Four Seasons
Since Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, named the country Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud), the seasons have been of paramount importance to New Zealanders, many of whom make their living from the land. New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall and high sunshine hours throughout most of the country. Its climate is dominated by two main geographical features, the mountains and the sea, and each season this creates a playground for adventure.
Spring is grape harvest season and the start of the year’s winemaking. The many wine regions of New Zealand come alive with wine festivals, orchard trees in bloom and the last of the skiers on the slopes.
Summer is the Christmas season in New Zealand and the traditional time for family holidays, relaxing at baches (New Zealand holiday homes) and playing outdoors.
Autumn explodes in a sea of greens, golds and reds. With settled weather and cooler days, it’s the perfect time for experiencing New Zealand’s many walking tracks.
Winter brings snow and winter sports to both the Central North Island and the South Island, but sub-tropical Northland is still a playground for sun seekers.
Spring - September, October, November
Summer - December, January, February
Autumn - March, April, May
Winter - June, July, August
View these and more Four Seasons images from the Tourism New Zealand's Image Library. All images are available to download.
The dramatic mountain valley vineyards of the world’s most southerly wine region are particularly perfect in autumn. Grape vines were first planted in Central Otago in 1864, but commercial production didn’t begin until the end of the 1980s. The region’s specialty is Pinot Noir, which acquires a velvety texture and vibrant, spicy flavours in the often extreme climate.
Photo credit: David Wall
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Snow falls on Queenstown village just a few times a year, but when it does the effect is magical. For most of winter, snow-based activities are confined to the region’s many mountain ranges. In the valleys and the towns, life continues as usual with golf, jet boating, rafting, lake cruises, hiking, shopping and restaurant hopping.
Photo credit: Destination Queenstown
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