Theres always something to do and see between the many festivals, markets, and other events. The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, whereas the area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the driest. Just be sure to have a raincoat on hand as moderate rainfall is experienced all year round. July, the coldest month, still has an average high of 15.3 C (59.5 F). Most snow in NewZealand falls in the mountainous areas, like the Central Plateau in the North Island, and the Southern Alps in the South Island. Another area on the South Island that gets a lot of sun runs from just north of Christchurch in southwestern direction toward Lake Tekapo and includes Ashburton, Geraldine, and Fairlie. One thing to keep in mind is that there are limited public transportation options on the island, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. Find out more about New Zealand's national parks. The best place to live in New Zealand for retirees is probably Christchurch. Where is the coldest place in New Zealand? Reapply every two hours and after swimming. Continuing for miles, this beach is one of New Zealands best. If you would like sunshine but fewer crowds, then autumn is a fantastic time to visit NewZealand. Wanganui 4. Even in the middle of winter, its not uncommon for Auckland to be one of the warmest places in New Zealand and enjoy temperatures above 15 C (60 F). What are the safest places to live in New Zealand? #Climate data were sourced from the National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Despite this, living in Queenstown is a truly wonderful experience with an abundance of awesome hikes, adrenaline sports like bungee jumping, skiing, and mountain biking on offer its no wonder this mountain town attracts so many expats. Arica, Chile. However, it is rare for snow to stay on the ground for more than a few hours. Hawkes Bay Where not to live in New Zealand 1. Less than a millimetre of rain falls there per year on average. All rights reservedPrivacy Policy, Free phone within New Zealand: 0800 RING NIWA (0800 746 464) Contact details, Air quality monitoring with low-cost sensors, Science to respond to our changing climate: teaching climate adaptation, Rangi - weather and climate lessons for teachers, Using trigonometric functions to model climate, Weather plots: temperature and relative humidity. advantageous or favorable toward something. For an individual, your costs would be about half of this. Kiwi Guardians at Forest Hill Forest Hill is a great example of native bush surrounded by agricultural land. Cropp River in New Zealand may only be 9 kilometers in length, but it gets so huge precipitation annually. These cities offer a variety of work opportunities and a multicultural environment. You will need to update your CV to match the Kiwi style! The city has a low cost of living, and its a very safe place to live. Whatever time of year you are visiting, pack a raincoat as you never know when you might get showers. Whats the best site to rent cars abroad? Christchurch is a great place to live for older individuals looking to live in a city without Auckland business. The coastal region of the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile is one of the driest places on Earth. Photos by NZ Herald Staff photographers. The days are still quite warm early in the season (that means beach swims through March and well into April in some parts of the country) with cooler evenings, and there is beautiful scenery as the autumn colours spread through the countryside. Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of over 1.4 million people. Gisborne is also known for its fabulous surfing, delicious chardonnay, and prominent Maori culture. Does it snow in New Zealand? The 2001 census figures from Statistics NZ show there are two regions New Zealanders have been the most popular to move too. Its known for its geothermal activity, with hot springs and bubbling mud pools dotting the landscape. Then there are those who want to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature. Best places to visit in New Zealand - Lonely Planet The 10 Driest Places on Earth | Live Science P.H. A two-bedroom apartment in a good location will set you back anywhere from $450 $600 per week. . Climate extremes | NIWA Devonport 11. Antartica. There are also many artists who live on the island, which gives it a creative and eclectic feel. Find more transport options > Essential travel information Weather and climate There are also popular tourist spots like the Skytower, Mount Eden, surfing in Paihia, and drinking wine in Waiheke, nearby. After a 1931 earthquake that drastically changed the coastline, Napiers city center is now very near sea level. The nearby Doubtful Sound is also spectacular but less accessible - travelers . The advance . The city is also home to some other famous residents royal albatross birds, endangered yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, sea lions, seals, and many native other birds also reside here. Where is the driest place in New Zealand? - 2022 To summarize the climate of New Zealand, selected locations throughout the country have been grouped into broad climate zones. South Pacific Tuna Treaty. Napier is often referred to as the art deco capital of the world, and its easy to see why. North Island Avg. By Ian Randall. 100%YES! Summer would be the best season because youll then also experience thehighest temperatures. Overall, Devonport is a great place to live if you want to be close to Auckland but still have a more laid-back lifestyle. The long-term average annual rainfall is 1050mm. Alexandra in Central Otago is on average the driest centre, followed by South Canterbury's Timaru. Snow typically falls during the months of June through to October, though cold snaps can occur outside of this. Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. With an annual rainfall of just 673mm at Castlepoint Station this year, compared with 1370mm in 2018, reserves arent in the soil water-wise, Reinhardt said. Overall, Hawkes Bay is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. Rainfall data used were 9am-9am 24-hour totals. Yet, Alexandras location in Central Otago (in the middle of the bottom half of the South Island) gives it the perfect recipe for hot summers. From November through April, the average high is between 20 and 25 C (68 and 76 F), and with more beaches in the region than we could possibly name, you wont have to fight for your perfect spot on the golden sand. Waiheke Island is a beautiful location located in the Hauraki Gulf, just a short ferry ride from Auckland. Rainfall data used were near-instantaneous. Most snow in New Zealand falls in the mountain areas. Christchurch is a fantastic place to live, it gives you the energy and excitement of living in a city whilst being the perfect location to explore the rest of the South Island. In summer, the average high is between 77.9 F (25.5 C) and 73.2 F (22.9 C), and in winter, temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Rotorua is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. Apartments are generally preferable to houses, and it is worth paying a bit extra for a newer place because many Wellington houses, particularly older ones have little/no insulation which is unpleasant in the cold winters. Find out what's best for you with our practical advice on travel and transport in New Zealand. Queenstown and Wanaka in the South Island and the Central Plateau in the North Island are the most popular spots for skiing and snowboarding. It pays to be prepared for what you might encounter on your travels. It is one of the driest places on Earth and has not seen rain for nearly two million years. The National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Whatever time of year you are visiting, pack a raincoat as you never know when you might get showers. Aprilbrings the least amount of rain toQueenstownandJunethe most. Januarywould give you the best combination of sun, heat, and rain. the transformation of land from green to desert. What are four sources of income that are provided by New Zealand's geography? Find the best local tours with this search engine (and the best deals)! December - February Average daytime temperature: 20 - 25C (68 - 77F), March - May Average daytime temperature: 17 - 21C (62 - 70F), June - August Average daytime temperature: 12 - 16C (53 - 61F), September - November Average daytime temperature: 16 - 19C (61 - 66F). The Southern Alps run down the length of the South Island and provide excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Nelson 7. I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused devastating damage to regions around the North Island. (Read more). New Zealand | History, Map, Flag, Capital, Population, & Facts Before moving to Queenstown consider joining the local Facebook groups like Queenstown Houses to Rent, here you can find apartments for rent, as well as events in the area to meet new people. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island, including severe flooding in the Coromandel region. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Video / NZ Herald, Monster Trucks Extremes Auckland show: Crowds pack out Auckland show of maligned NZ tour. All rights reserved. Located on the east cape of the North Island and protected by high country to its west, Gisborne constantly sees the highest temperatures across all of New Zealand and is also the first city in the world to greet the sun of a new day. Located on the east coast of the North Island, its so well known for its fabulous coastlines and laidback but full of life atmosphere, its been voted as New Zealands best beach. Similar scales have been used for each graph to allow comparison between locations. . Spring in NewZealand is when the weather starts to warm up, although there is, a high chance of rainfall around this time of year, the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking. Auckland 2. These cities have a subtropical climate, and they offer a great lifestyle. Napier 5. As a result, it attracts a large number of overseas backpackers on a Working Holiday Visa who come to town for a year or two to work and socialise. He said dairy farmers were slightly down on production. Everything Ive written here is based on a combination of experience living and traveling in New Zealand, and research using scientific and non-scientific data and charts. Located on the east cape of the North Island and protected by high country, the entire year sees pleasant temperatures with minimal rainfall. 12 of New Zealand's most beautiful places | CNN Resource prepared by Lesley Mackintosh RSNZ Teacher Fellow 2001, NIWA, Copyright, NIWA. You can check NewZealand weather conditions on the. Type of Work: Educators and hospital workers. PHOTO/LUCAIS DAVIES. Whether youre looking for outdoor adventure, NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. Queenstown on the South Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular towns in New Zealand. Alexis_Hagedorn. Please confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. The mean annual rainfall in . Temperatures in winter average around 14C/58F and summer months average 24C/75F. Jeff Fitlow/Rice University; (inset) Hans Hillewaert. ForCentral Otagowhere Alexandra is located, much of the rain tends to fall in autumn with also some in summer. Also opposite to much of the world, the further north you head in New Zealand, the warmer it gets albeit a few exceptions. Dont let Napiers picture-perfect weather fool you, though. So winter would be the best time to visit this region because neighboring areas also get rain inspring. The Driest Place on Earth - Discovery Com While many ski fields open in June, the highest snowfall is usually throughout July and August. Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country into dramatically different climate regions. Summer is boiling hot, which drives most people to Mission Beach to try and cool off. Geography Test Flashcards | Quizlet If you are looking for dry places on theNorth Island, I can tell you that there arent many although some parts of the North Island can experience extreme droughts from time to time. Dont get thrown off by the cost of living, though: although the town is quite small, you can also find exciting job opportunities contributing to a healthy work-life balance! One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Devonport as it is in other parts of Auckland, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. Outside the city, endless stretches of beautiful landscapes beg to be explored. However, you will experience torrential rain and very dark skies for a few weeks. The windy city doesnt have the best weather, but it makes up for it with spectacular scenery. Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. Air New Zealand has an engineering centre at Christchurch airport that employs many people. 13 Jun 2014. and the majority of the summer music festivals take place in January. Queenstown 9. New Zealand is not known for its low living costs, as all products must be imported by sea or air. Best Places to Live | New Zealand A to Z Located in Arica, Chile, its annual rainfall is only 0.03 inches. The city has a population of around 50,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. Autumn and spring UVI values can be high in most areas. We also provide downloadable files for monthly and annual rain, temperature, sunshine, frost and wind data for selected locations throughout New Zealand. Best Time to Visit New Zealand | Climate Guide | Audley Travel Were interested in how you are using this information and whether its useful let us know by emailing [emailprotected]. Over successive summer seasons . The city has a population of around 35,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. . However, the city has a very high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. A lot of the guys who would normally buy those lambs to grow them out further are not buying at this point of time because its dry and the crops arent quite ready.. NewZealand too, making the most of the sunshine and Christmas break. In New Zealand generally there are relatively small variations between summer and winter temperatures, although inland and to the east of the ranges the variation is greater (up to 14C). Here youll find most of the major companies of New Zealand, and global companies, operating in the Central Business District (CBD). Sunshine hours are relatively high in areas that are sheltered from the west and most of New Zealand would have at least 2000 hours annually. This is because we have relatively little air pollution compared with many other countries, and less ozone, which makes the UV rays in our sunlight very strong. New Zealand's Sandy Coasts Educational CD, NIWA and Kia Toipoto Closing Gender and Ethnic Pay Gaps, Annual climate summary 2021: New Zealand's warmest year on record, In numbers: New Zealands wild summer weather, Cropp at Waterfall (Hokitika Catchment)**. conducive. The climate here is mild and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Its not all sunshine, though. The region has a population of around 150,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. How much does it cost to live in New Zealand? Submitted by Jennifer of Backyard Travel Family, Best For: People who stop to smell the flowers. The town of Alexandra in central Otago has an annual rainfall of less than 400mm. For theSouthern Lakes Districtwhere Wanaka andQueenstownare located, spring tends to be the wettest season and in some parts also autumn, which is bad news if you want to visit this region to seeautumn colors. The driest part of the North Island is the bottom half starting on a line south of Mount Taranaki and Tongariro National Park down to Wellington, excluding parts where there are mountain ranges. Auckland is a great place to live if you are looking for an exciting and fast-paced city life. Last on our list of the warmest places in New Zealand is Christchurch. This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. While typically a town doesnt want to be known for its foul smell, theres always an exception to the rule, and in this case, its Rotorua.