Travel to New Zealand - What is the Best Time of Year to Go to New Zealand?

Of all the questions I that are put to me, the most difficult question is "When is the best time to go to New Zealand?" Without knowing what your interests are, or what you want to do, it is very hard to answer. The question may be "When is the best weather in New Zealand?" However the answer may change depending on what your interests are. So perhaps you want to come and go hiking, fishing or skiing. Maybe you are interested in gardening, or just want to do a self drive holiday. All of these will give a different answer to the question "What is the best time of year to visit New Zealand".

In order to find out what is the best time to travel to New Zealand, you should first decide the places you wish to visit; as well as the attractions, activities or tours that you would like to do. Once you know this, it is a lot easier decide when to visit New Zealand.

The climate in New Zealand is fairly mild, so it makes a great year round destination to visit. Each season in New Zealand has an appeal all of its own. Although the weather in New Zealand over summer (December to February) is of course warmer; travelling over this period is not necessarily the best choice, or due to other obligations is sometimes not possible.

New Zealand's weather is very changeable, as a result this means that even over summer there are always quite a few cooler and wetter days. As far as rainfall goes, over winter (June to August) the North Island of New Zealand is a little wetter than the rest of the year; whilst the South Island is slightly drier. Though there is less sunshine, there are still many sunny days over winter. The highest rainfall falls generally in the Fiordland and West Coast regions of the South Island of New Zealand; whilst the areas with the greatest sunshine are Nelson and Marlborough in the South Island; as well as Hawkes Bay and the Bay of Plenty in the North Island.

Coming prepared

In all seasons you should come prepared for cooler and wetter weather. We suggest that at all times of the year you dress in layers. It is better to bring a number of warm thinner layers, rather than one thick pullover, as well as a good quality waterproof jacket. This allows you to quickly adjust to sudden changes in climate each day by adding or removing layers. Nevertheless all year round, you should also be ready for sunny days, so you should always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen - you may need them!

Summer in New Zealand - December to February

Visiting New Zealand in summer allows you be there during New Zealand's warmest and best weather. However if you are looking for a quiet summer holiday, then perhaps come some other time! Summer is the peak season for tourists in New Zealand, and as a result it gets very busy. Accommodation, transport and activities do require booking ahead; and prices tend to be substantially higher.

Autumn (Fall) in New Zealand - March to May

Travel to New Zealand in autumn brings with it the chance to see the magnificent kaleidoscope of colours, as the leaves on the trees and plants change to dramatic russet browns, reds and golden shades. To see these changes at its vibrant best, then visit Wanaka and the Otago region of New Zealand in the South Island; or Hawkes Bay in New Zealand's North Island. If you are looking at a self drive holiday, then travel any time after Easter, and the roads and number of other tourists are always reduced; so autumn is always one of the best times to travel to New Zealand.

Winter in New Zealand - June to August

Winter in New Zealand is when the mountains get their annual coating of snow, and the skiers come out to play! There is a great choice of Ski Areas in New Zealand to choose from, for both advanced skiers and the first time novice. Turoa and Whakapapa Ski Areas in Tongariro National Park are extremely popular with skiers from Auckland in the North Island. Whereas in the South Island you can ski to your hearts content in Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt Hutt or one of the many small club ski areas. The ski season normally runs from June to early October, though Whakapapa's season often goes for much longer.

Skiing is often combined with a self-drive holiday. As there is very little traffic on the roads, and snow falls are generally in the mountains, driving is normally very easy. Snow in the valleys normally only occurs with the heaviest snow falls.

The North Island in winter is colder and a little wetter than the rest of the year. However the South Island is generally a little drier, with clear skies and crisp winter nights.

Spring in New Zealand - September to November

Spring is a great time of year to visit New Zealand. The mountains still have their covering of snow, with the ski season coming to a close in early October. The annual spring melt, makes it a popular time for adventure seekers to go white water rafting in the swollen rivers. Spring is also a popular time to visit New Zealand, with the new growth and buds bursting into flower. In the North Island gardeners flock to Taranaki for the annual Rhododendron and Garden Festival; or alternatively travel to the Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay to see the magnificent blossom in flower.

In the South Island you soon learn why Christchurch is called the "Garden City", as the parks and gardens are alive with colour. A visit to Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens is a must. Further south Dunedin has many historic gardens including Larnach Castle, Olveston House and Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens. Nearby is Alexandra where you can see the blossom and the annual spring festival.

Best Time for New Zealand Self Drive Holidays

If you can avoid the annual summer rush to New Zealand, then you will always find your New Zealand self drive holiday to be much more relaxed, and save you money in the pocket! This particularly applies to Motorhome and Campervan Rental, where costs reduce dramatically the further you move your travel from the December to February high season. As well as substantially lower rates, rental companies often encourage travel with extra specials over the low season between May and September.

10 Reasons to Holiday in New Zealand, Part 2

1. Queenstown, South Island is regarded as the "Adventure Capital of the World". You can bungy jump or go on exciting jet boat, go heli-skiing, paragliding, fly-by-wire and sledding to name a few. Both bungy jumping and jet boat was invented in New Zealand. New Zealanders have a saying about Kiwi ingenuity which is confirmed in tourist areas in New Zealand.

2. There are a variety of different accommodation options for all tastes. Tothe upper end there are the cabins that are the height of luxury. These huts are usually in a very scenic and remote areas and all gourmet meals are included. The price for this type of accommodation reflects the luxury and inclusions.

The next level of accommodation, the hotel, from international 5-star to 2 stars for the simple accommodation. The hotels usually wait a day and usually one room and a bathroom. Will include hotel roomsTea and coffee making facilities, fridge, and most of the hotels that include a restaurant.

A preferred option for families is the increasing number of apartments. The apartments are generally self-sufficiency remain outside a hotel in the hands of others, however, is the advantage of offering greater flexibility and self-meaning that you do not eat all the time in order to save money to spend on tourism.

Then we have motels. Motels generally offer more space than hoteland tend to be cleaned every day, but no more than luxury. Motels often provide a separate bedroom or two times and cooking facilities. Everything you need to check this when booking.

There is also a growing number of Bed and Breakfast. These vary widely and can choose between 5-star facilities, which vary very simple. If "we always enjoy meeting the local residents," was the B & B is a good option for you. Breakfast is usually provided as part of the price available.Dinner is only by special arrangement.

If you're on a budget, there are many backpacker hostels to choose from, the central location and very low prices.

3. New Zealand has a landscape of great cuisine. As a small island country surrounded by sea, there are a variety of seafood delicacies on offer. The sea around New Zealand is cold water through relatively close to Antarctica. Cold water fish tend to have a delicate flavor. And fishthe sea, there are large lakes, trout and salmon are a breeding ground. Trout can be caught commercially so there is almost no risk of interruption. New Zealand is also quite big game and most up-market restaurants will have a game option in the menu. You will notice that there is food and beverage outlets to suit all tastes and budgets. New Zealand might be completely removed geographically from the rest of the world, but is soon to new forms and styles of food and takeKiwi ingenuity is also mentioned in this article illustrates the food served in restaurants. There are bars and cafes, wine bars serving food, pubs, restaurants, family restaurants, the buffet and the most updated market the cards.

There is also a thriving vineyard in New Zealand. Wherever you go, you will see vines and many of the wines produced are of superior quality. If wine is your thing, do not be disappointed. Marlborough to topSouth Island is one of the regions oldest and most famous wine, known for the production of Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand is always very good for producing outstanding Pinot Noir, a notoriously difficult for the production of cheese.

4. If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings then you will know that the recent wave of films in various parts of New Zealand was shot. The New Zealanders are very proud to come to this and when you travel around you are many references to parts ofFilms that have been in some places, can be transformed. There are also tours catering specifically for Lord of the Rings "fans.

5. New Zealand has an interesting history of culture. It is believed that had the Maori, who came from Polynesia to New Zealand, about 1000 years ago. New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. There are many excellent museums in town and city has a splendid view of the relatively short and provideviolent history of New Zealand.

Holidays in New Zealand, South Island and North Island

New Zealand has not had the title "Adventure Capital of the things in the world" from classes support stockings - No sir-eee, a title that derives from the sharing of high mountains, glaciers from the roll, great gorges and lakes, and large space open, making the whole country to look like a giant's Adventure Playground. Peeps and extreme sport you can not do on the reputation and want to spend a holiday in New Zealand and particularly in the south of the island.

Bungee jumping, in hismodern form was invented in New Zealand, is the ideal introduction for all types of holiday in New Zealand. So rafting was black, but the playground is also known for extreme parentheses: jet boating, rafting, bungy-heli-skiing, tandem paragliding, tandem skydiving, helicopter skiing, snow kiting, snowboarding, beach sailing, Zorbing, sphere-Ing, rock climbing , canyoning, and sweet pastime, kayaking, cycling or mountain biking and trekking all deserve consideration ifVacation Planning in New Zealand.

This extreme South Island Adventure is a model very scenic route to your vacation far in New Zealand, at the base.

1. Tags: Wellington - Nelson begins, many holidays in New Zealand in Wellington, North Iceland, and then over the head of Cook Strait, passing between the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson - maybe a little 'fishing or kayaking, or diving on shipwrecks your way.

Day 2 and 3: Abel Tasman NationalA park should not lose any type of vacation in New Zealand, Day in the Able Tasman National Park for kayaking and hiking in a beautiful environment.

4 days to 6: Over the blowholes at Punakaiki on Franz Josef Glacier on the way to the last Punakiki Franz Josef a visit to the Pancake Rocks, eroded rock formations, some very impressive ocean to facilitate action against breather, not something the holidays more public in New Zealand for the time factor, then spend a few days around theQuad Glacier Cross County, ice climbing or rafting - or Heli-rafting - river. The face of the Franz Josef Glacier is constantly moving, one of the world's only advancing glaciers - you can move up to 70cms a day - and the way to his fields of ice and icefells temperate rain forest, however, an increase of almost 2500m in less than 12 km. When the half-day excursion to the ice fields of ice on the road, it sounds a bit 'too easy for your holiday in New Zealand opt for extremeHeli-hiking option - it does the work for you on the way and then all the spectacular scenes deleted - bound to a highlight for a holiday in New Zealand.

7. Tags: In winter, Lake Wanaka Lake Wanaka is the final celebration of winter sports in New Zealand aim to be skiers coming! Cross country and elsewhere, snowboarding! to the plateau of snow and ice. In summer it is time for fishing, swimming, rowing and, of course, Jet Boating Holidays in New Zealand.

8 to 10 days:Queenstown and Milford Sound Queenstown has more than once referred to as the "Adventure Capital of the Capital Adventure." This city has the original commercial bungee jump, and one of the highest - if not high enough to go skydiving! Or try something new catapults on holiday in New Zealand and about to get on the Shotover Canyon Swing - is like a giant laps - Go High-wire bungee-ING, canyoning, Heli-or mountain biking. There are a lot ofSport, the New Zealanders to be able to record how the word "helicopter" on the front. In winter, there are extreme winter sports to keep you entertained in Queenstown as well. Milford Sound is near, if you prefer water sports extremes.

11. Tags: Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook, or climbing Mt Cook Heli-climbing is one of the highlights of spending your holidays in New Zealand - in any case, this snow-covered summit is a spectacular sight - but for an even more extreme than Skydive.

Day 12:Surf Christchurch, do the quick recovery at the Rangitata Gorge, o.