Best time to go to New Zealand

2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Families Fiordland & Milford Sound Wildlife Walks Maori culture Why go on a small group vacation Tips Responsible tourism

Best time to visit New Zealand

Flip northern hemisphere weather on its head and you've got nz, with more seasonal variation on south island than in the sub-tropical north.

New Zealand is mild with the west coast of South Island, Milford Sound especially, getting maximum moisture. The island’s east coast is alive with colour in spring (Sep-Nov) and autumn (Mar-May); both seasons are the best time to visit New Zealand. Jun-Aug is great for winter sports, and traveling outside peak season offers more affordable accommodation albeit with colder temps. Dec-Feb is all about orcas in Kaikoura (dolphins can be seen almost year-round), with Kiwis on vacation or enjoying days out at the beach.

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Auckland Weather Chart

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Our New Zealand Vacations

New Zealand, month by month

Christmas in New Zealand is hot and Boxing Day (26th Dec) onwards is the traditional time for Kiwi families to hit the lakes or the beaches. The busiest locations over the festive period on North Island are Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, the Bay of Plenty, Taupo and Rotorua lake districts. Nelson, Queenstown and Arrowtown on South Island also get busy, but not quite as hectic as North Island. November, December, January, February and March are peak months for tourists so if you’re looking for more affordable prices and more space on hiking paths consider visiting either side of summer. Mid-March or mid-October are the best times to see migratory birds with Miranda on North Island and Farewell Spit on South Island witnessing thousands of species flocking to their shores. Out of New Zealand’s nine ‘Great Walks’ only the 80km Heaphy Track is open all year round with peak walking season lasting from October through to April. April and May are absolutely gorgeous with autumnal colours combining with good weather and off peak prices before the winter kicks in during June, July and August. May, June and July are also the best times to watch bottlenose dolphins and orcas around the Bay of Islands whereas sperm whales and humpbacks can be spotted off the coast of Kaikoura. Spring is another great time to visit New Zealand with September and October offering longer, warmer days, comfortably cool nights, tree blossom and snow-capped mountains.

Travel Team

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What happens when in New Zealand

Caroline Stafford at our New Zealand supplier Silver Fern Vacations shares her favourite foodie festivals: “Take your pick of the many, many food festivals that New Zealand has to offer throughout the year. Our personal favourites are the Marlborough food and wine festival in February; Toast Martinborough wine, food and music festival in November; Hokitika Wild Foods Festival in March and Bluff Oyster and Food Festival in May.”

Miles Clark, New Zealand expert at our supplier MoaTrek, shares his local knowledge:
“New Zealand is small but there is an amazing variety of scenery accessible without driving huge distances. If a traveler can budget three weeks for a tour they really have a good chance of seeing the best of NZ at a relaxed pace. November to March is peak season but April is also a great time to travel as there’s still good weather but less people. But do pack clothing for all weather possibilities, regardless of season.”

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Did you know about...?

Matariki

Matariki is a Maori celebration of the first annual sighting of the Pleiades star cluster which occurs between late May and early June. This astronomical event signals the advent of the Maori New Year with numerous performing arts displays, kite flying festivals and lantern parades held across New Zealand alongside winter carnivals and family feasts.

More about New Zealand

New Zealand travel guide

If you’re looking for your next vacation destination then read our New Zealand travel guide before you consider any other options. We’ve compiled tips and advice for what we think is one of the world’s most exciting vacation destinations right now.

Where to go in New Zealand

Make the most of your time in New Zealand with our interactive New Zealand map & itineraries page, helping you get around both islands with maximum efficiency, minimum fuss.

Things to do in New Zealand

New Zealand activities are simply amazing and, as keeping excitement levels in check can be a difficult proposition, we suggest you just let go and scream 'kia ora'.

Families in New Zealand

If you've got plans to go traveling in New Zealand with kids then right here is what we recommend in terms of activities for families in New Zealand and what to do with little ones.

Fiordland & Milford Sound

Maori mythology ascribes New Zealand’s fiords to a giant stonemason, but these deep valleys were actually carved by glaciers over millions of years.

Wildlife in New Zealand

From enormous whales to miniscule glow worms, the wildlife in New Zealand is like nowhere else on Earth – literally - many species, such as the Hector’s dolphin, are found here and here only.

Walks in New Zealand

New Zealand walks are some of the finest in the world, taking you through such astonishingly diverse and awe inspiring scenery you may be tempted to just keep going, and going.

Maori culture in New Zealand

As appealing as they may be, you can find mountains, dolphins and bungee jumps in many countries - no, what makes New Zealand truly unique is its Maori culture.

Accessible tours in New Zealand

You may not be planning on doing any bungee jumping, but that aside, New Zealand is a very accessible country for travelers with special requirements.

New Zealand advice

This should always be the first page you come to when looking for New Zealand vacations advice as we've asked for tips from our friends in New Zealand, including Miles Clark, Linzi Bird and Caroline Stafford.

Responsible tourism in New Zealand

Our guide to responsible tourism in New Zealand is a worthwhile read, with sections on Maori culture, dolphin watching and Easter bunny hunts all helping you travel right.

Why go on a small group holiday to New Zealand?

Why go on a small group vacation to New Zealand?

Small group vacations are the perfect option for any age whether you’re vacationing solo, as a couple or a group of friends, and they're especially good for less confident travelers.

More relevant guides

Written by Chris Owen

Best time to go to New Zealand