Blissful Beaches, Adventures Galore: New Zealand in Summer Guide

New Zealand comes alive in the summer. The country basks in warm, pleasant days perfect for exploring its diverse landscapes and partaking in a lot of exciting activities. Summer in New Zealand is a time for hiking through lush national parks, lounging on golden beaches, indulging in delicious seasonal cuisine, and immersing yourself in the vibrant Kiwi culture.

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to discover the best of New Zealand during its most glorious season.

Table of Content

Understanding New Zealand’s Summer Climate
Why Visit New Zealand in Summer?
Transportation in New Zealand
Top Places to Visit in New Zealand During Summer
Top Activities to Do in New Zealand During Summer
Summer Travel Tips
Why Choose OneVasco?
FAQs

Understanding New Zealand’s Summer Climate

New Zealand’s summer spans the months of December, January, and February. Here’s a quick overview of the weather conditions you can expect:

The coastal highway winding along New Zealand’s South Island

Category	Details
Temperature	High: 25-30°C Low: 15-20°C Average: 20-25°C
Precipitation & Rainfall	December and January are the driest months, with average rainfall of 60-100 mm
Humidity (in %)	Averages around 60-80% during summer
Average Sunset Time	Ranges from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM during peak summer

Why Visit New Zealand in Summer?

There are plenty of compelling reasons to plan your New Zealand trip during the summer months:

Aerial view of cliffs and crashing waves near the sea

Ideal weather for outdoor activities: The warm, sunny days are perfect for hiking, swimming, surfing, and exploring New Zealand’s stunning natural attractions.
Longer daylight hours: With the sun setting as late as 9:00 PM, you’ll have ample time to pack in sightseeing and activities.
Vibrant festivals and events: Summer is when New Zealand’s cultural calendar is in full swing, with music festivals, food and wine events, and sporting competitions happening nationwide.
Seasonal delicacies: Savour juicy stone fruits, berries, fresh seafood, and local wines during their peak season.

Transportation in New Zealand

Getting around New Zealand is easy and efficient, with a range of transportation options to suit different budgets and travel styles:

A stunning cityscape with tall buildings and waterways

Intercity Buses: A reliable and affordable option, with Flexi pass and travel pass options for flexible itineraries. Popular providers include InterCity, Naked Bus, and ManaBus.
Backpacker Buses: Hop-on, hop-off services like The Kiwi Experience and Stray offer a social way to travel, with included accommodation and activities.
Rental Cars and Campervans: Ideal for independent travelers who want the freedom to explore at their own pace. Rental companies are available in major cities and airports.
Domestic Flights: For longer distances or if you’re short on time, domestic flights connect all major cities and tourist hubs. Air New Zealand and Jetstar are the main airlines.

Top Places to Visit in New Zealand During Summer

Discover New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, offering the perfect summer escape for adventure and relaxation.

Brightly lit high-rise buildings by the water at night

Bay of Islands

Attractions: Dolphin watching, snorkeling, sailing, and exploring the 144 subtropical islands.
How to Travel: Accessible by car or bus from Auckland (3-4 hours drive).
Fees: Dolphin watching tours range from Rs. 6,700-13,500 ($100-$200 NZD).
Key Points: A popular spot for water activities, relaxation, and learning about Maori culture.

Auckland

Attractions: Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Waiheke Island, and the vibrant waterfront.
How to Travel: Major transportation hub with buses, trains, and flights from all over NZ.
Fees: Sky Tower entry is around Rs. 2,150 ($32 NZD), Auckland Museum free entry with donations welcome.
Key Points: A mix of cultural attractions, urban experiences, and island getaways.

Hot Water Beach

Attractions: Digging your own hot pool in the sand, thanks to geothermal springs beneath the beach.
How to Travel: Accessible by car or bus from nearby towns on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Fees: Free entry, but parking fees may apply.
Key Points: A unique natural spa experience, best visited during low tide.

Raglan

Attractions: World-class surfing at Manu Bay, black sand beaches, and laid-back surf town vibe.
How to Travel: By car or bus from Hamilton or Auckland (2-3 hours drive).
Fees: Surf lessons around Rs. 3,400-6,700 ($50-$100 NZD).
Key Points: A mecca for surfers, but also great for beach lovers and those seeking a relaxed pace.

Rotorua

Attractions: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, Polynesian Spa, Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest.
How to Travel: Major transportation hub with buses and flights from Auckland and Wellington.
Fees: Wai-O-Tapu entry is around Rs. 2,150 ($32 NZD), Polynesian Spa from Rs. 1,680 ($25 NZD).
Key Points: A geothermal hotspot with bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and fascinating Maori culture.

Tongariro National Park

Attractions: Tongariro Alpine Crossing (one of the world’s best day hikes), Mt. Ruapehu, turquoise lakes.
How to Travel: By car or shuttle services from nearby towns like Taupo or National Park Village.
Fees: Free entry, but guided hikes range from Rs. 6,700-13,500 ($100-$200 NZD).
Key Points: A UNESCO-listed wonderland of volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and alpine trails.

Milford Sound

Attractions: Scenic cruises through the fjords, kayaking, hiking the Milford Track.
How to Travel: By car or bus from Queenstown or Te Anau (allow at least 4 hours from Queenstown).
Fees: Cruises range from Rs. 6,700-13,500 ($100-$200 NZD), scenic flights from Rs. 13,500 ($200 NZD).
Key Points: Often touted as the “8th Wonder of the World” for its breathtaking landscapes.

Queenstown

Attractions: Adventure sports like bungee jumping and skydiving, Lake Wakatipu, and wineries.
How to Travel: Major transportation hub with flights, buses, and car rentals available.
Fees: Bungee jumping around Rs. 13,500-20,000 ($200-$300 NZD), wine tours from Rs. 3,400 ($50 NZD).
Key Points: The “Adventure Capital of the World”, with stunning scenery and a lively town center.

Abel Tasman National Park

Attractions: Golden sand beaches, sea kayaking, hiking the coastal track.
How to Travel: By car or bus from Nelson (1 hour) or Motueka (20 min).
Fees: Free entry and guided kayak tours from Rs. 6,700 ($100 NZD).
Key Points: New Zealand’s smallest national park packs a punch with its pristine beaches and turquoise waters.

Coromandel Peninsula

Attractions: Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, scenic coastal drives.
How to Travel: By car or bus from Auckland (2-3 hours) or Rotorua (4 hours).
Fees: Free entry, but parking fees may apply at popular beaches.
Key Points: A favorite summer holiday spot for Kiwis, with laid-back seaside towns and natural wonders.

Gisborne

Attractions: Surfing at Wainui Beach, Rere Rockslide, wineries, and Eastwoodhill Arboretum.
How to Travel: By car, bus, or domestic flight from major North Island cities.
Fees: Surf lessons are around Rs. 3,400-6,700 ($50-$100 NZD) and winery tours from Rs. 1,350 ($20 NZD).
Key Points: The first city in the world to see the sunrise each day, Gisborne is known for its beaches, wine, and Maori culture.

Fiordland National Park

Attractions: Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, the Routeburn Track, glow worm caves.
How to Travel: By car or bus from Queenstown or Invercargill (allow at least 2-4 hours).
Fees: Free entry, but guided activities range from Rs. 6,700-13,500 ($100-$200 NZD).
Key Points: New Zealand’s largest national park, with untouched wilderness, towering peaks, and cascading waterfalls.

Christchurch

Attractions: Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Gondola, street art.
How to Travel: International and domestic flights, buses, and trains from major cities.
Fees: Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum free entry, gondola ride Rs. 2,500 ($37 NZD).
Key Points: The South Island’s largest city, known for its English heritage, parks, and post-earthquake innovations.

Waiheke Island

Attractions: Stunning beaches, vineyards and wineries, olive groves, hiking and biking trails.
How to Travel: 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
Fees: Return ferry tickets around Rs. 2,700 ($40 NZD), wine tastings from Rs. 1,350 ($20 NZD).
Key Points: A haven of beautiful vineyards, beaches, and art galleries, just a short cruise from Auckland.

Cathedral Cove

Attractions: Iconic rock archway and beach, featured in the Chronicles of Narnia films.
How to Travel: By car or shuttle from Hahei town on the Coromandel Peninsula (allow 30-45 min walk from car park).
Fees: Free entry, but paid parking at Hahei.
Key Points: One of New Zealand’s most photographed spots, with a gigantic arch, white sand beach, and turquoise waters.

Top Activities to Do in New Zealand During Summer

Activities to do in New Zealand during Summer are endless, catering to all interests and thrill levels. Here are some of the best ways to spend your summer days:

A narrow pathway leading to a white lighthouse on a cliff

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Traverse volcanic terrain on one of the world’s best day hikes (6-8 hours, free entry).
White Water Rafting on the Kaituna River: Brave the highest commercially rafted waterfall (Tutea Falls, 7 meters) (3-5 hours, Rs. 6,700-8,400).
Sea Kayaking at Cathedral Cove: Explore sea caves and spot marine life in the pristine waters (3-5 hours, Rs. 5,400-8,400).
Bungee Jumping in Queenstown: Take the plunge from the world’s first commercial bungee site, the Kawarau Bridge (3-4 hours with transfers, Rs. 13,500-20,000).
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura: Get up close to playful dusky dolphins in their natural habitat (4-5 hours, Rs. 10,000-13,500).
Explore Abel Tasman National Park: Hike or kayak the coastal track, discovering hidden coves and wildlife (4 hours – 5 days, free entry to park).
Visit the Glowworm Caves in Waitomo: Marvel at thousands of luminescent glowworms on a boat ride through the caves (1-2 hours, Rs. 3,400-4,700).
Surfing in Raglan: Catch world-famous breaks at Manu Bay or take a surf lesson for beginners (2-3 hours, lessons from Rs. 3,400).
Take a scenic road trip along the Thermal Explorer Highway: Spot volcanoes, geysers, Maori villages and lakes (6-8 hours, free + fuel costs).
Go glamping in beautiful locations: Experience nature in luxury yurts, eco-pods or safari tents (price varies, from Rs. 6,700 per night).
Bike around New Zealand’s best cycle trails: Pedal through stunning scenery on trails like the Otago Central Rail Trail (4-7 days, bike rentals from Rs. 2,700).
Enjoy hot springs in Rotorua: Soak in mineral-rich geothermal pools at Polynesian Spa or Waikite Valley (2-3 hours, from Rs. 1,700 entry).
Experience the beauty of Milford Sound by kayak: Glide through the majestic fjords, spotting seals and penguins (4-5 hours, from Rs. 10,000).
Participate in wine tasting in Marlborough: Sample world-class Sauvignon Blanc at picturesque vineyards (5-7 hours, tastings from Rs. 800).
Relax at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula: Dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide (2-3 hours, free entry + spade rental Rs. 200)

Remember to book activities and tours in advance during the peak summer season, as New Zealand gets crowded during summer at popular attractions.

Summer Travel Tips

Summer is a wonderful time to visit New Zealand, but it pays to be prepared. Here are some packing tips for summer in New Zealand:

Pack light, breathable layers such as t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and sandals for warm days, plus a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Bring a rain jacket for sudden showers.
New Zealand’s UV levels are extremely high, so pack SPF 30+ sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Pesky sandflies can be a nuisance, especially in coastal areas of the South Island.
If you plan on hiking, bring sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes and quick-dry clothing.
Pack your swimsuit, beach towel, and maybe a snorkel set or rash guard for swimming and surfing.
Tap water is safe to drink, so bring a bottle to bring a bottle to refill and stay hydrated throughout the day.