Guide to Summer Travel in New Zealand
By Ryan Brown published on 21 October 2025
Summer in New Zealand is when everything feels alive. From December through February, the days stretch long and bright, the water warms up, and locals spill outdoors to make the most of every hour. If you’re planning a New Zealand trip, this is the season to see New Zealand at its most vibrant and epic. Here's our expert guide to summer travel in the North and South islands.
Why Summer is the Best Time to Travel New Zealand
New Zealand’s geography makes it unique in summer. You can swim in the Pacific Ocean one day and hike near glaciers the next. The diversity of scenery means you can plan a trip that suits your pace, whether that’s lazy days on the Coromandel coast or tackling the Tongariro Crossing. Local life also moves outdoors during these months. Expect long and lazy outdoor picnics, open-air concerts, and late-night swims as locals embrace the best weather of the year. And you will too. The weather is blissful and most consistent, so you don't have to worry about sudden weather ruining a chance at a hike or activity.
When is Summer in New Zealand?
Summer in New Zealand runs from December to February and brings long, warm days that seem to stretch forever. Temperatures usually sit between 20 and 30 °C, perfect for beach trips, hikes, and exploring the outdoors. The season delivers the clearest skies, calm seas, and the kind of golden light that makes every landscape look cinematic. It’s when vineyards, surf towns, and alpine trails all come to life.
What are the best summer activities in New Zealand?
If you enjoy being outdoors, summer is the ultimate time to visit, and the activities to jump into are endless. Hiking trails are open and dry, and the country’s national parks show off every shade of green. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the North Island is at its safest and best during summer, while the South Island’s Aoraki / Mount Cook region has some of the clearest visibility of the year.
Water adventures are just as rewarding. You can kayak through the turquoise bays of Abel Tasman National Park, go white-water rafting in Queenstown, or relax on beaches in the Coromandel. Beaches around Raglan are ideal for surfing, snorkelling, or paddleboarding, and Kaikoura for whale watching and dolphin experiences. Inland, you’ll find hundreds of calm lakes perfect for a refreshing dip after a hike.
Food and wine also take centre stage. Vineyards from Hawke’s Bay to Central Otago host tastings and events throughout summer. Farmers’ markets are filled with seasonal produce, fresh berries, and handmade cheeses perfect for snacks on a road trip. Evenings stretch on, so it’s easy to spend hours outdoors sharing good food and conversation with your group. Just imagine on a sunshiny day sitting on a beanbag sipping the best white wine in New Zealand with a great group of people? Nothing better.
What summer festivals and events happen in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s summer calendar is packed with festivals celebrating everything from music and art to food and wine, making it an incredible time to visit for foodies, music lovers, and arts lovers. These events capture the country’s relaxed, friendly spirit and are an easy way to meet locals while travelling.
- Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne, December 29th, draws thousands to dance beneath the first visible sunrise of the world.
- Christchurch's World Buskers Festival, January 23rd-February 1st, brings street performers and comedians from around the globe.
- In February, Laneway Festival and Splore fill Auckland with music, live acts and creative energy.
- The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival celebrates the region’s Sauvignon Blanc season February 14th.
- The hosts international artists against stunning natural backdrops in Taupo, Wanaka, and Whitianga, hosting artists like Iggy Pop or Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Greenstone Summer Concert Dates and Locations:
- Taupō: Taupō Amphitheatre, Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Whitianga: Sherriff Block Arena, Monday, January 26, 2026
- Wānaka: Three Parks Outdoor Arena, Saturday, January 31, 2026
How should you plan a summer trip in New Zealand?
Planning ahead is essential. Summer is the busiest travel season, and accommodation in popular spots like Queenstown, Wanaka, and Rotorua often books out months in advance. If you want to road trip, reserve your car or camper early. If you’re joining a guided tour, secure your spot as soon as you can, especially if your dates fall over Christmas or New Year.
Wild Kiwi makes it easy to explore the North Island and South Island, and takes care of all of the accommodation bookings and activity reservations, so all you need to do is jump in and start your adventure with amazing people. Even if you only have a short amount of time, jumping on a day tour to Milford Sound or Mount Cook makes the logistics simple to manage.
What to Pack for New Zealand Summer Travel?
The key to packing is variety. Even in summer, the weather can change quickly. Bring lightweight layers, sunscreen, and a waterproof jacket. You’ll want sturdy shoes for hikes, swimwear for lakes and beaches, and casual clothes for evenings out. Plan your route with flexibility so you can add a spontaneous beach stop or detour to a vineyard when the mood strikes. And consider what type of activities you might be interested in that might require sturdy shoes like hikes. Here's a short and sweet essentials list, or you can see our full packing guide.
- Lightweight clothing
- Quick-dry shorts for water activities
- 1-2 Swimwear options
- Cap or sunhat with drawstring
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Hoodie or jacket for chilly nights
- Solid trainers or hiking shoes
Why choose a guided summer tour in New Zealand?
New Zealand might look small on a map, but travel times can be long and routes remote. A guided tour takes care of logistics so you can focus on the experience. Wild Kiwi trips are designed for adventure travellers in their twenties and thirties who want to explore beyond the main stops, or for all ages on our Premium tours, looking for more creature comforts. You travel in small groups with local guides who know the best viewpoints, hidden beaches, and quiet walking tracks away from the crowds.
Choosing a small group tour also means meeting like-minded people. Many travellers arrive solo and leave with close friends after a week on the road. The itineraries balance adventure with relaxation, mixing active days with time to unwind in scenic places.
What’s the difference between Wild Kiwi Adventure and Premium tours?
Wild Kiwi’s Adventure tours are social and energetic. They focus on hiking, water sports, and iconic New Zealand road-trip moments. You’ll stay in comfortable shared accommodation and have free time to explore local bars or go on extra activities such as bungy jumping, skydiving, or canyoning.
Our New Zealand Premium tours offer a different pace. You’ll travel in smaller groups, stay in boutique lodges or hotels, and enjoy more included meals and experiences. It’s perfect if you want a little more comfort without losing the adventure. Both styles follow the same philosophy: show travellers the real New Zealand, far beyond what’s found in guidebooks.
Why summer is the perfect time to join a Wild Kiwi trip
The short: summer in New Zealand = extraordinary, outdoors-rich, memory-crafting. Whether you’re climbing alpine ridges, kayaking glassy lakes, lounging on golden beaches, or simply sipping wine at dusk with mountain air on your skin, you’ll get it all.
A Wild Kiwi trip makes it easy to see and do as much as possible, and gives you the freedom of a road trip without the planning stress. Routes are crafted to showcase the best of both islands during the most beautiful time of year. Picture yourself hiking in Abel Tasman National Park, swimming in Lake Wanaka, and watching the sunset from a vineyard in Marlborough. Each itinerary is packed with authentic experiences that highlight the country’s landscapes, culture, and warm summer atmosphere.
If you’ve been thinking about a trip to New Zealand, this is the season to make it happen. Get wild, and book your Wild Kiwi trip now and make the most of the summer before it slips away!
