A Taste of New Zealand Seasons

Spring in New Zealand - September, October, November

Characterised by flowers in bloom, baby animals, longer days and an abundance of Kiwifruit, spring in New Zealand is an uplifting time. During this quieter season, you can enjoy the wonders of Aotearoa with less crowds.

The season can bring some unsettled weather – one minute you’re adding layers and a scarf, and the next you’re trying to lay your hands on a t-shirt – but the lush green of new growth that can be seen everywhere makes up for it. You’re looking at high temperatures around the country that are between 15-18°C  (59-64°F).

Spring Festivals:
•    Explore the Oceans Festival a must for lovers of seafood;
•    Wellington’s World of Wearable Art Festival – a celebration of colour, creativity, and theatre for those that love drama and world-class design

 

Summer in New Zealand - December, January, February

We Kiwi’s love summer - we’re active and happy, relishing the long days and evening swims that come with this time of year. Join in the summer fun with a BBQ at the beach or get out on the water with countless options including surfing, sailing, kayaking and fishing!

What is the average temperature? Temperatures sit around 20-25°C (68-77°F) and during this time, the country enjoys stretches of sunny, fine weather. Lakes and beaches are an enjoyable temperature, and there is always something happening to fill those long summer evenings. 

A Top New Zealand Summer Destination:

• The Bay of Islands - with 144 islands and bays The Bay of Islands is a popular for diving and snorkeling, camping and hiking in the summer. If you cant be here in summer don't worry! Known as the 'winterless north' this is a great destination all year round.

Summer Festivals:

• Art Deco Festival in Hawke’s Bay transports the city of Napier back to the 1930’s era of glitz and glamour. 
• Marlborough Wine & Food Festival - a celebration of Marlborough’s wine, people, food and landscapes;
• There are countless music festivals throughout the summer months with something to suit every trip, talk to us about your options!

Already booked a summer festival? Amazing! We can fully customise a self-drive itinerary for you around the festival you have booked to make sure that you get the most out of your time in New Zealand.

Autumn (Fall) in New Zealand - March, April, May

With settled, warm weather, colder nights and trees that light up in gold, orange and yellow, autumn is a great time to explore New Zealand; you’ll avoid the crowds of summer but still get to enjoy long, fine days. 
Many beaches and lakes hold their warm temperatures till the end of March or into mid-April – you may even have them all to yourself! Highs of around 17°C (63°F) make for a very pleasant trip. 

Fancy a tasty autumn treat? Feijoas come into season – this tangy, green fruit is best eaten freshly picked off the tree or in a hearty crumble for dessert.

A Top New Zealand Autumn Destination:

• Central Otago region comes alive in autumn with a spectacular array of Autumnal colours peppering the landscape. Arrowtown, Clyde. Wanaka and Queenstown are particularly beautiful at this time of the year, take lots of photos!

Autumn Festivals:

• Auckland Arts Festival – a celebration of art and culture
• Hokitika Wildfoods Festival – explore the West Coast’s unique wild food and lifestyle
• Marchfest - NZ's Big Little Craft Beer Festival
• The Arrowtown Autumn Festival - Celebrate Arrowtown's most colourful time of the year with food, wine, comedy, arts, music and sporting events for all ages

Winter in New Zealand - June, July, August 

Winter weather can often be surprising – crisp, clear days are not uncommon, although you can expect fantastic snowfall for our many ski fields throughout the central North Island and much of the South Island.
With temperatures peaking around 12°C (54°F), we recommend wrapping up and enjoying a hearty Kiwi roast dinner with a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir.

A Top New Zealand Winter Destination:

• Queenstown comes alive in winter with so many great ski fields within easy reach such as and is regarded as the top skiing destination in New Zealand. Take your pick from Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone. There is so much more to learn about Skiing in New Zealand.

Wonderful Winter Festivals: 

• Throughout the country, there will be events for Matariki, the Maori New Year
• Taupo Winter Festival - a family-friendly event with a jam-packed programme of art, music and food
• Queenstown Mardi Gras - celebrate the start of the winter season with local and international electronic musicians

At First Light Travel, we believe New Zealand is a great place to visit in any season – the friendly, engaging locals, fun kiwi culture and delicious food & wine will be a mainstay of your visit, no matter the time of year.

Chat to our Travel Specialists about creating the perfect itinerary for you - they'll listen to your dream-trip must-do's and build an itinerary that suits you down to the ground.