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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  

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. 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 a Rotarian for 22 years, currently on the board of the Greater Bend Rotary Club.

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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: 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





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: MSocial Auckland


MSocial Auckland 5 nights from 580 per person
MSocial AucklandA contemporary hotel for the curious, the explorers and those who thrive on new experiences. Functionally chic, this contemporary hotel features 190 rooms and suites designed for all travellers, overlooking the vibrant Princes Wharf that is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.

Treat yourself to some of the best cuisine from around the world at ‘Beast & Butterflies’ - M Social’s signature restaurant. Alternatively, catch up with friends – both old and new – over a drink at the Beast & Butterflies bar. Stay social with our distinctive hospitality. Everyone enjoys complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel!

Learn more about MSocial Auckland

Parking available
Free WiFi
Gym
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Refrigerator






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: 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










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: Hermitage Mount Cook


Hermitage Mount Cook 5 nights from 1,085 per person
Hermitage Mount CookFrom an intrepid journey through glacial valleys to a mouth-watering culinary dining adventure, The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect 'base camp' to discover your Peak Experience. Choose from premium hotel rooms, motel units or cozy chalets. Add world-class activities such as Glacier Explorers, Tasman Valley 4WD and Argo Tours, scenic flights or the visual extravaganza of the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and you have a unique, year-round alpine adventure perfect for the family holiday or your next romantic getaway.
Learn more about Hermitage Mount Cook

Hair Dryer
Television
Telephone
Safety Deposit Box (In Room)
Heating
In-room Internet Access
Ensuite Bathroom
Coffee & Tea Making Facilities
Iron and Ironing board
Refrigerator
Minibar








 

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: Bella Vista Napier Motel


Bella Vista Napier Motel 5 nights from 525 per person
Bella Vista Napier MotelWelcome!

About Bella Vista Napier:
-Central City Location, 4 minutes walk to Town
-1000MB (1GB) Free WiFi per day
-Modern Motel units at competitive rates
-Close to…Art Deco buildings, Shops, Supermarkets, Eateries, Marine Parade, War Memorial Conference Centre, Hawke’s Bay MTG Museum, Municipal Theatre. The Napier RSA is just over the road!
-A great central location with 18 superior units, close to shops, restaurants and the renowned Marine Parade with its majestic Norfolk pines. Tour the unique architecture of our city, or take a leisurely walk down the oceanside walkway where you will encounter the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Sunken Gardens, Ocean Spa Swimming Complex and Mini Golf to name just a few.

Ideal corporate location, we are the closest motel to the town centre, public building sector, and business & conference facilities.

The wider Hawke’s Bay area also offers other popular activities such as wine tours, hunting, horse trekking, bike hire, gannet safaris, jet boating and rafting on the Mohaka River.

With its beautiful sunny climate and outdoor appeal, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s most warmly regarded holiday destinations.
Learn more about Bella Vista Napier Motel

Free parking
Free WiFi
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Connecting rooms available





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: Aldan Lodge Motel Picton


Aldan Lodge Motel Picton 5 nights from 320 per person
Aldan Lodge Motel PictonHeather and Doug invite you to enjoy the comforts of Aldan Lodge Motel, situated only metres from Picton waterfront, ferry terminal and railway station. We offer a range of motel accommodation options: king and queen studio units, spacious split-level family units and modern two-bedroom units, all fully self-contained. If privacy is important, our new two-bedroom apartment will cater to your every need. Private BBQ area and spa bath are just two of the many drawcards for this private abode.
Learn more about Aldan Lodge Motel Picton

Free parking
Free WiFi
Refrigerator
Laundry facilities






 


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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