Need expert help?
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Meet Joni, one of our travel experts for New Zealand.
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Born in the Southwest, raised in the Northwest, I have called the South Pacific home for over 30 years. I founded J2 Travels in the late 1990s to share our knowledge with other like minded travelers – remembering always, that the joy is in the journey. I currently live on Maui, I'm endorsed by IATA, and am a member of the Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand Tourism Boards.
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"I want to say a big THANK YOU!! We had the most amazing time on our trip. Everything was wonderful. We absolutely loved Queenstown. We took the bus out to Milford Sound and then took a helicopter back as you suggested. It was raining the whole way out there but then the rain disappeared so we saw so many waterfalls it was breathtaking! We also went horseback riding in Glenorchy (well, I did – Pete got sick!) and that was amazing. The drive out there was beautiful and the ride itself was really fun. We tried to go skydiving but unfortunately it cancelled twice because of the winds. We also went jetboating,and spent a lot of time in the restaurants and bars in town. We then spent a few hours in Nelson and went out to Bleinhem for a day and did some wine-tasting, which was a lot of fun. When we were in Motueka we spent sometime relaxing and then did an 8 hour kayak/hike through Abel Tasman, which was truly amazing…and tiring! We spent a lot of our time in Rotorua just hanging out at the hotel and relaxing because it was just so beautiful, but we did go to hell’s gate which was really neat. In Auckland we spent a day walking around and then played golf one day. We also went to dinner at the Mudbrick restaurant in Waiheke which was great.
And on to Fiji...it was amazing! We loved Tokoriki. It was a beautiful spot and the Fijian people that worked there were so warm and friendly. The honeymoon bure that we stayed in was absolutely amazing, and we spent a lot of time just hanging out in our plunge pool. We also went snorkeling a few times, which was great. The food was also really good. As for the seaweed, there was definitely a fair bit of seaweed around and a slight smell of it, but it really wasn’t a big problem. After the first day we didn’t even think about it. I would definitely recommend Tokoriki to others, and would love to go back someday.
Thank you again for all of your help. We will definitely let our friends and family know how great you were when they head off to NZ / Fiji!
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- Megan & Pete
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"We had a fantastic time in Fiji. Qamea was particularly wonderful-rustic, authentic, beautiful, and communal. Staff members were incredibly friendly and always very accommodating. Namale was spectacular and definitely more upscale. Our bure was so elegant and we had a private deck overlooking the ocean that was phenomenal. We appreciated the remoteness and feel of Qamea over Namale, however, so we were delighted to have been there longer. I would certainly recommend Qamea to anyone traveling to that area of the world.
Thanks again for arranging this remarkable trip. It was incredibly unique and one we will remember always. We're both grateful to you.
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- Naomi & Matt
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"The Four Seasons Maui and your recommendations for the other island resorts we visited were wonderful. The Four Seasons Maui is impeccable, as we also enjoyed the Halekulani on Oahu and the Hyatt at Poipu on Kauai.
Thank you so much for your attention to detail, your availability every step of the way planning our honeymoon and assisting our guests. Your surprise gifts to us and our guests were extra special touches, and I can't rave enough about you. Even through the most stressful times I endured, you always kept your calm and made sure we were taken care of. You went above and beyond for us, going to the Four Seasons to take pictures of the construction before we got there for the wedding so we would be prepared, calling around to local stores to help me find items for gift baskets, giving us the scoop on where to shop, eat, etc.-all in such great detail as well!
You really are a true, experienced travel agent that doesn't just book trips, but travels to and knows the areas and resorts in which you book your clients and you become a trusted friend. It is with the utmost gratitude we write this in appreciation for everything you did to help make our honeymoon dreams come true for us and our guests.
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- Michelle & Scott
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"We are now home and slowly acclimating to reality. We had the most fabulous time on our holiday and want to thank you for seeing to it that every little detail was well planned, organized, and executed. We feel you really listened to our desires and planned "THE PERFECT" holiday...thank you so very much. We will definitely call you again and have recommended you to several of our friends. It is obvious that you really know both New Zealand and Fiji as I'm sure you know the other locations you book for your clients, I especially liked how you found locations that were less "touristy" and more reflective of the countries we were visiting...just as I requested. Thank you!"
- Randy and Teresa
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Kurstan and I had the most amazing time on our trip to Maui. The wedding went off without a hitch, even though when we arrived at the house that we rented for the occasion there were hurricane strength winds. They died down in just enough time to get the flower circle in a perfect place overlooking the ocean and everything went according to plan. The ceremony was thoughtful and such a happy time for us as well as Kurstan's mom and Jack who seemed pleased with the arrangements as well.
As for the honeymoon, that was a vacation of a lifetime. I have never been as happy as I was on this trip. The hotel was lovely and the service was fantastic. Our room was more spacious than I imagined and the view was breathtaking. The hotel itself was beautiful from the lounges to the restaurants to the pool area to the beach. The beach was the best that we saw on the island.
Also, Joni, you were so helpful in getting everything arranged with us and Kurstan's mom. It was difficult for us not having ever been to Maui figuring out where to stay and what to do, but you were more than helpful in making this a trip that will be remembered throughout our lives. What a way to start a marriage!
And, thank you for the champagne you sent to our room upon our arrival. It was such a great way to start our trip.
Thank you so much for everything, and we'll definitely contact you for any help we need with travel in the future.
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- Heather & Kurstan
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Lisa and I had a magical experience at Qamea and everything was wonderful! You prepared us perfectly and all the details were worry free. We had a beautiful sunny day outdoor wedding in Michigan and then whisked away to paradise.
Thank you does not fully communicate our appreciation and we will be sending you referrals at every opportunity. We will be in touch soon and again, sincere thanks and warm regards!
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- Scott & Lisa
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"Hey Joni! Thanks so much for checking in. We had an awesome time! Best vacation ever!! Would love to talk with you about everything, let me know when is good for you? We really want to go back, maybe in a few years.
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- Traci
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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
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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.
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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.
TRAVEL SPECIAL: Grand Mercure Oakridge ResortGrand Mercure Oakridge Resort 5 nights from 640 per person  If you're looking for relaxation, a climate encompassing magnificent snow in winter, glorious sun during summer and with world-class outdoor pursuits, all surrounded by spectacular scenery, then set your sights on Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort in beautiful Wanaka. Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka is a 4 star hotel set in a stunning mountain landscape offering majestic views overlooking the Southern Alps. The resort features heated rock pools, seven hot tubs, gymnasium, sauna, the Sanctuary Day Spa and Restaurant to provide guests with a unique and relaxing experience.
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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.
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Thick fog at Auckland Airport early one June morning.
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To compare all resorts in New Zealand, click here.
See our complete list of travel specials for New Zealand.
TRAVEL SPECIAL: The Lodge at Kauri CliffThe Lodge at Kauri Cliff 5 nights from 7,590 per person  Located 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 CliffHair 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
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: Novotel Rotorua LakesideNovotel Rotorua Lakeside 5 nights from 815 per person  Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is a 4.5 star property located on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua and set in park surroundings. The Hotel features 199 elegantly appointed fully air-conditioned guest rooms with contemporary decor, 7 fully air-conditioned conference rooms, a business centre, an indoor heated pool, In Balance Spa, Atlas Cafe & Restaurant, Clarke's Bar, and a Maori Cultural Centre; Matariki with nightly performances. The hotel is only minutes from the city centre, cafés, restaurants, Rotorua Convention Centre, Energy Events Centre, and major tourist attractions including water activities on the lake, a golf course, museum, and thermal reserves. At the end of a busy day relax in the comfort of your accommodation room or enjoy a refreshing drink in Clarke's Bar. Learn more about Novotel Rotorua LakesideHair Dryer Television Telephone Safety Deposit Box (In Room) In-room Internet Access Ensuite Bathroom Coffee & Tea Making Facilities Iron and Ironing board Pay-Per-View Movies Refrigerator Minibar Air Conditioning
Rainbow over Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown harbor.
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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 |
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TRAVEL SPECIAL: Wilderness Lodge Arthurs PassWilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass 5 nights from 4,325 per person  Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass is nestled in mountain beech forest, midway between Greymouth and Christchurch. Discover wild nature in our spectacular mountain setting and experience life on our 2,400 hectare nature reserve and high country merino sheep station. Walk from your room into a natural paradise of beech forest, tussock clearings, moss-lined streams and lakes. The highlight of the Lodge is a daily programme of nature discovery activities. On arrival we give you a copy of our current activities programme, maps and information on our walk network, forest and tussock nature trails. Forget your car for a couple of days and settle in and explore. Our naturalist guides will help you learn about high country life and explore nature in this special place the first Maori visitors called "Te Ko Awa a Aniwaniwa - Valley of the Mother of the Rainbows.". You can also explore further afield in Arthur's Pass National Park, Craigieburn Forest Park and Torlesse Conservation Park. Join a canoe trip in our safe, stable canoes on lovely Lake Pearson or Lake Sarah to look for Crested Grebe, Scaup, Paradise Ducks and other wetland birds.
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.
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Helicopter against the backdrop of the Remarkables, near Queenstown.
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TRAVEL SPECIAL: Kauri CliffKauri Cliff 5 nights from 7,440 per person  Located 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.
Looking down on Queenstown from the top of the Skyline gondola.
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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.
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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.
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Stalking red stag at Glen Dene Station, on the shores of Lake Hawea, South Island.
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TRAVEL SPECIAL: Solitaire LodgeSolitaire Lodge 5 nights from 4,570 per person  Solitaire Lodge Rotorua is one of the finest examples of Luxury Accommodation New Zealand has to offer. Solitaire Lodge was one of the first New Zealand luxury lodges to offer secluded luxury accommodation and attentive hosting from a spectacular lakeside location. Styled with comfort in mind, all 10 luxury accommodation suites feature panoramic views of the glassy lake and magnificent volcano through grand picture windows. The subtle design brings the outdoors in, inviting you to unwind and soak up the peace and quiet of this tranquil setting. Renowned for its fine dining, Solitaire lodge serves contemporary New Zealand cuisine prepared with fresh local produce and complemented by superb New Zealand wines from selected vineyards. Engage in lively conversation with fellow guests in the lodge’s dining room, or choose an intimate dinner for two in your suite. Minutes from this iconic North Island resort you will discover a multitude of activities including secluded hot water beaches and natural thermal hot springs beckoning you to soak in, world-?class Rainbow Trout fishing, guided helicopter tours to White Island and Mount Tarawera. Self guided hikes to Tarawera Falls, cycle trails past some of the most unique geothermal sites in the world. The lodge is also the perfect place to simply relax, indulge and rejuvenate, left in the able hands of your warm, friendly New Zealand hosts. Learn more about Solitaire LodgeTelevision Telephone Full Kitchen Heating In-room Internet Access Ensuite Bathroom Coffee & Tea Making Facilities Ensuite Bathroom with Separate Shower Iron and Ironing board Overhead Fans Minibar Air Conditioning Patio/Balcony
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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