North Island New Zealand Weather in September

Average Temperatures in the North Island in September

With the ski season in full swing in some areas, and the pending arrival of spring evident in others, the average temperatures to expect for the North Island in September depend a lot on where you want to go, and when you plan on being there. 

Here’s a more detailed look around the cities and regions:

Average Sunshine Hours Per day in the North Island in September

September bridges the gap between dark winter days and the ever-approaching arrival of spring and long summer days. By the end of the month, there are nearly 12 hours of daylight and over 6 hours of sunshine per day in certain parts of the North Island (such as Napier). Elsewhere, the lingering rain clouds (Auckland) or snow (Taupo) can limit the average sunshine hours per day to below 5. 

Overall, though, there are plenty of pockets of sunshine throughout the month.

Average Rainfall in the North Island in September

September is still a wet month in the far north of the North Island, where the winter rainy season is winding down, and the average number of wet days is over 12. Elsewhere, though, such as sunny Napier, September is already relatively dry, with barely 7 wet days for the month on average.  

Best Things to do in the North Island in September 

Taste New Zealand’s best seafood at the Whitianga Oceans Festival

New Zealand is surrounded by ocean, and unsurprisingly seafood is an important part of food and local cultures. There are few better places to celebrate that than in Whitianga, on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, for a day showcasing the range and diversity of New Zealand seafood. Formerly known for its associations with a damaging and destructive scallop industry, this Whitianga festival has revitalised itself as a leading light for how to both enjoy and protect New Zealand’s oceans. Most importantly though – it’s a fun time showcasing delicious dishes, live music, cooking classes, and a chance to get involved with local community groups.

See the return of the world’s biggest gannet colony

For any visiting bird- and nature-lovers in New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay is home to a phenomenon that shouldn’t be missed this time of year. Just half an hour from Napier, Cape Kidnappers is home to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Every September, adult birds finish their annual vagabonding and return to Cape Kidnappers in huge numbers to prepare their nests for the upcoming breeding season. If you’re lucky, you may also spot some migrating penguins and whales at this time, too!

Ski on ancient lava flows at New Zealand’s biggest ski area

The North Island New Zealand ski season is in full flow during September, when locals and international visitors alike flock to the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu, a short drive south of Taupo in the heart of Tongariro National Park in the central North Island. New Zealand’s two largest commercial ski areas are found here, Turoa and Whakapapa, and between them there’s no end of extensive runs ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert levels. The region’s volcanic heritage and ancient lava flows create natural half-pipes and terrain to challenge even the most accomplished of skiers, while beginners and intermediates will find a wide range of runs to suit them, along with first-rate facilities and plenty of stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

How to make your North Island holiday happen

Like the sound of a North Island holiday in September? Take a look at the different North Island tour packages and self-drive itinerary options provided by First Light Travel. 

Contact FLT’s travel advisers directly, online, to customise your own version. If you still have questions, the many articles on FLT’s dedicated New Zealand travel blog could help to answer them.

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