Most travelers will find that 10 to 11 days is perfect for a well-paced New Zealand trip with stops in Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Queenstown, Te Anau, and Franz Josef / Waiau. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Dunedin, Wānaka, or Hokitika. See more ideas for Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Queenstown, Te Anau, and Franz Josef / Waiau itineraries below.
November is the last month of spring in New Zealand, and that means the weather can be quite summery, although temperatures may not be as consistently hot as in summer. It's still the shoulder season, but the number of travelers coming to New Zealand increases in November. Here are some important things to know about traveling to New Zealand in November.
Eight to nine days is a great length for a New Zealand trip, with stops in Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Queenstown, and Franz Josef / Waiau. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as seven days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Te Anau or Wanaka. Keep reading for more inspiring Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Queenstown, and Franz Josef / Waiau itineraries.
August is the last month of winter in New Zealand, and along with July, this is the coldest month. Conditions in the north tend to be cool and wet, and in the south, cold and wet or snowy in the mountains. While this isn't peak tourism season throughout most of the country, it is a good time to go skiing. Read on to find out more about traveling to New Zealand in August.
September is the first month of spring in New Zealand, and this can mean that warmer temperatures are on their way, but also that wintry conditions can linger. It's the shoulder season, which means you can make the most of slightly cheaper prices and less busy conditions at the most popular places, but still enjoy mostly good weather. Here's what you need to know about traveling to New Zealand in September.
May is the last month of autumn in New Zealand, and weather can range from pleasantly warm to quite wintry, depending on where you go. It's shoulder season, and some of the most popular destinations remain busy, but some of the more outdoorsy attractions see far fewer visitors than in the summer. Here are some important things to know about traveling to New Zealand in May.
New Zealand has a lot of climatic variety, from sub-tropical Northland to temperate Southland, and high mountains through the center of both main islands. Summer is generally hot in the North Island and warm in the South, while winters are mild and wet in the North Island and drier but often snowy in parts of the South Island. Whenever you plan to go, there will be parts of New Zealand that offer great conditions—find helpful information below on weather, crowds, costs, and more.
June is the first month of winter in New Zealand, and while winters here aren't as extreme as in some parts of North America or Europe, they can still get quite cold. The North Island in particular also gets a lot of rain in the winter, but further south, in the mountains, this manifests as snow—marking the start of the ski season! Here a few important things to know about traveling to New Zealand in June.
Most people visiting Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, and Queenstown spend about 11 to 14 days in New Zealand, which usually includes some time in Auckland and Rotorua as well. If you're only headed to Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, and Queenstown, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in six to nine days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five days. For the best itineraries, including Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, and Queenstown, keep reading below.
Travelers to New Zealand typically plan a trip for 9 to 11 days when combining both Auckland and Rotorua with Queenstown. For travelers wanting to visit Auckland and Rotorua exclusively, plan five to seven days for a well-paced trip. Read on for the best itineraries, including Auckland and Rotorua, and beyond.