When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

Question

I'm interested in the more urban areas, the local life etc.

Auckland and Christchurch are probably the only two cities I will have time to visit.

I want to visit in the "off-season" avoid tourists avoid being overcharged etc.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Being a local from Christchurch I would agree that you should definitely going during February as this is when we have the most brilliant weather and the city is fairly vibrant. However you don't need to take my advice but avoid Christchurch at all costs during winter. The weather is horrible and cold, the city center is a ghost  town and your activities are limited compared with Summer. So just a little advice: Christchurch is great in the Summer and HORRENDOUS in the winter. Hope this helps you out.

Answer 2

It finishes on the 16th of July.

Now that it is Winter visit near Christmas because it will be summer by then.

Answer 3

Hi,I would like to help with your question but This is Australia and NZ is thousands of kl away and is a different country so I suggest ask in the NZ section, there a Kiwi will give you a good account of there country.     Your visit to NZ will be worth while as it is a beautiful country along with the Kiwi's.Enjoy your holiday Hope this helps   Waltz.

Answer 4

From an Aucklander - our best weather is usually late January through to mid-May.

Plenty to do walk, sail, surf, swim, cycle, shop, cruise, Waiheke Island wine/olive oil tasting, theatre, concerts - all in full swing at that time of year. Winter time is more limited although our climate is generally fairly mild so you can get out and about. Spring is nice with the longer days - parks are in bloom and everything is gearing up for summer. Weather in spring is very unpredictable.

Coffee on Ponsonby or Parnell Roads is good anytime

Avoid school holidays - someone has given you those dates.

I like spring and autumn in Christchurch because you really get to see the change in seasons. Spring flowers and new growth on the mainly deciduous trees. The autumn colours are fantastic. We do not see that so much in Auckland. Coffee is good there too.

Have  a great trip

Answer 5

NZ is a very popular tourist destination and is always busy with tourists. so it really depends on when you want to go???

Answer 6

The main school holidays occur just before Christmas till Waitangi Day ( Feb 6th)...so there will be more people then, and the best weather...mostly..

If you wanted good weather and maybe less people, Late Feb-March ( but I think the off season months are say May and Sept...which may be times to go)

Winter has lots of skiers.....Christchurch will be more affected by winter-ite people than Auckland in the winter, but it may work out cheaper then if you are just visiting the cities.

Answer 7

summer  but it would be cold as stil

Answer 8

there is no "off season" in auckland and christchurch.  in our winter, tourists travel to nz for the skiing

in our summer - it is the northern hemisphere winter - so lots of european tourists.

put your next question in the new zealand section - not the australian - two different countries.

Answer 9

Regardless of what others have said your question is in the right place Yahoo, Travel, New Zealand, Christchurch.

We don't really have an off season as in winter it is ski season and summer is the busiest.

Several weeks after Christmas would be the closest, after the kids go back to school, late January, early February.

Answer 10

Best time to visit NZ is 11.27 (a.m.) on February 29th.

If that's not specific enough.... you could visit Australia instead.  Apparently they know all about NZ.....  that would be why you posted this question in Australia General.

We have a strict policy of overcharging any 'foreigner' who confuses us with our Western cousins.

Hunting season for tourists is year round!

EDIT:  Thank you for changing from an Australian to a New Zealand category - however....  a "sorry" would be nice....  we kiwi's have a massive chip on our shoulders you know!

Answer 11

Anytime is a great time to visit NZ!!  - only maybe avoid school holiday times .. that's when airfares go up.  -

Summer will be ALOT nicer...   I would suggest Feb - kids are back at school then, but still hot.

From October is starts warming up ...if you plan to go this year ..

EDIT -

New Zealand School Holiday Dates 2007/08



Winter School Holidays  June 30 - July 15

Spring School Holidays September 23 - October 6

Christmas/Summer School Holidays December 14 – February 7 (2008)

Source: Ministry of Education



more info on public hoildays etc also go to http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand...