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
| Store | Discount | Expiration | Description | Last verified | Redeem |
| $5/day campervan hires | Offers and validity dates updated daily. Available on select routes in Australia and New Zealand. |
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| Up to 25% off Wellington hotels |
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Valid on stays between 11 - 14 December 2017. Sample rates include Trinity Hotel Wellington from $308, Park Hotel Lambton Quay Wellington, New Zealand from $436 and more. |
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| 15% off hires of five days or more |
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Valid on rentals until 15 December in Australia and New Zealand. Blackout dates apply. See site for details. |
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| New Zealand flights from $312 return |
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Valid on select dates. Sample fares include Melbourne-Christchurch from $312 return and Sydney-Auckland from $334 return. |
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| Save up to $2,100 on cruises worldwide |
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Valid on selected cruises across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Japan, The Americas, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. |
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| Up to 72% off P&O Cruises | Valid on select cruises in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands including Fiji, New Caledonia. Sample discounts include 72% off a 3-night cruise from Brisbane, 85% off a 2-night cruise from Sydney to Melbourne and 56% off a 10-night South Pacific cruise from Sydney. |
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| Free drinks package + 50% off deposits |
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Valid from 1st August till 30th September on select Cunard Cruises. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Samoa, South Africa, the Middle East, Japan, the Caribbean. Conditions Apply. |
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| Up to 20% off Swiss Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland |
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Valid for stays until 30 September 2017 in Swiss Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland, New Zealand. T&C's apply. |
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Virgin Australia - Deals
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Up to 10% off Australia and New Zealand flights |
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Valid for bookings made 20 days in advance in economy, premium economy and business until 31 December. |
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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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Skiddoo
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New Zealand flights from $148 return |
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Valid on select dates. Sample fare is from Sydney. 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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| 10% off car hire in Australia and New Zealand | Valid for select dates. T&Cs apply. |
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| Up to $200 off ski packages and tours | Valid on select tours and packages in Canada, France, Austria, New Zealand, Finland, Switzerland and more. |
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| Hiking tours through New Zealand from $27.30 | Book dozens of guided hikes through New Zealand with Viator. Prices start from $27.30. |
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| Multi-day guided New Zealand hikes from $770 | Book professionally guided hikes through New Zealand’s forests and mountains with TourRadar. Prices start from $770. |
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