Where to Visit in Summer in New Zealand
Summertime is a time for celebration in New Zealand: Christmas, New Year’s and numerous festivals! Of course, there’s room for your beach getaways, as well as some sensational sights that you can only see in summer. With more consistently bright and sunny weather, there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying the great outdoors that New Zealand is famous for.
Just remember, the UV levels in New Zealand are hugely intense. Make sure you wear sunscreen, even if you don’t usually!
If the New Zealand seasons are confusing you, see our guide to the NZ Climate and Seasons. Before we begin, be sure to bookmark The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand for even more tips.
1. Bay of Islands
Well, it’s called the ‘winterless north’, but if you are seeking hot temperatures then Bay of Islands is the best place to go. Temperatures can pass 30ºC (86ºF). Indeed, there are some beaches to sunbathe on but out on the water is where you want to be to cruise around the 144 islands, home to many fascinating bird species, and go swimming with dolphins.
© Northland Inc2. New Plymouth
From December to January is the renowned Festival of Lights. This is a music festival with some epic light displays around the town’s parks. Along the Coastal Walkway are a number of beaches for excellent surf breaks. Summer is also the best and safest time to climb Mt Taranaki. Find out more about New Plymouth and the Taranaki region in: The Complete Guide to New Plymouth.
© Rob Tucker - Tourism NZ3. Gisborne
On the East Cape, this is the first city in the world to see the sunrise. In turn, that means the 1st city to see the New Year! Celebrate the New Year in Gisborne with the epic Rhythm & Vines Festival a 3-day music event with international, national and local acts. Find out where else you can enjoy New Year’s Eve in 10 NYE Events in New Zealand You Can’t Miss!
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Mt Maunganui
The seaside resort, on a thin arm of land, is a top summer holiday destination for locals and backpackers. With long stretches of white-sand beaches on either side of the arm, its ideal for beach bums. The town has a pretty hectic New Year’s Eve also with entertainment in the streets, on the beach, and, of course, fireworks. For more things to do, check out The Complete Guide to Tauranga.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Waiheke Island
A quick ferry ride from Auckland brings you to the beautiful Waiheke Island. Do a beach crawl and a vineyard crawl by hiring a bike, kayak or scooter. More New Year’s celebrations happen here in the vineyards hosting ever-changing festivals.
© ATEEDWhat About the Other Seasons?! Glad You Asked.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
