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100% PURE NEW ZEALAND

Seasons

🌿

Spring — September to November

Best for: Blooming landscapes, wildlife, rewarding hikes

Climate

Mild, 16–19 °C average; occasional showers

Highlights by Region

  • Central Otago / Mackenzie Country: Fields of lupins at Lake Tekapo; lambing season countryside charm
  • Tongariro & Abel Tasman National Parks: Great for early-season walking—waterfalls at peak flow, fewer crowds

Insider Tip

Book garden tours, early bookings for flowering-season itineraries, photography-focused packages

Ideal For

Photographers, leisure walkers, small group nature tours, shoulder-season bargain seekers

🌞

Summer — December to February

Best for: Festivals, water sports, extended sightseeing, long daylight hours

Climate

Warmest season; 20–25 °C in many regions, peaking at 30 °C in heatwaves

Highlights

  • Northland & Bay of Islands: Warm beaches, sailing, dolphin encounters
  • Rotorua & Queenstown: Adventures like rafting, bungy, geothermal parks

Insider Tip

Suggest early or late afternoon start times to beat mid-day UV; uplift offers around Rhythm & Vines, beach festivals

Ideal For

Beach lovers, families, festival-goers, adventure travelers, incentive groups

🍂

Autumn — March to May

Best for: Scenic drives, vineyards, festivals & photography tours

Climate

Cool to mild: 17–21 °C, colourful foliage especially in Otago & Hawke's Bay

Highlights

  • Otago and Arrowtown: Autumn festivals, harvest events, vibrant foliage
  • Marlborough / Hawke's Bay vineyards: Harvest season experiences and wine pairing tours

Insider Tip

Emphasize shoulder-season rates, quieter trails, food/wine festivals like Arrowtown Autumn Festival

Ideal For

Wine enthusiasts, food & beverage groups, scenic-drive devotees, honeymooners

❄️

Winter — June to August

Best for: Skiing, snow sports, thermal relaxation, and budget travel

Climate

Cool, 12–16 °C in lowlands; snow in alpine zones, coldest month is July
(−1 °C to 8 °C in Queenstown)

Highlights

  • Central Plateau / South Island ski fields: Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt Ruapehu
  • Hot springs: Rotorua and Hanmer Springs are ideal for post-ski relaxation

Insider Tip

Add heli-ski or snow-cat snow hikes; thermal spa add-ons, reduced shoulder-season pricing

Ideal For

Skiers, families on winter holidays, wellness retreat travelers, value-focused clients

Packaging Tips for Travel Agents

Bundle Thoughtfully

Pair seasons with region—for example: Autumn vineyard tours in Marlborough or ski + spa winter escapes in Queenstown/Rotorua.

Highlight Unique Driver Experiences

Long daylight hours in summer, autumn foliage vistas, spring-lamb countryside charm, winter snow + hot spa circuits.

Offer Upsells

Festival tickets, guided walks, thermal spa vouchers, photography workshops, star-gazing stays (e.g. Aoraki Dark Sky Reserve).

Advise on Baggage & Early Bookings

Layers needed year-round, SPF usage even in spring/autumn due to strong UV.

Promote Early Bookings

Summer spots book out fast in major hubs (Rotorua, Queenstown, Bay of Islands) — encourage 2–3 weeks lead time.

Quick Overview Table

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Season Months Mood & Highlights Perfect For
Spring Sep–Nov Flower bloom, new life, waterfalls at full flow Photographers, walkers, nature lovers
Summer Dec–Feb Warm, long days, beaches, festivals Families, adventure lovers, festivals
Autumn Mar–May Golden foliage, wine harvests, fewer crowds Couples, foodies, scenic drivers
Winter Jun–Aug Snow sports, hot springs, economy Skiers, wellness travellers, budget clients