Summer in New Zealand is truly special. With long sunny days, temperate nights and an endless amount of outdoor activities at your fingertips, there’s always something to do.
Whether you enjoy spending your summer at the beach, hiking the best scenery in the world, or prefer festivals and food, we’ve rounded up our picks of the best things to do in each region of New Zealand in the summer.
It might sound like a silly question, but if you’re visiting New Zealand, it’s important to know that summer in the southern hemisphere is from December to February.
An even more helpful tip? In some parts of the country (we’re looking at you, Southland), summer doesn’t really get going until late January. You can also expect lower temperatures the further south you go. The exception to this is that Wellington is often colder than Christchurch due to the wind.
If you’re travelling to New Zealand, extending your trip into the autumn months can be a good idea. As the nights start to get shorter, the temperature often becomes more stable, resulting in less rain and wind.
Thanks to New Zealand’s geography (think long and skinny, like Japan), we have a wide variety of climates from deserts to volcanic rock to lush, native rainforests. One of the best ways to see so many places during the summer is with a good old-fashioned road trip. Make sure you add these activities to your itinerary.
If there’s one place you’re going to want to swim in New Zealand, it’s in Northland. The region is known for its year-round warm temperatures (it’s literally called the ‘winterless north'') and sparkling blue waters.
You can take your pick of any of the coastal beaches you’ll find when driving along the coast. Spend a day swimming at Matauri Bay or Ruakākā, or snorkel among colourful fish at Poor Knight’s Island, a protected marine reserve.
Don’t miss out on a trip to Cape Reinga. Here, the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean at the northernmost tip of New Zealand. After visiting the lighthouse, you can then head to the giant dunes, a short drive away at Te Paki Stream Road, for some adrenaline-pumping sandboarding.
New Zealand’s biggest city thrives during the warmest months of the year. Whether you’re up for an urban adventure, want your fix of culture and the arts, or are looking to get out of the city, the region has lots to explore and enjoy.
For a unique experience, take advantage of any festivals or concerts that take place in the city during the summer. Western Springs and the Auckland Domain play host to plenty of music festivals. The 2025/2026 lineup includes Laneway Festival and Synthony, to name just a few.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to New Zealand’s Music Festivals for a full festival rundown.
If you’re looking to get out of the city, hop on a ferry to Waiheke Island. In just under an hour, you could be riding a bicycle amongst the vines, sipping on a delicious pinot gris and enjoying lunch overlooking the sea.
If the great outdoors is more your thing, head west of the city. You’ll find the Waitakere Ranges, the perfect spot for a day hike, and the black sand beaches of Piha for a refreshing swim or surf.
The Coromandel is a summertime hotspot. The region is made up of small towns, which means accommodation is often in short supply. Either book your stay here early on or avoid travelling here during the school holidays, which run from late December to the end of January.
While you don’t need an itinerary to enjoy the Coromandel (everything is beautiful and worth stopping for), two unique highlights include Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
Cathedral Cove is one of the most photographed coves in New Zealand. The path to the cove has been closed in the past due to rockfall, so make sure you check the accessibility before you go.
At Hot Water Beach, you can dig your own natural spa pool in the sand. Natural thermal activity from beneath the ground will keep you warm while you lounge just metres from the (much cooler) Pacific Ocean.
There’s plenty to do on the east coast of the North Island during summer. It’s another popular holiday destination for Kiwis. You can enjoy climbing ‘the mount’ (Mount Maunganui) at sunrise, spend the day surfing, swimming or paddleboarding at the beach, and visit McLaren Falls Park, just ten minutes from Tauranga, for a swim.
For a unique adventure, take a kayak tour of Lake McLaren. You’ll enjoy the beauty of the stunning Mangapapa canyon and even spot some glowworms.
Hawke’s Bay is made for sunny days. The region is known for growing some of the best wines in the country, if not the world. Make the most of your time here by visiting the local wineries. You can explore the vines by bike on the Hawke’s Bay Trail.
Spend an afternoon at Ocean Beach just south of Napier, or explore the art-deco charm of this town, much of which was rebuilt after an earthquake in the 1920s.
Wellington in summer offers the perfect mix of urban hustle and relaxing waterfront views. The city has a deep love for artisanal food and drink, whether that’s interesting ice cream flavours or locally crafted beer. The city’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring great eateries. Don’t miss a beer in the sun at any one of the city’s local breweries, such as Hey Day or Garage Project or stop for gelato or ice cream at Kaffee Eis or Duck Island.
When you’re done eating, you can choose from any one of the dozen or so beaches that are close to the city. Surf at Island Bay, people watch at Oriental or swim at Scorching Bay.
Check out our guide to the best beaches in Wellington worth exploring this summer.
Another busy hotspot, this time at the top of the South Island, is the Nelson region. Famous for having the highest number of sunshine hours in the country, life here is all about sun, sand and outdoor adventures.
Speaking of which, exploring Abel Tasman National Park by kayak or on foot is a must-do. It’s one of the Great Walks (National walks of importance funded by the government), so it’s pretty popular. You can choose to do a day hike, stay in huts along the way or take a sea ferry between selected parts of the Walk. For more outdoor adventures along the trail, swim, snorkel or just enjoy the golden sand of Anchorage and Torrent bays.
The West Coast of New Zealand offers a different kind of summer experience. The weather might be a bit cooler and more unpredictable, but dramatic scenery, untamed nature and otherworldly beauty make it well worth a trip during summer.
Wander the surreal limestone formations at Punakaiki Rocks (also known as Pancake Rocks), visit Franz Josef Glacier (you can even explore it from above by helicopter) or experience the glassy waters of Lake Matheson, a glacial lake famous for its mirror-like reflection of Aoraki/ Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
Canterbury is a large region with lots to see and do. While we’ll leave exploring Christchurch up to you, the region has plenty of beauty to explore. A drive to the central Canterbury towns of Geraldine and Lake Tekapo will take you through the marvellous limestone formation of Castle Hill, beautiful and photo-worthy fields of lupins and lakes framed by snow-capped mountains.
On the way, you can stop off at the Barkers of Geraldine store to stock up on locally made jams and preserves. Lake Tekapo is definitely worth an overnight stop. This small town is well-known for the Church of the Good Shepherd, a stone church built in 1935 on the edge of the lake.
During the evenings, this town truly shines. Tekapo is a dark-sky reserve and one of the best places in the world to view the stars. The best part is, to enjoy this, all you have to do is head outside after dusk and look up. You can even enjoy a relaxing stargazing guided tour from the comfort of the local hot pools.
In Central Otago, the summer heat and dry landscapes create the perfect conditions for exploring vineyards, swimming or boating on the many lakes and enjoying the locally grown stone fruit. Several music festivals are also held in the area over the summer.
Visit Clyde or Cromwell for apricots, peaches and cherries or follow the Central Otago Wine Trail and try a world-famous pinot noir.
Queenstown and Wanaka are famous for adventure activities. Whether it’s jet-boating, bungee jumping (where it was first invented), mountain biking or mountain hiking you’re after, the region buzzes with outdoor energy.
Summer is oyster season in Bluff, the southernmost town in New Zealand. Bluff oysters are a delicacy that’s exported across the country, but you can try them here at their freshest (and most affordable).
A short drive away will have you in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and some of New Zealand’s most epic walks and scenery. Long daylight hours make it an ideal place for tackling the world-famous tracks of the Kepler, Routeburn or Milford. These Great Walks are super popular, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. Head to the DOC website to book your walking trip.
Read our guide on what to know before hiking in New Zealand to help you prepare for variable weather, navigation challenges, and how to stay safe on remote trails
For a more laid-back approach to your summer holiday, enjoy swimming, boating or kayaking on Lake Te Anau and don’t forget to visit the local caves that are abundant with glow worms.
Summer is one of the best times to plan your move to New Zealand. With longer daylight hours, dry weather, and higher housing turnover, a summer move means you get more time and flexibility to relocate before the new year begins. Use Wise Move to book the best professional moving team that can help you relocate smoothly, whether you’re heading north to the beaches or south to the mountains.
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