The best time to Visit New Zealand
New Zealand’s high season is in the summer months, December through February. If you’re planning to visit over these months, book your flights and accommodation well in advance to lock in lower prices.
If you’re a hiker, March to May is the best time to tackle New Zealand’s famous Great Walks. It’s also a good option period for budget travellers from the US, with flight prices dipping during these months.
Here are the best times to travel to New Zealand
Visiting New Zealand in January - February
The warm sunny days of summer make this an ideal time to visit, particularly for snorkeling or outdoor pursuits, but it can be harder to find accommodation. School vacations run into the first two weeks of January, while tourists arrive in large numbers to make the most of the warm climate until the end of February. It’s also a great time to spot dolphins and fur seals off the coast of the South Island.
Events & Festivals
- Marlborough Food and Wine Festival (February): This is New Zealand’s longest running wine festival, right in the heart of the world-famous wine producing region.
- Rugby Sevens in Wellington (January to February): Rugby Sevens lights up Wellington as thousands flock to watch the country’s favourite sporting event.
- Wellington Fringe Festival (February to March): Wellington Fringe Festival brings masses of entertainment in the form of music, comedy and theatre to venues across the city.
Visiting New Zealand in March - May
The arrival of fall brings cooler days and quieter roads. While the weather will be more changeable, there is still a fantastic array of wildlife to be seen and the changing colors of the leaves add a new dynamic. If you are happy with cooler weather then this is a great time to make the most of lower prices and fewer crowds.
Events & Festivals
- Bluff Oyster Festival (May): This festival celebrates the season’s oyster harvest with music, food and wine.
- Warbirds over Wanaka air show (every other year over Easter weekend): This thrilling air show brings historic aircraft and modern fighter jets to the skies in the South Island.
- Wellington Fringe Festival (February to March): Wellington Fringe Festival brings masses of entertainment in the form of music, comedy and theatre to venues across the city.
Visiting New Zealand in June - August
Winter in New Zealand can be both beautiful and challenging. While the North Island sees much rain, snow in the South Island can make mountain passes more difficult and many excursions cease to operate. It is, however, a spectacular draw for skiers and a fantastic time to see the country away from the crowds that the summer brings.
As winter continues, areas in the North Island such as Rotorua and the Bay of Islands remain relatively popular as they benefit from milder weather than the south. The South Island holds its own charms, though, as humpback whales pass by Kaikoura on their way north to warmer waters.
Visiting New Zealand in September - December
Temperatures begin to rise and snow on the mountains starts melting, making this a fantastic time for white-water rafting as the rivers are full and fast. The weather is changeable, but as most tourists are yet to arrive the roads are quiet and accommodation is easier to secure. September is also a brilliant time to see newborn lambs in the fields and orcas gracing the coastline with their presence.
The warmer weather isn’t the only draw of the start to New Zealand’s summer; stunning wild gorse and vibrantly colored lupins spread across the country, making it one of the most impressive times to visit. As peak season begins, prepare for busier attractions and book early to secure accommodation in the more remote area
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