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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 23 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: 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





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: Matakauri Lodge


Matakauri Lodge 5 nights from 6,730 per person
Matakauri LodgeSpectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge offers stunning views from every angle of the Remarkable mountain ranges. Just seven minutes from Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge is an alpine lakeside retreat nestled in one of the world's most serenely beautiful landscapes.

The Lodge and adjoining suites, originally constructed in 2000 with a contemporary New Zealand design, reopened in August 2010 after undergoing extensive refurbishment by acclaimed New Zealand Interior Designer, Virginia Fisher.

The Main Lodge consists of spacious lounge, dining and living areas, all with lake views. The Lodge also offers a range of indoor and outdoor dining options for our guests, including superb private dining options. An elegant meeting space with a business centre offering abundant natural light and views of the mountain ranges beyond.

The Lodge offers accommodation in twelve luxurious guest rooms and suites, with eight outlying cottages and four suites located in the main lodge. Each suite offers a private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. The suites are nestled in a native forest overlooking the lake and the mountain panorama. The Owner's Cottage, features four suites in a freestanding residence, private Jacuzzi, lounge, kitchen and grand courtyard, ideal for families, couples or friends travelling together, and special celebrations.

As a Relais & Chateaux property, Matakauri Lodge offers a unique dining experience in a luxurious setting. Head Chef Jonathan Roger's modern New Zealand cuisine is focused on showcasing local seasonal produce with clean, fresh flavors in an a la carte menu that changes daily.

The Spa and Fitness Centre is located on the edge of a pine forest, with uninterrupted views to Lake Wakatipu and towering Cecil Peak. The Spa offers a private experience in an unrivalled natural environment and consists of two treatment rooms, each with shower, changing room and private deck. Choose from a variety of treatments including season specific and signature treatments, as well as different styles of massages, facials and body treatments personalized to meet your specific requirements.

We also have a sauna available which is located within our Spa and Fitness Centre. The Fitness Centre consists of a complete spectrum of exercise equipment and free weights. Yoga, Pilates and Personal Training are available by appointment. The luxurious outdoor infinity pool is situated in the Spa and Fitness Centre complex. Relax by the pool or in the jacuzzi with spectacular views of the lake and mountainside.

Central Queenstown is a bustling hive of bars, restaurants and shops, making it a vibrant town center to entertain every visitor. Originally a mining town home to gold rushers, Queenstown has blossomed into the home of adventure sports and the ultimate base camp for visitors to our stunning, pristine natural playground. In town be sure to visit the waterfront, walk past to the Queenstown Gardens or enjoy a ride up Bob's Peak on the gondola to ride the luge or simply have a coffee and enjoy the view.
Learn more about Matakauri Lodge

Daily housekeeping
Full-service spa
Outdoor pool
Fitness center
Sauna
Spa tub
Bar/lounge
Room service
Business center
Terrace
Air conditioning
Garden






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: Westwood Lodge


Westwood Lodge 5 nights from 1,015 per person
Westwood LodgeWestwood Lodge B & B is nestled in the heart of New Zealand's spectacular Glacier Country, seconds away from the majestic Southern Alps and the World Heritage Westland National Park; our luxurious West Coast bed and breakfast lodge is an ideal place to unwind and explore Franz Josef Glacier.

Set in a beautiful bush garden, Westwood Lodge offers well-appointed bed and breakfast accommodation with views of the West Coast's rainforests and the mountains of the Southern Alps
Learn more about Westwood Lodge

Daily housekeeping
Breakfast available
Terrace
Garden
Library
Lobby fireplace
Front-desk safe
Barbecue grills
Luggage storage
Limited hour front desk
Tour/ticket assistance










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: Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland


Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland 5 nights from 615 per person
Adina Apartment Hotel AucklandLocated in the Auckland CBD, only minutes from Queen’s Wharf harbour and the Britomart Precinct, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland, Britomart offers 152 stylish and modern studio, one and two bedroom apartments.

The serviced apartment-style hotel is in the heart of Auckland's CBD, just a short stroll from the waterfront, Queen Street and Wynyard Quarter and is close to the main transport hub. Explore Auckland like a local from your apartment base and enjoy the sights and sounds of the energetic urban area, all within walking distance of Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland, Britomart. See world-class concerts at Vector Arena, spend a day shopping at Britomart, eat your way along the waterfront at exciting bars and restaurants or catch the ferry to explore Waiheke Island for the day.

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland, Britomart is the perfect accommodation option for families, modern explorers and business travellers, offering spacious apartments with the benefit of hotel services; an on-site gym, WiFi, undercover parking, lobby bar and café. Conference and meeting facilities include two conference rooms, catering for up to 45 people. Contemporary in design, the rooms are appointed with fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable living space and laundries.

Auckland Airport is only 30–45 minutes by taxi from Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland, Britomart and public transport is easily accessible from the hotel; the ferry terminal and train station are only a five minute walk away. There is a taxi rank close-by to help you get to where you are going in a hurry, and undercover parking is available for hotel guests.

Our hotel in Auckland, New Zealand combines the city's natural beauty, a rich cultural scene, top-quality attractions, and welcoming atmosphere to provide visitors with an unforgettable local experience.
Learn more about Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Breakfast available
Fitness center
Self parking
Room service
Coffee shop/cafe
Business center
24-hour front desk
Computer station
Front-desk safe
Snack bar/deli








 

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: White Morph Motor Inn


White Morph Motor Inn 5 nights from 585 per person
White Morph Motor InnWelcome to the White Morph, Your Kaikoura Hotel Accommodation
Stay, Rest and Enjoy your accommodation on the waterfront. Kaikoura, New Zealand. Welcome to your Kaikoura Hotel accommodation. Sehr Schon zimmer, ufergegend, Fantastique Chambre, bord de mer.
White Morph Motor Inn offers some of the best accommodation in Kaikoura including luxury spa rooms, superior studios and standard studios. Our central Kaikoura accommodation is all in the one place and has every accommodation style for you to choose from. It is our tradition to provide guests with quality service and warm hospitality, located on the Kaikoura waterfront.
Learn more about White Morph Motor Inn

Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Business center
Air conditioning
Garden
Computer station
Front-desk safe
Self-serve laundry
Picnic area
Barbecue grills
Luggage storage
Limited hour front desk





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: Silver Fern Motor Inn


Silver Fern Motor Inn 5 nights from 525 per person
Silver Fern Motor InnRotorua Accommodation at its finest, Silver Fern Accommodation & Spa offers plenty to make your stay in Rotorua an enjoyable one.

Silver Fern is conveniently located just minutes from Rotorua’s city centre and close to many popular thermal attractions, cafés, restaurants and golf courses.

Silver Fern provides relaxed friendly service. Each suite comes with stylish furnishings and facilities offering the perfect blend of comfort, luxury and sophisticated elegance.

All our suites are spacious, well appointed, quiet, secure and have a private spa pool or double spa bath for you to unwind and relax.

Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, Sky TV and DVD/CD facilities during your stay. A continental or cooked breakfast can be delivered to your room every morning of your stay and an 11am check out will make your stay in Rotorua totally memorable.

Your hosts, Shirley and Allan, look forward to welcoming you at Silver Fern Accommodation and Spa.
Learn more about Silver Fern Motor Inn

Daily housekeeping
Full-service spa
Free use of bicycles
Massage/treatment rooms
Business center
Garden
Computer station
Front-desk safe
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Concierge services
Barbecue grills






 


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