The best time to visit New Zealand

4 min

Lush lush forests, jingling waterfalls, pristine beaches and rugged mountain ranges make New Zealand a paradise for outdoor lovers. The distant oceanic nation also lacks a fascinating culture, whether it’s intriguing indigenous traditions or contemporary attractions in cities like cosmopolitan Auckland.

Since September 2021, New Zealand’s borders have unfortunately remained closed to visitors. Still, there is hope that we will be able to enjoy adventures there from early 2022. While undeniably the country has a lot to do to add to your holiday agenda, it can be tricky to know exactly which one. but it is best to venture there.

To shed light on the best time to visit New Zealand, we chatted with our own expert, Matt Doidge. Representative of the Australia Tourism Board, specializes in the Oceania region and has the interior to know where to go and when.

The best time to visit New Zealand

“My favorite time to go is November. The weather is especially nice, the prices are lower and the freedom to travel is much easier, as most people expect to wait for the Christmas holidays to go out in New Zealand. ”

-Matt Doidge

There really is no bad time to visit this spectacular country! When you choose to go, it will depend entirely on what you want to get out of your trip, whether it’s lazy days strolling along the coast or adrenaline-filled snow sports for perfect peaks. To get a better idea, though, it’s worth considering the following seasonal tips when planning your trip:

Jump

Thanks to its location in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand’s spring season falls between September and November. While the start of the season may still be a bit quick, you can enjoy great excursions and the occasional beach day in November.

The new flowers bathe the county in a kaleidoscope of color, especially in cities in the South Islands and the surrounding area such as Christchurch and Dunedin. Whitewater rafting is particularly popular at the beginning of the season, as the snow melts and creates rapid flows through the many rivers of New Zealand.

You will find that temperatures can reach over 78°F (26 ° C) as spring becomes summer, especially in the south. The second half of the season is one of the best times to visit New Zealand for those who hope to enjoy its exceptional natural wonders without having to share them with too many people.

Buzzer

The New Zealand summer season falls between December and February. Warmer temperatures and less rain make it the most popular time to book a trip, especially if you want to experience local culture at stunning festivals and coastal landscapes.

More than 12 hours of sunlight a day means there is enough time for outdoor adventures and to take part in a host of festivals, from the Sevens Rugby tournament in January to the world-famous food and wine festival of Marlborough, in February.

Nature lovers will love boat trips along the south coast in the summer to spot migratory whales. Do you consider yourself a little beach? The magnificent sandy shores of New Zealand, from the Coromandel Peninsula and Abel Tasman National Park to the beautiful bay of the islands, are the perfect places to have fun in the sun.

Autumn

For a warm climate balance and with fewer people, early fall is the best time to visit New Zealand. The country’s stunning Fiordland, which includes the magnificent Milford Sound, is home to this season and is a magnet for those hoping to spot bottlenose dolphins and fur seals.

March is a fantastic month for those looking for good sunny weather and wonderful fall foliage. In some of the more remote places, however, finding accommodation availability can be a challenge. You want to book in advance to avoid disappointments.

By contrast, the month of May is off-season, and while it’s a bit cold, it’s a wonderful time to visit crowd-free attractions and enjoy extraordinary views, such as killer whales gliding through the waters just beyond. of the port of Wellington.

winter

Winter in New Zealand can be cold! However, from June to October is an ideal time to visit if you are interested in skiing on the South Island. Stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and beautiful, lush green scenery are what booked places like Queenstown and mighty Mount Cook.

If you’re tied up for the school holidays, the months of July and August are, thankfully, some great months to visit epic landscapes and adventure activities like skiing and snowboarding. The North Island usually has a milder climate than the South and you can warm up with a trip to Rotorua to immerse yourself in its hot springs.

Windy Wellington may fulfill its nickname during this period, however, it is the perfect time to tour the city’s sights and experience the amazing Maori New Year celebrations that usually take place in late June.

Our advice: New Zealand is real and is susceptible to rain all year round, so you’ll want to pack a good raincoat regardless of the season.

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and with accumulated demand, it is important to arrive in early 2022. Tell us about the best time to visit New Zealand, whatever your interests.

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