As the climate in New Zealand can vary greatly, with many joking that you should be prepared to experience all four seasons in a day, it is important to be aware not only of what time of year you are planning to travel to the country but also what sort of clothing and travel accessories you should prioritise.
Fortunately, most of the nation resides near the coast, entailing relatively mild temperatures year-round. However, the far north experiences subtropical weather during the summer months, whilst alpine areas of the South Island can sometimes reach below freezing in the winter.
In contrast to its European and North American counterparts in the Northern Hemisphere, New Zealand’s warmest months are January and February, whilst July and August annually emit colder temperatures, thus making the country’s summer months the most popular as travellers take advantage of both the mild climate and the holiday break.
However, the neighbouring months should not be ruled out, as autumn offers sunny days with less crowds and spring boasts picturesque scenic delights perfect to enjoy whilst exploring the outdoors. With warm days and cool nights, these seasons are plentiful for travellers looking to book a trip.
If you are looking to engage in snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, or trekking through the snow-capped mountaintops, the winter months of New Zealand are ideal.
No matter what time of year you decide to travel, the chances are you will be taking an international flight into the country.
Flying to New Zealand takes approximately 24 hours from Europe, 11 from Southeast Asia, and 12 from the Americas. For many of these flights, anticipate a stopover to refuel and take a break. The majority of long-haul international flights arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL), the country’s largest and busiest airport located only 20km from the city centre. Equally, passengers may arrive at Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport, and Queenstown Airport through various intercontinental airlines.
Upon arrival, there are a plethora of domestic flights readily available to make your trip even more swift and convenient, as there are airports in most major cities and regions. Domestic flights are affordable and easily bookable with popular airlines, including Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, and Air Chathams.
After safely landing in the country, it is time to decide how you want to journey. With so many sites to see and cities to visit, choosing how to travel around New Zealand is as critical as getting there itself.
One popular option is to hire a rental car, campervan, motorbike, or bicycle. These modes of transport allow you to get around the vast country at your own pace and flexibility.
If renting a car, there are myriad rental agencies scattered throughout the country all offering competitive prices. However, be aware that the minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 and the roads can be hilly, narrow, and winding at times.
For a more rustic trip, renting a motorhome or campervan is the ultimate expression of freedom and flexibility, allowing you to roam the open road at ease and discover remote places to park and rest for a night beneath the stars in designated freedom camping spots.
Equally freeing and adventurous is travelling through the scenic roads via motorbike or bicycle. Get intimate with New Zealand’s jaw-dropping landscapes on your holiday by renting either of these options and immersing yourself in the natural phenomena the country has to offer. Many businesses will even provide guided bike tours to allow you to venture the terrain with fellow cyclists.
If you are looking to sit back and relax as someone else handles navigating the road, then a bus or coach may be the ideal mode of transport for you.
With the option of utilising the national public bus network to get around the country in a cost-effective manner or to partake in a guided coach tour that will take you to major landmarks, there are plenty of options when it comes to busing about.
One of the most popular choices for travellers is hop-on hop-off buses, or backpacker buses, which give you the ability to disembark where you please and change your plans along the way according to what entices you. New Zealand’s buses allow you to get the most out of your trip whilst still going at your own pace.
Being an island nation, it is important not to overlook traversing the country via water. Ferries and water taxis are present across all coastal regions, with regular passenger and vehicle ferries connecting the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait and passenger ferries linking the South Island with Stewart Island.
These trips make for a uniquely beautiful venture across the sparkling waters of New Zealand, ideal for those looking to incorporate the fresh sea breeze into their trip.
Trains are likewise a wonderful way to view the countryside with ease. There are three primary rail journeys in New Zealand that traverse the North and South Islands, providing a front-row view of scenery not visible from the road. Equally, there are rail services across the various regions and suburban trains that will take you on a smooth journey in and out of many larger cities, such as Wellington and Auckland.
No matter how you travel throughout the vast landscape that is New Zealand, be sure to take the time to enjoy all the scenic wonders and unparalleled beauty the country has to offer.
