New Zealand Weather Forecast

New Zealand's maritime climate is defined by its isolation in the Southern Pacific Ocean and the dramatic influence of the Southern Alps, which divide the South Island into dramatically different weather zones. The country sits in the "Roaring Forties" wind belt, receiving a constant procession of weather systems from the west that bring frequent rainfall and rapidly changing conditions. The weather can shift from sunny to stormy within hours, a trait that locals accept as simply part of island life.

The South Island's west coast is one of the wettest places in the temperate world, receiving 6,000-11,000mm of annual rainfall as moisture-laden westerlies are forced upward by the Southern Alps. The eastern Canterbury Plains are in a dramatic rain shadow, receiving only 600mm. The North Island is generally warmer and less extreme, with subtropical conditions in Northland. Snow falls in the mountains of both islands, supporting ski fields from June through October.

Auckland in the north has a warm, humid subtropical climate with mild winters averaging 11°C and warm summers around 20°C. Wellington, the capital, is notoriously windy due to its position at the funnel-shaped Cook Strait. Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains has more continental conditions with cold winters and warm summers. Queenstown in the southern lakes district has cool, crisp conditions ideal for outdoor adventure. New Zealand's ozone-thin skies mean UV radiation is exceptionally strong in summer.