Need expert help?

Joni Stone   Meet Joni, one of our travel experts for New Zealand.


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.


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: Holiday Inn Hotel Auckland Airport


Holiday Inn Hotel Auckland Airport 5 nights from 585 per person
Holiday Inn Hotel Auckland AirportEnjoy a peaceful tropical setting at Holiday Inn Auckland Airport, 4km from Auckland Airport.

You'll pass native New Zealand trees as you arrive in Holiday Inn Auckland Airport's 4 hectares of lush gardens, 5 minutes from Auckland Airport by hotel shuttle. Friendly staff greet you in our bright hotel Lobby, which is decorated with traditional M¿ori carvings. Guest room balconies and courtyards overlook our landscaped pool area or gardens.

Your Guest room at Holiday Inn Auckland Airport is made for business with an ergonomic chair, work desk and high-speed Internet. Link up to video-conferencing in our 400-person ballroom and host events in our 10 meeting rooms with garden views. You can visit clients at Air New Zealand and Downer EDI, both within 2km of the hotel, and make use of the PCs in our 24-hour Business Centre.

Work out in our air-conditioned Fitness Centre before cooling off in the sparkling courtyard pool. Adrenaline-fuelled rollercoasters and log flumes at Rainbow's End theme park are 15km from the hotel, while wine-tasting at the rambling Villa Maria Estate is 2km away.

Soothing halo lights add a relaxing ambiance to Holiday Inn Auckland Airport's poolside Vapor Restaurant, where you can dine on lamb and seafood dishes. Pull up a bar stool for drinks and pizza in the atmospheric Halo Bar.
Learn more about Holiday Inn Hotel Auckland Airport

Free parking
Pool
Free WiFi
Airport transfer
Gym
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: 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






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: Ibis Christchurch


Ibis Christchurch 5 nights from 685 per person
Ibis ChristchurchSuperbly situated in the heart of this historic garden city, Ibis Christchurch is behind Cathedral Square, one of the most recognized and visited tourist attractions in picturesque Christchurch. Set amidst the Central Business District and surrounded by a myriad of art galleries, museums, cafes, restaurants and the most popular tourist activities in Christchurch. The Ibis features 155 contemporary rooms, a' la carte restaurant, bar and meeting room.
Learn more about Ibis Christchurch

Parking available
Free WiFi
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Bar










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: Treetops Lodge and Estate


Treetops Lodge and Estate 5 nights from 5,530 per person
Treetops Lodge and EstateTreetops Lodge offers the ultimate in world-class luxury accommodation in the heart of New Zealand’s unique forest and thermal wonderland, trout fishing mecca and cultural capital, Rotorua.

Nestled in 2,500 acres of 800-year old native forest, this ecology inspired award-winning lodge is a nature lovers sanctuary. Located in the trout fishing capital with rivers, lakes, waterfalls and 35 miles hiking trails. New are their natural heritage and native wilderness inspired ‘Signature Experiences’ offered daily. Also offering, helicopter adventures, a dedicated spa, and access to The Kinloch Club, an 18 hole Jack Nicklaus designed golf course.

Escape for a few days to your own piece of paradise and savour the peace, tranquillity and spectacular surroundings that engulf you at Treetops.
Learn more about Treetops Lodge and Estate

Free parking
Free WiFi
Airport transfer
Gym
Non-smoking
Air conditioning








 

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: High Peaks Hotel Fox Glacier


High Peaks Hotel Fox Glacier 5 nights from 315 per person
High Peaks Hotel Fox GlacierYour hosts, Marlene and Alan welcome you to High Peaks Hotel where we offer comfortable, relaxed, hotel style accommodation in Fox Glacier, on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Our aim is to provide high quality facilities while keeping tarrifs at a reasonable level.

Situated 1.5 kms down Cook Flat Road, High Peaks has a magnificent view of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, as can be seen in the photo gallery or on the webcam. This view can not be seen from the township.

Set in a quiet, rural location, away from the township with it's main road traffic and late night bars and with considerable attention to sound proofing in the construction of High Peaks Hotel, guests can be assured of a very peaceful nights rest.

We can help arrange any of the numerous activities in the area, from helicopter flights to glacier walks, and we can provide information on the various sightseeing options available.

We provide a range of services and features – let us cook you breakfast or dinner in our restaurant, soak up the sun on the large sun deck or relax in your spacious room.
Learn more about High Peaks Hotel Fox Glacier

Daily housekeeping
Room service
Area shuttle
Terrace
Garden
Self-serve laundry
Luggage storage
Limited hour front desk
Tour/ticket assistance





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: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel


Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel 5 nights from 1,535 per person
Queenstown Park Boutique HotelExperience the sophistication of Queenstown Park Hotel, a haven of luxury accommodation for all seasons. A boutique hotel with a modern romantic style and exclusive service awaits.

Stay in designer luxury accommodation, close to Queenstown's vibrant shopping, cafes and nightlife. Savour views of Queenstown's mountains from every luxury room and suite.

Delight in your Queenstown vacation, romantic escape or executive retreat at our exclusive boutique hotel. At Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel your comfort and pleasure is our highest concern.
Learn more about Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Free parking
Free WiFi
Airport transfer
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Microwave






 


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






X

abc

xyz

X

abc

xyz