), playing sports for the many clubs and organisations, meeting for coffee in the Scottish-inspired town centre, and exploring city parks and cycle trails. The country comprises two main islandsthe North and the South Island . Dont let Napiers picture-perfect weather fool you, though. Alexis_Hagedorn. You want to stay warm and dry during your vacation, right? Video / Benjamin Plummer. All rights reserved. In addition, the city has a very high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. For the calendar month and calendar year totals, the data start at 0000 NZST. This datum was archived into the National Climate Database, CliFlo,on 26 February 2009. Its not all sunshine, though. Kiwi Guardians at Forest Hill Forest Hill is a great example of native bush surrounded by agricultural land. The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. Dunedin is known for its vibrant, friendly community and its status as a student city thanks to a bustling university campus. Cost of living in Mount Maunganui is fairly similar to other urban areas of New Zealand. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. Rainfall tends to be relatively low in February,March, July, andAugust, so during some parts of summer, autumn, and winter. Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! the most popular spots for skiing and snowboarding. The cheapest place to live in New Zealand is probably Invercargill. You can expect to spend around $1,600 NZD on rent and $1,300 NZD on general expenses. Its known for its geothermal activity, with hot springs and bubbling mud pools dotting the landscape. 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. Theres always something to do and see between the many festivals, markets, and other events. 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. Auckland has amazing weather. But dont worry, theres also plenty to do in Queenstown on a budget. One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Hawkes Bay as it is in other parts of New Zealand, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. Rainfall data used were 9am-9am 24-hour totals. It pays to be prepared for what you might encounter on your travels. . invasive. 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 The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. 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). Dunedin 6. Submitted by Lena of Not Another Backpacker. Summer seems to stretch for a good portion of the year, with temperatures in the high teens to mid 20s (high 60s low 70s) from October through May. 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. For example, the 566 mm recorded at Cropp at Waterfall (Hokitika catchment) occurred between 2311 NZST on 11 May 1978 and 1111 NZST on 12 May 1978. Invercargill 2. The basic cost of living in Dunedin is roughly NZ$2,000 per month for a couple. In terms of employment, because Queenstown is a major tourist destination, most of the jobs here are in the tourism sector (think hotel and restaurant type jobs) and the pay is typically not much higher than minimum wage. Tauranga 9. Auckland is the best place to live in New Zealand for business positions. There are also many artists who live on the island, which gives it a creative and eclectic feel. It is also an affordable city, with a cost of living that is lower than many other parts of New Zealand. Due Drop Hope Challenge participants fundraising for I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday, raising awareness for youth mental health in Aotearoa. Are you looking for a community of like-minded adventurers to share your experiences with? Type of Work: Engineering and manufacturing. Nestled in a valley between the Southern Alps, Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand offers picturesque views and lots of outdoor activities! Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of over 1.4 million people. Auckland is a great place to live if you are looking for an exciting and fast-paced city life. Abel Tasman is all about the golden beaches, turquoise seas, and forested hiking trails. Fortunately, a lot of concern was alleviated by very high product prices at the moment, he said. 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. What are the safest places to live in New Zealand? 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. Newspaper reports at the time in The Otago Witness and The Tuapeka Times described extreme impacts from snow and severe temperatures in the region, consistent with the recorded temperatures. Aircraft from the two World Wars took to the skies over south Auckland along with more recent military and training planes as the New Zealand Warbirds Association lived up to their mission to Keep em flying. Photos / Alex Burton. However, the city has a high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. What is the best country to live in as an expat? Its my favourite place to live in the world and Ive lived in many countries! Hundreds of people turned out at the annual Warbirds On Parade at Ardmore Airport. The top of the North Island north of Kerikeri. Given the variety of activities, Wanaka is also a popular place to live in New Zealand. Napier 8. Waiheke Island is a beautiful location located in the Hauraki Gulf, just a short ferry ride from Auckland. Drenched in all-year sun with warm winters and pleasant summers, youll land yourself right in the middle of paradise. #Climate data were sourced from the National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Located on the South Islands east coast, Christchurch is a story of two halves. The region is known for its beautiful beaches and its warm climate. Winter in NewZealand is the best time to visit if youre into snow sports. 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.. It depends the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. Summer is boiling hot, which drives most people to Mission Beach to try and cool off. Rainfall data used were near-instantaneous. 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. Property in Wellington can be very expensive, both to rent and to own, in part due to the high cost of insurance. The Legend of New Zealand. Helping you understand the science of climate change. . What is the chance of a warm summer in Invercargill? Christchurch has less rainfall than the rest of New Zealands other major cities. Wiki User. Yes, it is relatively easy to immigrate to New Zealand. Youll get a great quality of life, but expect to spend $1,800 NZD on an apartment near the city centre, and an additional $1,500 on general expenses. Temperatures sit at an ideal low to mid 20s (mid 70s) from November through March, and with an average of eight rainy days a month, youre almost guaranteed a perfect stay. Image 1 of 36: Lake Kiwitahi the water reservoir at Kiwitahi, that supplies water to Morrinsville is drying up with a drought about to be announced in the Waikato. Youll rarely be lacking entertainment in Wellington as there are plenty ofthings to doand great options forweekend trips in the Wellington Region. Its also a very popular student city, so youll find welcoming students around and often out partying at the citys nightclubs. If you are looking for the best places to live in New Zealand, here are 13 of the top contenders: Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations withBooking.com to save money when youre moving abroad! If youre looking for a more urban environment, then Auckland or Wellington might be a better option. 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. Auckland's population is indeed growing . The island is home to around 9,000 people and is a popular tourist destination for its many vineyards, olive groves, and sandy beaches. Be 'SunSmart' by using these three simple steps when you go outdoors: You can check NewZealand weather conditions on theMetService website. For millennia, Mori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. Rotorua 8. No matter when and where you visit, you can always look forward to New Zealands mild climate. NewZealand is lush and green for a reason! The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. Located at the very top of the South Island, Nelson is susceptible to strong storms charging off Tasman Bay. Travelling in the shoulder seasons can be a good idea as youll often find more availability and better rates on accommodation and activities. Less than a millimetre of rain falls there per year on average. This rarely visited region south of the Bay of Islands is a hidden gem on New Zealand's North Island. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused devastating damage to regions around the North Island. Whether youre looking for outdoor adventure, NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. (Read more). Niwa's noted that it been 47 months since New Zealand . (opens in new window). 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. Januarywould give you the best combination of sun, heat, and rain. Average temperatures increase as you travel north. 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). It comes as Niwa's freshly-released 2020 summary showed New Zealand just saw its seventh warmest year on record - continuing a dire climate change trend that's put six of our last eight years among the hottest ever recorded. Last on our list of the warmest places in New Zealand is Christchurch. He said the stations summer crops were also not well established which would cause further major issues. Highway 6 from the north from, for example, Nelson. The city has a low cost of living, and its a good place to live if youre on a budget. 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. Whangarei 4. There, visitors can see waterfalls, magnificent views along the fiord and some marine wildlife. As well as this, there is a strong manufacturing and engineering industry in Christchurch. You can get to the West Coast by road by following three highways: If you want to visit the West Coast in winter, you may want to drive, for example, from Picton to Greymouth via State Highway 6 instead of from Christchurch. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Christchurch Warmest places in New Zealand FAQs Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad and then when I did it again. This is made up of very reasonable housing costs (NZ$500), utilities (NZ$150), internet & mobile (NZ$160), transport (NZ$200), groceries (NZ$600), and eating out / entertainment (NZ$400). Bush walks and hiking are great options now as the days are not as hot. Make the most of this great location by being able to have weekends skiing in the winter or beach days in the summer. Or, if you prefer to stay out of the water, Gisbornes temperate oceanic climate is ideal for chardonnay, and the region boasts a handful of charming boutique wineries. 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. February tends to be the hottest and driest month of the year, with an average high of 22.6 C (72.7 F) and only 5.8 average rainy days. To find cheap rental cars, I recommendDiscover Cars. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best place to live in New Zealand. In addition to a great lifestyle, there are many work opportunities here. 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. Note that this pattern is shared with places like Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay where lots of beaches are located. 2009-07-06 23:54:37. Similar scales have been used for each graph to allow comparison between locations. Find out more about New Zealand's national parks. Inspired by the Namib Desert beetle (inset), this forest of carbon nanotubes harvests moisture. 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. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island and wild winds and rain lash the region. The weather helps too with average temperatures in summer of 22 Celsius and snow in the winter. Individuals (or couples) can save costs by house-sharing, which is very popular with the student population. To summarize the climate of New Zealand, selected locations throughout the country have been grouped into broad climate zones. How much does it cost to live in New Zealand? 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. Our average rainfall is high and spread evenly throughout the year. The city has a population of around 60,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. The hottest months in NewZealand are January and February, and the coldest month of the year is July. Meetup.com Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! Best for epic landscapes. Again this is good news for people who want to visit the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park or Golden Bay. Especially, jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry are easy to find, since Wanaka is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand! The top of the North Island is also deemed the winterless north, and you can look forward to plenty of beach-worthy days even in the heart of winter. In towns like Queenstown, Tekapo, and Alexandra, it will snow in town a few times a year. New Zealand Average Temperatures in January. What city in New Zealand has the best weather? Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country into dramatically different climate regions. Napier is often referred to as the art deco capital of the world, and its easy to see why. That said, Maunganui Beach and the stunning coastline is the real reason to choose to live in Mount Maunganui. Located in Arica, Chile, its annual rainfall is only 0.03 inches. All rights reservedPrivacy Policy, Free phone within New Zealand: 0800 RING NIWA (0800 746 464) Contact details. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. Typically, temperatures get cooler the further south you go in New Zealand. Queenstown 9. We also provide downloadable files for monthly and annual rain, temperature, sunshine, frost and wind data for selected locations throughout New Zealand. Alexis_Hagedorn. Over the northern and central areas of New Zealand more rainfall falls in winter than in summer, whereas for much of the southern part of New Zealand, winter is the season of least rainfall. Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. The city of 165,000 has all the benefits of a larger city without the crazy traffic, making it a comfortable place to live. Whatever the season, its always a good time to visit NewZealand as theres so much to see and do year-round. is the most popular time to visit NewZealand. Its at a point where we are trying to get down to the bottom wintering stock numbers and trying to get through the summer.. Dont expect to show up in a tank top all year, though. How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad? The North Island has had one of its driest summers in years, with farmers now feeling the brunt of the lack of water. The Bay of Plenty is a region located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. Whangarei is a city located in the Northland region of New Zealand. You can check NewZealand weather conditions on the. Wellington is the perfect location for expats looking for the career opportunities that come with a capital city alongside the laidback Kiwi lifestyle. 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. The things we can do to combat climate change, individually, and alongside our whnau, school and community, can and will make a difference. Note:This article was accurate when it was published. Auckland 6. As New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the warmest months are December through February and the coldest months are June through August. Luckily, if the weather isnt fit for the beach, opt for a hike on a nearby extinct volcano instead. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK! 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. Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. The climate of Christchurch is very temperate and can be compared to the south of the U.K, although with significantly less rainfall. As NewZealand observes Daylight Saving, daylight can last up until 9.30pm during summer months. Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay. Ophir Ophir, in the south of New Zealand, is a tiny town which held the record for the country's lowest temperature. Video / NZ Herald, Monster Trucks Extremes Auckland show: Crowds pack out Auckland show of maligned NZ tour. Air New Zealand has an engineering centre at Christchurch airport that employs many people. By Ian Randall. 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. You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. Lives in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Author has 2.3K answers and 824.3K answer views 2 y It depends on what you mean by best. January, March, andSeptemberbring the least amount of rain to Christchurch. a group made up of sovereign states that remain associated with Great Britain. Take particular care from September to April, especially between 10am and 4pm, even on cloudy days. 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. As a result of the significant reconstruction efforts ongoing, there are a large number of work opportunities in the construction sector. Napier is a great place to live if you are looking for a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of things to do. Drought: New Zealand's driest areas. the plants and wildlife that make up a . Napier 5. Napier is located on the east coast of the North Island, just over an hours drive from the capital, Wellington. The biggest impact were noticing right now is the ability to shift store lambs. Whats the best site to buy cheap flights? 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. The area around Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula. While many ski fields open in June. Bush walks and hiking are great options now as, in NewZealand is the best time to visit if. Bay of Plenty Gisborne has the best weather in New Zealand. Plus, opposite to the northern hemisphere, the more north you go, the warmer temperatures tend to be. Whakatane in the North Island's Bay of Plenty district, is the sunniest place in New . Isengard Lord of the Rings scenery near Glenorchy, Where to go in New Zealand for sun minus rain. A welcome mat composed of billions of tiny carbon tubes could one day suck water out of thin air, even in the driest places on Earth. The 9 Warmest Places in New Zealand for Sun Lovers. However, the summer months are when Whangarei really puts on a show. Visitor numbers are high and summer holidays mean more Kiwis are travelling around NewZealand too, making the most of the sunshine and Christmas break. Mori culture is an integral part of life in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 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). 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. desertification. To cool off, head to one of the 18 lakes in the region for a swim or paddleboard. Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. Seemy Disclosure Policyfor more information. Because of this, there are lots of original and exciting restaurants bars, and activities to balance a hard days work. However, it is rare for snow to stay on the ground for more than a few hours. When I lived in Auckland, I had three roommates, and my rent was still just under $1,000 NZD because I was in the CBD. The coastal region of the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile is one of the driest places on Earth. Whats the best site to rent cars abroad? The city is built on hills surrounding the Wellington Harbour, against the backdrop of the towering Remutaka Ranges. The cost of living in Christchurch is approximately 10% of Auckland, although rent tends to be higher than other costs balance this out. Christchurch is a great place to live for older individuals looking to live in a city without Auckland business. Highway 6 from the south from, for example, Wanaka. The city has a low cost of living, and its a very safe place to live. He said westerly wind flow predicted for December and January would result in further dry conditions, but that there would be a northeasterly turn from the middle of January which would likely mean some good news in terms of getting rainfall. You dont need to know it before you leave home. He said by mid-January, if there was not enough rain, it would be very difficult for farmers. I dont think you can really go wrong when living in New Zealand. There are plenty of parks and gardens to explore, as well as cycle trails and walkways. The country of New Zealand is actually made up of an estimated 600 islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean. Learn where you can go in New Zealand to get the least amount of rain and the most amount of sunshine, and when. Where is the coldest place in New Zealand? Hamiltons weather can be humid during the summer months, giving long warm nights and is much warmer during the winter. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all! 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. The average temperature in NewZealand decreases as you travel south. Just remember that the North Island is not a very good place to visit in winter or early spring due to the amount of rain that falls. ), Wise.com is a great solution. The city also has a thriving food and wine scene, with many boutique wineries and restaurants to enjoy. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. (Image credit: dreamstime) Average rainfall: 0.761 mm (0.03 in) per year. Reapply every two hours and after swimming. Surrounded by Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, and Tasman Bay, every way you turn is a mind-blowing view. The landscape is so arid, that NASA 's astrobiologists travel to the Atacama Desert hoping it will lead them to clues about life on other planets. 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. Referred to by the locals as The Mount, Tauranga is New Zealands ultimate beach destination. What are the warmest months in New Zealand? The coldest month is usually July and the warmest month is usually January or February. Snow rarely falls in the coastal areas of the North Island and west of the South Island, although the east and south of the South Island may experience some snow in winter. Australia and New Zealand. Try to live on the same side of the Waikato river that you work to avoid this inner city headache. New Zealand's climate is complex and varies from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climates in the far south, with severe alpine conditions in the mountainous areas. All temperature data from stations below 500 m AMSL were included. The mean annual rainfall in . Travelling in the shoulder seasons can be a good idea as youll often find more availability and better rates on accommodation and activities.