Find out when the best time is to visit New Zealand based on price, peak season and what you want to do.
Got your eye on a trip to New Zealand? We’ve figured out the ideal time to go based on your holiday needs.
Best times to visit New Zealand
- December–February for outdoor activities and sightseeing
- June–August for snow sports
Why?
New Zealand offers a little bit of something for everybody. During summer you can tramp its network of trails, clink glasses in a lauded winery, or test your wits against all manner of extreme sports, from canyon swinging to zorbing.
During the winter months the place to be is on a snow-capped mountain, barrelling down on skis or a snowboard, at one of the country’s best ski resorts.
Overview
New Zealand enjoys all four seasons. Summers are mild with highs of 30℃ while winters are chilly with lows of 0℃.
The islands are a popular holiday destination for Australians due to the short flight time, and the availability of low-cost flights. Steer clear of school holiday periods, as well as the peak snow season, to cash in on cheaper flights and accommodation.
Weather and prices
To enjoy warm weather and clear skies, the best time to travel weather-wise is December to February.
The most economic period to search for flights and hotels is during the shoulder seasons, from March to May, and September to November. During the wintery low-season, between June and October, you can also find heavy discounts if you head to destinations that are outside the ski resort towns.
Best time to visit New Zealand for...
- Extreme sports: Most extreme sports operate year round but for the best experience visit during summer between December and February.
- Snow sports: New Zealand’s ski season isJune to August.
- Hiking: As summers are mild, tramping during the Christmas holidays is still a possibility. For cooler weather, tramp during autumn or spring.
- Wine breaks: Visiting wineries between November to February offers you the chance to see the vineyards prior to harvest, which is typically the busiest time of the year for workers.
- Glacier hikes: Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are located in mountainous areas where the weather can vary greatly and is extremely unpredictable. Helicopter companies can decide whether or not to fly to the glaciers just minutes before flights are scheduled, so it’s advisable to keep an eye on the weather on a daily basis before booking a visit. You can keep on top of the weather forecast here.
Hot New Zealand travel deals
Air New Zealand - Tasman
New Zealand flights from $179
Valid for travel from 6 February - 3 April 2019 and 1 May - 19 August 2019. Sample fare is Sydney-Christchurch.
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Europcar
Up to 20% off base rate
Valid for rentals until 16 December 2018 at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. Must book 21 days in advanced and a minimum of 2-days rental to redeem offer. T&Cs apply.
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Campervan hire from $5/day
Offers and validity dates updated daily. Available on select routes in Australia and New Zealand.
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Up to 10% off New Zealand car hire
Valid until 31 December 2018, including over Christmas. Minimum of 3 days rental. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 40% off New Zealand cruises
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Save on select Princess sailings in New Zealand, Alaska and Australia.
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San Francisco flights from $807 return
Valid for travel between November - December 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-San Francisco with Air New Zealand.
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New Zealand flights from $372 return
Valid for travel from 1 February - 31 March 2019 and 1 May - 19 August 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Christchurch.
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Air New Zealand - Longhaul
South America flights from $1,183 return
Valid for travel from February - September 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Buenos Aires.
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North America flights from $999 return
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Air New Zealand - Tasman
New Zealand flights from $239
Valid for travel from 12 November - 13 December 2018 and 31 January - 31 May 2019. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Sample fare is Melbourne-Christchurch.
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STA Travel
International flights from $363 return with Air New Zealand
Valid for travel until December 2018, including over Christmas. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland. Destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco and more.
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Valid for travel from September - December 2018 depending on the destination. Destinations include Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to $1,170 off Australia and New Zealand tours
Valid for travel from 29 October 2018 - 30 January 2019. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Adelaide, Cairns, Alice Springs, Uluru and more. T&Cs apply.
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Oaks Hotels & Resorts
10% off stays in Australia and New Zealand
Valid for My Oaks members. Membership is free and also entitles guests to late checkout and complimentary internet use. T&Cs apply.
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Europcar
15% off the 5+ day hires
Valid on select dates until 16 December 2018 in Australia or New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
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Air New Zealand - Pacific Islands
Cook Islands flights from $385 each way
Valid for travel on select dates from May - October 2018. Sample fare is Sydney-Rarotonga.
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Norfolk Island flights from $278 each way
Valid for travel until 2 December 2018. Sample fare is Brisbane-Norfolk Island.
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Europcar
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Valid until 16 December 2018. Minimum of 3 days rental. T&Cs apply.
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25% off premium hire insurance
Get up to 25% off on your car rental when you purchase GoZen Cover. Valid at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. T&C's apply.
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Choice Hotels
Up to 10% off stays
Valid on select dates when booked between 2-30 days in advance and prepaid at time of booking. Available at locations across Australia and New Zealand.
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Airport Parking
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Find the lowest price at various airport parking providers in Australia and New Zealand with Airport Parking.
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