When’s the Best Time to Visit Aotearoa – New Zealand?

Aotearoa – New Zealand is stunning all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of adventure you’re after. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, fiery autumn colours, snowy peaks, or springtime blooms — there’s no bad time to explore, just different experiences waiting for you.

Over the years, we’ve travelled across Aotearoa in every season and seen it all — from surprise summer snow on the North Island to wild storms in the middle of what should have been a sunny week. These days, the seasons don’t always stick to the old rules, so packing with flexibility in mind is key.

A Personal Note from Us

We’ve wandered through every corner of our country, from summer roadies along the northern coast to winter escapes in the deep south. Each season reveals a different side of Aotearoa’s beauty, and what suits you best really depends on your travel style.

For us, the sweet spot is February to May—the summer crowds start thinning, the weather is still warm, and the landscapes begin to shift with the coming of autumn. It’s a magical window for relaxed travel, fewer queues, and plenty of beach-worthy days.

What Makes Each Season in Aotearoa So Unique?

Aotearoa’s seasons bring their own charm—and their own surprises.

• Summer (December to February) is usually a mix of blue skies and beach days, but sudden rain isn’t unusual.
• Autumn (March to May) brings golden foliage, quieter roads, and mellow days perfect for road trips.
• Winter (June to August) offers snowy mountain adventures and crisp mornings in the south, while the north stays relatively mild.
• Spring (September to November) is all about blossoms, baby animals, and a fresh energy across the country.

But here’s the thing—climate patterns are shifting, and weather can flip quickly. Your best tool? Flexibility, a layered wardrobe, and a solid rain jacket.

☀️ WARNING: The Harsh Sun of Aotearoa – New Zealand

It’s no joke—Aotearoa has some of the strongest UV levels in the world, thanks to low atmospheric pollution and a thin ozone layer. Even on cloudy days, the risk of sunburn is high.

Make sun protection part of your daily routine using the trusted ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ method:

• Slip on a shirt
• Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat

This simple practice goes a long way in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, helping you enjoy your time outdoors safely.

Table of Contents

• A Personal Note from Us
• What Makes Each Season in Aotearoa So Unique?
• WARNING: The Harsh Sun of Aotearoa – New Zealand
• Raumati – Summer: Sunshine and Unpredictability
• Ngāhuru – Autumn: Golden Hues and Tranquillity
• Hōtoke – Winter: Snow, Serenity, and Soaking
• Kōanga – Spring: Renewal and Reawakening
• Plan Smart, Pack Well, and Embrace the Unexpected

Raumati – Summer: Sunshine and Unpredictability (December to February)

Summer in Aotearoa is peak travel season, and for good reason. Expect long daylight hours, buzzing beach towns, and loads of outdoor events. But be warned — weather can turn quickly, so a rain jacket is still your best friend.

December

• Weather: Early summer, with long sunny days and the odd storm or cool snap.
• Best Places:
  • Te Tara-o-te-ika-a-Māui – Coromandel Peninsula: Gorgeous beaches and coastal hikes
  • Tāhuna – Queenstown: Adventure sports galore
  • Tongariro National Park: Perfect time to hike before the crowds hit
• Top Activities:
  • Coastal walks, kayaking, and swimming
  • Skydiving and jet boating
  • Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Annual Events:
  • Rhythm & Vines (Tūranganui-a-Kiwa – Gisborne)
  • Rhythm & Alps (Wānaka)
  • New Year’s Eve celebrations in major cities

Want more details on these destinations? Check out our full travel guides on:

• Te Tara-o-te-ika-a-Māui – Coromandel Peninsula: Beaches, coastal hikes, and laid-back charm
• Tāhuna – Queenstown: Adrenaline-fuelled fun and scenic beauty
• Tongariro National Park: How to hike the Alpine Crossing before it gets busy

January

• Weather: Hot and sunny, 20–30°C (68–86°F)
• Best Places: Everywhere! Especially coastal gems like Te Tai Tokerau – Northland, Bay of Plenty, and surf towns.
• Top Activities:
  • Sailing in Te Pēwhairangi – Bay of Islands
  • Surfing Raglan or the Taranaki Surf Highway
  • Hiking, biking, and exploring geothermal spots
• Annual Events:
  • Auckland Anniversary Regatta
  • Summer City Festival (Wellington)
  • Greenstone Entertainment Concert Tour

💡 Planning a summer trip? We’ve explored all these sun-soaked spots and shared our best tips in dedicated guides. Check them out to dive deeper into:

• Te Tai Tokerau – Northland and the Bay of Islands for epic sailing, island-hopping, and coastal walks
• Bay of Plenty for golden beaches, seaside camping, and geothermal day trips
• Raglan (Waikato) and Taranaki for laid-back surf culture and scenic drives along the Surf Highway
• Wellington for vibrant summer festivals and waterfront adventures

February

• Weather: Still warm, with slightly fewer crowds
• Best Places: Abel Tasman, Waiheke Island, and Marlborough
• Top Activities:
  • Kayak or hike in Abel Tasman
  • Wine tasting in Marlborough
  • Stargazing or take a Helicopter Ride in Aoraki – Mount Cook
• Annual Events:
  • Waitangi Day (6 Feb) – Ceremonies and cultural events
  • Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
  • Lantern Festival (Chinese New Year)

✨ Looking for the perfect late-summer escape? We’ve covered these stunning regions in full travel guides to help you make the most of the season:

• Abel Tasman for sun-drenched kayaking, coastal hikes, and secluded beaches
• Waiheke Island for art, food, and laid-back vineyard hopping
• Marlborough for world-class wine tasting and the region’s biggest food and wine festival
• Aoraki – Mount Cook for crystal-clear stargazing and unforgettable helicopter rides

Ngāhuru – Autumn: Golden Hues and Tranquillity (March to May)

Autumn is a favourite for road trippers. The crowds ease, prices drop, and landscapes burst into deep reds and golds. It’s a photographer’s dream and a peaceful time to explore vineyards, towns, and scenic drives.

March

• Weather: 15–25°C (59–77°F), warm days, cooler evenings
• Best Places: Rotorua, Northland, Tongariro
• Top Activities:
  • Cultural sites in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland
  • Geothermal wonders in Rotorua
  • Surfing, hiking, and road tripping
• Annual Events:
  • Auckland Arts Festival
  • Pasifika Festival
  • Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
  • WOMAD (Taranaki)
  • Jim Beam Homegrown (Wellington)

🔥 Planning an autumn adventure? Rotorua really shines this time of year—and we’ve put together a full guide to help you explore its geothermal wonders, cultural sites, and relaxing hot pools.

You can also catch some of the season’s best activities across the motu:\n

• Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland for rich cultural experiences and museums
• Northland for scenic road trips and coastal hikes
• Tongariro for unforgettable volcanic landscapes and shoulder-season trekking

April

• Weather: 12–22°C (54–72°F), settled and crisp
• Best Places: Wānaka, Arrowtown, Marlborough
• Top Activities:
  • Cycling the Hauraki Trail
  • Autumn photography roadies
  • Aoraki hikes before the snow
• Annual Events:
  • Arrowtown Autumn Festival
  • Warbirds Over Wānaka (biennial)

🍂 Autumn’s a brilliant time to explore some of Aotearoa’s most picturesque regions:\n

• Wānaka and Arrowtown for golden landscapes, lakeside walks, and cosy small-town charm

Keen to get active? Cycling the Hauraki Rail Trail is one of the best easy rides in the country—we’ve written a full guide to help you plan it.

May

• Weather: 8–18°C (46–64°F); early winter arrives in the south
• Best Places: Ōtautahi – Christchurch, Te Ika-a-Māui – North Island
• Top Activities:
  • Museum hopping in Christchurch
  • Bluff Oyster season
  • Exploring quiet trails before winter hits
• Annual Events:
  • Christchurch Comedy Carnival
  • Wānaka Autumn Art School
  • Bluff Oyster Festival

❄️ Late autumn is the perfect time to slow down and savour the quieter side of Aotearoa: Check out our Full Guides, Suggested itineries and places to be.

• Wander through galleries and museums in Ōtautahi – Christchurch, where culture meets creativity
• Head south for Bluff oyster festival—a treat for seafood lovers
• Road trip across Te Ika-a-Māui – North Island to explore peaceful trails and off-season gems before winter sets in

Hōtoke – Winter: Snow, Serenity, and Soaking (June to August)

Winter brings alpine adventures and cosy getaways. From ski runs to hot springs, it’s the season for slowing down — or gearing up for snow-based fun.

June

• Weather: -3 to 15°C (27–59°F)
• Best Places: Tāhuna – Queenstown, Fiordland, Wellington
• Top Activities:
  • Skiing in Queenstown, Wānaka, Mt Ruapehu
  • Fiordland cruises with waterfalls in full force
  • Wine tasting in Central Otago
• Annual Events:
  • Queenstown Winter Festival
  • Matariki Celebrations nationwide

🏔️ We’ve written a full guide to Otago—home to Queenstown, Wānaka, and some of the South Island’s most unforgettable landscapes. Or head to Mount Ruapehu for alpine hikes or early snow play. If you’re planning a wintery escape, it’s the perfect place to start.

For even more seasonal adventures:

• Take a Fiordland cruise to see the waterfalls at their most powerful—fed by winter rain and misty mountain runoff

July

• Weather: -5 to 12°C (23–54°F); snow at its peak
• Best Places: Mt Ruapehu, Hanmer Springs, Aoraki
• Top Activities:
  • Ski or snowboard the North and South Island slopes
  • Scenic flights over snow-covered peaks
  • Soak in thermal pools
• Annual Events:
  • NZ International Film Festival

Hanmer Springs is a great spot to unwind—soak in the thermal pools, stroll through forest trails, or try something more adventurous like jet boating or mountain biking.

August

• Weather: -3 to 14°C (27–57°F); signs of spring in the north
• Best Places: Canterbury, Northland, Marlborough
• Top Activities:
  • Late-season skiing
  • Coastal escapes up north
  • Wine & food in Hawke’s Bay
• Annual Events:
  • Beervana (Wellington)
  • Havelock Mussel Festival

🌿 We’ve written full travel guides for both Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay—whether you’re after alpine adventures, coastal charm, or rolling vineyard views, these regions deliver year-round magic.

In Hawke’s Bay, spend your days exploring weekend markets, cycling through wineries, or walking along the Art Deco streets of Napier and Ahuriri.

Kōanga – Spring: Renewal and Reawakening (September to November)

Spring breathes new life into Aotearoa, with wildflowers, baby animals, and crisp mornings. Garden lovers rejoice, and longer daylight hours mean more time to explore.

September

• Weather: Mild temps and blooming landscapes
• Best Places: Taranaki, Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay
• Top Activities:
  • Garden festivals
  • Wine tours
  • Spring marathons and city walks
• Annual Events:
  • TSB Festival of Lights
  • Hawke’s Bay Marathon
  • Alexandra Blossom Festival

Spring’s a great time to get out and about—garden festivals are in full bloom, wine tours are relaxed and scenic, and there’s no shortage of fresh-air fun with marathons and city walks happening across regions like Taranaki, Marlborough, and Hawke’s Bay.

October

• Weather: Warmer, greener, and sunnier
• Best Places: Auckland, West Coast
• Top Activities:
  • Explore Punakaiki Rocks
  • Attend cultural events and food festivals
• Annual Events:
  • Labour Weekend festivities
  • Taranaki Garden Spectacular

🌧️ We’ve put together a full guide to the wild and rugged West Coast, where dramatic landscapes, glacier-fed rivers, and remote beaches make every stop feel like an adventure. If you’re heading that way, our guide will help you plan the best places to explore—rain or shine.

November

• Weather: Warm and settled—though it has rained in the central North Island in recent years
• Best Places: Fiordland, Bay of Plenty
• Top Activities:
  • Great Walks before peak crowds
  • Early summer beach trips
• Annual Events:
  • NZ Cup & Show Week (Christchurch)
  • Toast Martinborough (Wairarapa)

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Fiordland or soaking up sunshine in the Bay of Plenty, there’s plenty to keep you busy—think scenic cruises, coastal walks, geothermal hot pools, and fresh seafood straight from the source

Plan Smart, Pack Well, and Embrace the Unexpected

Each season in Aotearoa – New Zealand offers its own kind of magic — just don’t expect it to play by the rules. Sunshine, rain, snow, blossoms — it might all show up in the same week.

So plan with intention, but travel with flexibility. The best adventure often begins when the weather changes course. Whether you’re snowshoeing in July or swimming in November, there’s always something special waiting around the corner.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.