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Best Time to Visit New Zealand from India

The best time to visit New Zealand is during summer (December to February). New Zealand, the country which hosts people for celebrations throughout the year, is the land of heartening Māori Culture and of landscapes you must have seen as a cover on your notebooks. It has something to offer whenever you visit this land which is full of artistic landscapes. You can experience world-class festivals and celebrations such as Art-Deco, WOMAD, and Rhythm and Vines.

Explore the beauty of New Zealand in any season and make the most of your trip. Enjoy the lush landscapes and the outdoor adventure sports to feel lively and energised. Read this article to get details about the best time to visit New Zealand.

Best Months/Seasons to Visit New Zealand

Knowing the best month to visit New Zealand will make your trip planning easier. Follow the list discussed below to see what suits you:

Month Average Temperature Description
September-November (Spring Season) 4.5 to 18 degrees Celsius

Spring in New Zealand brings a burst of vibrant life and natural beauty across the islands. Enjoy various food and music festivals while you’re there.

Popular events during this time: Newmarket Festival, Taste of Auckland, and Highwic’s Sweet Pea Festival.

December-February (Summer Season) 20 to 25 degrees Celsius The best time to visit New Zealand is the summer season. When the rest of the world experiences cold weather, New Zealanders experience pleasant, sunny weather with the least rainfall.

Popular events during this time: Rhythm and Alps, World Buskers Festival, and Rhythm and Vines.
March-May (Autumn Season) 7 to 21 degrees Celsius Autumn brings mild temperatures across the country, making outdoor activities comfortable and enjoyable. It is harvest season in New Zealand, showcasing the abundance of fresh produce and local delicacies.

Popular events during this time: WOMAD, Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, and Earth Beat Festival in Auckland.
June-August (Winter Season) 10 to 16 degrees Celsius The Southern Alps, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mount Cook are blanketed in snow, creating perfect conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Popular events during this time: Matariki, Queenstown Winter Festival, and Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival.

September-November (Spring Season)

Springtime in New Zealand heralds new life. The Alpine meadows burst with wildflowers, creating a dramatic landscape and a colourful tapestry, and the snow in the Southern Alps melts. Outdoor activities are a must during spring.

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to New Zealand:

Weather Mild, occasional rainshower
Temperature 4.5°C to  18°C 
Season Moderate to Peak 
Season for Localities Newmarket Festival, Taste of Auckland, Highwic’s Sweet Pea Festival
Key Highlights
  • Visit the Alpine meadow bursting with life in spring
  • Explore hiking trails like Milford Track
  • Enjoy native bird watching like tui, kereru and fantails

December-February (Summer Season)

Summer season in New Zealand is a time to embrace the great outdoors, celebrate cultural diversity, and immerse oneself in the natural beauty and relaxed Kiwi way of life.

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to New Zealand:

Weather Warm and sunny
Temperature 20°C to  25°C 
Season Peak 
Season for Localities Rhythm and Alps, World Buskers Festival, Rhythm and Vines
Key Highlights
  • Swim in the Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula, and the Abel Tasman coast
  • Hike in the Routeburn Track or Tongariro Alpine Crossing
  • Explore water sports, such as surfing and snorkelling

March-May (Autumn Season)

New Zealand’s landscapes become a stunning tapestry of red, gold, and amber hues. Autumn in New Zealand invites cosy moments by the fireplace, indulging in hearty meals and relaxing in boutique lodges or quaint bed-and-breakfasts.

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to New Zealand:

Weather Mild 
Temperature 7°C to  21°C 
Season Moderate 
Season for Localities WOMAD, Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, Earth Beat Festival in Auckland

Key Highlights

  • Enjoy local cuisine at The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival on the South Island
  • Watch native birds, preparing for winter
  • Explore grape harvesting at Marlborough, Central Otago, and Hawke’s Bay

June-August (Winter Season)

Winter in New Zealand spans from June to August and offers a unique experience with stunning snowy landscapes, diverse winter sports, cosy cultural events, and opportunities to indulge in local cuisine.

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to New Zealand:

Weather Cold and rainy/snowy
Temperature 10°C to  16°C 
Season Off 
Season for Localities Matariki, Queenstown Winter Festival, Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival
Key Highlights
  • Go skiing in ski fields like Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona on the South Island, and Turoa
  • Enjoy fireside dining with local wines and savour comfort foods
  • Explore thermal hot springs like those in Rotorua and Hanmer Springs

When to Avoid Visiting New Zealand?

New Zealand is a beautiful country all year round. However, there is a certain season when tourists avoid travelling to New Zealand.

Months to Avoid Reason
June-August (Winter Season)
  • The best and not-so-best time to visit New Zealand depends on your preferred activities and the places you plan to visit. However, most travellers recommend avoiding visiting New Zealand between June and August. June is considered to be the wettest month in New Zealand, with an average precipitation of approximately 150 mm.
  • The weather is cold and wet in New Zealand from the months of June to August.  Due to this harsh weather condition, many outdoor activities are shut down, which the country is famous for.
  • However, other adventures and activities will be available to you, such as skiing and snowboarding, and you can also take a tour around some of the most scenic places. You will also find that flights are much cheaper during this time but do not expect the same for the accommodation.

Seasonal Travel Costs of Visiting New Zealand from India

Travelling to Cambodia from India can vary in affordability depending on the time of year. Here's a general overview of how costs for flights and hotels can differ across different months or seasons:

Season Average Flight Cost Average Hotel Cost per Night Description
Spring (September-November) ₹59,000 - ₹69,000 ₹6,000 - ₹8,000 Moderate to high prices; the season experiences heavy rain and humidity. Tourists can go to experience the lush greenery.
Summer (December-February) ₹75,000 - ₹82,000 ₹8,000 - ₹10,000 Peak prices due to the pleasant summer weather. You can go sightseeing in the lush landscape of New Zealand.
Autumn (March-May) ₹53,000 - ₹70,000 ₹5,000 - ₹7,000 Moderate prices; mild temperatures, harvest season with many outdoor activities.
Winter (June-August) ₹44,000 - ₹55,000 ₹4,000 - ₹6,000 Off-season with the lowest prices due to the cold and rain/snow in the country.

Things to Know Before Visiting New Zealand

Now that you know the best times to visit New Zealand and the seasons to avoid, consider going through the following pointers before you book your New Zealand tour package.

  • Natives have a very different accent, which can sometimes confuse travellers. Learn some basic accent rules, such as "i" sounds more like "uh", and "e" sounds like an "i".
  • It is okay to roam around barefoot in New Zealand.
  • You should always be prepared for any type of weather during a single day while in New Zealand.
  • The ozone layer is much thinner in New Zealand when compared to other countries. So, even if you feel like the sun is not hot enough, you should take necessary precautions to protect yourself from those harmful UV radiations.
  • New Zealand is known as the Shaky Isles, and that is for a reason. This country tends to experience a lot of volcanic and tectonic activities.
  • Make sure you visit the clearest lake in the world, the Blue Lake. It has been declared so by New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.
  • Filmmakers for Avatar, Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia and many more fantasy movies just couldn't resist choosing New Zealand for their films over and over. So, it will not be surprising if you feel like you have seen this place somewhere on TV once every few miles.
  • Kiwis are not a native to New Zealand. It has its origin in China and was primarily known as Chinese Gooseberries. However, it was the Americans who made New Zealand famous for kiwis.

Tips for Travelling in New Zealand

Here are a few tips that will ensure a safe and enriching experience for you in New Zealand:

  • Make sure you are up to date with the latest travel guidelines, especially if you are visiting for the first time after Covid-19.
  • Check what you can carry and get rid of before you visit New Zealand, as this country has strict declaration guidelines to protect its ecosystem.
  • Get accustomed to i-SITE. Every city in New Zealand has their own i-SITE, which includes all the brochures, maps and necessary details about the place you are going to visit.
  • Consider booking in advance if you are travelling in the summer, spring and autumn seasons.
  • Since most flights land in Auckland, tourists primarily travel from South to North. But you can take a detour and travel from Queenstown or Christchurch way back to the north to avoid the crowd.
  • Pack your bags considering all kinds of seasons as you might get to experience all four in one day.
  • The only types of IDs that are accepted in New Zealand are your passport, a New Zealand Driving Licence and the Hospitality New Zealand 18+ card. If you want to keep your passport in a locker, you might consider getting an 18+ card for local purposes.
  •  If you are making your payments in cash, make sure to know how the system of Swedish rounding works. It is a cash rounding method which is prevalent in NZ. For card payments, New Zealanders use EFTPOS.
  • Be aware of the road rules in New Zealand.
  • Stay safe from the sand-fly bites.

What Phrases Should You Know Before Travelling to New Zealand?

English is spoken widely all over New Zealand, but there are some local phrases and words that might confuse travellers. To make your travel experience easier and more fun, look at this list of phrases you should know before travelling to New Zealand:

Common Phrases Local Phrases
Well, there it is, or there you have it  Bob's your uncle
Cooler or insulated portable bin  Chillybin
Resident of West Coast, South Island  Coaster
Quite sick or ill  Crook
A corner shop  Dairy
Comedian or joker  Dag
Electronic Fund Transfer at the Point of Sale   EFTPOS
Hooligans, usually referred to one's driving style  Hoon
just another friggin Aucklander  JAFA
No problem/thank you/no worries/ Sweet as
Really tired Knackered
“whatever is wrong will right itself with time” She’ll be alright
throwing a tantrum Pack a sad
It was easy Piece of piss
I am pretty I am pretty chocka
Idiot Muppet
Broken/ wasted Munted
In the middle of nowhere Wop Wops
Yes, but I don’t agree Yeah Nah
Is everything okay? You right?
Extremely Happy Stoked
Don’t worry about it No sweat
He is funny He’s a hard case
That’s disgusting That’s grotty

 

Now that you know the best time to visit New Zealand, the travel guidelines and restrictions, don’t wait and get your tickets booked. But before that, you should consider getting travel insurance. Travel insurance will provide you with financial coverage for loss of your luggage and passport, flight cancellation and medical emergencies.

FAQs about Best Time to Visit New Zealand

What is the peak season in New Zealand?

Peak season in New Zealand generally spans from late December to February (summer months). This period sees warm weather, school holidays, and numerous outdoor activities, making it the busiest time for tourism.

What is the moderate season in New Zealand?

The moderate season falls during autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November). The weather is still pleasant during these times, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak season.

What is the off-season in New Zealand?

The off-season in New Zealand typically occurs during winter (June to August). This period sees cooler temperatures, especially in the South Island, and some regions experience snowfall and rainfall.

When is the best time to visit New Zealand for good weather?

The best weather in New Zealand typically occurs during the summer, from December to February. This period offers warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine across the country.

What is the peak tourist season in New Zealand?

The peak tourist season in New Zealand is during the summer months, from December to February. This is when attractions are busiest, and accommodations may be more expensive.

Is winter a good time to visit New Zealand?

Yes, winter (June to August) can be a great time to visit New Zealand, especially for skiing and snowboarding on the South Island. However, there is rain and snowfall in some parts of the country.

What activities can I enjoy in New Zealand during the summer?

During summer (December to February), you can enjoy hiking, swimming, beach-going, kayaking, and exploring national parks and scenic trails.

When is the best time to visit New Zealand for skiing?

The best time for skiing in New Zealand is during the winter months of June to August. Popular ski resorts in the South Island, such as Queenstown and Wanaka, offer excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions.

What is the weather like in New Zealand during autumn and spring?

Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer mild temperatures and colourful landscapes. These seasons are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and wine tasting.

When is the whale watching season in New Zealand?

The whale watching season in New Zealand varies by region. In Kaikoura (South Island), the best time is typically from June to August for seeing sperm whales, while in North Island (Bay of Islands), it's from November to March for humpback whales.

What are the pros and cons of visiting New Zealand during the moderate seasons?

  • Pros: Mild weather, fewer tourists, lower accommodation prices.
  • Cons: Some attractions may have reduced hours, and the weather can be more variable than summer.

When is the best time to visit New Zealand for outdoor adventures?

For outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and exploring national parks, the best times are during summer (December to February) and the moderate seasons of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November).

Is New Zealand expensive to visit?

Yes, New Zealand can be relatively expensive compared to other destinations, especially regarding accommodation and activities.

When to go to Wellington?

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, can be visited year-round. The summer months (December to February) offer warm weather that is ideal for outdoor activities, while winter (June to August) is cooler but good for indoor attractions and cultural experiences.

Do Indians need a visa for New Zealand?

Yes, Indian passport holders require a visa to visit New Zealand. This can be either a visitor visa or a tourist visa, depending on the purpose and duration of the visit.

Which month is there snow in New Zealand?

Snow in New Zealand typically falls during the winter months of June to August, especially in the South Island's alpine regions and ski resorts like Queenstown and Wanaka.

Which month is good for New Zealand?

The best time to visit New Zealand depends on your interests. Summer (December to February) is great for outdoor activities and exploring beaches, while autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

Why is New Zealand worth visiting?

New Zealand is worth visiting for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor adventures like hiking and skiing, rich Maori culture, friendly locals, and diverse wildlife.

Is Wellington worth visiting?

Yes, Wellington is worth visiting. It's known for its vibrant arts scene, cultural attractions like the Te Papa Museum, picturesque waterfront, and excellent culinary scene with plenty of cafes and restaurants.

Is Wellington hot or cold?

Wellington has a temperate maritime climate. Summers are mild to warm with average highs around 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winters are cool with average highs around 10-12°C (50-54°F).

Is it safe to go to Wellington at night?

Yes, Wellington is considered safe at night, especially in well-lit and populated areas. Like any city, taking normal precautions and being aware of your surroundings is advisable.

Is New Zealand good for nightlife?

Yes, New Zealand offers excellent nightlife options, particularly in major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown. You can find bars, clubs, live music venues, and restaurants open late, especially on weekends.

What is the speciality of New Zealand?

New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, including fjords, mountains, beaches, Maori culture, adventure sports like bungee jumping and skiing, and world-renowned wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc.

What is the most visited place in New Zealand?

The most visited places in New Zealand include Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua, Wellington, and Christchurch. Each offers unique attractions and experiences.

What is the prettiest place in New Zealand?

New Zealand is full of beautiful places, but some of the prettiest include Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo, Bay of Islands, Abel Tasman National Park, and Fiordland National Park.

What to buy from New Zealand Wellington?

In Wellington, popular souvenirs include Maori artworks, jade or pounamu (greenstone) jewellery, woollen products, local wines (especially from Martinborough region), and artisanal food products.

What foods is New Zealand famous for?

New Zealand is famous for its seafood (especially green-lipped mussels and fresh fish), lamb, kiwifruit, Manuka honey, Pavlova (meringue dessert), and innovative Pacific Rim cuisine.

What are 5 facts about New Zealand?

Five interesting facts about New Zealand:

  • It's home to the world's smallest dolphin, the Hector's dolphin.
  • It was the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893.
  • The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies were filmed extensively in New Zealand.
  • It has more sheep than people.
  • It's one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its clear skies and low light pollution.

Is New Zealand good for shopping?

Yes, New Zealand offers a variety of shopping experiences, from boutique stores and markets selling local crafts and artworks to shopping malls with international brands. Popular shopping destinations include Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.