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
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Up to 50% off 5-star beach resorts |
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Valid on select hotel packages in Bali, Phuket, Fiji, Malaysia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Hawaii and Queensland. |
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| New Zealand Skiing: 3 nights + lift passes at Mt Ruapehu for $575 |
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Valid on select dates between 16 June - 10 October 2018. Includes three nights at the 4-star Powderhorn Chateau. Includes Mt Ruapehu 2 Day Flexi Lift pass. T&Cs apply. |
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| New Zealand: 8 day campervan hire + flights from $555 |
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Valid on select dates 1-23 September 2018. Includes eight days Campervan hire and return flights from Australia. Sample price is from Sydney, other departure cities also available. |
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| $1 per day on New Zealand car hire |
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Maximum of 3 days rental. This is a relocation deals and drive from Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport, Dunedin Airport, Hokitika Airport, or Greymouth to Nelson, Picton or Blenheim. 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 $210 each way |
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Valid for travel on select dates from May - September 2018. Destinations include Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington and Christchurch. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland. |
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Valid on select Tasmania, Queensland, New Caledonia, New Zealand and Vanuatu cruises. Get up to $100 GoCatch credit, New Zealand Natural ice cream and onboard credit. |
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| Up to 50% off hotels worldwide |
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Valid for travel on select dates from 22 May - 6 July 2018. Destinations include Wellington, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Christchurch, Queenstown and more. T&Cs apply. |
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5% Australia and New Zealand tours |
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| 10% off select New Zealand tours |
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Valid for travel until October 2018. Minimum of 7 days. Destinations include Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and more. T&C's apply. |
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Valid for cruise on select dates from March 2018 - April 2019. Destinations include New Zealand, Caribbean, Australia and more. T&Cs apply. |
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| New Zealand flights from $322 return | Valid for travel on select dates. Sample fare is Melbourne-Christchurch. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. |
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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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| 10% off New Zealand car hire |
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Valid for rental pick ups until 30 June 2018 across Australia and New Zealand. Minimum of 5 days rental. T&C's apply. |
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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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