What is the best travel time for your family? There are multiple answers to this question. Do you need to travel during the school holidays? Or are your children under five? New Zealand can be explored all year round, giving you the flexibility to choose a season that matches your family's interests and availability.
New Zealanders often talk about having four seasons in a day. The weather can be very changeable from the morning to the afternoon, with sunshine, wind and rain, all in the space of a few hours. We recommend wearing layers that can be easily removed, especially during outdoor activities.
September to November- Watch your children fall in love with the newborn animals and bright, blooming flowers of spring. Average daytime temperature: 18 °C.
December to February- The summer months are the busiest time in New Zealand. Locals are exploring their backyard and many visitors are arriving. Average daytime temperature: 23 °C.
March to May- Autumn is a great time for families to travel New Zealand, with fewer crowds, and stable temperatures. Average daytime temperature: 19 °C.
June to August- Winter in New Zealand coincides with the United Kingdom’s summer school holidays, giving you more time to explore the country. Average daytime temperature: 14 °C.
Spring is a perfect time for families to travel, with colourful flowers and cute newborn animals that the kids will simply adore. Waterfalls are at their most spectacular, temperatures are mild and fewer tourists, make for a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great time to visit the plunging waterfalls of the Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
You will find the locals at the beach or around lakes during the summer months. The long, sunny days are perfect for kayaking, snorkelling, sailing and swimming with dolphins. The striking red flowers of the Pohutukawa trees are in full bloom. It’s a great time to visit the Franz Josef Glacier.
Summer is also the busiest period with locals and visitors enjoying the sunshine, so you should expect more crowds. We recommend travelling in a different season. If you would prefer to travel in summer, it's vital to book well in advance.
Feel free to join one of our informative one-hour presentations about New Zealand, hosted by Ben.
Visit a destination dayAutumn is our most recommended season to travel New Zealand. The warm, autumn colours are delightful, the weather is stable and the temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. It starts to get a bit colder in April and often the mountains are already covered in snow. The kids will love the snowy peaks!
April is the best time to see the leaves changing and all the vineyards in full bloom. Be sure to try one of New Zealand's many amazing wines."
Ben, Travel specialist
New Zealand has the 9th longest coastline in the world, with a length of 15,134 km. That means there is plenty of beaches to explore!
If you are travelling with school-aged children, the summer holidays in the United Kingdom are the winter months of New Zealand. The mountains are covered in snow and the rain falls a little more regularly. Benefit from fewer crowds and better accommodation deals.
Are you snowsports enthusiasts? Take your family skiing in the South Island. The North Island has a milder winter than the South Island, making it a great time for hiking and cycling.
"Between mid-March and the end of April is a great shoulder season, where you can visit all highlights without the crowds."
Ben, Travel specialist
We would love to meet you and discuss the best travel time. Contact us to make an appointment at our office or from the comfort of your home.
New Zealand is best known for its volcanic landscapes, snow-capped mountains, ancient forests and friendly locals.… read more
Do you seek once in a lifetime experiences? This trip is perfect for an adventurous family who would like an… read more
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
020 36 95 95 69
