The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. Overall, Rotorua is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. Whakatane in the North Island's Bay of Plenty district, is the sunniest place in New . 1. Christchurch is a great place to live for older individuals looking to live in a city without Auckland business. The Best Time to Visit New Zealand by Month & Season (2022) Arriving here from the Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki over 1,000 years ago, the great explorer Kupe, was the first Mori to reach these lands. New Zealand is a great place to live, but it might not be the right place for everyone. Yes! Queenstown on the South Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular towns in New Zealand. Video / NZ Herald, Monster Trucks Extremes Auckland show: Crowds pack out Auckland show of maligned NZ tour. New research finds that the dark silicate glass strewn across a vast swath of the Atacama Desert was created by an exploding comet around 12,000 years ago. Napier 5. Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters! The sunniest areas in New Zealand can be found in Nelson and Marlborough so at the top of the South Island. Alexandra closely competes with Gisborne for the warmest place in New Zealand, yet is located in a very different region of the country From November through February, Alexandra temperatures soar into the mid 20s C (high 70s F) and is deemed the hottest town in the country from November through February. With little commuting time needed and a temperate climate, residents make the most by getting out to enjoy the beaches (the surf is epic! As Napier sits in the rain shadow of the Kaweka Range and Volcanic Plateau to the west, it has the driest and warmest summer in the country. conducive. There are a few reasons why Wanganui is not a great place to live. For places in Mackenzie Country where Lake Tekapo,Lake Pukaki, and Mount Cookare located the best time to visit would be sometime during winter or autumn because summer and spring are the wettest seasons. Bush walks and hiking are great options now as, in NewZealand is the best time to visit if. There are also popular tourist spots like the Skytower, Mount Eden, surfing in Paihia, and drinking wine in Waiheke, nearby. A two-bedroom apartment in a good location will set you back anywhere from $450 $600 per week. Christchurch also has a number of hospitals and retirement homes. The basic cost of living in Dunedin is roughly NZ$2,000 per month for a couple. The region has a population of around 150,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. This is made up of very reasonable housing costs (NZ$500), utilities (NZ$150), internet & mobile (NZ$160), transport (NZ$200), groceries (NZ$600), and eating out / entertainment (NZ$400). New Zealand's national parks cover more than 30,000 square kilometres, full to the brim with beautiful, natural scenery ready to explore. Ive already talked about thetemperatures in New Zealand, and because wind is usually not interesting for someone who wants to visit New Zealand, Ill primarily focus on rainfall and sunshine in this article. What is the best country to live in as an expat? Gisborne is a city located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. Over the northern and central areas of New Zealand more rainfall falls in winter than in summer, whereas for much of the southern part of New Zealand, winter is the season of least rainfall. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you! Western Plateau Central Lowlands . a group made up of sovereign states that remain associated with Great Britain. Weve had people praying, people dancing for the rain I might have to start myself.. As well as this, there is a strong manufacturing and engineering industry in Christchurch. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused devastating damage to regions around the North Island. Even in the middle of winter, its not uncommon for Auckland to be one of the warmest places in New Zealand and enjoy temperatures above 15 C (60 F). 13 Best Places to Live in New Zealand (and Where Not To!) I'm on a mission to empower every young woman to stop waiting to move abroad. Actual data recorded at Reefton can be accessed for use in statistical analyses (see CliFlo). If you are looking for dry places on theNorth Island, I can tell you that there arent many although some parts of the North Island can experience extreme droughts from time to time. Rainfall data used were near-instantaneous. If I could do it broke at 16, so can you! Best Places to Live | New Zealand A to Z All temperature data from stations below 500 m AMSL were included. In towns like Queenstown, Tekapo, and Alexandra, it will snow in town a few times a year. Finding work in New Zealand can be difficult, especially if youre not a citizen or resident. What are the best places to live in New Zealand for families? For example, the 566 mm recorded at Cropp at Waterfall (Hokitika catchment) occurred between 2311 NZST on 11 May 1978 and 1111 NZST on 12 May 1978. The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, whereas the area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the driest. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. The coastal region of the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile is one of the driest places on Earth. It is also one of the most expensive places to live in New Zealand. Hikers are always encouraged to have a location beacon and tell friends and families their plans, as its not uncommon to hear of hikers becoming stranded due to the weather. Wellington is the perfect location for expats looking for the career opportunities that come with a capital city alongside the laidback Kiwi lifestyle. Where does the most rain fall in New Zealand? The 25 BEST Places to Visit in New Zealand (2023 Edition) - NOMADasaurus In summer, temperatures climb to the mid 20s C (mid 70s F) and occasionally reach above 30 C (mid 80s F). It depends the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. Apartments are generally preferable to houses, and it is worth paying a bit extra for a newer place because many Wellington houses, particularly older ones have little/no insulation which is unpleasant in the cold winters. Rainfall tends to be relatively low in February,March, July, andAugust, so during some parts of summer, autumn, and winter. Overview of New Zealand's climate | NIWA Alexis_Hagedorn. These New Zealand climate extremes were updated in April 2022. Look no further than these nine warmest places in New Zealand. Whatever time of year you are visiting, pack a raincoat as you never know when you might get showers. Pronounced fang-a-ray, Whangarei is New Zealands northernmost city and is both pleasantly warm and lush. Find the best local tours with this search engine (and the best deals)! Best Time to Visit New Zealand | Climate Guide | Audley Travel But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all! Dont let Napiers picture-perfect weather fool you, though. The West Coast is a difficult part of New Zealand to get to during winter because you typically have to drive through mountain passes, which can get snowed-in. The 9 Warmest Places in New Zealand for Sun Lovers - Journeying The Globe With miles of sandy beaches and an abundance of nearby hikes, youll always be able to find your personal slice of paradise. The nearby Doubtful Sound is also spectacular but less accessible - travelers . Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. 100%YES! It is mainly the area that runs from the top of the South Island to the bottom of the South Island on the western side of the mountain ranges that gets the most rain. The city is small enough to get around on foot, but there is also a good public transport system. Summer would be the best season because youll then also experience thehighest temperatures. The 9 Warmest Places in New Zealand for Sun Lovers. A small area just southeast of Blenheim at the top of the South Island. The cost of living in Devonport is similar to the cost of living in Auckland. One Central Otago town was the driest place in the country last year, while another recorded the highest temperature in what was our second-warmest year on record. If you prefer peace and quiet, dont worry. Rainfall data used were 9am-9am 24-hour totals. December - February Average daytime temperature: 20 - 25C (68 - 77F), March - May Average daytime temperature: 17 - 21C (62 - 70F), June - August Average daytime temperature: 12 - 16C (53 - 61F), September - November Average daytime temperature: 16 - 19C (61 - 66F). There are also many artists who live on the island, which gives it a creative and eclectic feel. Mount Maunganui is a laid-back suburb of Tauranga, one of New Zealands larger cities (albeit still small), situated on the eastern coast of the North Island. The sunniest places in NewZealand (recorded hours of sunshine) are the Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Nelson/Marlborough. The places that receive the most amount of sun in New Zealand depend largely on their latitude (southern locations have shorter days inwinter and longer days in summer) and how much cloud cover there is (the more clouds there are, the less sunnier a place is). This is what it was like on the first morning. Summer orautumnwould be the best time to visit Blenheim withFebruarylooking the best. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. like sunshine but fewer crowds, then autumn is a fantastic time to visit. Located on the east coast of the North Island, its so well known for its fabulous coastlines and laidback but full of life atmosphere, its been voted as New Zealands best beach. Winter in NewZealand can be busy or quiet depending on where you go ski areas like Queenstown and Wanaka in the South Island and the Central Plateau in the North Island are always buzzing in the depths of winter, whereas coastal areas and big cities like Auckland and Wellington are less crowded. It only drops down to about 4C on the coldest days. Find out more about New Zealand's national parks. If you are interested in knowing what the cloudiest place is in New Zealand, that would be the southernmost parts of the South Island so the area around Invercargill. Gisborne is also known for its fabulous surfing, delicious chardonnay, and prominent Maori culture. New Zealand's climate is complex and varies from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climates in the far south, with severe alpine conditions in the mountainous areas. Photos / Andrew Cornaga, Photosport, Aucklanders are being warned to take shelter before a potentially damaging line of thunderstorms barrels over the city. Some of the safest places to live in New Zealand include Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Invercargill 2. Whats the best site to buy cheap flights? Firstly, the city has a high crime rate and its not particularly safe. The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, whereas the area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the driest. The cheapest place to live in New Zealand is probably Invercargill. Auckland's population is indeed growing . New Zealand climate and weather | 100% Pure New Zealand 2009-07-06 23:54:37. There are also plenty of things to do in Auckland, from exploring the many museums and art galleries, to hiking in the nearby Waitakere Ranges. Be 'SunSmart' by using these three simple steps when you go outdoors: You can check NewZealand weather conditions on theMetService website. The country of New Zealand is actually made up of an estimated 600 islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean. Its a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities arent restricted. Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! Try to live on the same side of the Waikato river that you work to avoid this inner city headache. The 2001 census figures from Statistics NZ show there are two regions New Zealanders have been the most popular to move too. The region is known for its sunny climate, award-winning wines, and beautiful coastline. Gisborne 3. What is the wettest place in New Zealand? If youre looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work! #Climate data were sourced from the National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Bush walks and hiking are great options now as the days are not as hot. The nights are cold but not freezing, and the days are warm but not hot. Queenstown, Wanaka, and Auckland are some of the best places to live in New Zealand for young adults. The National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. The average temperature in NewZealand decreases as you travel south. Similar scales have been used for each graph to allow comparison between locations. Spring in NewZealand is when the weather starts to warm up, although there is a high chance of rainfall around this time of year. Photos / Alex Burton, Competitors battle wet conditions for this year's event/ Photographs by Alex Burton, Winning entries from the New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2022, The top 13 designs for the Resene Colour of Fashion competition open to final year fashion students at Whitecliffe College in Auckland, Former policeman John Purkis was swept down a culvert during Aucklands January floods and managed to survive. However, finding a place to stay here will typically be a bit more pricey so staying further from the town would be a cheaper alternative. Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? Nestled in a valley between the Southern Alps, Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand offers picturesque views and lots of outdoor activities! On the other hand, with less than six rainy days per month in January and February, youre even more likely to experience plentiful hot and dry days. There are three main areas on the South Island that do not get a lot of rain: But just knowing what these locations are is not enough. Kiwi Guardians at Forest Hill Forest Hill is a great example of native bush surrounded by agricultural land. Whakatane in the North Island's Bay of Plenty district, is the sunniest place in New . The small town sits on beautiful Lake Wanaka and is close to some major hiking spots and the gorgeous Mt. Arable farmers were also concerned, Beetham said. Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. The cost of living in New Zealand can be expensive, depending on your lifestyle. The city is built on hills surrounding the Wellington Harbour, against the backdrop of the towering Remutaka Ranges. Our average rainfall is high and spread evenly throughout the year. North Island Avg. Air New Zealand has an engineering centre at Christchurch airport that employs many people. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. 5 terms. So cold, in fact, the town even has an outdoor ice rink. Its handy location makes it a great spot for expats looking for a place within a few hours drive of Auckland, but away from the hustle and with more central access to the rest of the North Island. (Read more). These cities offer a variety of schools and family-friendly activities. Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand is a remote landone of the last sizable territories suitable for habitation to be populated and settledand lies more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Australia, its nearest neighbour. New Zealand Destinations | 100% Pure New Zealand The cost of living on Waiheke Island is similar to the cost of living in Auckland. Grab your lizard goggles and climb some rocks, spy some bugs and soak up the sun at one of the driest places in New Zealand. Sunshine hours are relatively high in areas that are sheltered from the west and most of New Zealand would have at least 2000 hours annually. Where is the driest place in New Zealand? - 2023 Travelling in the shoulder seasons can be a good idea as youll often find more availability and better rates on accommodation and activities. The driest part of the North Island is the bottom half starting on a line south of Mount Taranaki and Tongariro National Park down toWellington, excluding parts where there are mountain ranges. Nelson is quintessential New Zealand beauty. Whatever time of year you are visiting, pack a raincoat as you never know when you might get showers. Christchurch was the driest main centre in New Zealand over 2020. Mean annual temperatures range from 10C in the south to 16C in the north of New Zealand. Best Places to Live. This is especially true in winter, where youre much more likely to have days of rain and windy storms. Please confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. New Zealand Browned by Drought - NASA driving in areas of NewZealand that are prone to snow. Youll find NewZealands countryside full of bouncing lambs and spring blossoms, so it makes for great photos! However, the city has a very high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. Whangarei is a city located in the Northland region of New Zealand. Hottest, coldest, wettest, driest, sunniest, windiestfind out here which places hold the record for climate extremes in New Zealand. This datum was archived into the National Climate Database, CliFlo,on 26 February 2009. PHOTO/LUCAIS DAVIES. Tauranga 9. These cities have a subtropical climate, and they offer a great lifestyle. In addition, the city is located in a very remote part of the country, and it can be difficult to find work. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK! Located far from both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean with low lying and sheltered bare ground, the town heats up quickly and continues to warm throughout the day. Rotorua is a city located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. Flatters could manage to keep costs under $2,000 per month whilst still achieving all the lifestyle perks of living in Mount Maunganui. Coastal Wairarapa is the only place in New Zealand currently labelled extremely dry. New Zealand | History, Map, Flag, Capital, Population, & Facts Also opposite to much of the world, the further north you head in New Zealand, the warmer it gets albeit a few exceptions. VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. Especially, jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry are easy to find, since Wanaka is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand! 11 terms. You want to stay warm and dry during your vacation, right? A lot of the guys who would normally buy those lambs to grow them out further are not buying at this point of time because its dry and the crops arent quite ready.. The top of the North Island is also deemed the winterless north, and you can look forward to plenty of beach-worthy days even in the heart of winter. Cost of living is high in Auckland. All rights reservedPrivacy Policy, Free phone within New Zealand: 0800 RING NIWA (0800 746 464) Contact details. For millennia, Mori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. The city also has a thriving food and wine scene, with many boutique wineries and restaurants to enjoy. Theres good reason Auckland is New Zealands most populous city. The best way to find work is to network with people in your industry and to look for job postings online. You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. Devastation from the February 2011 earthquake is a stark reminder of the citys past, whereas creative new builds showcase an enthusiastic and bright future. How much does it cost to live in New Zealand? Its at a point where we are trying to get down to the bottom wintering stock numbers and trying to get through the summer.. The island is home to around 9,000 people and is a popular tourist destination for its many vineyards, olive groves, and sandy beaches. Overall, Hawkes Bay is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. The annual Farmer's Santa Parade returned to central Auckland after a year off for the Pandemic and the rain wasn't enough to deter Christmas fans. You will need to update your CV to match the Kiwi style! Use SPF 30+ sunscreen. Join our Facebook group for travelers and connect with a global network of passionate explorers. Waiheke Island is a beautiful location located in the Hauraki Gulf, just a short ferry ride from Auckland. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Rotorua as it is in other parts of New Zealand, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. It is hard to imagine that. Januarywould give you the best combination of sun, heat, and rain. The region is known for its beautiful beaches and its warm climate. Type of Work: Tourism and service industry. Basic groceries cost $500 pp/month. The landscape is so arid, that NASA 's astrobiologists travel to the Atacama Desert hoping it will lead them to clues about life on other planets. Thats why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps Ive taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there. Located on the east cape of the North Island and protected by high country to its west, Gisborne constantly sees the highest temperatures across all of New Zealand and is also the first city in the world to greet the sun of a new day. November is when you start to see consistently mild temperatures and is typically the driest month in New Zealand. However, the cost of living in the Bay of Plenty is quite high, and it can be difficult to find work. Its location in the northern portion of the North Island ensures the temperatures are mild to hot all year, and rainfall is spread right across all 12 months. The city is also home to the Maori culture, and you can learn about their history and traditions at the many museums and cultural centres. Blenheimseems to follow the weather patterns of theNorth Island, so the most rain falls in winter and spring. Dont get thrown off by the cost of living, though: although the town is quite small, you can also find exciting job opportunities contributing to a healthy work-life balance! The city has a population of around 35,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. Photo / CyldeServices, The long, hard work to clean up after the cyclone's destruction starts in the hardest-hit area of Hawke's Bay, Looking like the aftermath of a battle-zone, Esk Valley, known for it's productive land and outstanding beauty, has been smashed in cyclone Gabrielle's path. Kaitaia and Whangarei top the list with an. Conversely, cheaper options are available with stunning rooms available for under $300 per week. Whangarei 5. Auckland 6. The entire area of _____ is the driest and windiest place on the planet. Some of the warmest places to live in New Zealand include Tauranga, Hamilton, and Napier. The town has a population of just over 5,000 people, making it one of the smaller places on this list. Hamiltons weather can be humid during the summer months, giving long warm nights and is much warmer during the winter. What is the chance of a warm summer in Invercargill? Wellington is built on a geographic faultline, so residents get used to occasional earthquakes. Then there are those who want to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature. - Advertisement - Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said.