New Zealand is a country on many travellers’ bucket lists—and for good reason.
From enormous glaciers to long stretches of picturesque fields, this island nation is filled to the brim with natural wonders to please the tourist within us all.
While New Zealand’s public transit network connects all cities and tourist attractions, nothing quite beats taking a car or caravan’s wheel and going on a road trip at your own pace.
That said, the majority of New Zealand’s grandeur is natural. And while there’s certainly beauty to be found in these places throughout the year, there are times wherein a specific season creates a distinct charm that other seasons can’t quite exude.
If you’re set on travelling and exploring the sights of New Zealand and are wondering when to visit its enormous list of attractions, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of the best seasons for local tourist attractions in New Zealand. Let’s begin!
Things to Consider Before Going on an NZ Road Trip
New Zealand is known for its world-class hiking trails, absurdly high sheep population, and its ties to the Lord of the Rings.
But attractions and fun facts aside, you’ll need to be prepared before you venture into this island nation off the coast of Australia.
Already convinced to go to NZ? Here are some tips to help you out.
- Weather and Seasonal Conditions
The country experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own appeal. It’s situated in the Southern hemisphere, meaning that it’s summer in NZ when it’s winter in the northern hemisphere, and vice versa.
Summer (December to February) has long, sunny days and mild nights. The temperatures fall between 16 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Autumn (March to May) brings beautiful foliage and cool daytime weather for hiking and mountain biking at around 21 degrees Celsius.
Winters (June to August) can be harsh, but with the right gear, it can be ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
Spring (September to November) showcases blooming flowers, bursting waterfalls and rejuvenated landscapes. The temperatures are similar to autumn time.
- Road Safety and Driving Regulations
Roads in New Zealand require drivers to drive on the left side. Furthermore, the roads can get rocky the further away you are from cities.
They can also be narrow and curvy, so it’s important to be fully rested and focused while on the road.
- Accommodation
Cities across New Zealand have various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
Camping in designated campgrounds is also viable as a way to immerse yourself in nature and save on accommodation costs.
- Itinerary Planning and Attractions
Another key consideration you have to make before the trip is the places you want to go to. This can help you further search for the best time of the year to go to New Zealand.
Regardless of the season, some places like the Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park are must-sees!
When is New Zealand’s Peak Season?
Summer season is the time when New Zealand is full of sunshine and bright days. It’s also when tourism activities are most active.
In particular, the three weeks following the 26th of December (Boxing Day for Kiwis) get particularly busy.
As such, if you want to avoid crowds, it may be best to plan your trip far from this time.
However, if you want to enjoy sunny days in NZ, it’s best to book your tours and rental cars like GO Rentals far in advance.
The Seasons of New Zealand
Summer in New Zealand
The start of December is a good time to plan a New Zealand road trip, as it’s a time when the crowds aren’t at full force yet but the weather is pleasantly mild as it’s transitioning away from spring.
That said, later into the month (and well into January), the weather can be quite warm. If you’re heat sensitive, this may prove to be a problem.
However, if you’re planning to travel and camp in higher elevations and national parks, and also planning to go to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the temperature can still be bearable.
Furthermore, if you like heading to the beach, this is also the best time to go to Abel Tasman National Park and surrounding islands like Waiheke Island.
Just be mindful of the crowds and availability of accommodation. January and February are often when the prices of hotels are high, so don’t wait too long before booking your trip.
Winter in New Zealand
Winter spans from June to August and offers a one-of-a-kind experience for road trippers. While the weather can be blistering cold, especially in the South Island, this season provides a breathtaking landscape of snow-capped mountains and frosty vistas.
Ski enthusiasts will also find their paradise in Tongariro National Park and Coronet Peak, while others can enjoy cozy moments by the fireplace in charming lodges.
Furthermore, the South Island’s fjords take on an ethereal beauty. If you’re a fan of marine life, you might even spot whales off the coast.
If you do decide to go during the winter, pack a variety of warm clothing. Also, be prepared for any potential road closures in alpine regions due to snow and icy conditions.
Autumn in New Zealand
While it can get cold during the night, autumn weather from March to May is very bearable.
This season brings a magnificent display of colours across its landscapes, turning the countryside into a canvas of golden hues. This backdrop is perfect for driving across no matter where you are in New Zealand.
The crowds are also thinner compared to the peak summer season, allowing for a more tranquil experience.
Furthermore, you can also visit and taste wine in various vineyards and wineries across the region. The Marlborough wine region and Central Otago wine region are particularly famous spots for wine tasting.
Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the changing scenery as they explore national parks and walking trails like Hawkes Bay and Lake Tekapo.
That said, be prepared for cooler weather! Late autumn can be particularly cold, so prepare your outfits accordingly.
Spring in New Zealand
Spring is quite unpredictable in New Zealand. During clearer days, you can enjoy fair weather with a cool temperature. However, spring is also filled with occasional rain showers, which can be a big inconvenience during outdoor days.
If you do go to New Zealand during springtime, visit during October and November. This is when the temperature is warm enough to hike, cycle, and enjoy the springtime scenery unfold outdoors.
Hawkes Bay and the gardens in Christchurch are magnificent places to see a variety of flora unveil itself. You can also consider attending Nelson’s cherry blossom festival and Alexandra’s annual blossom festival if you’re keen on watching the pink hues of leaves in all its glory.
What Season To Visit New Zealand?
To clear things up, there’s no wrong time to visit New Zealand. Each season has its pros and cons, and it’s ultimately your call when you want to pay attention to this island nation.
If you’re short on a budget, like to ski, and want a crowd-less experience, winter is an ideal time to pay a visit.
Want to go when the weather is at its best for all sorts of outdoor activities? Summer is the best time for your planned road trip.
Like the middle ground where you can experience changing hues and fairly pleasant weather? Spring and autumn are viable—so feel free to take your pick!