New Zealand is the youngest country on earth - the last major landmass to be
discovered. It has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both our Maori
and European heritage. Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures),
some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful
colonial buildings. A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a
culturally diverse and fascinating country we have become.
Treaty of Waitangi
An 1840 treaty between Maori and the British Crown is New Zealand's founding
document. Today, the Treaty of Waitangi has a major impact on all New
Zealanders. Read More.
The Youngest Country
Only a thousand years ago, Maori became the first people to migrate to New
Zealand. Since then, people have come from around the world to settle here. Read More.
Early Settlement
Bravely voyaging across the Pacific from their ancestral homeland hundreds
of years ago, Maori made New Zealand their home, becoming the tangata whenua
- people of the land. Read More
Colonisation
Though a Dutchman was the first European to sight the land, it was the
British who colonised New Zealand, leaving an indelible mark on the country
and its people.
New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain
chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and
lush rainforests.
Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New
Zealand has a population of only 4 million - making it one of the world's
least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation
and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers. A
temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal
year-round holiday destination. Read More.
Seasons
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest
months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and
August.
In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30C and in
winter between 10-15C. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand
on the New Zealand Met Service website .
While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change
unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of
this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature,
particularly if you're going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.
Recommended Clothing
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are
acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not
expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and
restaurants in major cities.
In summer a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the
weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain,
so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May
and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.
Fast Fact
The highest temperature ever recorded in New Zealand was 42C, in
Marlborough, Christchurch, and Rangiora (in Canterbury). The lowest
temperature ever recorded in New Zealand was -22C at Ophir, Central Otago.
Regional Temperatures - Climate Chart
Spring
Sep, Oct, Nov
Summer
Dec, Jan, Feb
Autumn
Mar, Apr, May
Winter
Jun, Jul, Aug
Bay of Islands
Temp (C)/
Temp (F)
19/9
67/48
25/14
76/56
21/11
70/52
16/7
61/45
Rain days
11
7
11
16
Auckland
Temp (C)/
Temp (F)
18/11
65/52
24/11
74/54
20/13
68/55
15/9
59/48
Rain days
12
8
11
15
Rotorua
Temp (C)/
Temp (F)
17/7
63/45
24/12
75/54
18/9
65/48
13/4
55/39
Rain days
11
9
9
13
Wellington
Temp (C)/
Temp (F)
15/9
59/48
20/13
68/55
17/11
63/52
12/6
54/43
Rain days
11
7
10
13
Christchurch
Temp (C)/
Temp (F)
17/7
63/45
22/12
72/54
18/8
65/46
12/3
54/37
Rain days
7
7
7
7
Queenstown
Temp (C)/
Temp (F)
16/5
61/41
22/10
72/50
16/6
61/43
10/1
50/34
Rain days
9
8
8
7
Be Here By Morning
New Zealand is only an overnight flight away from the West Coast of Canada.
Board the plane, brush your teeth, go to sleep and wake up in paradise.
Flight Time Estimates
Vancouver - Auckland: 14h 30m (direct) Vancouver - Dublin: 10h 40min (at
least 1 stop) Vancouver - Rome: 12h 55min (at least 1 stop) Vancouver -
South Africa: 20h 45min (at least 1 stop)
Toronto - Auckland 18h 10 min (at least 1 stop)
