The best time to visit New Zealand

The long warm sunny days make this a wonderful time to visit, but accommodation fills up quickly. Locals have their summer holidays so add to visitor numbers.

The warmest month for much of the country. Locals return to work, easing some pressure on accommodation. A great time to enjoy South Island summer.

The best month to visit, as summer crowds disperse but beautiful warm weather generally prevails. An ideal time for a more spontaneous trip.

Temperatures fall, especially in the South Island. The autumn colours can be spectacular, and you may still get away with shorts in Auckland.

Autumn sweeps through the North Island, reinvigorating the green rolling hills. A quiet time of year to travel, after summer and before ski season.

The start of the ski season in the North Island, with the first snow showers beginning to fall. Crisp clear sunny days can still be found on the South Island.

The snow begins to settle and international snow sports teams can be spotted doing their off-season training.

The coldest month, but still plenty to see and do. Ski season is in full swing, and humpback whales can be spotted near Kaikoura on their way north.

Spring is in sight, but there is still plenty of snow on the mountains. Newborn lambs can be spotted in the vibrant green fields.

The snow melts and the rivers are at their peak, making for an exciting time to do white water sports. Longer days allow for more time to enjoy the outdoors.

A beautiful time of year, with wild gorse and vibrant lupins dotting the fields, making the countryside particularly colourful. Snow can still be seen on the tops of the mountains.

Temperatures heat up, but early in the month it is still relatively quiet. Christmas and New Year’s celebrations can be enjoyed in true Kiwi style – on a beach or in the expansive wilderness.