Best Time to Visit New Zealand: A Month-by-Month Guide
Planning a trip to New Zealand? It’s always good to know the best time of the year to take a trip of a lifetime and explore all the wonders that beautiful Aotearoa has to offer.
At RaD Car Hire, we know New Zealand inside out. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, timing your trip can make all the difference.
Our beautiful country offers something unique every month, from sun-drenched beaches to snow-capped peaks, vibrant festivals to tranquil wilderness escapes.
Here’s your expert, month-by-month guide to help you decide when to visit New Zealand, including weather insights, top events, and our team’s favourite seasonal tips.
Understanding New Zealand’s Seasons
New Zealand’s climate is famously changeable—locals joke you can experience four seasons in one day, and Crowded House famously sang about it too! Generally, the North Island is milder and wetter, while the South Island sees more dramatic seasonal shifts and snow in winter. Here’s a quick overview:
- Summer: December – February
- Autumn: March – May
- Winter: June – August
- Spring: September – November
These defining months, however, can cause a little controversy here in New Zealand with many insisting summer really only starts in the New Year and can last well into April, whereas for others, especially in the South Island, winter can seem to drag on for much longer than the three months allocated above! These are, however, the official seasons as defined by the Met Office, so we’re sticking with that!
Let’s dive into what each month and season brings!
Month-by-Month Guide
January & February: Peak Summer
Weather:
These are the warmest months, with average highs between 20-30°C (70-90°F). Days are long and sunny, perfect for outdoor adventures. Of course, the weather and temperature can vary significantly between Islands and destinations but this is a good rule of thumb guide to the peak season.
Events & Activities:
- Beach holidays in the Bay of Islands, Coromandel, and Abel Tasman National Park.
- Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or Fiordland’s Great Walks.
- Snorkelling at Poor Knights Islands, kayaking, and cycling.
Top 3 Places to Visit in the Summer:
Summer months can get pretty crazy here in New Zealand, and it’s important to book all your accommodation and activities as early as you can once you lock your dates in. Here are three of our favourite places to visit during the summer months (but they are also a lot of other people’s favourites too so book early!):
· Coromandel Peninsula – if you are looking for a laid-back summer holiday vibe, then the Coromandel is the perfect place to kick back and unwind. The peninsula covers a pretty big area, from Whangamata at the southern tip to Matarangi and Opito Bay at the northern end, there is so much to see and do, including the wonderful Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
· Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park – the northern tip of the South Island is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand and Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park are two of its finest treasures. There are some wonderful places to stay including Mapua, Motueka, and Kaiteriteri and the National Park is a truly special place to explore on foot, by boat or by kayak.
· Bay of Islands – one of New Zealand’s summer hotspots is the Bay of Islands and for good reason. Many people choose to base themselves in Paihia or Russell – perfect destinations for getting out onto the water on one of the many daily cruises that will take you to explore the 150+ islands that make up this wonderful part of the country.
RaD Tip:
Book your car, accommodation, and activities early—this is peak travel season for both locals and visitors. Expect higher prices and busy hotspots, but unbeatable summer vibes! Check out RaD Car Hire deals in Nelson, Whangarei and Rotorua.
March & April: Early Autumn
Weather:
Temperatures cool slightly (mean max 20-24°C), with fewer crowds and settled weather. This time of the year is perfect if you don’t have to worry about kids' school holidays and you have the freedom to travel at any time of the year. The weather in both islands tends to be very settled and the long days mean you can cram in as much as possible.
Events & Activities:
- Vineyard tours in Marlborough during grape harvest.
- Autumn foliage in Central Otago and Arrowtown.
- Art and food festivals in major cities.
Top 3 Places to Visit in Early Autumn:
If you are looking for long warm days, cooler nights (which are much better for sleeping) and less crowded destinations, then this is the perfect time to visit New Zealand. Here are three of our favourite places to visit in the shoulder season:
· Christchurch – the Garden City is a great place to visit towards the end of the summer and the start of autumn. With so many parks and the beautiful tree-lined River Avon, this is a great place to watch the colours change if you are down here in late March and into April. Christchurch and the surrounding area have so much to see and do, and with fewer tourists, you will often find cheaper prices and better availability on activities, eating out and more.
· Arrowtown – for many, Arrowtown is a day trip from Queenstown, however, this small village holds plenty of its own charm and comes into its own during the autumn months thanks to the stunning trees and the magnificent changing colours that come at this time of year. There is plenty to do in the area and lots of day trips you can take to enjoy the stunning vistas.
· New Plymouth – for those looking to escape the late summer/early autumn crowds, New Plymouth and the Taranaki region is a great choice. Framed by the stunning Mt Taranaki, which is likely to have a decent covering of snow at this time of year, the beautiful beaches and fantastic coastal walkway will be much quieter than in peak season. Walks in Mt Egmont National Park are a highlight at this time of year.
RaD Tip:
This is a sweet spot for road trips. The weather is still mild, but you’ll enjoy quieter attractions and better value on rentals and stays. Check out RaD Car Hire deals in Christchurch, Queenstown and New Plymouth.
May & June: Late Autumn to Early Winter
Weather:
Cooler temperatures (mean max 14-17°C), increased rainfall, especially in the North Island. This is definitely a time of year when the weather becomes more unpredictable following the settled weather of March and April. Most of the country tends to head into hibernation with fewer tourists from overseas – unless you’re in Queenstown where people flock in all year round.
Events & Activities:
- Rotorua’s geothermal pools are especially inviting.
- Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival (May).
- Early ski season in Queenstown and Wanaka.
Top 3 Places to Visit in Early Winter
Whilst for many, the start of winter marks a time of hibernation, with darker nights and colder temperatures, for those who love winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, this is the time they come alive! Mid-June typically marks the opening of many of New Zealand’s ski fields in both the North and South Islands, and locals and international visitors alike flock to these winter resorts to make the most of the conditions. Here are three of our favourite places to visit in the early winter:
· Wanaka – of course, Queenstown is the big draw card for skiing enthusiasts; however, if you want to enjoy the late autumn colours as well as find a less crowded base for exploring the best of the mountains, then Wanaka is ideal. This tranquil lake-front town is packed with great places to enjoy some apres-ski and also offers plenty to do for non-skiers.
· Hanmer Springs – if skiing is not your thing but you love the winter vibes, then Hanmer Springs is the ideal early winter getaway. Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, enjoy the relaxing thermal hot spa experience, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. With some great places to eat out and some beautiful walks, Hanmer Springs is simply spectacular.
· Rotorua – talking of hot pools, if you are looking for a North Island winter getaway, then Rotorua is always high on the list of popular destinations for locals and visitors alike. With lots of free and paid geothermal spa experiences to choose from, Rotorua is perfect for people on a wide range of budgets and is a great places to spend a long weekend.
RaD Tip:
Pack layers and a rain jacket. This is a great time for cultural experiences and soaking in hot springs. You’ll find excellent deals on car hire and accommodation as the crowds thin out. Check out RaD Car Hire deals in Queenstown, Christchurch and Rotorua.
July & August: Winter Wonderland
Weather:
Coldest months, especially in the South Island (mean max 13-15°C, min 6-7°C). Snow is common in alpine regions. Yep, it’s official. These are the dark months for many in New Zealand with plenty of people opting to get away for some Island sunshine in places like Rarotonga or Fiji. This does mean that there are great deals to be found in destinations throughout the country.
Events & Activities:
- Skiing and snowboarding in Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mt. Ruapehu.
- Winter festivals and après-ski in ski towns.
- Whale watching in Kaikoura.
Top 3 Places to Visit in Winter
As we head into the middle of winter, the most popular destinations for locals and tourists alike tend to be those that offer winter sports activities, although this is not to say that a weekend break to a coastal destination does not hold its own charm. Windswept beach walks and cosy fires definitely hold their own appeal, however, the snowy destinations definitely come out on top. Here are three of our favourites:
· Whakapapa – if you are looking to do some skiing in the North Island, then Mt Ruapehu is the number one destination. Whilst you can choose to stay in the busier town of Taupo, Whakapapa tends to be the most popular spot for keen skiers along with National Park Village. For those looking to ski at Turoa, Ohakune is also a good option.
· Kaikoura – see, not all destinations on here are winter sports related! Kaikoura is one of the best places in New Zealand for whale watching and the winter months are widely regarded as some of the best months to see migrating whales, making Kaikoura a very popular destination over the winter months. You can also tie it in with a trip to Hanmer Springs which is not too far away.
· Queenstown – there is never a bad time to visit Queenstown, however, the place really comes alive during the winter months when thousands of Kiwis and plenty of Aussies head to the adventure capital of the world to partake in a wide range of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and more. This place really is a winter wonderland and the apres ski in town is also sensational.
RaD Tip:
Winter is the quietest and most affordable time to visit. Outside ski regions, you’ll have beaches and trails almost to yourself. Some hiking tracks close due to snow, so check conditions before setting out. Check out RaD Car Hire deals in Taupo, Christchurch and Queenstown.
September & October: Early Spring
Weather:
Mild temperatures (mean max 17-20°C), blooming flowers, and baby lambs in the countryside. Finally the spring has sprung! As the clocks spring forward in late September and the country comes out of hibernation mode, we all start to look forward to the longer nights, the warmer weather and a return to the beach!
Events & Activities:
- Spring festivals in Hamilton Gardens.
- Waterfalls at their most powerful.
- Garden tours and wildlife spotting.
Top 3 Places to Visit in Early Spring
Whilst September and October mark the start of early spring, we tend to not get too carried away as this time of year can still bring wind and rain, however, the longer nights and warmer weather starts to provide hope and optimism for the summer ahead. For many who have not managed to get away over the winter, this marks the start of trip planning and long weekends. Here are 3 great places to explore:
· Wellington – the capital city is a great place to visit as the temperatures start to warm up. Whilst Wellington is known as the windy city, it’s also a great place to visit if you are looking for both indoor and outdoor activities, including the Te Papa Museum and Zealandia. The Botanic Gardens are also impressive as the flowers start to bloom once more.
· Napier – another North Island hotspot during the early spring is Napier. Known for its art deco buildings, Napier is also home to the wonderful Hawke’s Bay winegrowing region which starts to come alive during the spring months and is a great time to explore this wonderful coastal city.
· West Coast – the West Coast is one of New Zealand’s most rugged coastlines and a great place to visit in the spring months as temperatures start to warm up. Whether it’s visiting the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks or exploring the spectacular Hokitika Gorge, the West Coast has plenty to keep you occupied and spring is the perfect time to visit.
RaD Tip:
Spring is a fantastic time for photographers and nature lovers. Enjoy the best of both worlds: lingering snow on peaks and fresh blooms in valleys. It’s a shoulder season, so you’ll find good value and fewer crowds. Check out RaD Car Hire deals in Wellington, Napier and Greymouth/Hokitika.
November & December: Late Spring to Early Summer
Weather:
Warming up (mean max 22-24°C), longer days, and the start of the festive season. As we head towards the end of the calendar year, tourists start to flock in from overseas, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Everywhere starts to get busy, but nowhere more than coastal towns and cities where locals and tourists alike head to soak up the summer sun and enjoy the warmer sea waters.
Events & Activities:
- New Zealand Festival of the Arts in Wellington.
- Kayaking and hiking in Abel Tasman National Park.
- Christmas and New Year celebrations—beaches and BBQs galore!
Top 3 Places to Visit in Early Summer
Whilst the summer may yet be in full flow, New Zealand starts to heat up as a destination for visitors from around the world, especially those in the Northern Hemisphere who are enduring freezing winter temperatures. Here are three of our favourite places to visit in early summer which may mean you miss some of the major crowds:
· Dunedin – located in the lower South Island, Dunedin is a destination often bypassed by international visitors but those who do make the trip will never regret it. With the stunning Otago Peninsula on its doorstep, Dunedin is home to some amazing activities including Larnach Castle, the Royal Albatross Centre and more.
· Fiordland – one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand is Milford Sound, located in the spectacular Fiordland region. This place gets seriously busy over the summer period so try and book a trip there as soon as possible or try exploring other destinations, including Doubtful Sound.
· Mount Maunganui – if you are looking for a proper seaside resort town, then look no further than Mount Maunganui. Located on a beautiful stretch of coastline on the east coast of the North Islands, “the Mount” as it is referred to by locals, is a proper beachside town with everything you would expect…except maybe the volcanic peak located at the end of the beach!
RaD Tip:
December is a festive, energetic time as Kiwis wind down for summer holidays. Book ahead, especially for Christmas and New Year, and enjoy the lively local atmosphere. Check out RaD Car Hire deals in Dunedin, Te Anau and Tauranga.
Comparing Summer and Winter Visits
If you are deciding between summer and winter for your trip to New Zealand, check out this quick reference guide.
RaD’s Take:
- Summer is unbeatable for classic Kiwi adventures—beaches, barbecues, and long road trips. But you’ll need to plan ahead and be ready for crowds and higher prices.
- Winter offers a quieter, more affordable experience. It’s perfect for skiers, hot pool enthusiasts, and those who prefer tranquil landscapes. Just be prepared for shorter days and some weather disruptions.
RaD Car Hire’s Seasonal Tips
- Pack for all seasons: Even in summer, a rain jacket and warm layer are wise—New Zealand weather is famously unpredictable.
- Book early for peak times: December to February and July (ski season) are busy. Secure your car and accommodation well in advance.
- Check road conditions: Especially in winter and spring, alpine passes can be icy or closed. Our team can advise on the best routes and provide snow chains if needed.
- Hot springs are year-round: From Rotorua to Maruia, nothing beats a soak after a day’s adventure—especially in winter.
- Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are hidden gems: Enjoy beautiful scenery, fewer crowds, and better prices.
Final Thoughts
No matter when you visit, New Zealand delivers unforgettable experiences. Summer brings classic Kiwi fun and vibrant festivals, while winter offers serene landscapes and world-class skiing. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn strike a perfect balance for those seeking beauty and value.
Ready to explore? At RaD Car Hire, we’re here to help you hit the road at any time of year. Our local teams can tailor recommendations to your interests, ensuring your New Zealand adventure is as seamless as it is spectacular. See you out there—kia kaha, travel safe, and enjoy every season in Aotearoa!