New Zealand Travel Blog

Downside Up New Zealand Blog

Welcome to our New Zealand Travel Blog DownsideUP

This blog is dedicated to inform and inspire you on all things to do with New Zealand..

Actually we write posts on anything that’s of interest in the South Pacific (our home) DownsideUP was started in 2008, to help people just like you, with planning the perfect NZ Self Driving experience.  

Winter in Arrowtown
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
July is peak winter in the South Island, which means a lot of crisp, clear skies and plenty of lovely snow (in parts). It also means that it’ll likely be cold – but not everywhere. Read on for everything you need to know about what weather to expect in the South Island during July.
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie

Winter wonderland
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Winter weather is well upon the South Island in August, meaning plenty of opportunities for winter sports and other activities. With clear skies, picturesque snowfall, and plenty of sunshine
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie

Wedderburn Central Otago
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
The weather in the South Island in September bridges the gap between winter and spring, with snow still hanging around at the beginning of the month in some parts, and balmy, summery temperatures having well and truly arrived by the end of the month in others. It’s a time with a lot going on, as people try to make the most of the weather at both ends!
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie

Spring at Mt Cook
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Did somebody say spring is in the air? It certainly feels like it across the South Island in October, where temperatures are well on their way towards summer highs.
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie

South Island Wilderness
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
November is a wonderful time to visit the South Island. With spring well and truly sprung and summer knocking on the door, days are getting longer and nice, mild-to-warm temperatures are moving into most parts of the island.
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie

The West Coast of the South Island
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Summer officially arrives in the South Island in December, along with lots of fun festivals and activities to celebrate. With long balmy evenings and warm days, December is a great time to plan a South Island holiday.
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie

Waimakariri Bridge
John Dunne - broadcaster, writer, skibum, sailor
By
John Dunne
Some would call Arthurs Pass the main event on the Great Alpine Highway No.73. Read on to discover the history and travelers tips to making the most of your  Tranz-Alpine crossing by road.
John Dunne - broadcaster, writer, skibum, sailor
By
John Dunne

Beautiful Te Anau lakefront
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
March can be a very pleasant time of the year to enjoy the South Island, with temperatures still relatively mild following the end of peak summer in February, it’s a great time for an active holiday and outdoor activities.
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie

Cave Stream photo from Flock Hill Remote Wilderness Retreat
John Dunne - broadcaster, writer, skibum, sailor
By
John Dunne
Heading west on ' The Great Alpine Highway No. 73 ' - the main route from Christchurch through the Southern Alps to the West Coast.
John Dunne - broadcaster, writer, skibum, sailor
By
John Dunne

Skiing in the south Island's Craigieburn Range
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
With winter arriving  the South Island has plenty to offer the traveller from world-famous wildlife and world-class ski resorts, to jaw-dropping starry skies and a surprising amount of sunny days.
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie

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