This is part of the reason why New Zealand is the perfect country to visit year-round, as there’s always plenty to see and do regardless of the season. Summer ( December, January, February) is the best time to travel to New Zealand if you’re looking for warm temperatures, long hours of daylight, and days spent at the beach. New Zealand has a temperate climate. In general, the warmer months (October to April) are the best time to visit New Zealand, from late spring to early autumn. Places such as Rotorua, Taupo and the Bay of Islands are some of the best New Zealand North Island places to see! The good thing about visiting the North Island is that there’s so much to see and do! You can go hiking on the Tongariro. What to Do in Northland. Visitors to the area can soak in the warm, geothermal pools at Wairakei Terraces, fish for trout in the lake's waters, or cycle along the trail that follows the edges of the lake. That said, New Zealand is a great place to visit year-round, and it is also a world-renowned ski destination with ski resorts throughout the North and South Island. 1. Before they hit the court at the ASB Classic this week, top seeds Felix Auger-Aliassime and Ben Shelton studied up on another of New Zealand's most iconic sports: the famous All Blacks rugby team. North Island weather: 20-24⁰C (68-75⁰F), 60-100mm of rainfall per month. 5 hours. 3. Visit the stunning fiord of Milford Sound. Stop by the well-known Auckland Museum for Maori culture and history, try making it to the top of the Sky Tower, or do a tasting at one of over 70 wineries in New Zealand. North Island Summer. If the grind of daily life has got you feeling drained, you can try some of the best things to do in New. 4. New Zealand is set to remove most remaining Covid rules, giving the green light for restriction-free travel. Be Prepared to Drive on the Left-Hand Side of the Road. Otago Peninsula. On this budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, do free hikes, visit the odd paid site (like museums), and cook your own meals. 14 Freedom camping – the do’s and don’ts. Ranking of the top 12 things to do in South Island, New Zealand. See average monthly temperatures below. A 1-Week South Island Itinerary: 6-8 Days. Temperature: 20-24ºC (68-75ºF) Rainfall: 60-100mm (2. Brave the ghouls and monsters at Spookers. See The. Day or night, from up close to views across the water, this mountain takes on of our top spots for South Island experiences. MOST POPULAR Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. 2024-1-2. ; Lake Tekapo: Impossibly-blue lake famous for stargazing. ; Join a boat tour departing from Paihia; a dolphin safari, a visit to the Hole in the Rock, the Cream Trip (which takes it all in) or dive one of the most famous dive sites in the country; the Rainbow Warrior. Your perfect two-week introduction to all the must-sees awaits on this Australia and New Zealand tour. From the meeting of oceans at Cape Reinga to the cultural and historic displays at Te Papa, here are the top things to do on New Zealand's North Island. . 5-5. An itinerary of this length gives you plenty of time to explore both islands in depth. If you want a few splurges and to stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $100 – $150. Having a valid passport and the right visa is key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand. ~Watching the sunset on the beach in Westport~. Māori culture is an integral part of life in Aotearoa, New Zealand. R. We have self-drive road trips, escorted and guided coach tours, small group exclusive tours and daily departure independent coach tours across the North and South Island. Rotorua. Day. April’s long, fine spells and general lack. A shorter winter cruise season also runs from April – July. Mount Aspiring National Park is situated on the southern end of the Southern Alps and is the third-largest of New Zealand’s parks. Here are 20 of the best. After your second visit you return home. Call us in Washington, D. Hot Water Beach. The long, warm summers are ideal for spending at one of the country's many great beaches. Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand and is filled with wonders of nature. It’s all about dazzling colours and pleasant weather. Manaakitanga (showing respect) is all about. Learn about the Māori history and traditions at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and explore the modern and traditional world-class exhibitions at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Top Things to do in New Zealand. Lake Tekapo is a stunning blue lake almost perfectly located in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand. The New Zealand Maritime Museum (Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa) The New Zealand Maritime Museum is located next to Viaduct Harbour, so you can pop into this museum before or after a visit to the harbor. Visit New Zealand's only castle. What To Expect. South of Cape Reinga is the ever-popular Bay of Islands, a favorite vacation spot of Aucklanders. The twin cities of Napier and Hastings (population 130,000) are located in the Hawke's Bay, on the eastern coast of the North Island. Currency: The currency in New Zealand is called the New Zealand Dollar. 2. Although New Zealand’s climate is quite varied due to its diverse landscape, most of the country experiences a maritime climate with four distinct seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. And, thanks to constantly improving flight connections, it’s easier than ever to travel between the two. Wellington Museum and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand 2019-2023. New Zealand in January. It is the busiest month of the year, one of the wettest, and the wildflowers are not yet in bloom. Here are some expert tips to help you plan the perfect ski trip in New Zealand: Tip #1: Choose the right time to visit New Zealand for skiing. This is the best time to visit places such as Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago (especially Arrowtown), Lake Tekapo and the wider Mackenzie Country area, where you can enjoy New Zealand’s breathtaking autumnal colours. 2. Jaw-dropping landscapes. Only citizens from “Visitor Visa Waiver Countries” for New Zealand need to purchase an NZeTA before arriving in New Zealand to visit. The Te Papa Museum, which also goes by the longer name of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, is New Zealand’s national museum. Hokitika Gorge. New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so. New Zealand itineraries for a single week may be a little cramped, but you’ll still get to see a lot of the country’s best sights. Welcome to New Zealand. Places to Visit in New Zealand, South Pacific: See Tripadvisor's 34,55,829 traveller reviews and photos of New Zealand tourist attractions. Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. New Zealand Travel Guide. Strategically, New Zealand is a breeze to travel around. But don’t let that stop you – it is still totally possible to explore New Zealand on a budget. 12 The Best Time to Visit New Zealand. The best time to visit New Zealand is in the summer, between December and February. 15 Days. The two glaciers are Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Like many countries in the world, you need to be prepared to drive on the left-hand side of the road in New Zealand. Oh the waterfalls! Obviously yes! Milford Sound is the most famous fiord in New Zealand and is without a doubt one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand. Self-catering will save you greatly on the cost of travelling New Zealand, while eating out for most meals can be expensive. - Depart from Auckland: Saturday evening. Rotorua is especially worth a visit during this time, as temperatures average around 20°C and many of the natural spas and Maori. Te Puia, Rotorua. Mount Cook National. Wear a seatbelt and children 7 and under need a restraint. Explore wildlife sanctuaries and scenic rainforests topped off with moving Maori villages, glittering glowworm caves, and a. Go bungy jumping in Queenstown. Adventure and Adrenaline. For millennia, Māori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. You do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority ( NZeTA ). The best attractions in Te Anau are the famous Te Anau Glow Worm Caves and the Kepler Track (one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks. WELLINGTON TO SOUTH ISLAND. Food and drink. Abel Tasman National Park. International visitor arrivals in 2023 in New Zealand are expected to reach 4. In the month of June 2023, there were over 178 thousand international visitor arrivals to New Zealand, marking an. In March, you may find that holiday parks are priced anywhere between NZ$20 to NZ$50 per night for a powered site, while hostels tend to stay around the. Ash James. The warm weather in January also sets the stage for numerous. The 19km hike traverses ancient volcanic terrain, winding its way past emerald lakes, old lava flows and even an active crater. Plus, you can usually find deals on hotels in the shoulder seasons. Swim with dolphins in Kaikoura. 1. Self-drive vacations are popular, and the country's diverse accommodations range. Weather New Zealand ranges from a sub. Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) are rare. And if you know me, you know how hard it is for me to choose favorites. It’s the real Middle-earth. As New Zealand mostly has a maritime climate with cooling coastal breezes, it rarely gets extremely hot in summer. November is the best time to travel to New Zealand if you want budget-friendly accommodations, reliable weather, and fewer tourists. Therapeutic Indulgence in Rotorua. Similar to the reasons above, these months are not considered peak season. A behemoth of a mountain, Mt. Go bungy jumping in Queenstown. The weather typically ranges from 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F) during the day and there’s usually very little rainfall (although. Auckland, New Zealand is a must-visit destination this summer, from the FIFA Women's World Cup to its signature attractions. It is the sixth-largest island country by area and lies east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and south of the islands of. The weather is generally the best it’s going to be for most outdoor activities. 6 million). Beyond the public sporting display, New Zealand celebrates its Māori culture in daily life and there are numerous places to experience it. With this visa you can. Backcountry skiing at The Remarkables! Any list of the best things to do in New Zealand in winter HAS to include skiing (or snowboarding). 13 You should seriously consider Hiring a Campervan. While most budget accommodations in New Zealand have the same prices year-round, some hostels and holiday parks will have higher prices during the peak season. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to New Zealand. Bay of Islands: The Bay of Islands is one of the most popular places for New Zealand locals to vacation. (Christchurch is slightly drier, receiving just 1. Adventure & Adrenaline in Auckland. Activities, tours, maps and accommodation to plan your New Zealand holiday. Cook. Stop in the town of Matamata in the Waikato region en route to take a guided tour of the Hobbiton film set. From the volcanic landscape of the North Island to the snow-capped mountains of the South Island. m. Summer in New Zealand (Dec – March): best time for hiking + outdoors. Continue to 3 of 15 below. Plan a Realistic Itinerary. Many families also visit in this season as the New Zealand and Australian long school holidays fall in summer. New Zealand has a diverse landscape with snow-covered mountains and minimal light pollution. On a tight budget, you can still get warm days and hit up the best places in. As you reach the viewing platform, a stunning swing bridge comes into view. Stake Out – a fox in the trees photographed near the Twelve Apostles in Australia. Australian temporary residents are not eligible for this visa. Rotorua is one of the best places to visit on the North Island of New Zealand. Hostels in New Zealand are similarly priced to Western Europe or North America, so you won’t be cruising around spending $5 a day like you might in Southeast Asia. m. December to February is the best time for outdoor activities and festivals. Or, driving from Christchurch to Queenstown via scenic wonders such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Te Papa is Māori for ‘the treasure box. All the places you could visit on our 7 day New Zealand South Island itinerary. New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, but it's always epic. SammyVision / Getty Images. It's peak tourism season, and schools are closed until the end of the month. Hit up all of the famous attractions, like the glow worm caves and Hobbiton, to enjoy the best of New Zealand. For nighttime you will probably want to add a light jersey (sweater). TRAVEL SPECIAL: Eichardt's Private Hotel. The Wellington and Te Papa museums are solid options for some educational (but fun) activities when you need a break from New Zealand's unpredictable weather. Travellers entering New Zealand do not need pre-departure tests or proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. Winter in New Zealand begins on the June solstice and ends on the September equinox. ~ Flying to the South Island from. If you are planning to visit New Zealand in November, you ought. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to New Zealand. Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips! Photo credits: 2 – Fat Cat Travellers Community, 3 – Haka Lodge, 4 – Hekerua Lodge Backpackers, 5 – Verandahs Parkside Lodge, 6 – Waiheke Backpackers Hostel, 7 – The Attic Backpackers. The visa waiver countries, therefore the countries that need an NZeTA, include:Before you can enter New Zealand you must be in good health or be granted a medical waiver. Visit the West Coast's black-sand beaches, explore one of the 48 volcanic cones or sip wine on Waiheke Island. North Island Weather in Summer.