New Zealand

Fiords carve and hobbits roam, December to March glows with antipodean summer splendor

8 spots7 speciesJanuary

01 · Overview

The best time to visit New Zealand is between December and March, when summer days light up Fiordland and Hobbiton’s hills. With 20°C to 25°C weather, it’s perfect for hiking Tongariro, kayaking Milford Sound, or exploring Wellington. For fewer crowds, try November or April.

02 · Travel essentials

Practical info

LanguageEnglish, Māori

CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)1 USD = 1.67 NZD

TimezoneUTC+1219:55

Emergency111 (police/ambulance)

DrivingLeft-hand

Plug type

TippingNo

Vaccinations–

GPI

Measures how peaceful and safe a country is.

1.323

VisaCheck requirements →

03 · Wildlife calendar

Climate

Best timeBased on various factors

WeatherCelsius

22^°

20^°

18^°

15^°

13^°

12^°

13^°

15^°

17^°

19^°

21^°

Sea Temp.Celsius

19^°

20^°

19^°

18^°

16^°

15^°

14^°

15^°

16^°

17^°

18^°

RainfallDays per month

SunshineHours per month

230_/h

210_/h

190_/h

170_/h

140_/h

120_/h

130_/h

150_/h

170_/h

190_/h

210_/h

220_/h

Tourism Season

Dolphin

Great White Shark

Humpback Whale

Orca

Sea Lion & Fur Seal

Sperm Whale

Albatross

04 · Wildlife Spots

Wildlife Spots (8)

Dolphin

Kaikōura (South Island, New Zealand)

Great White Shark

Stewart Island (New Zealand)

Humpback Whale

Southern Ocean - Central South Pacific sector

Orca

Bay of Plenty / Hauraki Gulf (New Zealand)

Sea Lion & Fur Seal

Otago Peninsula and The Catlins (Dunedin, New Zealand)

Sperm Whale

Kaikōura (South Island, New Zealand)

Albatross

Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

Albatross

Kaikoura, New Zealand