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
| 50% off second passenger with Norwegian |
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Valid for oceanview cabins on select cruises until Feburary 2020. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Mediterranean and more. Fares start at $586 per person. |
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| Up to 20% off car hire |
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Valid on hire cars picked up before 16 December 2018 in Australia and New Zealand. Minimum two-day hire required and must book 21 days in advance. |
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| Up to 40% off Royal Caribbean cruises |
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Valid for cruises on select dates from September - November 2018 across Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. T&Cs apply. |
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| Up to 20% off base rate |
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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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| $25 off each night + $1 breakfast |
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Valid for stays from 1 June - 11 November 2018. Redeemable at 190+ hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia. |
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Enterprise Rent a Car USA
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Up to 10% off New Zealand car hire |
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Valid until 31 December 2018. Minimum of 3 days rental. 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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| New Zealand flights from $269 return |
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Valid for travel from 10 October - 15 November 2018 and 15 February - 25 March 2019. Destinations include Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. Sample fare is Melbourne-Christchurch. |
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| New Zealand flights from $150 each way |
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Valid for travel from August - December 2018 and January - March 2019 with Jetstar. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Auckland. |
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| 20% off base rate when you book online |
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Valid for travel until 16 December 2018 at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. Available for pick-up every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. T&Cs apply. |
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| Extra night free on New Zealand ski packages |
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Valid for travel from 1 July 2018 - 30 September 2018 on select packages to Queenstown. T&Cs apply. |
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| New Zealand: 3-nights + flights from $635 |
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Valid for travel from 1 September - 13 December 2018. Includes economy return airfare and accommodation. Sample price is from Melbourne. |
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| Up to $200 onboard credit with Princess |
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Valid on select dates from January - July 2019. Destinations include Alaska, Papa New Guinea, New Zealand, Japan and more. Onboard credit amount varies based on length of cruise and cabin type booked. T&Cs apply. |
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| 20% off select Australia and New Zealand tours |
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Valid for travel between 25 July - 5 November 2018. Destinations include Wellington, Cairns, Melbourne, Auckland, Adelaide, Darwin, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Sydney, Queenstown and more. |
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| New Zealand flights from $299 return |
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Valid for travel until 31 December 2018, including Christmas. Sample fare is Melbourne-Christchurch with Air New Zealand. |
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| 15% off the 5+ day hires |
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Valid on select dates until 16 December 2018 in Australia or New Zealand. T&Cs apply. |
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| Up to 34% off 12-night New Zealand Christmas and New Year cruise |
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Valid on 23 December 2018 from Sydney with Celebrity Solstice. Includes cabin accommodation, meals, onboard activities and more. 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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| International flights from $363 return with Air New Zealand |
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Valid for travel until December 2018. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland. Destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco and more. |
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Choice Hotels
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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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| Up to $3,000 off select sailings + up to $1,000 off airfares | Valid for travel on select dates and sailings. Offer is valid on stateroom bookings only. Destinations include Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, New Zealand, Australia and more. T&C's apply. |
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| 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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| Compare airport parking rates at 13 airports across Australia and New Zealand | Find the lowest price at various airport parking providers in Australia and New Zealand with Airport Parking. |
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| New Zealand flights from $239 each way |
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Valid for travel on select dates from July - December 2018 and January - May 2019. Destinations include Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington. Sample fare is from Melbourne-Christchurch. |
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