The Best Time to Visit Auckland, New Zealand
As a large urban center in a country with an almost entirely temperate climate, Auckland is popular all year round. But there are definitely some times of the year when it’s busier than others. And the weather can make a huge difference, too.
The city is in the Pacific Time Zone and is 12 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The country uses New Zealand Standard Time for all purposes, with daylight saving being observed between September and April, when clocks move forward an hour. The associated states of Niue and Tokelau and the dependencies of Cook Islands and Tuvalu all use their own local time zones at their discretion.
Spring and summer are the peak seasons in Auckland and the rest of New Zealand, with the warmest temperatures around, making it the best time to travel here if you’re looking to get out in the sun. The beaches are busy with swimmers, and it’s a great time to see the native wildlife as many birds are nesting at this time of year.
Autumn is another good time to visit, as it’s usually not quite as warm as the summer, but still a bit warmer than winter. It’s also a little less busy than the summer, so it can be easier to find accommodation and enjoy the attractions without battling crowds.
If you’re planning a trip to the mountains of the South Island, however, you might want to avoid winter. It’s a little chilly and windy, but you can still get out to ski in some parts of the country, and it’s a lot cheaper than visiting during the peak season.
There’s always something to do in Auckland, whatever the season. The Museum of Transport and Technology, for example, is open year-round and has a collection that includes historic trams and airplanes. You can also go on a ferry tour of the city or spend a day at one of the North Shore’s many beaches.
So there’s really no bad time to visit Auckland, but you may be better off planning your trip during the shoulder season if you can. June to August are the cheapest months for flights and accommodation in Auckland, while December and January are the most expensive. And if you’re planning on driving, remember that New Zealand drives on the left side of the road! So if you’re not used to this, take some extra time to practice before you arrive. And aucklandcitynewzealand.com don’t forget to get an International Driver’s Permit, too. This will save you a whole lot of hassle.