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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: Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort


Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort 5 nights from 460 per person
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa ResortKia Ora and welcome to Rotorua's best hotel accommodation at New Zealand's top "Relaxation and Spa Resort Hotel", as judged by Trip Advisor for 2010 and 2011. The perfect place to relax in luxury styled accommodation on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua and central to Rotorua attractions, airport and city.

As Rotorua's best resort hotel accommodation, guests have a choice of luxury accommodation in the form of either Deluxe Studios with courtyard patios overlooking the landscaped pool area and views to Lake Rotorua, or the Superior Suites with their private balconies and lake views. With 24 hour room service, mini bar service; valet parking, outdoor seating areas and extensive landscaping together with our superb personal service and park like surroundings, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is the perfect Rotorua relaxation destination. With our "on demand" shuttle service, subject to availability, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is the ideal base from which to plan and visit the many famous attractions of Rotorua

As part of your experience enjoy the features and services of the internationally acclaimed "Wai Ora Day Spa" which incorporates the unique "New Zealand Cultural Spa" regime into all of its product offerings. This Rotorua Day Spa is the only Rotorua spa to be awarded, not one but two "2011 World Luxury Spa Awards". With nine beautifully appointed therapy rooms including two "couples" rooms a full beauty and spa menu offering is available daily from 9.00am to 9.00pm. Based on the wellness therapies of the Maori and unique essences of New Zealand including the silky like geothermal Rotorua muds, the "New Zealand Cultural Spa" offering will relax, reinvigorate and reconnect you to the importance of you and yours. Immerse in the Wai Ora Water Experience's hot pools, steam room and "kawa kawa" infused steam room while listening to the soothing, cascading sounds of water from our spring feed stream all set in the landscaped gardens of New Zealand native plants and trees.

Savor the taste sensations of our award winning fine dining Mokoia Restaurant which specialists in Pacific Rim cuisine using fresh local produce along with the unique indigenous herbs and spices of New Zealand, beautifully accompanied with a selection of fine New Zealand wines and beers. The restaurant specializes in New Zealand Beef and Lamb, local seafood as well as a full vegetarian menu offering daily and can cater to all dietary requirements. As a favorite for locals, Mokoia Restaurant has been acclaimed as the" best restaurant in Rotorua".
Learn more about Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort

Daily housekeeping
Full-service spa
2 outdoor pools and 4 spa tubs
Free area shuttle
Sauna
Steam room
Seasonal outdoor pool
Bar/lounge
Conference centre
Business centre
Terrace
Air conditioning





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: 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






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: Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown


Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown 5 nights from 635 per person
Rydges Lakeland Resort QueenstownSituated on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown boasts breathtaking views over the lake and surrounding mountains. Queenstown's largest hotel is just a 5-minute flat walk along the Lakefront to the centre of town; with the airport only a 10-minute scenic drive away.
With 255 rooms, we have a variety of room types to suit all travelers. 225 of our rooms have spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkables.
Learn more about Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown

Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Outdoor pool
Breakfast available
Ski storage
Sauna
Self parking
24-hour room service
In-room childcare
24-hour front desk
Car rentals on site










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 Spire


The Spire 5 nights from 2,125 per person
The SpireLUXURY HOTEL QUEENSTOWN

Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier holiday destination, The Spire Hotel offers award winning luxury Queenstown accommodation where genuine hospitality, serenity and style uniquely combine.

Experience contemporary five-star facilities conveniently located within walking distance of Queenstown’s vibrant cultural scene, including shops, cafes, nightlife and four season lake and mountain resort activities.

Ideal for a romantic getaway, or those seeking a rejuvenating and soulful experience, The Spire Hotel inherits its name from a nearby church steeple and today is highly regarded all over the world for service excellence and indulgence.

The Spire is also perfect for corporate and incentive groups looking for a cut above, with boardroom facilities also available.

Dine in at The Spire Hotel’s signature restaurant & bar No5 Church Lane, offering delicious modern New Zealand cuisine and premium cocktail list, with an extensive wine selection.
Learn more about The Spire

Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Ski storage
Valet parking
Room service
In-room childcare
Airport shuttle
Ski shuttle
Limo/town car service
24-hour front desk
Front-desk safe








 

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: Peppers Clearwater Resort Christchurch


Peppers Clearwater Resort Christchurch 5 nights from 590 per person
Peppers Clearwater Resort ChristchurchPeppers Clearwater Resort Christchurch is a stunning waterfront resort set within beautiful grounds and surrounded by clear shimmering lakes and water ways from which the resort gets its name.

Located just a 15 minute drive from the city centre and seven minutes from Christchurch airport, this elegant hotel's accommodation includes a variety of modern rooms, suites and villas welcoming privacy, relaxation and refined entertaining.

Built with a contemporary boathouse design, all apartments feature the premium facilities and services you expect from a Peppers Resort. Accommodation offers marvellous lake or fairway views while our spacious two bedroom apartment boast's a cosy fireplace designed to warm the soul.

Peppers Clearwater Resort Christchurch is the perfect place to relax unwind and explore, offering something for everyone. In addition to being an escape destination, Peppers Clearwater Resort is a golfing destination with the 18 hole championship golf course which is home to the New Zealand Golf Open. Other pleasant pastimes you'll enjoy include tennis, cycling or simply strolling along the extensive walking trails.

In the evening treat yourself to a meal at the award-winning Lakes Restaurant at Peppers Clearwater Resort, offering relaxed yet elegant dining with brilliant lake and fairway views. The impressive menu offers gourmet cuisine and an extensive wine list for you to enjoy.

Christchurch, known as the 'Garden City', offers a long list of activities that range from skiing and snowboarding to whale watching, dolphin swimming, kayaking and horse trekking. At a slower pace you can simply relax and enjoy a magical balloon flight over the city or explore some of the local markets in surrounding areas.
Learn more about Peppers Clearwater Resort Christchurch

Daily housekeeping
Golf course
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Breakfast available
2 outdoor tennis courts
Room service
Coffee shop/cafe
Conference center
Business center
UNESCO Sustainable Property
Terrace
24-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: Crowne Plaza Auckland


Crowne Plaza Auckland 5 nights from 615 per person
Crowne Plaza AucklandWhen looking for Auckland hotels, Crowne Plaza offers superior comfort, service and style which is ideally located in the heart of Auckland's entertainment hub.

Situated above the Atrium on Elliott boutique shopping centre and just a few minutes walk to Auckland Convention Centre at THE EDGE as well as SKYCITY Convention Centre and Entertainment Complex, Crowne Plaza Auckland Hotel is "The Place to Meet".

The hotel has 352 recently refurbished guest rooms and suites, offering first class accommodation ranging from superior rooms to the style and comfort of our Executive Crowne Plaza Club accommodation. Club rooms and Executive Suites are located on the top floors of the hotel and have modern furnishings and exclusive features. Club guests enjoy 24 hour access to the Club Lounge with all associated benefits.

Crowne Plaza Auckland has all the amenities of a first class hotel as well as the world's most awarded loyalty programme, Priority Club Rewards. Hotel features include complimentary access to our 24 hour gymnasium with sauna, 24 hour Business Centre, high speed broadband and wireless connectivity in all guest rooms and public areas, in room safes, undercover carparking and exceptional dining in Aria Restaurant and Bar.

As "The Place To Meet", Crowne Plaza Auckland makes events easy for both meeting planners and delegates. Meeting Success is Crowne Plaza's promise that your event will be a success for all involved – the organiser, delegates and facilitators. The Crowne Meetings Team are experienced professionals who will be your one point of contact from the pre-event to the post-event phase.

Crowne Plaza Auckland hotels are ideal for both business and leisure and has everything you require for your visit to the City of Sails.
Learn more about Crowne Plaza Auckland

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Breakfast available
24-hour fitness center
Sauna
Self parking
24-hour room service
Babysitting
24-hour business center
Conference center
10 meeting rooms
24-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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