When should you visit New Zealand?

One of the first things I’m asked when anyone is planning a trip to New Zealand is, “When should I go?” The truth is, this is a tricky question!

I really don't think there's a "bad" time to visit, as the country has a relatively mild climate, but each season brings a different kind of experience. If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand, it’s a good idea to plan ahead, think about what you want to do, and then decide when to travel.

And given how expensive it is to stay alive these days, you don't want to fork out a whole hunk of cash, only to realise you should have visited four months prior. So keep reading and explain our seasons and the weather in New Zealand to help you decide the best time to visit based on what you want to do.

North Island vs South Island

New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. It might sound obvious, but so many people get caught out and arrive in Auckland with a suitcase packed full of swimsuits in the middle of June. When it’s winter in Europe or America, it’s summer in New Zealand and vice versa. Keep that in mind!!

The North Island

It is generally warmer and more humid, especially in places like Auckland, Northland, and the Coromandel. In the summer (December to February), our weather is hot, sticky, and can be rainy, particularly in December. However, we also experience droughts, so you never quite know what to expect! Winters are cool but rarely freezing, except in places like Taranaki and Tongariro National Park. Both have alpine conditions, and inside Tongariro National Park is Mount Ruapehu, home to Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields.

The South Island

Has much more extreme weather. Summer tends to be scorching hot and dry in regions like Central Otago, Canterbury, and Marlborough. In the winter, places like Queenstown, Wanaka, Aoraki, and Fiordland get lots of snow, and temperatures drop below freezing. If you’re travelling to Milford Sound or the West Coast, you’ll almost always have a day of rain, so it’s always a good idea to pack a raincoat!

No matter where you are, the weather changes quickly, and it’s not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day. I can’t count the number of times I’ve started a hike in the sun and ended up soaking wet. Remember to take care, check the forecast, and don’t push yourself past your limits.

How to choose the best time for YOU

Choosing the best time to visit New Zealand will ultimately depend on what kind of experience you’re after. You’ll need to consider

How do you want to spend your time

How important are outdoor activities to you

How much $$$ are you willing to spend

Here’s a breakdown of New Zealand seasons to help you choose when to visit

Summer

December to February

Summer is peak road trip season in NZ. The weather is warm and sunny, the beaches are backed (well, by New Zealand’s standards), and campsites are full of families. It's worth noting that in Auckland and Northland, summer doesn't really start until January these days, so keep that in mind.

Pros

• Long daylight hours (sunset around 9 pm)

• Great for swimming, camping, hiking

• Warm temperatures, usually between 20–30°C (68–86°F)

• Kiwi summer is iconic. It's a feeling, not a season. Trust me :)

Cons

• The most expensive time to travel

• Busier nearly everywhere (school holidays run Dec–Feb)

• Harder to book DOC huts, activities and accommodation, especially last minute

• Verrryyyy strong UV. It can get up to 12+, and you could burn under 10 minutes

• More sandflies than people on the South Island

Autumn

March to May

In my opinion, early autumn is the best time to visit NZ. The crowds are almost gone, the weather’s more settled, and prices drop a little. March, particularly, is delicious.

Pros

• Fewer crowds and lower prices

• Cooler weather and fewer sandflies, thanks very much

• Still great for hiking (Great Walks season runs till April 30)

• Grape harvest season = wine tastings

• Arrowtown is stunning in autumn

Cons

• Shorter days, especially after daylight saving

• Cold mornings, especially in the South

• Lots of public holidays (Easter, ANZAC Day) = surcharges at restaurants

• May can be very rainy (we’ve just had a tropical cyclone in April 2025), and the Great Walks season ends

Winter

June to August

If you’re into skiing, head south between August and early October for the best snow. Queenstown and Wanaka are popular, but winter can also be a great time to explore the North Island on a budget (I personally wouldn’t recommend it, but I’m solar-powered, so my life revolves around the sun).

Pros

• Cheapest time to travel (unless you're skiing)

• Snowy landscapes, cosy vibes, mulled winneeee

• Way fewer tourists

• Ski season

• West Coast sunsets are incredible in winter

Cons

• Cold (especially in the mid-North Island and down)

• Some roads and trails are closed or need chains

• Ski resorts are so pricey $$$ (but not compared to the Alps)

• Rain is very likely

Spring

September to November

During spring, the weather begins to warm up, flowers bloom, and lambing season starts (although this means that some walking trails may be closed, so be sure to check on the Department of Conservation website before you set out).

Pros

• Fewer crowds and lower prices

• Similar to autumn (but with more rain)

• Great for hiking (especially on the North Island)

• If you travel at the end of spring, you might see the start of the lupin season.

Cons

• Unpredictable weather (but that’s NZ all year round)

• Lambing season means Roy’s Peak closes between late October and early November

• Cold in the mornings

My final thoughts

At the end of the day, there’s no bad time to visit New Zealand. Aotearoa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and each season brings something magical!! Whatever time you choose, come prepared, be flexible, and pack a raincoat. You’ll have an amazing time.

If you’re still unsure, book a 1-on-1 call with me or reach out, and I’ll build you a custom itinerary with seasonal recommendations based on how you like to spend your holidays.