We all know New Zealand is well known as a winter beauty. Travelers are drawn to the snow-capped mountains that provide a day’s worth of slope adventures, and the frosty mornings spent relaxing by freshly fallen snow with a coffee in hand. In fact, some might say, not much could compare to New Zealand in the winter.
But have you seen New Zealand in the summer?
With temperatures in New Zealand getting to a toasty top of 25 degrees, lambs frolicking on hillsides, the warm inviting lakes to swim in, beaches never more than a few kilometers away, countless adventures to be had and places to be explored the warmer summer months from December to February hold something special for every visitor.
Here we let you in on a few of those places to visit during high season in New Zealand:
“Warmer summer months in New Zealand are from December to February”
Real Adventure Group
1. BAY OF ISLANDS
The beautiful Bay of Islands is located north of Auckland and can be reached in just a few hours. Kayak on the pristine water, take a wildlife tour, go diving amongst the abundance of shipwrecks and sea creatures- or, simply, just relax! There are countless activities for you to choose from, making the Bay of Islands a great choice for the whole family on your summer holiday.
2. SCENIC HIKING
Even the hardest of walks are made much easier on a dry surface, which makes hiking a must-do in the New Zealand summer. Try the beautiful Tongariro Alpine Crossing (it is thought to be one of the most outstanding one-day hikes in the country!) or the glacier walks in Franz Josef. Both Kahurangi and Nelson National Parks trails also showcase some of the best NZ scenery. All of these destinations are included in our summer tours, so make sure you check them out!
3. COOL OFF IN CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS
New Zealand boasts some of the wildest swimming spots you could ever imagine. If you want to swim amongst the trees, Kerosene Creek in Rotorua includes a popular hot spring, and Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri features the best of both worlds with a waterfall and a swimming hole! Then there are places like Lake Taupo, which has many beautiful swimming spots such as Bulli Point, for the more adventurous that like to jump from the cliffs.
4. FOUR-WHEEL FUN
A sunny day is a perfect opportunity to get down and dirty on a 4WD adventure. Experienced drivers will share their knowledge of the environment and it’s history, while you get to sit back, hold on and enjoy the fun and the scenery. Our tours will see you experiencing an eco-wilderness 4WD bush safari and farm adventure on Blue Duck Station in Whakahoro.
5. ACTIVITIES FOR THE EXTREME
It isn’t a trip to New Zealand if you didn’t do something crazy, right? Try and catch the spectacular view as you Bungy or swing off the side of a mountain in Queenstown, or jump out of a plane over the Abel Tasman. It must be advised that these activities are not for the faint-hearted- once you’re up there, there’s no going back!
6. SUMMER NIGHTLIFE
The NZ nightlife is just waiting for you to step out of your hotel room and into the cool summer air to explore the late-night cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs. One of the hotspots is Auckland, where you definitely won’t be short of choice of places to eat and dance the night away.
7. WATER SPORTS
Summer is the perfect time to experience all the water activities New Zealand has to offer. Try your hand at fishing or white water rafting for some hands-on experience, or sit back and relax on a cruise of the stunning Milford Sound. A jet boat ride is one of the most exhilarating ways to sightsee, and is definitely a must-do!
8. CONNECTING WITH CULTURE
Get in touch with the roots of NZ by trying one of the many cultural experiences on offer, which are also already included in many of the Real Kiwi tours. Observe a spine-tingling Haka and Maori concert, or visit the authentic Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua, where there is much be learned about Maori traditions and way of life. You will leave feeling more connected with the land and culture than ever.
9. BOTANICAL BEAUTIES
If you’re planning to travel during late spring/early summer, you might still catch some of the beautiful blossoms of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. With spectacular color-coordinated displays, huge trees and vibrant lawns, it’s the perfect place for a wander and a picnic on a warmer day.
10. AWARD-WINNING WINERIES
A visit to the famous Marlborough wine region is a necessity for anyone interested in experiencing some of the best wine-tasting ever (and it is included in one of our summer tours!). The scenery is also picturesque, so look forward to lounging lazily under the warm sun with a glass of the world-famous Sauvignon Blanc in hand.
You’ve got to be crazy not to experience a summer in New Zealand!
If you didn’t see something that suited you on this list, be sure to check out our vast array of summer tours, each boasting a huge range of activities – there’s definitely something for everyone!
When is New Zealand summer and why its best to travel in the summer to New Zealand?
Have you seen New Zealand in the summer?
Real Kiwi Recommendations
- Visit New Zealand in the summer so you can have a swim in the sea!
