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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: Commodore Airport Hotel


Commodore Airport Hotel 5 nights from 690 per person
Commodore Airport HotelThe Commodore Airport Hotel offers stylish airport accommodation only three minutes drive from the airport and ten minutes from central Christchurch.

We're a family-owned business with an international name. We pride ourselves on delivering a genuine accommodation experience with guests known by their names, not just their room numbers.

Enjoy a relaxing stay in our idyllic award-winning native New Zealand gardens on seven acres of land. The hotel features 157 guest accommodation rooms, conference and meeting facilities and extensive free parking. Our 24/7 free shuttle service to and from our airport hotel makes getting to the hotel a breeze.
Learn more about Commodore Airport Hotel

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Indoor pool
Breakfast available
Free airport shuttle
Outdoor tennis court
Fitness center
24-hour room service
Babysitting
Business center
Terrace
24-hour front desk





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: Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth


Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth 5 nights from 640 per person
Kingsgate Hotel GreymouthSituated right in the centre of the town, Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth is perfectly located for easy access to the West Coast's spectacular scenic attractions. A 3 Star Plus Qualmark rated hotel, Kingsgate Hotel provides ideal accommodation and facilities for holiday makers, team building events and conferences alike. Visiting the wild and beautiful West Coast of the South Island is like stepping back in time to New Zealand the way it used to be - an unspoilt landscape, slower pace and a welcome that's genuinely warm and heartfelt. At the historic Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth, you'll get all those things along with the service and comfort you'd expect from an international hotel.
Learn more about Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth

Free parking
Free WiFi
Non-smoking
Bar
24/7 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: Hotel St Moritz


Hotel St Moritz 5 nights from 885 per person
Hotel St MoritzIdyllically located in the heart of delightful Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier four season lake and alpine resort, Hotel St Moritz embodies the spirit of its location. With breathtaking views overlooking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range, Hotel St Moritz has gained somewhat of an iconic status.

Combining a refreshing blend of stylish understatement overlaid with warmth and genuine hospitality – there is little pretence here, allowing guests to immerse fully into the natural alpine environment of the Queenstown region. Sophisticated interiors are reminiscent of an upscale mountain lodge, and the classic lodge facilities include an outdoor hot tub garden, boutique gymnasium, and sauna. Hotel St Moritz offers a choice of rooms, suites, and apartments, each handsomely appointed to cleverly blend timeless classics with modern essentials.

The multi award-winning Hotel St Moritz was honoured to be inducted into Tourism New Zealand’s Hall of Fame in 2004 for winning ‘Premium Hotel’ in New Zealand for three consecutive years. After a mandatory stand down period, the hotel was the first to re-enter the awards to celebrate the hotel’s 10th birthday, refurbishment and entry into Accor’s exclusive MGallery collection – winning ‘Best Hotel and Resort’ and ‘Best Visitor Accommodation’ at the 2008 New Zealand Tourism Awards.

Queenstown is considered New Zealand’s capital of adventure – a destination for a voyage of discovery at the bottom of the world. The resort is a popular destination with skiers and snowboarders in the winter and cyclists, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts year round.

The interior design and decor of Hotel St Moritz’s 134 rooms, suites and apartments convey an understated elegance which is complemented by richly decorated and wooden furnishings. An eclectic mix of colour and texture create a sense of warmth set against the backdrop of dramatic lake views.

The spaciousness of the guest rooms are a defining element of the hotel, with the suites and apartments a true residence from which to explore the surrounding region. All guest rooms at Hotel St Moritz feature king size beds, ensuite bathrooms, bespoke bathrobes, high speed internet access, a dedicated work area, spacious dining and living areas in suites, iPod docks, a mini-bar and luxury Aigner bathroom amenities.

The award-winning Lombardi Restaurant boasts enthralling views of dramatic mountains, lake and the charming township of Queenstown. Attracting locals and in-house guests alike, the offering here is compelling. From the relaxed and convivial bar to the brassiere-style dining room, Hotel St Moritz offers a choice of dining style to suit mood and moment. The Library also serves as a private dining room for intimate occasions. Lombardi Restaurant and Bar presents a carefully crafted wine list that focuses on the famous Pinot Noir variety renowned in the Central Otago region. Hotel St Moritz has won numerous accolades for its fare including Best Restaurant in Queenstown, Chef of the Year – Monteiths’ Wild Food Challenge and most recently, Best Lamb Dish in Central Otago at the New Zealand Beef and Lamb Awards.

Catering to conference and incentive groups, Hotel St Moritz launched an informal Private Dinner menu named “South”. Served in The Den, the fare is entirely organic and matched with an organic wine selection. Perfect for up to 40 guests, dishes are served to the table in a succession of courses in classic St Moritz style to taste and share. Drawing on all the senses, this dining experience is made complete with its own soundtrack and scent (from fresh thyme).

Hotel St Moritz has been awarded the highest accolade for responsible tourism in New Zealand, the Qualmark Enviro-Gold certification. St Moritz has implemented a raft of environmental initiatives, some of which are designed to encourage guests to become more involved in reducing their impact on the environment. For example, each room has recycling bags for paper and plastics, a guest recycling receptacle is situated in the car park, and guests can opt to reuse towels and sheets as part of “Trees for Survival”, an initiative by Accor that involves the local primary who will grow and nurture native seedlings for planting in key neighbourhood areas. Lombardi Restaurant sources local produce where possible and even makes homemade house feta. The unique South dinner also features organic local fare.
Learn more about Hotel St Moritz

Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
2 spa tubs
Breakfast available
Ski storage
Fitness center
Self parking
24-hour room service
Babysitting
24-hour business center
Business center










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: 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








 

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: Trailways Hotel Nelson


Trailways Hotel Nelson 5 nights from 565 per person
Trailways Hotel NelsonWelcome to Trailways Hotel, one of Nelson's most stylish and contemporary venues. We are centrally located within a few minutes walk of Nelson's central shopping precinct, theatres, cultural and sporting attractions, restaurants and cafés, the information centre, and close to the scenic waterfront.

Stay in the heart of Nelson city and explore the region, famous for its sunshine, wine, seafood, art and craft, Saturday morning open-air market, its five national parks and abundance of outdoor recreation.
Learn more about Trailways Hotel Nelson

Parking available
Pool
Free WiFi
Gym
Non-smoking
Air conditioning





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: Blanket Bay


Blanket Bay 5 nights from 6,990 per person
Blanket BayRelax within our elegant yet rustic lodge surrounded by majestic alpine scenery.

Nestled amidst rugged snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's finest Lodge – Blanket Bay. Here we celebrate the art of pure relaxation.

In this spectacular corner of New Zealand discover endless ways to restore your physical and spiritual well-being. There is nowhere else on Earth where there are so many activities so close by – fly-fishing and heli-skiing, the country's best hiking on the Routeburn or Milford Tracks, jetboating and kayaking, 4WD tours, horse riding, art trails and vineyards, plus flight-seeing over the World Heritage Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.

We invite you to stay and find out why Blanket Bay is consistently voted one of the world's best Lodges by many prestigious publications and organizations such as Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, Virtuoso, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, The Robb Report and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, to name a few.
Learn more about Blanket Bay

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Outdoor pool
Ski storage
Fitness center
Steam room
Free use of bicycles
Spa tub
Room service
Spa services
Business center
Airport shuttle






 


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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