New Zealand Seasons and Travel

From stunning summers on deserted beaches in the North to chilly winters near the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps—the weather in New Zealand is as diverse as the land itself. Each season has its own unique appeal for adventurers, so we’ve set out some guidelines to help you decide what time of year works best for you.

Summer

The summer is far and away the most popular time to visit New Zealand. This is the time of year with the most consistent weather and widely considered to be the best time to go camping.

Months:	December–February
Average Daytime Temperature:	20–25°C (68–77°F)
Average Nighttime Temperature:	10–14°C (50–56°F)
Our Seasonal Motorhome Features:	Flyscreens air-conditioned cabs self-contained motorhomes for freedom camping	guests can hire barbecues, camping tables, chairs, bikes and more
Seasonal Activities & Events:	Outdoor activities, Great Walks beaches, water sports, kayaking	Pohutukawa tree blooms; Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, and plenty of other festivals

Check out our Top 10 Reasons to Tour New Zealand by Motorhome in Summer.

Summer

The summer is far and away the most popular time to visit New Zealand. This is the time of year with the most consistent weather and widely considered to be the best time to go camping.

Months:	December–February
Average Daytime Temperature:	20–25°C (68–77°F)
Average Nighttime Temperature:	10–14°C (50–56°F)
Our Seasonal Motorhome Features:	Flyscreens air-conditioned cabs self-contained motorhomes for freedom camping	guests can hire barbecues, camping tables, chairs, bikes and more
Seasonal Activities & Events:	Outdoor activities, Great Walks beaches, water sports, kayaking	Pohutukawa tree blooms; Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, and plenty of other festivals

Check out our Top 10 Reasons to Tour New Zealand by Motorhome in Summer.

Autumn

Autumn is a less busy time of year for travel in NZ. In general, you can pack for fair weather, but be prepared for rain. This time of year generally has lower travel rates than the summer months.

Months:	March–May
Average Daytime Temperature:	17–21°C (62–70°F)
Average Nighttime Temperature:	6–11°C (43–52°F)
Our Seasonal Motorhome Features:	Flyscreens air-conditioned cabs self-contained motorhomes for freedom camping central heating	double-glazed windows (for those chilly evenings) guests can hire barbecues, camping tables, chairs, bikes, and more
Seasonal Activities & Events:	Swimming changing autumn leaves cycling and mountain biking saltwater fishing orca- and dolphin-watching off Wellington’s coast	Balloons Over Waikat Hokitika Wildfoods Festival Pasifika Festival

Winter

Winter in New Zealand is unique: the mountainous regions get snow, while the Northland regions can stay fairly mild. This time of year features affordable rental rates and access to additional winter sports.

Months:	June–August
Average Daytime Temperature:	12–16°C (53–61°F)
Average Nighttime Temperature:	1–7°C (34–45°F)
Our Seasonal Motorhome Features:	Central heating, double-glazed windows iCentral heating double-glazed windows, insulation hot water/showers	drying rooms (in most of our motorhomes) ABS & ASR systems for safer driving in icy conditions snow chains available for hire
Seasonal Activities & Events:	Skiing visiting snow-capped mountains seeing the glaciers soaking in hot pools watching the All Blacks play	Matariki Festival Queenstown Winter Festival also a great time of year to see the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) and the Milky Way

Spring

Spring is a less busy time of year for travel in New Zealand. Pack for fair weather, but also bring along a light, waterproof jacket for layering (just in case). This time of year generally has lower travel rates than the summer.

Months:	September–November
Average Daytime Temperature:	16–19°C (61–66°F)
Average Nighttime Temperature:	5–9°C (41–48°F)
Our Seasonal Motorhome Features:	Central heating double-glazed windows insulation hot water/showers	guests can hire barbecues, camping tables, chairs, bikes, and more
Seasonal Activities & Events:	Blossom festivals lupins lambs	wine Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge

NZ WEATHER	LOW	HIGH
January	20˚C	25˚C
February	20˚C	25˚C
March	17˚C	21˚C
April	17˚C	21˚C
May	17˚C	21˚C
June	12˚C	16˚C
July	12˚C	16˚C
August	12˚C	16˚C
September	16˚C	19˚C
October	16˚C	19˚C
November	16°C	19˚C
December	20˚C	25˚C