What is the Weather Like in June in New Zealand?
Planning a trip to New Zealand in June? Then you’re going to want to know the typical temperatures, weather patterns and general New Zealand weather in June! Although June is not a popular time for travellers to visit these islands in the South Pacific – mainly because it’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere – that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to visit! If you prefer a trip during a time of the year with fewer tourists yet many of the main activities are still available to do, then June is a great time to visit!
Although the weather isn’t at its warmest or driest (in some regions), you can still have an amazing time in New Zealand as long as you are prepared! This guide to the New Zealand weather in June will help you do just that! Plus, get some more tips about the weather in our guide to What is the Weather Like in New Zealand?
Travel Tips for Visiting New Zealand in June
To make your trip to New Zealand in June all the easier, here are a few things to be aware of.
- Due to high rainfall and the possibility of snow, it’s best to check for road closures before you set off on the road. Check the New Zealand Transport Agency website for updates
- If you are coming to New Zealand in June in hope to do some skiing, be aware that ski fields are only just opening by the end of June. Consider July, August or even the first week of September for a ski trip to New Zealand
- Being a quiet month for both international visitors and domestic tourism, June is a great time to travel to avoid the crowds. Don’t worry too much about booking transport, accommodation or activities way too far in advance as experiencing these being “fully booked” is rare in June
- Renting a vehicle? Look out for special winter deals that many of the New Zealand rental companies put on during winter
- While some hiking trails and Great Walks are easily accessible in summer, some should only be attempted in winter with the appropriate alpine gear! Be prepared or choose an alternative walk.
For more tips for your trip, see our 10 Essential New Zealand Travel Tips.
© NZPocketGuide.comTypical Temperatures in June
June is the first week of the winter season in New Zealand, therefore the temperatures will start dropping to their coldest out of the whole year. June often experiences cold winter blasts from the South Pole, however, temperatures rarely get below -5ºC (23ºF). Nevertheless, there are some regions that don’t experience these “cold” winter temperatures at all like the northern and eastern North Island. Otherwise, inland in the South Island definitely requires a few extra layers to wear!
Because New Zealand experiences slightly different climates in different regions, we’ve put together this list of average temperatures around New Zealand during June.
Northern New Zealand (Northland, Auckland and Tauranga) – 12ºC (53ºF)
Central North Island (Hamilton, Taupo and Rotorua) – 8ºC (46ºF)
South-West North Island (New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Wellington) – 9ºC (48ºF)
Eastern North Island (Gisborne, Napier and Wairarapa) – 10ºC (50ºF)
Northern South Island (Blenheim and Nelson) – 8ºC (46ºF)
Western South Island (Westport, Hokitika and Milford Sound) – 6-7ºC (43-45ºF)
Eastern South Island (Kaikoura, Christchurch and Timaru) – 7ºC (45ºF)
Inland South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Alexandra) – 2-4ºC (36-39ºF)
Southern New Zealand (Dunedin and Invercargill) – 7ºC (45ºF)
© PexelsOther Weather Patterns in June
June in New Zealand brings a mixed bag of weather: wind, rain, sun, snow and fine days. Be prepared for everything! June also experiences short daylight hours with the sun usually rising between 7.35am and 8.15am and setting around 8pm.
Rainfall in June
The rainfall in June is vastly different across the country. The North Island experiences one of its wettest months in June, while the South Island has one of its driest, especially on the West Coast (although it’s the wettest part of the country year-round). Take a look at the list below for average rainfall in each area of New Zealand during June.
Northern New Zealand (Northland, Auckland and Tauranga) – 150mm (6″)
Central North Island (Hamilton, Taupo and Rotorua) – 80mm (3″)
South-West North Island (New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Wellington) – 140mm (5.5″)
Eastern North Island (Gisborne, Napier and Wairarapa) – 100mm (4″)
Northern South Island (Blenheim and Nelson) – 60mm (2″)
Western South Island (Westport, Hokitika and Milford Sound) – 240-450mm (9-18″)
Eastern South Island (Kaikoura, Christchurch and Timaru) – 70mm (2.7″)
Inland South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Alexandra) – 30-60mm (1-2.4″)
Southern New Zealand (Dunedin and Invercargill) – 80mm (3″)
© Tom McDonald Tourism NZThe Best Places to Visit in June
Here are some great locations to add to your itinerary during June!
West Coast – Take a road trip along the West Coast of the South Island during one of its less-rainy months seeing highlights like the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, the blue waters of Hokitika Gorge, Franz Josef Glacier and more!
Wellington – With a mix of sightseeing opportunities both indoors and outdoors, there’s a variety of things to do in the capital city whatever the weather!
Rotorua – Keep warm in the thermal hot pools and geothermal parks of Rotorua. Plus, the city has an amazing array of outdoor adventure activities like white water rafting, mountain biking and “Luging”, as well as wet weather options like Zorb (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), Motion Entertainment and Maori cultural shows.
Tongariro National Park – Mt Ruapehu is the first ski field to open in New Zealand so if you have to have a taste of New Zealand skiing, this is the place in June.
Marlborough – Not only does Marlborough have the warmest and driest climate on the South Island, but it’s also perfect for winter days with wine tasting and more foodie experiences.
For events to check out in June, see New Zealand in June.
© PexelsJune Packing List
Here are some essentials to not miss off your packing list for a trip to New Zealand in June!
- Beanie
- Scarf
- Rainjacket
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Warm mid-layers
- Thermal layers
- Wool socks
For more things to pack, see our Packing List for Winter in New Zealand and The Ultimate Packing List for an Extended Trip in New Zealand. Most important of all, check out our complete New Zealand Packing List.
More About the New Zealand Weather
