The Best Time to Visit New Zealand: Seasonal Tips (2025)

Key takeaways

• New Zealand is a true all-season destination, with four distinct seasons that offer different activities and benefits. 
• The best time to visit New Zealand depends on your budget and travel preferences. Summer is the most crowded but also the best season for visiting the beach, while winter sees few tourists. 
• Consider off-season travel (winter) or shoulder season (spring and fall) to reduce costs. 
• Download the Going app, sign up for a Premium or Elite membership, and set a price alert to get real-time alerts when prices drop on flights to New Zealand.

Looking for the best time to visit New Zealand? All you need to know about each season

New Zealand has four distinct seasons, each with plenty of reasons to visit. So if you’re looking for the best time of year to visit New Zealand, the answer isn’t so cut and dried. Whether you’re looking for optimal hiking weather, whale watching, time at the beach, or even skiing, there’s an activity for everyone and every season. Beyond the outdoors, New Zealand also offers seasonal festivals, museums, and more. 

So when is the best time to visit New Zealand? Let’s dig in. 

Spring (September to November): mild and beautiful

Spring in New Zealand means blooms, blooms, blooms. The country comes to life (literally) with green rolling hills dotted with fresh flowers, newborn lambs and other baby animals in the countryside, and crisp, fresh air. It’s a great time for hiking as it’s not too hot, and shoulder season means the trails aren’t packed with crowds. 

Tongariro National Park and Abel Tasman are particularly lovely in the spring, so if you’re going for the parks, this is definitely one of the best times of year to visit New Zealand. For photographers, the light, abundance of flora, and wildlife, such as migrating whales, make this a fantastic season to visit. 

Summer (December to February): peak travel season

Summer is New Zealand’s high season. Long days and warm temperatures make it the ideal time to visit for a beach holiday or to celebrate New Year’s Eve. And since it’s cold in much of the world during these months, New Zealand sees an uptick in tourism. 

National parks and coastal locations, such as the Bay of Islands and Coromandel, are busy during this time—and for good reason. There are also several big festivals, like the Rhythm and Vines music festival in Gisborne and the Homegrown festival in Wellington. 

Make sure to book your hotels and activities early if you plan to visit in the summer, as prices can get high and things can fill up. 

Autumn (March to May): perfect for exploring the outdoors

Fall in New Zealand is a great time to be outdoors. Beautiful fall foliage, crisp mornings, and quieter trails make this a good time for travelers who want warm enough weather to be outside but aren’t exactly wanting to go to the beach. 

Wine regions, like Central Otago and Hawk’s Bay, hold large harvest festivals in autumn, but there are still fewer tourists than in the summer. Like spring, autumn is a shoulder season in New Zealand, meaning prices are lower. 

Winter (June to August): hidden gem for skiing

New Zealand might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of skiing, but there are world-class resorts in Queenstown and Wanaka. They draw visitors from around New Zealand, Australia, and the US who want to keep the ski season going. But even in the winter during peak skiing season, it manages to not be very crowded, especially compared to summer months. Aside from the gorgeous snowy mountains, New Zealand has a wealth of hot springs and some fun winter festivals. 

Want to go to New Zealand? Let the Going app do the hard work—real-time flight deals straight to your phone!

When to visit New Zealand for the best weather

New Zealand’s weather varies by region and season. It has four distinct climates, with hot summers and cold winters. That said, weather also varies by region, so while it’s snowy in some areas in the winter, others might be warmer and rainy. 

Best months for ideal weather

The best weather in New Zealand depends on what you want to do on your trip. Spring and fall are generally mild, while summer can be hot and winter is cold. Autumn is the most pleasant season if you want mild temperatures and little rainfall. If you want to spend a lot of time outdoors hiking and seeing wildlife, spring or fall are the best months to travel. If you want to go to the beach, summer is the best time to visit. And for skiing, travel in the winter. 

What to expect during each season’s weather

Spring

Temperatures range from 50–68 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring with occasional rain. This is a great time to visit for lush, green landscapes and active wildlife. However, bear in mind that rain may disrupt your plans. 

Summer

Summers in New Zealand are hot, with temperatures in the high 60s and up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is excellent beach weather—but this also means everyone is at the beach, and popular swimming areas can get crowded. 

Autumn

Temperatures start to cool down and range from 45–70 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the time of day and how close to the start or end of the season you visit. Autumn is a great time to hike, avoid crowds, and save money while visiting. 

Winter

The coldest months get temperatures in the low 30s, though it can reach the high 50s on a sunny day. New Zealand has snowy mountains and rainy areas on the North Island. Winter is a great time to visit for skiing, hot springs, and museums, but it’s not as good for hiking.

Best time for outdoor activities in New Zealand

The best time to travel to New Zealand all depends on what you hope to get out of your trip. There is no one-size-fits-all season that’s better than others. If you want to hike, visit in the fall. If you’re here for flowers and wildlife, spring is the best time. Beaches are best in the summer, while skiing is best in the winter. Timing your trip around your preferred activities is the best way to make it one to remember. 

Hiking and adventure activities: best time to visit

The best time to visit New Zealand for hiking and adventure activities, such as zip-lining, is either spring or fall, when it’s not too hot but not too cold. Both seasons have mild temperatures, though spring can be rainy. 

To avoid muddy trails or rain cancellations, visit during autumn, from March to May (note that it gets a bit colder in May). This is the best time to visit South Island, New Zealand, particularly Arrowtown, which has some of the prettiest fall colors and hosts a large Autumn Festival. Central Otago is another good option. 

Beaches and watersports: ideal seasons for coastal fun

Summer, from December to March, is the best time to go to the beach in New Zealand. The weather and water are warm, and the days are long. Coromandel and the Bay of Islands are particularly beautiful during the summer. The water is turquoise, the hills are lush, and the beaches are bustling. It can get crowded, so plan ahead for accommodations and any tours like surf lessons or guided fishing tours. 

Skiing in New Zealand: best time to visit

June to August, New Zealand’s winter, is the best time to visit for skiing. For the most reliable snowfall, visit in August, and for lower prices and a more family-friendly vibe, visit in late June. 

While winter isn’t as busy as summer in New Zealand, resorts can fill up. Book accommodation early, and consider skiing on weekdays to avoid crowded hills. Queenstown and Wānaka are the most popular ski areas, known for scenic views and expansive parks. 

Summer vs. winter: Which season is right for you?

Summer and winter are pretty different seasons in New Zealand. The right season to visit depends on your budget, the type of activities you enjoy, and what you hope to get out of a trip. Here we’ll break down some considerations.

Comparing costs: summer and winter in New Zealand

Winter is a much less expensive time to visit New Zealand than summer. Hotel rooms during the summer can range from around $50 per night for an agriturismo lodge to $900 per night for a luxury hotel in the summer; they’re about half that in the winter. However, some dedicated ski resorts can be expensive in the winter. 

Because summer is the high season, airfare and tours are typically more expensive during this time. Budget travelers can save by visiting free, public beaches in the summer and staying in agriturismos or farther from the beach. In the winter, staying in smaller ski lodges or booking apartment rentals instead of ski resorts can help save money. 

Tourist crowds: Which season has fewer crowds?

Summer is the busiest time to visit New Zealand, as warm weather and long days lure people to the many gorgeous beaches. That said, summers are busiest on the beach. You could save money and avoid crowds by heading inland. 

On the other hand, winter is less busy, while it’s still popular for skiing. To avoid crowds in the winter, visit cities and spend time in museums and restaurants, rather than ski resorts. 

Choosing the right experience for your travel style

If you want to visit New Zealand for its famed beaches, summer is the best season to do so. But if you’re not a beach person and are visiting for wine tasting, museums, or nature activities, winter might be a better bet. In both seasons, hiking might be difficult due to snow or extreme heat. 

For a trip that encompasses hiking, the outdoors, time in the cities, and potentially some beach time on the warmer days, try visiting in late September, just after the rush of skiers. 

How to save money while visiting New Zealand during peak and off-peak seasons

A trip to New Zealand doesn’t have to break the bank. By following a few tried-and-true savvy traveler rules, you can save money on flights and lodging, even during peak seasons. (For even more savings, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons.) 

Travel discounts and deals during off-peak times

Visiting New Zealand during shoulder season—the period just before and after high season—is an easy way to save money. New Zealand is busiest during the summer, so visiting in late spring or early fall, like November or March, can save you money while still offering warm weather. The later into the shoulder seasons you travel, the cheaper things will get. 

For even bigger savings, travel during New Zealand’s winter (June–August). Ski resorts can be expensive during this time, but the rest of the country typically has lower prices on hotels and tours. 

Booking tips for summer and winter trips

When booking for New Zealand summer, it’s best to plan ahead. Accommodation and tours can fill up quickly, so you’ll want to reserve 3–5 months in advance. In the winter, you should also book your accommodations early if you want to ski; if you’re not looking to ski, you have a bit more leeway with when you should book accommodations. Ski packages also often bundle lodging, gear, and lift passes, which can sometimes save money. 

You could also consider staying outside of tourist hot spots, no matter the season, in order to save. 

When it comes to flights, we encourage booking in the Goldilocks Window, the period that’s not too far ahead but not too close to your departure dates. For international flights, that’s anywhere from 2–8 months. It’s best to start looking early and keep an eye on flights. With the Going app and a Premium or Elite membership, you can set up flight alerts so you never miss a price drop to New Zealand. 

What to expect in each season

Each season in New Zealand brings different foods, traditions, and festivals. Here’s what you can expect during your visit, from winter stews to spring produce, harvest festivals, and farm visits. 

Festivals and events: key highlights by season

March is festival month in New Zealand, when towns go wild with harvest festivals. New Year’s is another big celebration day, with numerous festivals around the country. While NYE can be an expensive hotel night in a big festival city, most New Zealand festivals draw local crowds and shouldn’t impact international airfare. 

• Summer (December to February): New Year’s Eve festivals around New Zealand, particularly Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne, Rhythm and Alps in Wanaka, and the annual Queenstown and Wellington NYE festivals; World Buskers Festival in Christchurch, a huge comedian and fringe art performance fest in January; numerous Christmas markets in December. 
• Autumn (March to May): World of Music, Arts and Dance festival in New Plymouth; Hokitika Wildfoods Festival in Hokitika; Arrowtown Autumn Festival; more than 80 harvest festivals in small towns and at wineries around New Zealand
• Winter (June to August): Queenstown Winter Festival kicks off the ski season; Winter Pride Queenstown; Mardi Gras in Ohakune
• Spring (September to November): Blossom Festival in Alexandra runs most of September; small, neighborhood festivals in some cities throughout the season

Food and local experiences: seasonal delights

Summer (December to February) is a wonderful time for food in New Zealand, with fresh berries and stone fruits in their prime, as well as lots of fresh seafood. Look out for green-lipped mussels in Marlborough, and don’t miss fish and chips in Coromandel. 

Autumn (March to May) is harvest season in New Zealand, making it a great time to visit Central Otago or Hawke’s Bay for wine tastings and harvest festivals. Many wineries host events, and everywhere from small towns to larger cities host harvest festivals. Most of these festivals and events fall in March, but check local calendars for exact dates. 

Winter food in New Zealand (found June to August) is like that in much of the world—warm and comforting. Think lots of squash and pumpkin soups, roast lamb, and hearty pies. Look for Māori hangi feasts, where food is cooked in a pit oven over hot stones, during your travel dates. It’s also the prime time to visit geothermal pools. 

During the spring (September to November), much of the country's fresh produce comes into season. Vegetables like asparagus, artichokes, and peas are ready to eat this time of year, and dishes often feature them. Flowers are in full bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit and take long walks in the countryside. You can also visit farms during lambing season. 

Best months to visit New Zealand based on your interests

The best time to visit New Zealand depends on the type of trip you want. Hoping for outdoor adventure or a relaxing time on the beach? Want to ski or spend time visiting wineries? The type of trip you have in mind will dictate the best season to visit. 

For nature lovers and adventure seekers

Spring and autumn are the best months to visit New Zealand for nature lovers. Fall is ideal for hiking with crisp weather and sunny days, while spring is best for seeing wildlife like whales and seeing pastures dotted with baby lambs. 

Spring can be a bit rainy, so while the temperature is good for hiking, trails can be muddy and hikes could need to be canceled due to a downpour. Both spring and fall are shoulder seasons, but the closer you get to summer—the high season—the more crowded it will get. 

For relaxing and beach holidays

Summer is the peak beach season in New Zealand. Long, sunny days from December to February draw crowds to the coasts for relaxation on the water. Weather is typically in the high 70s to low 80s, and the water is warmest in January and February. 

The Coromandel Peninsula is especially popular in the summer, as is Ninety Mile Beach in the far north and Piha Beach near Auckland. Lakes are also nice to visit during this time, and for fewer crowds you can head inland. 

For relaxing without the beach, consider a leisurely wine-tasting holiday. Fall is the best time to visit for harvest festivals, great weather, and trying new vintages. 

For skiing and winter activities

New Zealand’s winter runs from June to August. If you’re hoping to ski, visit in August for the most-guaranteed snow in Queenstown and Wanaka, the most popular ski regions. That said, ski season runs from June to October, and you can save money by visiting on the earlier and later ends of the season. 

Outside of skiing, you can enjoy natural hot springs and take in the action of the Queenstown Winter Festival, a huge party that typically runs in mid-September. Other festivals include the Taupō Winter Festival in June, the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival held on the solstice, and Winter Pride in Queenstown. 

Conclusion

New Zealand is truly a year-round destination. Each season offers a completely different experience, whether you’re looking to visit during a certain weather window or for different types of activities. Traveling to New Zealand for the beaches or the ski resorts? Visiting for fall foliage or lush spring farmstays? There’s something for everyone. 

And no matter when you visit, you can use the Going app to find great travel deals for your dates. Sign up now, and set up a flight alert—available for Premium and Elite members—so you never miss a price drop to New Zealand.