When planning to study abroad on the land of kiwis, international students think about many things, don’t they? Which courses to study in New Zealand, how long they will stay abroad, the cities and paradisiacal scenarios they will visit, etc. However, there is a detail that many forget to analyze: the climate in New Zealand.
After all, the seasons in New Zealand are better defined than in Brazil. For this reason, they impact the way the citizens of the two islands that divide the country (North Island and South Island) use outdoor areas, how they have contact with nature and even the way they entertain themselves.
That said, we’ve rounded up four cities that are among the top destinations for international students in New Zealand to show you what you can expect from the local climate. In addition, we also indicate which are the ideal attractions in each season. Follow up!
Auckland
Auckland is the most populous city in New Zealand, with over 1.6 million inhabitants. It is located at the northern end of the North Island.
How is the weather in the city?
The North Island is the closest region to the Tropic of Capricorn and, consequently, to the tropical zone. Because of this, it is the part of the country that has a subtropical climate. Therefore, due to Auckland’s position, the city has a sunnier and warmer climate. During the year, the seasons vary as follows:
spring: temperatures are between 16℃and 21℃;
summer: temperatures are between 19℃and 26℃;
autumn: temperatures are between 10℃and 19℃;
winter: temperatures are between 8℃and 14℃.
What to see and do in each season?
In summer, a good idea is to enjoy the city’s parks, such as the Auckland Domain and Cornwall Park. In spring, meanwhile, you can visit One Tree Hill – which, yes, is named after a TV series, but is actually a volcanic peak open to visitors.
In autumn, a great trip to do is to visit Waikehe Island, a place that mixes beautiful beaches with wineries. To close with a flourish, take advantage of winter to visit the Auckland Art Gallery and the tallest tower in the country, the Sky Tower.
Wellington
Wellington, in turn, is the capital of New Zealand. A township of about 496,000 people that lies at the southern end of the North Island, bordering Cook Strait.
How is the weather in the city?
Being practically on the border between the North Island and the South Island, Wellington ends up with an interesting contrast. That’s because it maintains the characteristics of the first municipality, but with lower temperatures and rainy days (having an umbrella always available is essential!). Over the months, the variation is this:
spring: temperatures are between 12℃and 18℃;
summer: temperatures are between 15℃and 23℃;
autumn: temperatures are between 9℃and 15℃;
winter: temperatures are between 7℃and 12℃.
What to see and do in each season?
Spring in the New Zealand capital calls for outdoor excursions, especially at Wellington Zoo, Avalon Park and the Mount Victoria Lookout. Summer, in turn, is an invitation to the popular beaches of Oriental Bay and Kapiti Coast.
On the other hand, winter and autumn are great times for indoor programs, particularly the Cuba Street stores, the City Gallery and the Wellington Cable Car and The Weta Cave museums.
Christchurch
Near the center of the South Island is Christchuch, the third most populous city in New Zealand, with just over 404,000 inhabitants.
How is the weather in the city?
Unlike the first two cities, the climate in Christchurch is much milder and with fewer sunny days. This is because, although the country is in the southern temperate zone, the South Island is closer to the Antarctic glacial zone. As a result the seasons manifest themselves like this:
spring: temperatures are between 9℃and 18℃;
summer: temperatures are between 13℃and 21℃;
autumn: temperatures are between 5℃and 16℃;
winter: temperatures are between 3℃and 11℃.
What to see and do in each season?
In spring, Hagley, Mona Vale and Orana Wildlife parks are great options. In summer, the local beaches (such as Sumner Beach and New Brighton Beach) are excellent for those who want to relax with their feet in the sand.
In autumn, the Internacional Antarctic Center is a good program for those who want to know more about Antarctica and, in addition, see wild animals in the region. Finally, in winter, you can check out the city’s museums, such as Quake City, Christchurch Art Gallery and Canterburry Museum.
Queenstown
Finally, there is Queenstown, which, among the four cities mentioned, has the fewest inhabitants (approximately 29,000) and is close to the final portion of the South Island.
How is the weather in the city?
If in Christchurch the climate was more temperate than in the other municipalities, in Queenstown it tends to be marked by the lack of a really hot summer and the regular presence of snow in the coldest months of the year. In other words, you have to dress up well! So much so that the seasons have the following variations:
spring: temperatures are between 5℃and 16℃;
summer: temperatures are between 7℃and 19℃;
autumn: temperatures are between 2℃and 10℃;
winter: temperatures are between -1℃and 5℃.
What to see and do in each season?
The climate in New Zealand, when it comes to the city of Queenstown, is favorable to the beautiful local natural landscapes. Therefore, it is interesting to take advantage of spring and summer to visit lakes Wakatipu, Wanaka, Te Anau and Hawea.
In the fall, you can enjoy Central Otago, a rural area with dozens of wineries. In winter, on the other hand, it is worth visiting the glaciers (such as Franz Josef and Milford Sound) and the region’s ski resorts (such as Coronet Peak and The Remarkables Ski Area).
As you have seen, knowing what the weather is like in New Zealand will be essential to ensure that you have chosen the ideal city for your exchange according to your preference-which can be sunny or wet, warmer or colder, with snow or without snow and so on. To top it off, this will ensure that you can plan ahead for the local attractions that appeal to you the most and, without a doubt, can’t miss a beat!
