The Best Time to Visit New Zealand

So when is the best time to visit New Zealand? New Zealand is a place that knows no bounds, which also includes the seasons not holding us back from any adventure. Whether it’s a scorcher out or a chilly one or somewhere in between, all types of weather bring exciting and unique activities and destinations around Aotearoa to life. We’ve got just the breakdown for you on the places to go and the things to do in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Spring Travel in New Zealand

Springtime is for super-blooms and vibrant landscapes anew while experiencing the unforgettable and unique destinations of New Zealand all without the peak summer heat. Spring travel is the best time to visit New Zealand for travelers who love a moderate climate with abundant sunshine and don’t mind waters that are a little chilly.

Spring is also the ideal time to embark on the more stunning but strenuous hikes like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing so you can traverse the otherworldly environments without the scorching sun. Another great hike in spring is the Hooker Valley Walk to the glaciers that are still floating in the lakes beneath Mount Cook on our Southern Voyager route.

Lake Tekapo is also a hotspot for spring travelers as the glistening blue glacial lake also pops with colourful purple lupins bursting into bloom.

Pros of Spring Travel in New Zealand:

• Cooler temperatures with plenty of sunshine makes outdoor excursion heaps more comfortable.
• Unique flora of New Zealand is in full bloom with vibrant colours bursting all around.

Cons of Spring Travel in New Zealand:

• Colder temperatures in the water for those who love to swim or surf.
• Travelers with allergies like hay fever might have a tough time dealing with the power of the pollen in spring.

Summer Travel in New Zealand

Summer in New Zealand means sun-drenched shores and beach barbecues abound. This is the best time to visit New Zealand for water lovers and those wanting to hit the best surf spots New Zealand has to offer.

Grab your boards and head to Raglan beach, one of our stops on our Northern Voyager route, for ideal surfing for beginners or advanced. And we can’t forget those lazy days relaxing on the black sand beaches or the awe of sea kayaking to Cathedral Cove.

For the adrenaline junkies out there, this is the best time to visit New Zealand and get your fill of heart-pounding water sports and activities like white water rafting, the rip-roaring jet boats in Taupo or Queenstown, and quad biking adventures along the rivers of Franz Jose Glacier.

Pros of Summer Travel in New Zealand:

• Warmer waters make it perfect for the aquaholics and surfers.
• Perfectly sunny days with not much worry about bad weather.

Cons of Summer Travel in New Zealand:

• School is out so beaches can be busy, best to hit late summer in February when they return to school.
• Peak summer can get extremely hot.

Autumn Travel in New Zealand

The landscapes are set aflame with crimson, orange, and gold and is one of the best times to visit New Zealand for nature lovers. Temperatures are cool but days are still bright and sunny.

Head down south to be immersed in the autumn colours in stunning Queenstown or the sprawling landscapes and hillsides of Christchurch. Explore Milford Sound to see waterfalls descend from the misty sky all around with the reds and oranges filling the valley from our Big South route.

Pros of Autumn Travel in New Zealand:

• Autumn landscapes are a sight to behold.
• Cooler temperatures make it ideal for hiking.

Cons for Autumn Travel in New Zealand:

• More unpredictable weather and rain.
• Chillier mornings and nights mean you have to pack clothing for all seasons.

Winter Travel in New Zealand

Though the temperatures drop, the adventures don’t stop in winter. Winter months are the best time to visit New Zealand for snow lovers and powder seekers with some of the best slopes to ski or snowboard. Hit Queenstown for some of the best powder trails and most gorgeous scenery you can imagine while on our Ski Voyager route.

Winter is also phenomenal for low-tourism numbers so you’ll have plenty of destinations to yourselves, and with the rains comes surging and majestic waterfalls to ogle at all over New Zealand. It’s also time to cozy up a bit in the hot springs of Taupo or Rotorua, or warm up by digging yourself a personal hot spring on Hot Water Beach.

Pros of Winter Travel in New Zealand:

• Best time for skiers and snowboarders to explore New Zealand.
• Low tourism numbers leave hotspots all to you.

Cons of Winter Travel in New Zealand:

• It’s cold of course and the weather is unpredictable, so outdoor excursions can be difficult.
• Some activities and excursions are closed for the winter.

Now you know the best time to visit New Zealand: Any time! When any time is the perfect time to visit New Zealand, there’s always an adventure waiting for any type of traveler. Book your epic Wild Kiwi New Zealand adventure today!