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
TFE Hotels
Up to 35% off stays
Valid for stays until 31 March 2020 across all participating Australia and New Zealand hotels, in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Auckland and more. Save 25% plus an extra 10% for eClub members (membership is free). T&Cs apply.
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Europcar
Up to 20% off car hire
Valid for rentals until 1 August 2019 at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. Minimum of 2 days rental and must be booked 21 days prior vehicle pick up. T&Cs apply.
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Topdeck
Up to 30% off last-minute tours
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Europe, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and North America. T&Cs apply.
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Klook
Extra US$5.5 off purchase with code
Valid for use on select deals with a minimum spend of $80. Other destinations include Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, India and more. T&Cs apply.
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Klook
US$2.5 off your first purchases with code
Valid for use on select deals with a minimum spend of $30. Other destinations include Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, India and more. T&Cs apply.
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Europcar
15% off car hire
Valid for rentals until 21 July 2019 at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. Minimum of 5 days rental. T&Cs apply.
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DriveNow
Campervan hire from $5/day
Available on select routes, dates and locations in Australia and New Zealand.
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Flight Centre - Cruises
Up to 30% off New Zealand cruise
Valid for cruise on 11 March 2021 with Royal Caribbean. Includes all main meals, entertainment on board, up to $300 OBC and more. T&Cs apply.
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Skyscanner
Houston flights from $931 return
Valid for travel on select dates from August 2019 - March 2020. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Air New Zealand.
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CruiseAway
Up to 30% off Azamara cruises
Valid for travel between 5 November 2019 - 14 November 2020. Destinations include New Zealand, Australia, Western Europe, Southern Europe,South America and more. T&Cs apply.
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IHG Hotels
Winter sale: Up to 30% off stays + free breakfast
Valid for travel on select dates until 30 September 2019 with participating IHG hotels. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Korea and South East Asia. T&Cs apply.
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Skyscanner
Cook Islands flights from $469 return
Valid for travel between 7 October - 20 December 2019. Sample fare is Sydney-Rarotonga with Air New Zealand.
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Wotif
Australia and New Zealand ski getaways from $99
Valid for travel on select dates until December 2019. Destinations include Mount Cook, Mount Hotham, Falls Creek, Lake Tekapo and more. Sample fare is for the 4-star High Country Motor Inn in Victoria. T&Cs apply.
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Virgin Australia
Up to 15% off fares with code
Valid on select Virgin Australia flights. Get extra 7% off on getaway, elevate and freedom and extra 15% off business fares within Australia and to Hong Kong, New Zealand and Fiji.
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G Adventures
Last-minute sale: Up to $1,990 off worldwide tours
Valid for travel between 1 May - 31 July 2019. Destinations include United States, Jamaica, New Zealand, Australia and more. T&Cs apply.
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Lebua Hotels & Resorts
Get a complimentary suite upgrade
Valid for stays until 31 October 2019. Discount applies when you book the flexible rate direct on one bedroom suite. Destinations include New Zealand, India, Thailand and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Royal Caribbean cruises from $969
Valid for travel on departure dates in 2019 - 2020. Destinations include Noumea, Isle of Pines, Bay of Islands, Airlee Beach, Australia, New Zealand and more. T&Cs apply.
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Skyscanner
New Zealand flights from $158 each way
Valid for travel from 22-31 July 2019 with Jetstar. Destinations include Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Auckland. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Air
$20 off Fiji, India and New Zealand flights with code
Valid for travel on select dates between August - November 2019 with airlines like Jetstar, Emirates and more. Destinations include Fiji, Delhi, Mumbai, Auckland, Christchurch and more. T&Cs apply.
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Budget Air
$20 off flights
Valid for travel from June - November 2019. Destinations include Fiji, India and New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
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G Adventures
Up to $1,350 off Australia and New Zealand tours
Valid for travel from 5 August - 88 September 2019. Destinations include Wellington, Auckland, Alice Springs, Darwin, Adelaide, Cairns, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.
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Sixt Car Rental
Up to 10% off car hires worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019. Destinations include Germany, USA, New Zealand, Europe and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Up to 50% off New Zealand cruises
Valid for sailings on select dates in 2019 - 2020 including Christmas season. Destinations include Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Tauranga, Bay of Islands, Akaroa. T&Cs apply.
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Europcar
Up to 20% off Australia and New Zealand car hire
Valid for travel on select dates with pick-ups in Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. Discount applies to all participating stations in Australia and New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - International
Cook Islands flights from $565 return
Valid for travel between 3 May - 27 June 2019 with Air New Zealand. Sample fare departs from Sydney.
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Europcar
10% off New Zealand car hire
Valid until 1 August 2019. Minimum of 3 days rental. T&Cs apply.
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Contiki
10% off New Zealand tours
Valid for travel on select 2019 and 2020 dates for tours 7 days or longer. T&Cs apply.
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TFE Hotels Collection
Become a TFE Hotels member and save 10%
Join the TFE eclub now to receive 10% off future bookings in Australia, New Zealand and receive 15% off future bookings Europe plus bonus extras. T&Cs apply.
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Oaks Hotels & Resorts
30% off 2-night stays + extra 10% off local experiences
Valid for travel between 11 April - 30 September 2019 across Australia and New Zealand. Discount applies when you stay two nights or more at participating hotels and extra 10% off in local experiences when you book through Experience Oz. T&Cs apply.
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TFE Hotels
Free breakfast for two in New Zealand hotel deals
Valid for stays from 16 April 2019 - 10 February 2020 across New Zealand. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Includes a late midday check-out. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Christmas sale: 38% off Australia and New Zealand cruises
Valid for travel until December 2020 across Australia and New Zealand. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland 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
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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TourRadar
Up to 10% off New Zealand ski tours
Valid from June - August 2019. Destinations include Christchurch and Queenstown. T&Cs apply.
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Klook
Auckland airport transfers from $14
Valid on shared transfers with Skybus in New Zealand. Sample price is between Auckland airport to Auckland city. Includes Wi-Fi on board, round-trip ticket and more. T&Cs apply.
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Popular Travel coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Jun 2019 | Up to 50% off experiences + extra $40 off site-wide with code | SAV**** |
| 18 Jun 2019 | Extra 10% off whale watching with code | FIN**** |
| 18 Jun 2019 | Extra 10% off with code | FIN**** |
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