If you’ve seen the Lord of the Rings, you’re familiar with New Zealand’s landscape elements: glacial lakes, fern-filled mossy forests, craggy cliffs, and endless, well-maintained trails. The best time to visit New Zealand depends on what you are looking for.
While some people enjoy the cold weather, others prefer to visit when the crowds are less. Like most destinations, New Zealand can be a balancing act between crowds, the weather, and the prices. Summer is a great time to travel, but it can mean more people and higher prices.
While there is no truly bad time to visit this country, our editors have jotted down the perfect time of the year when you can enjoy the landscapes and outdoor activities coupled with cool and sunny weather.
Here’s what locals consider to be the best time to visit New Zealand
Best Time to Visit New Zealand: Local Speak
The best time to go to New Zealand depends on what you want to experience – explore the natural beauty and the thriving culinary scene or take part in exciting outdoor activities. This country should be at the top of your bucket list as it has so much to offer to even the most seasoned traveler.
- March is the best time to visit New Zealand if you want to enjoy warm, sunny weather without lots of people. This time is perfect for outdoor exploration, visiting any major global city, with art galleries, shopping districts, nightlife, and cafes.
- The winter months from July to August are the best time to ski or settle down with a glass of wine in front of a roaring fire after a fun day.
- November to April has lush foliage and carpets of flowers coming into bloom like daffodils and Lupins which make the countryside views stunning.
If you’re undecided about when to travel, then why choose a tour operator who can discuss the different options with you? These experts will even help you pick an itinerary that works best for your holiday requirements.
Plan the Perfect Itinerary for New Zealand
New Zealand offers the perfect locations to explore the glaciers, fjords, pristine lakes, and even the golden beaches. While this country might feel more remote and wild, it’s ideal for adventurers and history buffs looking for an epic destination.
New Zealand tour packages can offer you a journey through the most offbeat and hidden locations that few people have ever seen. You can opt to customize your package or select pre-built packages depending on your budget and time. Nonetheless, these are some of the places to visit in New Zealand that you should include in your travel itinerary.
1. Auckland, New Zealand
When you land in Auckland, try to get over the jet lag so that you can enjoy yourself from day one. It is best to head to your hotel to get some rest and sleep.
2. Waitomo, New Zealand
You can enjoy the beauty of the Harbor Bridge, the America’s Cup Viaduct, and the view from the Sky Tower. Guests can also take a short drive to Waitomo to experience the beautiful glow worm caves.
3. Rotorua, New Zealand
Take a guided city tour of the thermal capital. Guests can visit the Agrodome tour to see the art of sheep shearing, and sheepdog demonstrations. You can also visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve to view the boiling mud pools and the cascading Pohutu Geyser and see local Māori carvers in action.
4. Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Guests can see the largest freshwater lake in the country, Lake Taupo, and then continue to the capital Wellington.
5. Wellington, New Zealand
Guests will transfer to Wellington Ferry Terminal to board the ferry to Picton. You can then travel south through the towns of Blenheim and Kaikoura before reaching the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch.
6. Christchurch, New Zealand
In Christchurch, you can visit the scenic Lake Tekapo, the International Antarctic Centre, and enjoy “The Snow & Ice Experience,” in a custom-built polar room.
7. Twizel, New Zealand
Here, you can explore Lake Pukaki and the Mackenzie Basin over the Lindis Pass to Lake Wakatipu and the “Alpine Resort” of Queenstown.
8. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown offers an action-packed day with first taking the Gondola up Queenstown Hill and enjoying a thrilling jet boat experience through the Dart River or relaxing by the Wakatipu Lake.
9. Milford Sound, New Zealand
One of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand, you can drive to the Fjordland region of South Island and embark on an unforgettable journey on the Milford Sound. Explore the plants, the marine animals, and the waterfalls cascading by the cliffs.
10. Catlin Coast, New Zealand
The highlight of today is the stunning South Catlin coast in South Island. Here guests can head to the city of Dunedin and make several stops en-route to spot seals and walruses. You can visit the Larnach Castle.
11. Christchurch, New Zealand
On your final day, you can take a scenic drive to Christchurch. Though the drive is for 6 hours, you will not mind it. You can rest at your hotel before checking out Christchurch some more. Then the following day, you can depart to your home country. You can plan to fly out of Christchurch or go back to Auckland and then fly out.
Mistakes to Avoid on Your Trip to New Zealand
From local etiquette to dress and traveling, steer clear of these common mistakes to get the most out of your trip.
1. Overlooking the North Island
Along with the South Island, you need to also explore the North Island. This area is just as stunning and offers black-and-white sand beaches, waterfalls, world-class restaurants, art galleries, and shopping. You can also see cultural attractions in the nation’s capital, Wellington.
2. Packing mostly casual clothes
New Zealand is a great place to explore the incredible peaks, forests, and beaches. Unless hiking is the only thing you will be doing, make sure to pack as if you were heading to Europe. Here, you will find many sophisticated bars and restaurants, pubs, cafes, and even wineries.
Bring along a few dressy clothes, semi-formals, and even a couple of shoes besides your hiking boots or walking shoes. You can even carry swimwear, sunscreen, and hats in case you decide to swim. A jacket is also essential as it can get cold in the evenings.
3. Not planning your itinerary in advance
No matter where you decide to go, you need to pre-plan your itinerary for New Zealand. This country can be expensive, especially if you have not planned your activities, accommodation, and sightseeing.
The best advice is to choose a tour agency that can plan your entire travel itinerary. These experts will take care of your transport, flights, accommodation, sightseeing, and even food. That way, you can rest easy and have fun in New Zealand
Looking to Book Your New Zealand Trip?
Now you know the best time to visit New Zealand. Are you still looking to go off the beaten tourist track and find New Zealand’s hidden gems? Our expert travel professionals at Anubhav Vacations create tailored itineraries for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We customize our packages to your specific interests, be it groups, families, solo travelers, companies, or couples.
The activities during your trip are carefully selected and planned to ensure that you get nothing but the very best travel experience during your 12-day trip. That is why any time is always the best time to go to New Zealand when you choose Anubhav Vacations.
