New Zealand Weather and Climate

Subtropical in the north and temperate in the south. The north has no extremes of heat or cold but winter can be quite cool in the south, with snow in the mountains. The eastern areas often experience drought conditions in summer; the west, particularly in the South Island, has more rain.

Spring, summer and autumn are very pleasant throughout New Zealand. Winters tend to be wet and cool, but there's great winter skiing in the centre of the North Island, and in the South Island's Southern Alps, where heli-skiing is particularly popular.

Lightweight cottons and linens are worn in North Island most of the year and in summer in South Island. Mediumweights are worn during winter in South Island. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year, and essential if visiting South Island's rainforest areas.