September - November

Spring is a wonderful time to be in New Zealand with warm sunny days, uncrowded trails and the countryside bursting into life. Colourful wildflowers carpet the countryside and baby wildlife can be seen everywhere from gambolling lambs to playful seal pups. Hotel prices are significantly lower than summer and availability also much better, both here and in campsites all over the country. With the Spring sun melting the winter snowfall and glaciers, rivers are at full flood and waterfalls are at their most spectacular so it's a wonderful time to be seeing them in Firodland for example.  

Events

Hawkes Bay Food & Wine Classic, November

Toast Martinborough, November

Toast of Auckland, November

December to February

During the southern hemisphere summer, people the world over flock to see New Zealand under a blanket of blue sky and escaping the winter at home is an enticing prospect. 

Average day time highs are a comfortable 21°C to 24°C so this is a great time to hit the beach with a picnic. Now is also the time to make the most of the huge range of incredible outdoor activities that the country is famous for, whether it be hiking or cycling, sailing or kayaking.

Events

Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, February

Napier Art Deco Weekend, February

March - May

Autumn is, in many people's opinion, the best time to go New Zealand. With many long, sunny days left to enjoy, fewer people to contend with at prime scenic spots, better hotel and campsite availability and, perhaps best of all, lower prices than the high season, it can be the perfect time to visit. 

New Zealand’s warm, still autumnal days are perfectly suited to outdoor exploration. And the scenery comes alive in the autumn light with deeply shadowed mountains and ochre fields perfect for photography. Aside from the Central Otago region on the South island, you won’t see a blaze of autumnal fall foliage in the forests, but the abundant vineyards do look beautiful.

Events

Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, March

Bluff Oyster Festival, May

June - August

Temperatures drop in the winter months but not to the same extent we see at home, especially in the North Island with average daytime highs of 14°C or 15°C in Auckland, compared to winter temps of 7°C and 8°C in London for example. 

New Zealand’s southern mountains receive a blanket of snow and the snowfields around Queenstown and Wanaka are awash with happy skiers and snow-boarders. 

Events

Queenstown Winter Festival, June

Wellington on a Plate, August

For inspiration on where to go, what to see and what to do in this magnifcent country visit our New Zealand Holidays pages