What Is the Best Season to Travel?

The New Zealand tourism season begins in October and ends in May. Which locally corresponds to an interval between the beginning of spring and the mid-autumn. The country has substantial accommodation capacity, but the peak season results in an increase in attendance and therefore prices.

The bargains are still possible between May and September (including discounts for students and seniors), but the weather is less pleasant for tourism.

You will find that the rates are quite similar throughout the year. So when should one come to take maximum advantage of the trip? The answer depends essentially about your climate expectations. Each season has both strengths and weaknesses... So, here are my tips...

The thermometer descends slowly by a few degrees between the two extremities of the country. However (and this is a unique feature of New Zealand) there are exceptions related to the presence od many microclimates. At a 50 km distance, it is not uncommon to record differences of 10°C.

Located in the axis of the Roaring Forties, New Zealand undergone great gusts during the whole year.

The phenomenon is more marked on the West Coast, and you'll probably experience it while visiting Wellington, the capital of the country. One may witness some spectacular changes of climate within 24 hours. Waking up with a gray and rainy sky does not mean you won't enjoy a big blue sky at noon.

The alternation between sun and rain may continue until the evening comes. It is often said that the country can deliver all the seasons on the very same day!

One must never desperate of the time in New Zealand! The most threatening clouds may dissipate in less than an hour. Guessing the weather of the day is a kind of national sport, even if the climate is much warmer during the high season, of course.However, your trip cannot rely solely on the weather! One must take into account the activities and the atmosphere of each season to decide when to plan a stay.

This is a season of festivals, with most cities and regions whom organize large floral contests, gastronomic celebrations and wine tasting. I particularly recommend visiting the Mt Cook at this period of the year, when the valleys are covered with flowers.

Be careful though if you plan to follow the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. In early spring, the most famous trek in the country can still be under the snow!

One must await mid-October for the track to be easy to hike. Even so, there are great chances that the emerald lakes to still be prisoners of the ice.

Should we expect the summer to put all chances on our side?

The Christmas holidays continue in January, which means that you should plan your holidays far in advance. The most popular places can be fully booked, so do not expect to find last-minute deals around Nelson, Queenstown, Wanaka or Taupo for example.

The attendance explodes with the arrival of the summer holidays! The festivals are multiplying and many outdoor concerts attract crowds. The tourist hordes invade the beaches or rivers where the temperature is finally warm enough to swim.

The 14 national parks are all open to the public, but you will have to share the trails with other visitors. Summer is the best season for sure, but also the more appealing and the most expensive in New Zealand. So, can we expect a more favorable situation with the arrival of autumn?

Some regions, such as the Otago on the South Island, are even more pleasant than during summer. The vegetation of Wanaka turns to a gorgeous orange while the harvest begins in the vineyards.

Most of the activities are still practicable and attendance declines considerably.

However, do not expect to swim excepted during warmest days of the season. Prices have already fallen, but you can reduce the bill even more during the winter.

But can we really travel during this period of the year?

Winter is far from being as cold as in Europe. The snow falls only on the highest peaks and at the southern part of the country. However, rain is far more present and many regions undergo their worst weather of the year with occasional floods.

Do not expect to enjoy the beach, with most resorts being deserted with their shops closed. But many activities remain available! For example, this is the best season to spot whales in the Kaikoura Peninsula.

The majority of New Zealand's trees are evergreen, which means that the country remains magnificent even during winter. Icing on the cake: the price of accommodations and transports drop considerably.

The mountains of New Zealand allow you to ski in the entire country. But the best resorts are located in the South. The ski season begins in June and extends until mid-October. The views are breathtaking, especially at Cardrona and Treble Cone in the region of Otago.

The periods running from October to November or between April to May are a little cooler, but considerably less crowded. These seasons correspond to the late spring and the late fall.

They might lack the bright charm of summer, but once again, these mid-seasons offer excellent compromises in terms of climate, attendance and especially budget!

If you want to travel during summer time, you should try to avoid school holidays at least.

Especially the Christmas ones running from mid-December to late January (except if you prefer the festive mood). It is perfectly possible, but one must book far in advance!

Otherwise, you will find nothing but overcrowded hotels, and the price of car rentals will rise accordingly.

Furthermore, I not particularly fond of queuing in museums … even when they are free!

The place is already far more breathable in late February when kids are back to school.

Late summer and early fall are probably the most interesting periods. The rebates are strong and the blue sky is still there. The question is whether or not you can request holidays at this period of the year?

Do not neglect the spring season, but avoid the month of September if possible. I have visited the country during mid-October many times, and most tourist places were deserted, including the famous Milford Sound. If you are looking for tranquility, this is an interesting opportunity and the prices are still low.

Winter is a good option if you have already visited the country in the past and if you plan to ski. The ski resorts are small, but the panoramas are absolutely stunning.

It is pointless, however, to target a particular season to enjoy festivals. Each region celebrates its anniversary at a different period of the year and there are so many occasions to celebrate. If you are still curious about temperatures, I suggest you read my article fully dedicated to the weather in New Zealand.You can also start looking for some visits ideas. Our ranking of the best activities of the country should help.