New Zealand is a breathtaking country offering a variety of sights, such as beautiful fjords, vibrant cities, dramatic coastlines, unique wildlife etc. One of the best ways to experience this place to its fullest is through a New Zealand cruise.
Whether you want to experience a fun summer under the sun or snow activities and wildlife sightings in the winter, we will take you through each season. This seasonal guide will help you understand what each season will bring you on your cruise so that you can choose when to set sail.
Summer Scenery
The country comes alive during this season and becomes a popular time for visitors to experience the country. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the Summer in New Zealand lasts between December to February and so is a great winter vacation for anybody from the north of the equator who doesn’t much enjoy the cold.
- The days are long, and there is quite a lot of sunshine and warmth. The temperature ranges between 20 to 30°C or 68–86°F. Cruising at this time is great since you will experience the sea to be calm, and the skies are clear.
- In this season, you can venture to the Fiordland where you will get to see the gorgeous Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound Waterfalls. The waterfalls are full, and the golden light casts a magical hue on the water, perfect for pictures.
- If you go up north, the Bay of Islands offers a great spot for great water activities like snorkeling, where you might even have dolphins give you company.
- In the summer, local seafood is at its best, and in an island country, you can expect the best recipes too. You have to try green-lipped mussels, fresh snapper, and a local favourite, the whitebait fritters.
Autumn Harvest
New Zealand relaxes as the leaves begin to change between March and May. There are fewer crowds but the landscapes retain its beauty and a lot of wildlife around.
- This season offers milder temperatures between 13–22°C.
- If you venture to the South Island, from a spot along the Otago Peninsula, you will see the many royal albatrosses above the cliffs and penguins waddling on the shore.
- If you want to take full advantage of the harvest season, you might want to visit Hawke’s Bay, where many vineyards offer tours and tastings of the delicious local wines.
- The Bluff oyster season returns for food lovers and with the flowing Pinot Noir and Syrah wines, make great pairings.
Winter Landscapes
Just like New Zealand summer in the later part of the year, New Zealand observes winter Between June and August and can be the perfect snowy, cold trip for those who hate the heat.
- The temperatures fall to –15°C and is great time to explore the Southern landscapes.
- The Fiordland National Park isone form the story books in the winter, with snoecapped cliffs, icy sheets of waterfall, and mists over the water- an ethereal scene.
- Whale watching is quite common in this season and in places like Kaikoura you can spot the gigantic sperm whales.
- A ski trip in Queenstown or Wanaka also await the adventurous.
- This season you will find comfort foods with meat-heavy dishes paired with Local bold red wines.
- The Moaori New Year is celebrated between late june and early July and you can experience the native culture on Mataraki.
Spring Bloom
As the temperature rises, the country blooms with increased wildlife activity and beautiful scenery between December and February.
- The temperature at this time are a comfortable 12–22°C.
- Akaroa is a standout spot where the surrounding hills bloom in wildflowers and the Harbour gets crowded with Hector’s dolphins- the smallest and arrest dolphins in the world.
- Hiking Mt. Victoria which offers a sweeping view of the city and the returning to grab a bite from the local cafe in Wellington’s streets are a great experience.
- Whitebait fritters are awaited by the locals to return to the menu and the season’s first strawberries are seen too.
Whichever season you decide to visit, a new zealand cruise will bring you great sights, tastes, and experiences. So let your desire and style guide you to have the most perfect time through this beautiful country.