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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
Visiting New Zealand in January
In New Zealand, January tends to be the hottest month of summer. Wave the European winters goodbye as you head to a land of glorious beaches, remarkable wildlife and unforgettable experiences. January is a particularly good month for snorkelling and for spotting dolphin and fur seal.
The celebrations around New Year are similar to those of the rest of the world. Prepare for all-night parties, spectacular firework displays and all-round good cheer as locals and visitors celebrate alike.
From January to February, you can watch Rugby Sevens, one of the country’s favourite sporting events, played in Wellington.
Visiting New Zealand in February
The great weather continues in February making it a popular time to explore the country. You can choose from a huge number of outdoor festivals and events, such as the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival. New Zealand's longest running wine festival, this is the perfect excuse to discover the many flavours of the Marlborough Region. You can cycle from vineyard to vineyard, sampling as you go.
At the start of the month you can witness Waitangi Day, a national holiday which commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
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Visiting New Zealand in March
As summer begins to fade, so too do the crowds. The climate is still warm enough to enjoy plenty of time on the beach, yet it’s cool enough to get active and explore. Take hiking trails through the countryside to see remarkable autumnal colours exploding over the landscape. There are also plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities. March is also still a great time to tour New Zealand's wineries and vineyards.
Come to Wellington to visit Homegrown Festival. Enjoy seven stages and over 50 acts at one of the country’s longest-running festivals.
Visiting New Zealand in April
The beautiful colours of autumn still decorate the landscape as the temperatures continue their gradual decline. The climate is perfect for hiking and more energetic adventures. Expect low visitor numbers, lower prices and easy access to attractions.
The Balloons over Waikato is a unique hot-air balloon festival. Watch the sky become crowded with colourful crafts over Innes Common, Hamilton Lake and The University of Waikato grounds.
Titirangi Festival features giant street games, creative activities and competitions. Enjoy great food and entertainment such as stilt walkers and street performers.
Visiting New Zealand in May
The last month of autumn, May sees a greater temperature drop. See distant peaks coloured white as they become capped with snow. Take fishing trips to the rivers surrounding Taupo and Turangi, as well as Northland lakes and rivers. Mountain biking is a popular activity here, and a great way to keep warm as you witness the country’s astonishing scenery. You can also try bungee jumping and other extreme sports.
With music, food and wine all around, Bluff Oyster Festival is a wonderfully atmospheric way to enjoy seafood treats.
Visiting New Zealand in June
Winter is extremely welcome in New Zealand, and the cool climate is the perfect excuse to wrap up in Merino-wool clothing. Here there is a huge snow-sports culture, and you have a wide choice when it comes to destinations. Visit the West Coast glaciers and the Southern Alps on the South Island, or ski on the North Island’s Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano within Tongariro World Heritage National Park.
Queenstown Winter Fest is an incredible snow-sports event with a huge range of attractions – music performances, parties and firework displays – as well as some incredible snow-sport competitions.
Visiting New Zealand in July
The ski resorts are the main attraction during winter months. Hiking on backcountry trails is a serene experience at this time, and you can expect occasional warm days for exploring. Visit Paparoa National Park during the height of a storm. The geysers and blowholes are particularly volatile in stormy weather. Another natural sight well worth visiting is Lindis Pass, the spectacular setting used for much of the Lord of the Rings films.
Cadbury Chocolate Carnival includes a fun run, chocolate-painting classes, chocolate tasting and the famous Cadbury Jaffa Race. A must-visit event for all chocoholics.
Visiting New Zealand in August
Enjoy the North Island’s milder weather, perfect for exploring the cultural attractions of Auckland, or experience an active winter on the South Island. In August you can spot humpback whale migrating to warmer waters via Kaikoura. Skilled skiers can try heliskiing, or tour this sublime landscape by fixed-wing aircraft.
Torpedo7 PEAK TO PEAK is a multisport event where competitors race by ski, snowboard, kayak, mountain bike, road bike and on foot from The Remarkables’ ski area to Coronet Peak.
Visa Wellington on a Plate is a huge expression of New Zealand cuisine, when food events are held throughout Wellington.
Visiting New Zealand in September
As spring begins, temperatures rise, and snows melt, making September a good time for white-water rafting. You’ll see all the tell-tale signs of spring as wildflowers spring up on roadsides, new-born lambs appear among the fields and orcas frequent the coastlines. You can also attend a number of spring festivals.
The Hastings and Alexandra spring festivals offer supremely quaint family-orientated entertainment. Spring Nelson Beer Fete takes place in one the country’s sunniest locales, and is soon followed by Nelson Arts Festival.
Sample typical New Zealand seafood at the West Coast Whitebait Season Festival or Kaikoura SeaFest.
Visiting New Zealand in October
October brings a noticeable increase in temperature. Enjoy the perfect climate for exploring as much of the country as possible, from mountain hikes to coastal meanders. Christchurch offers a blend of cultural and natural attractions.
As New Zealand’s gardens come into bloom, the country becomes a mecca for gardeners and horticulturists. You’ll see wildflowers splash new colour all over the landscape, and with a huge proportion of endemic flora in New Zealand there’s so much to discover.
Head to Taranaki Spring Garden Festival to view an array of horticultural masterpieces and learn all about flower power in New Zealand.
Visiting New Zealand in November
Visit during November before the summer crowds arrive. The weather is warm and on the increase, particularly towards the north, and with fewer tourists this is a good month to visit popular attractions like Milford Sound.
Canterbury A&P Show has been running since 1862. This is when 'country comes to town', and you’ll see a range of traditional countryside activities taking place, including sheep shearing, wood cutting and horse and pony trials.
November is also a good month to visit Hawke’s Bay, known for its fine wine and fresh produce.
Visiting New Zealand in December
Christmas in full summer is an incredibly novel experience which most celebrate with a family barbeque on the beach. Summer has finally struck, and consistently sunny days make the perfect complement to the merry atmosphere as shopping districts come alive with excitement. The days are at their longest, meaning you can spend the optimum time exploring. Look out for the flowering Pohutukawa Tree, known as the “New Zealand Christmas Tree”, which displays an eye-catching crimson colouration and can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
