When to go and weather
°C°F MMIN
NZL Dunedin Go Year round Wellington Go Nov–Apr Queenstown Go Jan–MarJun–Aug Christchurch Go Jan–MarJul–Oct Auckland Go Nov–Apr
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High Season (Dec–Feb)
Summer: busy beaches, outdoor explorations, festivals and sporting events.
Big-city accommodation prices rise.
High season in the ski towns is winter (Jun–Aug).
Shoulder Season (Mar–Apr)
Prime travelling time: fine weather, short queues, kids in school and warm(ish) ocean.
Long evenings sipping Kiwi wines and craft beers.
Spring (Sep–Nov) is shoulder season, too.
Low Season (May–Aug)
Head for the slopes of the Southern Alps for some brilliant southern-hemisphere skiing.
No crowds, good accommodation deals and a seat in any restaurant.
Warm-weather beach towns may be half asleep.