Best time to visit New Zealand

Any time during our hiking season which runs from October through to April is a great time to visit New Zealand. Our climate is lovely and temperate, with the highest temperatures in these months only reaching around the mid 20s C or high 70s F - the perfect temperature for getting outside and exploring. 

We often get asked about our favourite time to travel New Zealand. October, November, and December (Spring) are our favourite months for exploring - the lupins are in full bloom, the snow melt has topped up the rushing waterfalls, and the lovely temperate weather and quiet trails make for perfect hiking.

You can read more about each season below if you'd like. 

Spring - October, November, and early December

Our walking and hiking season here in New Zealand starts in October and if you want to escape the crowds, Spring is definitely our best kept secret. We locals love to make the most of the quiet trails that we get during Spring before the tourist crowds arrive in Summer.

Spring is the most colourful and vibrant time of the year. The famous lupins and Mt Cook lilys are in full bloom, the lambs are frolicking in the fields, and we get the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. We still have a dusting of snow on the very tops of the mountains making the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos. The days are getting longer and the temperate weather conditions are perfect for getting out and exploring. If you're a lover of wildlife, this is the best time of year to see penguins and fur seal pups.

As Spring is outside of the school holidays, flights tend to be cheaper and you'll miss the tourist rush that comes with travelling in the Summer months.

Check out our Best of Spring photo album here

Summer - Late December, January, and February

Summer is vacation season for most New Zealanders. Long, light days stretch out and the warmer temperatures make for perfect beach weather. Weather-wise, January and February are typically the warmest months of the year here in New Zealand with temperatures hovering between 23 and 28°C (73 – 82°F) up and down the country. 

If you haven't had a warm festive holiday before, you're in for a treat. Here in New Zealand, the holiday season is all about getting outside and enjoying the fabulous summer sunshine with friends and family. Throwing on our togs (swimsuits) for a refreshing dip, a BBQ on the beach or by the lake, and a well-stocked chilly bin (cooler) to keep the bubbles cold. 

Check out our Best of Summer photo album here

Autumn - March and April

Long, sunny days linger on and quieter trails and settled weather make Autumn an ideal time for walking and hiking. March and April are characterised by pleasant sunny days, bright blue skies and a lack of wind and rain. 

March is the perfect time of year for those who want to make the most of the warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours of summer while avoiding the crowds and getting a good deal on flights.

As April rolls around the foliage starts to change colour, covering our hillsides in a fiery red and yellow blanket. The South Island is exceptionally glorious at this time of year, with places such as Wanaka and Queenstown ablaze with autumn colour.

Check out our Best of Autumn photo album here