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Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand

Explore > Travel Planning Articles > Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand

Date published:
2023-05-07


Michael Cottam  

About the author, Michael Cottam


Founder of Visual Itineraries, Michael lives in Bend, Oregon. He's an avid traveler, scuba diver, photographer, and a private pilot, and also the founder of Bright Yonder, which offers marketing tools to travel agents. He's been to Fiji, Thailand, Vietnam, Seychelles, Kenya, France, England, New Zealand, Jamaica, Belize, Costa Rica, Turks & Caicos, British Virgin Islands, Mexico, and the major islands in French Polynesia. He's been in Rotary for 22 years, currently on the board of the Greater Bend Rotary Club. Here's his LinkedIn and Pinterest.


When's the best time of year to visit New Zealand?

The best time of year to visit New Zealand depends on what you're going for. If you're a skier, ski season starts in early June and runs through late October. If you're looking to enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, etc., their summer runs from December through February.

Lake Hawea, South Island of New Zealand, from the mountains between Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Heartland World Heritage Hotel


Heartland World Heritage Hotel 5 nights from 370 per person
Heartland World Heritage HotelHeartland World Heritage Hotel sits on the doorstep of a unique world heritage area. Located in Haast Junction, four kilometres from Haast township in south Westland, we offer the ideal place to stopover and explore this incredible area, en route between the West Coast and the southern lakes. Haast is a place of absolute beauty, with untouched beaches and rugged glacial valleys. Take the time to treat yourself to the tranquility that this sparsely populated area offers.

Within this area you will find ancient forests, mighty glaciers, rare wildlife, wild coastlines and perhaps even a new sense of awe and appreciation for the natural world around us. Our warm, comfortable accommodation and 'country pub' style café and bar, has all you need to rest, refuel and relax during your adventures.

Heartland World Heritage Hotel is pleased to welcome you to the Westland World Heritage Area - one of the most untouched environments in New Zealand.
Learn more about Heartland World Heritage Hotel

Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Breakfast available
24-hour room service
Coffee shop/cafe
Babysitting
Arcade/game room
Front-desk safe
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Limited hour front desk





New Zealand's latitude ranges from about -37 degrees to -47 degrees, roughly equivalent to the area from San Francisco to Seattle in the northern hemisphere.

However, because most of the country is relatively close to the ocean, you don't find quite as much of a temperature range in general.

The weather can change pretty quickly, though, as cold fronts or tropical cyclones move across the region.

The southern island has a climate similar to that of Oregon, whereas the northern island is more sub-tropical. Rainfall levels are high, ranging from about 25 inches/year to 60 inches/year.

  Thick fog at Auckland Airport early one winter (June) morning
Thick fog at Auckland Airport early one June morning.

To compare all resorts in New Zealand, click here.

See our complete list of travel specials for New Zealand.


 
TRAVEL SPECIAL: Kauri Cliff


Kauri Cliff 5 nights from 7,440 per person
Kauri CliffLocated on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is Northland's premier luxury vacation destination.

The Lodge affords spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy exquisite Pacific Rim cuisine prepared by our talented chefs whilst taking in stunning panoramic views of Cape Brett and the offshore Cavalli Islands from the verandas, lounge, card and dining rooms.

Offering 22 guest suites, and a two Bedroom Owner’s Cottage. Every suite offers its own private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in-wardrobe and ensuite. The cottages are nestled in a native forest overlooking the golf course and the Pacific Ocean.

Fish, dive or discover New Zealand’s pristine shorelines, play your best ever round on our world-class golf course or indulge in a therapeutic treatment at our full service luxury spa . Kauri Cliffs is just a 45 minute flight from Auckland and offers a range of facilities that accommodate all luxury vacation requirements.
Learn more about Kauri Cliff

Free breakfast
Free parking
Pool
Free WiFi
Gym
Non-smoking






Typical airfares from LAX




Airfares vary by season, but also day of week, and are definitely affected by holidays. The chart above shows the typical minimum and maximum fares for a economy class ticket from Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland, NZ (AKL), by month.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Koura Lodge Rotorua


Koura Lodge Rotorua 5 nights from 1,670 per person
Koura Lodge RotoruaSituated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, a private, peaceful location, just five minutes drive from Rotorua City Centre and main attractions. Our unique lakefront retreat nestles in an established garden setting with panoramic views over Lake Rotorua and beyond and offers private lawn to lake lodging with exclusive riparian rights.

Sheltered from the prevailing winds, and away from traffic noise and sulphur fumes, Koura Lodge makes for a stress free, relaxing holiday. The Lodge offers a variety of luxury accommodation, with all 10 rooms featuring magnificent lake views and private ensuites. A private jetty, lakeside spa/sauna and tennis court are just a few of the on-site facilities you can enjoy at Koura Lodge.

With rates starting from $345.00 per room, including breakfast , Koura Lodge offers Rotorua's most affordable luxury lake edge accomodation.
Learn more about Koura Lodge Rotorua

Daily housekeeping
On a private beach
Sauna
Beach sun loungers
Beach towels
Spa tub
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Coffee/tea in a common area
Air conditioning
Garden
Library










Rainbow over Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown
Rainbow over Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown harbor.
 

Most of New Zealand averages over 2000 hours of sunshine a year.

This, plus the fact that there's very little air pollution, means that the UV rays are quite strong in the summer months.

Seasons in New Zealand

Spring September to November
Summer December to February
Fall March to May
Winter July to August


TRAVEL SPECIAL: President Hotel Auckland


President Hotel Auckland 5 nights from 380 per person
President Hotel AucklandOffering compact rooms and free WiFi, the 3-star President Hotel Auckland is 1250 meters from K Road and within walking distance to Western Park. The venue dates back to 1975. 24-hour front desk, housekeeping service and porter service as well as storage for belongings, a car park and a tour desk are on hand.

It is situated in the centre of Auckland, next to Tour Shop. It is also just a 10 minutes' drive from Eden Garden.

The accommodation's central location a short stroll from a shopping street, a supermarket and grocery shops is favorable for shopping lovers.

Offering views of the landscape, the guestrooms feature climate control, cable television and a lounge area. Each room includes an en suite bathroom with amenities, such as a roll in shower, a hairdryer and dressing gowns.
Learn more about President Hotel Auckland

Daily housekeeping
Restaurants
Breakfast available
Fitness centre
Self parking
24-hour room service
Business centre
Airport shuttle
24-hour front desk
Coffee/tea in a common area
Air conditioning
Car hire on-site








 

Ski Season in New Zealand

Ski season in New Zealand starts in early June and runs through late October.

The best-known ski areas are near Queenstown and the incredible Remarkables mountains and Lake Wanaka.

This area is noted for spectacular scenery, a wide variety of terrain and types of trails, and popular resorts.

On the North Island, there's the Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas, perched on the active volcano of Mt Ruapehu.

  Helicopter against the backdrop of the Remarkables, near Queenstown
Helicopter against the backdrop of the Remarkables, near Queenstown.


TRAVEL SPECIAL: Eagle's Nest


Eagle's Nest 5 nights from 6,455 per person
EagleNEW ZEALAND LUXURY ACCOMMODATION AT EAGLES NEST

Experience Bay of Islands Luxury Hotel accommodation in New Zealand

This multi-award winning New Zealand luxury hotel & retreat is set within a 75 acre estate atop its own private ridgeline offering spectacular views of the Bay of Islands. Designed and furnished in an eclectic international contemporary style, where gardens and lodgings blend into the natural topography and foliage.

Redefining the Luxury Hotel paradigm
Unlike so many New Zealand luxury hotels, Eagles Nest at Russell in the Bay of Islands also offers the services of its own resident personal trainer and spa therapists ensuring the most indulgent of stays.

Four of the five world class villas offers its own private heated horizon edged lap pool, all offering private Jacuzzis, air conditioning, original artworks, home theatre system, Ecostore amenities and fully equipped gourmet kitchen.

Our team of talented resident personal chefs can spoil you for the evening. They will offer a specially designed menu of your choice featuring freshly caught fish, venison, lamb, crayfish (lobster) and more. Eagles Nest personal chefs will prepare this meal in your own private villa. Giving you the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views, with a superb glass of New Zealand wine from the Estate’s extensive cellar.

Bay of Islands New Zealand
Located in the Bay of Islands within easy walking distance of the historic town of Russell in New Zealand, the estate offers a variety of luxury accommodation options for the most discerning of travellers.

The Bay of Islands is a world renowned holiday destination offering over 144 islands to explore in this sub tropical paradise. World class big game fishing, scenic cruising, sailing diving, kayaking, bush walking, mountain biking, helicopter flight seeing, romantic picnics on your own private island are but some of the many
options available from Eagles Nest.

“Eagles Nest…. somewhere between seven stars and heaven”
Learn more about Eagle's Nest

Free parking
Pool
Free WiFi
Airport transfer
Gym
Kitchen





Looking down on Queenstown from the top of the Skyline gondola
Looking down on Queenstown from the top of the Skyline gondola.
 

New Zealand Wine-Tasting

The country has become very well-known for its wines, especially its sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs.

Wine tastings are available in tourist areas throughout the year.

Harvest time for the vineyards typically starts in February, with some late-harvest types being picked as late as June in the Otago area.

Queenstown Wine Trail offers sight-seeing and wine-tasting year-round, visiting many of the premier vineyards and wineries in the Otago/Queenstown region.



Hunting and Hiking in New Zealand

Really, the weather extremes are not so extreme--it's a pleasant place to hike and explore the outdoors year-round.

Hunting is popular, especially for the incredible red stag--one of 7 types of deer introduced to New Zealand about 150 years ago by European settlers (who failed to consider the fact that New Zealand has no predators other than a small hawk).

Deer hunting season is officially from February through September, however, the rut (when the biggest stags are available) is during the rut, from late March through late April.

  Stalking red stag at Glen Dene Station, on the shores of Lake Hawea, South Island
Stalking red stag at Glen Dene Station, on the shores of Lake Hawea, South Island.


TRAVEL SPECIAL: Ashley Hotel Greymouth


Ashley Hotel Greymouth 5 nights from 425 per person
Ashley Hotel GreymouthStep inside and experience the warmth, colour and style that makes The Ashley Hotel your ideal Greymouth accommodation.

With exceptional hotel accommodation, divine cuisine, friendly, professional service, and excellent Greymouth conference facilities, The Ashley has everything you'd expect from a fine hotel establishment.

The Ashley Hotel is a haven for the discerning traveller and the Greymouth accommodation of choice for business people from around the globe.

The hotel's location is ideal for exploring the beautiful West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, but it is also just as perfect to relax, unwind and taking it easy. Only 5 minutes from the Greymouth town centre, the hotel is framed by rugged coast, rainforest and the magnificent Southern Alps.

The staff at The Ashley Hotel will ensure your time with us is as active or relaxed as you desire and we very much look forward to welcoming you. Let us show you the real meaning of "West Coast hospitality".
Learn more about Ashley Hotel Greymouth

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Indoor pool
Breakfast available
Fitness center
Room service
Business center
Self-serve laundry
Conference space
Limited hour front desk






 


How we work with you to plan the perfect trip:

  • We'll talk with you to find out what you're looking for, what you like/don't like, etc.
  • We'll use our first-hand knowledge of the destination to pick out a handful of resorts we think you'd like
  • We'll create a custom mini website for you, with photos, videos, maps, etc. of the resorts we are recommending
  • We'll follow up with you to help you make your decision
  • We'll go to work with our suppliers to get you the best deal available on what you've decided on.

Map of Hotels and Resorts in New Zealand






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