"FOUR SEASONS IN ONE DAY"
New Zealand's extreme landform variations result from precisely fifteen distinctively different climatic environments and can result in fast weather changes.
Not many countries, especially those in the tropics, experience literally' 4-seasons in a day. Wake up to spring temperatures and experience summer heat in the early afternoon, autumn winds in the late afternoon, and winter chill at night.
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New Zealand's average rainfall is high—between 640 millimetres and 1500 millimetres—and evenly spread throughout the year. This high rainfall produces areas of stunning native forest and makes New Zealand an ideal place for farming and horticulture.
New Zealand's summer months are December to February, bringing high temperatures and sunshine. Days are long and sunny; nights are mild. Summer is an excellent time for walking in the bush and various other outdoor activities. New Zealand's many gorgeous beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, boating, and water sports during summer. The average summer temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius on the South Island and 23 on the North Island.
March to May are New Zealand's autumn months. While temperatures are a little more relaxed than in summer, the weather can be excellent, and it is possible to swim in some places until April. While New Zealand's native flora is evergreen, many introduced deciduous trees are present. Colourful changing leaves make autumn a scenic delight, especially in the Central Otago and Hawke's Bay regions, which are known for their autumn splendour.
New Zealand's winter months of June to August bring colder weather to the country and more rain to most areas on the North Island. As a result, mountain ranges in both islands become snow-covered, providing beautiful vistas and excellent skiing. While the South Island has cooler winter temperatures, some areas of the island experience little rainfall in winter, so this is a perfect time to visit glaciers, mountains, and other areas of scenic beauty. The average winter temperature is around 9 degrees Celsius on the South Island and 13 on the North Island.
Spring lasts from September to November, and New Zealand's spring weather can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot. During spring, buds, blossoms, and other new growth burst throughout the country, and newborn lambs frolic in the fields just before dusk. Alexandra in Central Otago and Hastings in Hawke's Bay celebrate spring with a blossom festival. If you're into white water rafting, this is the time when melting spring snow makes river water levels excitingly high!
Apart from the big cities, New Zealand is a very casual country, and the weather can be unpredictable. So bring comfortable shoes and casual clothes that you can wear in layers (shorts and T-shirts, sweaters and a waterproof jacket). The New Zealand dress code is pretty much a reflection of the casual Kiwi lifestyle. Living the good life in New Zealand means dressing informally. The famous, sizzling backyard barbecue exemplifies this easy-going lifestyle. To dress 'a la mode' in this situation requires nothing more than t-shirts/shirts/blouses, jeans/trousers/shorts, sandals/casual shoes/jandals(thongs). It's whatever you feel comfortable in. Of course, dining in exclusive restaurants and attending functions, balls and cocktail parties require a higher standard of attire. Still, dark business suits and stylish evening dresses or trouser suits fit most occasions. In summer, a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or if you visit higher altitudes. You can expect rain, so have a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing. Specific outdoor clothing (down jackets) is favourable city clothing in most places. It is essential to bring some hiking boots, as even short walks in the more wilderness areas can be wet and muddy.
