New Zealand Weather in November

Is November a good time to visit New Zealand?

November is a great time to visit New Zealand, combining the beauty and energy of spring with a less crowded (and more affordable) visitor experience than at other times. Spring has truly sprung by mid-November, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine to be had. With spring bringing New Zealand’s native flora and fauna out of a winter slumber, it’s a great time to get out and see New Zealand’s natural beauty and wildlife up close. Whether you want to go kayaking, climb a mountain, visit some famous sites or just relax, there’s a lot to like about visiting New Zealand in November. 

What is the weather like in New Zealand in November?

November marks the final month of Spring in New Zealand, and the weather is ramping up for a run-in to Summer. Temperatures are rising across the board, rainfall is dropping off, and the sun is shining for longer periods given the extended daylight hours. Depending on where you plan to visit on your New Zealand itinerary in November, you can generally expect a combination of warm temperatures, long sunny days, and only the odd rainy day here and there.

Average temperatures in New Zealand in November

Overall, average temperatures in New Zealand for the month of November hover around 15°C (59°F), but this changes from place to place. Days well over 20°C (68°F) are common in the far north, while nightly lows at the start of the month can still drop below 5°C (41°F) in the mountains and the South Island. 

Average sunshine hours in New Zealand in November

November is a relatively sunny month in New Zealand, and this is even more the case the further south you go. In Christchurch and Queenstown, where the days are starting to get very long, you can expect well over seven hours of sunshine per day, on average, while major North Island centers like Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland see only slightly fewer sunshine hours during November.

Average rainfall in New Zealand in November

Compared with the months that come before it, November typically sees a sharp decline in average rainfall around New Zealand There are still some areas that receive more rain than others, but in general you can expect a low number of wet days and longer clear, dry periods. 

For a more detailed outline of which places could be wetter (but often warmer) than others, here’s an outline of average rainfall in New Zealand in November, by location:

Best things to do in New Zealand in November

Get into the great outdoors

Spring is in the air in November, and it’s one of the best times to visit New Zealand for exploring the great outdoors. With temperatures on the rise but not yet too hot, along with plenty of sunshine and dry days, it’s a great time to make the most of having many of New Zealand’s fabulous hiking trails, national parks, coastal walks, and cycling trails all to yourself!

Go fishing

With the trout and salmon fisheries typically opening up in October and temperatures boosting insect life in rivers in earnest by November, it’s a great time to enjoy fishing in New Zealand’s lakes and rivers. For the full ocean experience, dozens of professional fishing charters are available from Tauranga, Auckland and through the Marlborough Sounds. 

Try a “beery” special local brew

New Zealand’s craft beer scene has exploded onto the international stage in recent years, and November is a fantastic time to sample some of the best local brews. With the sun coming out and temperatures rising, November is a time of fun beer festivals all around the country – whether Wellington’s Beervana and Beers at the Basin, Gisborne’s East Cape Beer Festival, or even the Lord of the Rings-themed Hobbiton Beer Festival in Matamata.

Wine tastings and tours

With summer knocking at the door but the crowds not yet there, November is a great time to enjoy some of New Zealand’s world-famous wineries. Take a boat from Auckland to Waiheke Island for a day of boutique winery tours (as the Waiheke Island Garden Festival is also in full swing), cycle between cellar doors on Marlborough’s “Golden Mile” of vineyards just outside Blenheim, or enjoy a private tour at one of Central Otago’s many small, family-run wineries.

Ready to go?

If you like the sound of a New Zealand holiday in November and would like to find out more, then First Light Travel can help you out. They have a team of New Zealand travel experts ready to help you plan your own customized travel itinerary. You can contact them to enquire, free of charge. 

If you’d like to have a browse instead, then First Light Travel have a range of exciting self-drive New Zealand tour itineraries, a dedicated New Zealand Travel Blog and an extensive New Zealand Travel Guide, containing everything you need to know, on their website.