Go New Zealand | FAQ - When is the best time to visit New Zealand - This is just one of our Frequently Asked Questions about Travel to New Zealand

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

New Zealand is an extremely popular summer destination, both for overseas and domestic visitors. Tourism New Zealand strongly recommends you book at least your accommodation between December and April; and also in the ski areas during the ski season June to October to avoid disappointment. Availability of accommodation at other times may be restricted due to local cultural or sporting events.

Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10ºC over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all year round. New Zealand has four quite distinct seasons - Spring (Sept-Nov), Summer (Dec-Feb), Autumn/Fall (Mar-May) and Winter (June-Aug). In summer there's plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water include rafting, snorkelling, diving and kayaking. You'll find snow on the mountains in winter and excellent skiing. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.

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What's the climate like?

New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. Don't let cold months put you off - winters tend to be short and generally fairly mild.

That said, on any given day the weather and temperature can change unexpectedly and sometimes dramatically. You should be prepared for that, particularly if you are going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.

What clothes should I take?

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.

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Do I need a passport or visa to enter New Zealand?

All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country.

Most visitors who intend to stay for less than three months do not require a visa. If you want to stay longer than three months, or your country of origin does not have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, then you will need to apply for a Visitor's Visa. For more information go to the Passport and Visa Section.

Can I use my credit cards/ATM cards in New Zealand?

All major international credit cards can be used in New Zealand and Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. If your credit card is encoded with a PIN number you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated at banks and shopping centres throughout the country. If possible only withdraw small amounts of cash at a time and always shield your PIN number. For more information on banking go to the Money and Banking Section.

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What is the voltage of electricity supply in New Zealand? Do I need to take a converter?

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.

When are School Holidays in New Zealand?

The most up to date details for School Holidays in New Zealand can be found at www.moe.govt.nz.

Driving Times and Distances

To estimate driving times and distances, please try using our Driving Time and Distance Calculator. For more information about driving conditions go to the Driving in New Zealand section.

New Zealand Language

New Zealander speak English, with a slight difference in pronunciations! See our New Zealand Language section.

Humorous Questions

These were posted on a New Zealand tourism website and the answers are the actual responses by the website officials, who obviously have a sense of humour!

Q: Does it ever get windy in NZ? I have never seen it rain on TV, how do the plants grow?
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.

Q: Will I be able to see kiwi birds in the street?
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Auckland to Wellington can I follow the railroad tracks?
A: Sure, it's only three thousand miles, take lots of water.

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in NZ? Can you send me a list of them in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown?
A: What did your last slave die of?

Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in NZ?
A: Africa is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe. New Zealand is that island in the middle of the Pacific which does not ... oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Auckland city. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is North in NZ?
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into NZ?
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule?
A: New Zealand is that quaint little country, which is ...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Auckland city, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.

Q: Can I wear high heels in NZ?
A: You are a British politician, right?

Q: Are there supermarkets in Auckland and is milk available all year round?
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter/gatherers. Milk is illegal.

Q: Please send a list of all doctors in NZ who can dispense spider serum.
A: Poisonous spiders live in America which is where YOU come from. All NZ spiders are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets. You should find some for yourself when you get here. Especially the ones with white tails.

Q: I have a question about a famous animal in NZ, but I forget its name. It's a kind animal and lives in trees.
A: It's called a Drop Bear. They are so called because they drop out of Gum trees and eat the brains of anyone walking underneath them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in NZ?
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.

Q: Can you tell me the regions in Auckland where the female population is smaller than the male population?
A: Yes, gay night clubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in NZ ?
A: Only at Christmas.

Q: I was in NZ in 1969 on R+R, and I want to contact the girl I dated while I was staying in Wellington. Can you help?
A: Yes, and you will still have to pay her by the hour.

Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go?
A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first.

Who said New Zealanders weren't funny!