhere then you might give it a try.
Tips are more out of the personal willingness to pay rather than a usual scene. Don’t consider tipping to be a ‘have to’ concept in New Zealand as tips are usually incorporated into costs. On some occasions you might see a ten to twenty percent extra charge at cafes, bars or restaurants.
Lowest denomination starts from a ten cent coin. Rounding up becomes common but it might change depending on the vendor or dealer.
In a matter of a few minutes you can try applying for NZeTA or an e-visa for New Zealand and get your travel authorization to visit the country. Plan a hassle free trip to New Zealand and receive your e-visa much quicker than a traditional visa.
New Zealand eTA or electronic travel authorisation would allow you to visit the country with the help of an electronic permit for a given period of time.
Contrary to a traditional visa process, an all online visa application process would save loads of time from visiting any embassy or office to get your travel authorization.
You can apply for NZeTA through an all online process to get your e-visa for New Zealand within 1 to 2 business days at your doorstep.
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In a country bestowed with wonderful natural beauty, every day could be seen as a celebration. However, New Zealand still has a range of festivals spread across all seasons from energising summers to charming and pretty winters. Learn more at Top Festivals to Attend on Your Trip to New Zealand.