New Zealand’s Four Seasons

New Zealand enjoys four distinctive seasons, but you can experience four seasons in one day anytime of the year, that’s the real New Zealand.

Nevertheless, the climate is generally very mild, making travel a pleasant experience all year round. The weather of particular areas of New Zealand also varies because of the mountainous terrain in certain regions.

New Zealand is located between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle, (41° 28' S and 174° 51’ E). The latitudes of New Zealand pass through the temperate zone of the world but the climate is extremely influenced by the sea all around it.

Inland areas have cooler winters and warmer summers than coastal areas, where the ocean moderates the climate to temperate.

Summer in New Zealand, Time to Escape
the Madding Crowd

New Zealand seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere.  While the Northern Hemisphere shivers, we are enjoying delightful summer days through from Christmas until March with temperatures usually between 22°C (71°F) and 26°C (78°F).

The coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea are warm enough in summer to dive, snorkel and swim and it is ideal time to escape the crowds and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Relax and unwind in remote, tranquil resorts renowned for their warm hospitality. Enjoy secluded beaches with silky golden sands or native forests and bush, alpine peaks or lakes and rivers and of course legendary food and wines.

Once completely relaxed you’ll want to up the tempo again and you’ll find our cities and towns colourful, vibrant and full of exciting activities and leisure pursuits.

Autumn in New Zealand, 'Season of Mists
and Mellow Fruitfulness'

Autumn in New Zealand occurs at the same time as spring in Europe.

Keats’ famous lines in his “Ode To Autumn” could equally apply to New Zealand. The South Island during April to June, especially Central Otago, is the perfect time to see the trees and forests dressed in the russets and golds of autumn.

With the climate becoming fresher and cooler, autumn is the time for brisk walks followed by lunch and a fabulous glass of the region’s fine wines in one of New Zealand’s many boutique wineries. We encourage you to extract the very best out of each season.

Winter for World Class New Zealand Skiing

In winter the daytime temperatures can vary from as high as 17°C (62°F) down to as low as 5°C (41°F) in the South Island and slightly higher in the North Island.

Ski lovers are in for a real treat with many of our ski resorts acclaimed world class. Visit New Zealand in July, August or September, and you will be able to experience top quality ski resorts, and the company of other skiers from all over the world. The mountains are magnificent and the nightlife of the resort towns is thriving.

Spring, the Traditional Time to Get Married

While the Northern Hemisphere shivers in shorter days and colder nights, nature in New Zealand is re-awakening. Trees are coming into leaf; flowers and shrubs are blossoming in a myriad of colours. The scent of the Pohutakawa fills the air and newborn spring lambs gambol in the fields.

Romantic times indeed, and perhaps the perfect time for those planning to get married, (and why not a Spring marriage in New Zealand, we can arrange anything).