New Zealand: When To Go

When is the Best Time to visit New Zealand?

Best Time to Honeymoon
Year round. Warmer months are November – March, however New Zealand’s temperate climate makes it great to explore any time.

Best Time to See Penguins and Whales
Although both are visible year round, they tend to be more active and in large numbers in New Zealand’s winter months, June – September. Kaikour is the best to enjoy whale watching cruises, swim with dolphins and even seals. Dunedin is home to the only land accessible Royal Albatross breeding colony, as well as the yellow-eyed penguin.

Best Time to Self-Drive the South Island of New Zealand
October – May although it can be enjoyed year round. October/November will still have snow capped mountain peaks in the distance. February is a very busy time to travel and needs to be booked well in advance. They drive on the left hand side of the road, but we always ensure you have an automatic rental car with GPS as an option.

Best Time for Hiking on Glaciers and Black Water Rafting
Year round. In their summer, December – March you can hike in shorts on the glacier. Weather changes hourly in this region. We usually include 2 nights here for maximum chances of heli-hiking on the glaciers. Black water rafting, being underground involves a wetsuit and is great year round.

Best Time to Experience Maori Culture
Year round. How in depth you would like to go, decides the location and the experience we recommend to you. From contemporary art galleries, to traditional Marae visits and modern day Maori wine makers.

Best Time to Golf in New Zealand
November – March. Some of us are avid golfers, visit our blog about our top 10 courses and insider tips on which courses to play.

Best Time for Food and Wine Touring in New Zealand
Year round – harvest time is a great event in New Zealand. Festivals in small towns makes a wonderful self drive exploration. The Classic New Zealand wine trail allows you to meander through the country visiting the best of the local boutique wineries.

Best Time to Ski in New Zealand
August – October. Both North and South Islands offer skiing opportunities. Let us know your ski level and we’ll match the perfect location.

Best Time to Visit New Zealand and Fiji
We like this combination for adventure and beach relaxation. Best done August – November or March – May. But great to do year round, we simply pair resorts and locations you visit by the time of the year you travel.

Best Time to Visit New Zealand and Australia
Year round, we change where you visit in each country depending on the time of year you travel. To see the highlights or for active outdoors, March – May or October – December.