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. Some of the warmest places to live in New Zealand include Tauranga, Hamilton, and Napier. New Zealand's Sandy Coasts Educational CD, NIWA and Kia Toipoto Closing Gender and Ethnic Pay Gaps, Climate change information for climate solvers, In numbers: New Zealands wild summer weather. need to carry chains and take extra care on the roads. PHOTO/LUCAIS DAVIES. Rainfall data used were near-instantaneous. Travelling in the shoulder seasons can be a good idea as youll often find more availability and better rates on accommodation and activities. What is the best country to live in as an expat? Wiki User. Its known for its geothermal activity, with hot springs and bubbling mud pools dotting the landscape. Located in Arica, Chile, its annual rainfall is only 0.03 inches. In addition, the city is located in a very remote part of the country, and it can be difficult to find work. You can check NewZealand weather conditions on the. Learn languages in no time with iTalki! The city was rebuilt in the 1930s following a devastating earthquake, and many of the buildings from this period have been carefully preserved. 13 Jun 2014. So cold, in fact, the town even has an outdoor ice rink. Instead of June through August being the summer months, New Zealand enjoys summer in December through February. Dont expect to show up in a tank top all year, though. With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from World Nomads! All rights reserved. Our average rainfall is high and spread evenly throughout the year. Outside the city, endless stretches of beautiful landscapes beg to be explored. 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. However, you will experience torrential rain and very dark skies for a few weeks. Does it snow in New Zealand? Summer is boiling hot, which drives most people to Mission Beach to try and cool off. These New Zealand climate extremes were updated in April 2022. In towns like Queenstown, Tekapo, and Alexandra, it will snow in town a few times a year. Snow typically falls during the months of June through to October, though cold snaps can occur outside of this. The biggest impact were noticing right now is the ability to shift store lambs. New research finds that the dark silicate glass strewn across a vast swath of the Atacama Desert was created by an exploding comet around 12,000 years ago. The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. He said by mid-January, if there was not enough rain, it would be very difficult for farmers. It is also one of the most expensive places to live in New Zealand. Its at a point where we are trying to get down to the bottom wintering stock numbers and trying to get through the summer.. Also opposite to much of the world, the further north you head in New Zealand, the warmer it gets albeit a few exceptions. The 2019-2020 summer season was especially dry, leaving the entirety of North Island in severe meteorological drought. Inspired by the Namib Desert beetle (inset), this forest of carbon nanotubes harvests moisture. Its not all sunshine, though. South Pacific Tuna Treaty. Warm days and cool nights are common. Find more transport options > Essential travel information Weather and climate Temperatures in NewZealand are generally mild, but the weather can vary a lot around the country and might change quickly, as we are a relatively narrow island nation. In winter, temperatures are still very pleasant, with an average low of 7.8 C (46.0 F). Or, take to the warm waters and see if you can spot dolphins, seals, penguins, and even whales. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen. Located on the South Islands east coast, Christchurch is a story of two halves. 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. low 12c (53F) Avg . You can expect to spend around $1,600 NZD on rent and $1,300 NZD on general expenses. The sun in NewZealand is much stronger than elsewhere and in warmer months you can get burnt quickly without sunscreen or other sun protection. #Climate data were sourced from the National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. 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. Auckland has the most stable climate with the least seasonal variation but it's often claimed the humidity is too high. Where does the most rain fall in New Zealand? Basic groceries cost $500 pp/month. January, March, andSeptemberbring the least amount of rain to Christchurch. Type of Work: Engineering and manufacturing. One Central Otago town was the driest place in the country last year, while another recorded the highest temperature in what was our second-warmest year on record. New Zealand map National Parks North Island Auckland Bay of Plenty The Coromandel Hawke's Bay Manawatu Northland & Bay of Islands Rotorua Ruapehu Tairwhiti Gisborne Taranaki Taup Waikato Wairarapa Wellington Whanganui South Island Central Otago Christchurch - Canterbury Clutha Dunedin Fiordland Marlborough Nelson Tasman Queenstown Southland Whangarei 5. No matter when and where you visit, you can always look forward to New Zealands mild climate. One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Rotorua as it is in other parts of New Zealand, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. The things we can do to combat climate change, individually, and alongside our whnau, school and community, can and will make a difference. Where is the most rain in the world: Equatorial Guinea, San Antonio de Ureca is known as the wettest part of the African Continent. Weve had people praying, people dancing for the rain I might have to start myself.. Hundreds of people turned out at the annual Warbirds On Parade at Ardmore Airport. November is when you start to see consistently mild temperatures and is typically the driest month in New Zealand. Whatever you prefer, there is sure to be a place in New Zealand that is perfect for you. P.H. Join our Facebook group for travelers and connect with a global network of passionate explorers. NewZealand too, making the most of the sunshine and Christmas break. The long-term average annual rainfall is 1050mm. You will need to update your CV to match the Kiwi style! This is what it was like on the first morning. The West Coast is a difficult part of New Zealand to get to during winter because you typically have to drive through mountain passes, which can get snowed-in. desertification. Christchurch is a great place to live for older individuals looking to live in a city without Auckland business. The top of the North Island north of Kerikeri. July, the coldest month, still has an average high of 15.3 C (59.5 F). Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61F and 75F. 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. If you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle, then we would recommend Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, or Queenstown. In winter, it never snows! Cool sea breezes can blow in and drop temperatures, and storms arrive with little warning. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. ForChristchurch, winter is the wettest season, and spring or summer is the best time to visit Christchurch to avoid a lot of rain. Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters! You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here. Find the best local tours with this search engine (and the best deals)! Are you looking for a community of like-minded adventurers to share your experiences with? Where is the coldest place in New Zealand? Learn where you can go in New Zealand to get the least amount of rain and the most amount of sunshine, and when. Many travelers take the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton, at the top of the South Island, and drive west to the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest national park. Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. This also means New Zealand celebrates Christmas in the middle of summer and has unique culture and traditions compared to much of the rest of the world. Hamilton is also close to many popular destinations such as the Coromandel and Mount Maunganui for beautiful beaches, Rotorua, New Zealands cultural capital, and Taupo, a popular lakeside holiday spot. 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. Youll find NewZealands countryside full of bouncing lambs and spring blossoms, so it makes for great photos! The average temperature in NewZealand decreases as you travel south. Its free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee. 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). Dunedin is a great fit for those looking for work-life balance and has a very high quality of life (as rated by local residents). The hottest months in NewZealand are January and February, and the coldest month of the year is July. Ophir Ophir, in the south of New Zealand, is a tiny town which held the record for the country's lowest temperature. New Zealand is not known for its low living costs, as all products must be imported by sea or air. The climate of Christchurch is very temperate and can be compared to the south of the U.K, although with significantly less rainfall. The driest areas of New Zealand are parts of inland Otago and Canterbury. Therefore, it is advisable to earn at least $500 per week to have a good standard of living in Queenstown. Then there are those who want to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature. The sunniest places in NewZealand (recorded hours of sunshine) are the Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Nelson/Marlborough. Cost of living for a family in Hamilton is $4,000 per month, roughly based on the cost of the average family home ($500-700 per week) or an executive home ($700-800 per week), groceries ($250-350), and eating out once in a while (meals costing $25-35 per meal). Wairarapa Federated Farmers president William Beetham said if the dry spell continued, it will be a real concern for farmers. Being close to tourist attractions such as Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, and the Hamilton Gardens will also give expats plenty to experience from their home base. Reinhardt said if there wasnt decent rainfall by New Years Day, were going to have to make some more big moves. Water from thin air. The highest amount of rain falls where there are mountains and in the top half of the North Island, which tends to get convective showers, thunderstorms, and remnants of tropical cyclones. Photos / Warren Buckland. Living in New Zealand can be expensive, especially if you live in a city like Auckland or Wellington. Just be sure to have a raincoat on hand as moderate rainfall is experienced all year round. 101 New Zealand Fun Facts To Know Before You Go, How to Move to New Zealand with a Working Holiday Visa, 25 Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand, 17 Best Places to Visit & Top Things to Do In North Island New Zealand, 18 Places to Visit & Top Things to Do In South Island of New Zealand. The region has a population of around 150,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. New Zealand climate extremes for 2018 Hottest: 38.7C, Alexandra, 30 JanColdest: -10.4C, Mt Cook, 3 JunWettest: 6818 mm, Milford SoundDriest: . I'm on a mission to empower every young woman to stop waiting to move abroad. (Read more). Further inland in Wairarapa, the soil is labelled as very dry, and dry. Note that the same area southeast of Blenheim that receives the least amount of rain, is also one of the areas that has the most hours of sunshine during the year. Note that this pattern is shared with places like Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay where lots of beaches are located. Queenstown, Wanaka, and Auckland are some of the best places to live in New Zealand for young adults. Whangarei 4. The city has a low cost of living, and its a good place to live if youre on a budget. Because of this, there are lots of original and exciting restaurants bars, and activities to balance a hard days work. The Covid-19 lockdown of New Zealand started at 11:59pm 25 March 2020. If you are interested in knowing what the cloudiest place is in New Zealand, that would be the southernmost parts of the South Island so the area around Invercargill. However, the cost of living in the Bay of Plenty is quite high, and it can be difficult to find work. This little township is packed with awesome bars, eateries, shops, and markets that will keep any local busy. Consider your reasons for wanting to move to New Zealand, and make sure that its the right decision for you. The city of 165,000 has all the benefits of a larger city without the crazy traffic, making it a comfortable place to live. But dont let that fool you theres still plenty to do in Devonport. Coastal Wairarapa is the only place in New Zealand currently labelled extremely dry. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Spring in NewZealand is when the weather starts to warm up, although there is a high chance of rainfall around this time of year. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. I lived in New Zealand for a year, living in Auckland. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. Helping you understand the science of climate change. Gisborne is a city located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. . Given the variety of activities, Wanaka is also a popular place to live in New Zealand. I dont speak the language. Alexis_Hagedorn. The town of Alexandra in central Otago has an annual rainfall of less than 400mm. For places in Mackenzie Country where Lake Tekapo,Lake Pukaki, and Mount Cookare located the best time to visit would be sometime during winter or autumn because summer and spring are the wettest seasons. In addition to a great lifestyle, there are many work opportunities here. Calculating expenses for food, household items, clothes, and activities on top of this, you can expect the cost of living for a single person in Wanaka to go up to $1,500 to $2,000 NZD a month. Yes, many regions of New Zealand see snow in the winter months of June through August. New Zealand is a great place to live, but it might not be the right place for everyone. Gisborne 3. So pack your sunnies, lather up the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy these nine warmest places in New Zealand. That said, Maunganui Beach and the stunning coastline is the real reason to choose to live in Mount Maunganui. The city also has a thriving food and wine scene, with many boutique wineries and restaurants to enjoy. 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. Christchurch also has a number of hospitals and retirement homes. Settlement and Movement. Like many other regions of New Zealand, its best to be prepared for four seasons in one day. Its a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities arent restricted. Tutukaka Coast. Mount Maunganui 7. To find cheap rental cars, I recommendDiscover Cars. Firstly, the city has a high crime rate and its not particularly safe. To find cheap hotels, I recommendBooking.com. The places that receive the most amount of sun in New Zealand depend largely on their latitude (southern locations have shorter days inwinter and longer days in summer) and how much cloud cover there is (the more clouds there are, the less sunnier a place is). So winter would be the best time to visit this region because neighboring areas also get rain inspring. To find the places that receive the least amount of rain in New Zealand, we have to look for places on theSouth Island, because almost everywhere on the North Island receives 800 mm or more rain annually, especially in winter. Referred to by the locals as The Mount, Tauranga is New Zealands ultimate beach destination. Christchurch was the driest main centre in New Zealand over 2020. Typically, temperatures get cooler the further south you go in New Zealand. Alexis_Hagedorn. It is also the most multicultural city in the country, with over 200 different ethnicities represented. Overall, Hawkes Bay is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. the plants and wildlife that make up a . Arriving here from the Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki over 1,000 years ago, the great explorer Kupe, was the first Mori to reach these lands. On July 3rd, 1995, a low of . Cycling is a big focus in the region with many cycle trails such as the Waikato River trail that runs 105km. Dont let Napiers picture-perfect weather fool you, though. What are the best places to live in New Zealand for families? You can expect to spend around $1,500 NZD on rent and $1,000 NZD on general expenses. Located seemingly at the bottom of the world, next to Australia, New Zealands seasons are opposite to most. 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. What city in New Zealand has the best weather? 11 terms. There, visitors can see waterfalls, magnificent views along the fiord and some marine wildlife. Nestled in a valley between the Southern Alps, Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand offers picturesque views and lots of outdoor activities! My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. The city has a population of around 35,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. This datum was archived into the National Climate Database, CliFlo,on 26 February 2009. The North Island has had one of its driest summers in years, with farmers now feeling the brunt of the lack of water. The region is one of the world's most extreme deserts, and includes many features . Queenstown and Wanaka in the South Island and the Central Plateau in the North Island are the most popular spots for skiing and snowboarding. Napier 5. The sunniest areas in New Zealand can be found in Nelson and Marlborough so at the top of the South Island. It is hard to imagine that. Summer would be the best season because youll then also experience thehighest temperatures. Located far from both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean with low lying and sheltered bare ground, the town heats up quickly and continues to warm throughout the day. 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. Most snow in New Zealand falls in the mountain areas. These cities offer a variety of work opportunities and a multicultural environment. The town has a population of just over 5,000 people, making it one of the smaller places on this list. The midday summer solar radiation index (UVI) is often very high in most places and can be extreme in northern New Zealand and in mountainous areas. If the dry spell continues for another month, it will be a big concern. Alexandra 3. Auckland 2. NewZealands climate is diverse the north of the North Island can have warm subtropical weather in summer, while inland alpine areas of the South Island can have heavy snow and temperatures as low as -10C (14F) in winter. 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. It pays to be prepared for what you might encounter on your travels. Wellington is the perfect location for expats looking for the career opportunities that come with a capital city alongside the laidback Kiwi lifestyle. Again this is good news for people who want to visit the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park or Golden Bay. Autumn and spring UVI values can be high in most areas. Abel Tasman is all about the golden beaches, turquoise seas, and forested hiking trails. Best places to live in New Zealand for expats, cost of living on Waiheke Island is similar to the cost of living in Auckland. Flatters could manage to keep costs under $2,000 per month whilst still achieving all the lifestyle perks of living in Mount Maunganui. Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! NewZealand is lush and green for a reason! Looking Ahead:North America. The country of New Zealand is actually made up of an estimated 600 islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean. Continuing for miles, this beach is one of New Zealands best. are less crowded. While not a large country exactly, New Zealand spreads about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) from the top of North Island to the bottom of South Island - the two main islands. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research meteorologist Seth Carrier said for the past few weeks, a hotspot had been declared for coastal Wairarapa. Whether youre looking for outdoor adventure, family fun, rest and relaxation, food and wine, cultural experiences or a bit of everything, NewZealand has something to suit, no matter when you visit. Exploration The Driest Place on Earth The Atacama Desert is the driest place in the world. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best place to live in New Zealand. Can I still live abroad? Bush walks and hiking are great options now as the days are not as hot. Dunedin 6. Rotorua 8. 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. Located on both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Auckland is prone to cold fronts and extreme hailstorms. Adding to the problem is an average windspeed of 42.5kmh over October and November, creating drier conditions. Rent and general expenses can cost around $3,000 NZD per month. The city is built on hills surrounding the Wellington Harbour, against the backdrop of the towering Remutaka Ranges. Best Places to Live. With little commuting time needed and a temperate climate, residents make the most by getting out to enjoy the beaches (the surf is epic! Rainfall tends to be relatively low in February,March, July, andAugust, so during some parts of summer, autumn, and winter. Photos / Andrew Cornaga, Photosport, Aucklanders are being warned to take shelter before a potentially damaging line of thunderstorms barrels over the city. 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. Getting around New Zealand Whether you want to self-drive, fly, join a tour, or hop on a bus or train, there are plenty of options for getting around New Zealand. Others might prefer a smaller town where they can get to know their neighbors and feel more connected to their community. Look no further than these nine warmest places in New Zealand. With a warm, coastal climate without any temperature extremes, residents can enjoy the trendy urban sprawl, expansive wilderness, and pristine beaches all year round. 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. Common wealth. Summer temperatures soar into the low 30s (high 80s), while winter temperatures often dip below freezing. Its handy location makes it a great spot for expats looking for a place within a few hours drive of Auckland, but away from the hustle and with more central access to the rest of the North Island. The annual Farmer's Santa Parade returned to central Auckland after a year off for the Pandemic and the rain wasn't enough to deter Christmas fans. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all! However, the summer months are when Whangarei really puts on a show. On the other hand, with less than six rainy days per month in January and February, youre even more likely to experience plentiful hot and dry days. There are three main areas on the South Island that do not get a lot of rain: But just knowing what these locations are is not enough. Cyclone Gabrielle smashes into the north island, Slips, flooding and disruption greeted Aucklanders this morning as heavy rain hits again, The top ten images chosen by New Zealand Herald judges for the 2023 Summer Holiday Photo Competition, RNZAF P-3K2 Orion aircraft flew across the North Island for a farewell tour after 57 years of service, Jacinda Ardern attends the Rtana celebrations for the last time as Prime Minister photographed by Mark Mitchell.