WEATHER

Climate

New Zealand weather and the environment in New Zealand is one of the most varied found anywhere in the world. Its unique location along a distinct belt of volcanic and earthquake activity in the South Pacific has shaped the stunning landscape. The thrilling geological history of New Zealand and its distinctive environment have long fascinated scientists interested in determining its past. Due to its geographic location, and long 80 million year isolation, New Zealand has some of the most exotic and distinctive fauna and flora found anywhere. The beauty of the landscape, the cleanliness and care taken for its preservation, and the variety of activities that the natural environment provides, makes for a great escape for those that choose to live in New Zealand.

Situated between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand weather offers a subtropical climate on the North Island and a temperate one on the South Island. A Southern hemisphere locality, the warmest months of the year are December, January and February, with temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius, and the coldest months being June, July and August with temperatures ranging between 1-15 degrees Celsius. Because of the unique geographical landscape of the country and its long narrow shape, the weather changes frequently and can be unpredictable. Moist, tropical air from the north, and cold air from Antarctica together with the mountainous inner section of the country creates dramatic weather patterns, resulting in unique microclimates found throughout the country, some varying within only a few kilometres of each other. Please refer to our regional map for more information on the climate in each region.

Protection and enhancement of the New Zealand environment is a priority for the country's economic strength and its peoples' well being. The Ministry for the Environment is the central government administrative body charged with safeguarding the environment while providing transparent reporting on its current state. The Ministry's objectives include: environmental sustainability, natural resource management, and protection of the population's well being as it relates to the environment. There are numerous other government and non government agencies at the national, regional and local levels involved in acting on behalf of the environment.