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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: Chateau Marlborough


Chateau Marlborough 5 nights from 485 per person
Chateau Marlborough
Learn more about Chateau Marlborough

Free parking
Pool
Free WiFi
Airport transfer
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: Pullman Hotel Auckland


Pullman Hotel Auckland 5 nights from 725 per person
Pullman Hotel AucklandA positive departure from the usual formula in hotel accommodation, Pullman Auckland’s sleek interiors emit a warm and friendly vibe, creating an intimate atmosphere whether in the lobby lounge, by the 25 metre heated swimming pool, or within one of 16 dynamic meeting spaces.

A selection of spacious hotel rooms, the exclusivity of an executive lounge, and chic residential suites with living areas and kitchen facilities framing views from city to sea uniquely redefines the lifestyle of the cosmopolitan traveller.
Learn more about Pullman Hotel Auckland

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Full-service spa
Indoor pool
Breakfast available
Health club
Sauna
Steam room
Valet parking
Room service
Massage/treatment rooms
Babysitting






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: Terra Vive Luxury Motor Lodge


Terra Vive Luxury Motor Lodge 5 nights from 390 per person
Terra Vive Luxury Motor LodgeTerra Vive is an exciting new luxury apartment accommodation complex in the heart of Christchurch City.

Its design reflects relaxed sophisticated comfort. Situated in a prominent central city location on the grand Bealey Avenue that's within walking distance of the Christchurch city centre, casino and vibrant cafes and shops of trendy Victoria Street.

Terra Vive has been created to make your stay as pleasurable as possible, by providing luxurious Christchurch accommodation at affordable rates.

Whether your stay is for business or holiday reasons Terra Vive guarantees to make your stay comfortable and memorable. Discover the affordable luxury and style of Christchurch's newest suites & apartments and be assured you have chosen the very best in accommodation and facilities.
Learn more about Terra Vive Luxury Motor Lodge

13 smoke-free apartments
Daily housekeeping
Breakfast available
Room service
In-room childcare
Garden
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Free newspapers in the lobby
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: The Lodge at Kauri Cliff


The Lodge at Kauri Cliff 5 nights from 7,590 per person
The Lodge at Kauri CliffLocated on 6000 acres in New Zealand's spectacular Matauri Bay, The Lodge a Kauri Cliff is Northlands premier luxury vacation destination.

Relax and unwind in our luxury interior designed suites. Accommodation at Kauri Cliffs is in eleven outlying guest cottages, each with two guest suites providing twenty-two suites. The cottages are nestled on the edge of a native forest with spectacular views overlooking the ocean and golf course. The feel is more of staying in a well-designed guest room in a private home, thus is the attention to detail in all aspects of each suite's interior design.

The main lodge, which overlooks our world class golf course and the Pacific Ocean, provides ample venues for relaxing, including the beautifully appointed beamed living room, a spacious and comfortable meeting/TV room, a handsomely designed card room, and a small computer room.

Private a la carte dining is available in the main lodge, on its verandas, or in a number of appealing locations within the lodge. Gourmet picnics can be arranged and enjoyed around the expansive grounds.

Opportunities abound for outdoor pursuits within the picturesque Kauri Cliffs property. The lodge team are eager to suggest and organise all manner of activities from hikes to the waterfall, to a game of tennis, to picnics on Pink Beach, the Kauri Cliffs property offers countless activities. Guided bird watching, fishing, surfing, farm tours, and much more await lodge guests...

As well as the world class golf course, as a guest of The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs' you will enjoy a range of leisure facilities including:<ul><li>Two Astroturf tennis courts,
<li>Beautiful full service spa set in a totara forest
<li>Fitness centre with an indoor lap pool and jacuzzi
<li>Stunning infinity swimming pool with spectacular views.</ul>Kauri Cliffs also has three secluded swimming beaches, including the famed Pink Beach where regular barbecues are held in the summer months. Mountain bikes, guided nature walks, fishing and horse riding are all popular activities on the property.

Guests can enjoy Kauri Cliff's beautiful property and also experience a variety of nearby activities including world famous game fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, sea kayaking, and hunting for boar. Guided tours feature visits to the Ninety Mile Beach, Tane Mahuta, Doubtless Bay, the Puketi Kauri Forest, Rainbow Falls, historic Russell and the Waitangi Treaty House.
Learn more about The Lodge at Kauri Cliff

Hair Dryer
Television
DVD Player
Telephone
Safety Deposit Box (In Room)
Heating
In-room Internet Access
Ensuite Bathroom
Coffee & Tea Making Facilities
Ensuite Bathroom with Separate Shower
Iron and Ironing board
Refrigerator
Minibar
Air Conditioning
Patio/Balcony








 

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: Hulbert House


Hulbert House 5 nights from 3,095 per person
Hulbert HouseHulbert House is a beautifully restored Victorian villa dating back to 1888. Steeped in authentic history, we bring you a distinctive combination of historic elegance and contemporary service. Hulbert House offers a luxury, boutique accommodation experience suitable for all discerning international and domestic travellers.

Situated just a short walk from Queenstown’s vibrant central city, Hulbert House is imbued with a sense of serenity. Our six uniquely designed suites offer stunning views overlooking Lake Wakatipu or the Skyline Hill.

Award winning designer Neil McLachlan has worked his magic with the transformation of the building and grounds.

Your stay at Hulbert House includes a complimentary breakfast, refreshments during the day and pre-dinner drinks and canapes before you stroll into town to one of the many restaurants and bars. Also included is free wi-fi and carparking with direct street access on three sides.

Your sleep experience is enhanced by plush bedding and the lightest of duvets covered with beautiful white damask.

Our team are on hand to offer a complete and personal concierge service. We would be delighted to help you confirm your onward travel arrangements, book one of the many exhilarating activities on offer in the Queenstown area, or secure your own private oasis at an award-winning spa.

As part of our commitment to care for our cherished planet we have a worm farm, we compost our organic waste material and we have a kitchen garden that provides our chefs with fresh and flavoursome food all year round.

Hulbert House offers a unique style of boutique accommodation at a level unmatched in the region.
We look forward to welcoming you to this very special place.
Learn more about Hulbert House

Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Bar/lounge
Babysitting
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Coffee/tea in a common area
Air conditioning
Garden
Library
Front-desk safe
Snack bar/deli





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: Glenorchy Lake House


Glenorchy Lake House 5 nights from 2,185 per person
Glenorchy Lake HouseWelcome to The Glenorchy Lake House, a luxury bed and breakfast in the heart of Glenorchy. Amazing views, comfortable beds and tasteful decor, a therapeutic massaging spa, and a hearty wholesome breakfast will have you ready to enjoy all the area has to offer.
Learn more about Glenorchy Lake House

Free parking
Free WiFi
Non-smoking
Lounge area
Shared kitchen
Bathtub






 


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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