What is the best time to walk in New Zealand?
The main New Zealand walking season is from October to April/May.
New Zealand offers beautiful landscapes and diverse outdoor experiences throughout the year. The best time to take a walking holiday in New Zealand depends on your preferences and the specific region you plan to visit. Here are some considerations for each season:
- Summer (December to February): This is the peak tourist season in New Zealand, with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. It's an excellent time for walking holidays, especially in the South Island's alpine regions and the famous Great Walks, such as the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks.
- Autumn (March to May): Autumn in New Zealand brings mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning Autumn foliage. It's a great time for walking holidays where you can enjoy beautiful colours and comfortable temperatures.
- Spring (September to November): Spring in New Zealand is a transitional season, with emerging wildflowers, green landscapes, and fewer crowds compared to summer. It's a good time to explore coastal walks and national parks. However, be aware that spring weather can be unpredictable, so pack appropriate clothing and check the conditions beforehand.
We recommend booking well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, just to ensure we can secure bookings on your preferred track.
What our other guests have said
My husband and I, together with another couple, walked the Queen Charlotte Track on an independent walking tour organised by New Zealand Walks. The whole experience was fantastic and dealing with New Zealand walks took all the stress out of the planning and organising. The communication was...
Robyn, Queen Charlotte freedom walk, October 2022
We have just completed an amazing experience with Becs and Grace as our guides on the Hollyford Track. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the plants, the history of this track, early settlers stories and facts which made the places much more meaningful. Becs' enthusiasm and motivation...
Barry and Trish, Hollyford 3 day Guided Walk, January 2021
I really can't rate NZ Walks highly enough! We walked the Queen Charlotte track with visiting UK family in March & from the very 1st phone call Anna was super helpful, friendly & knowledgeable. She took a lot of trouble to make sure the trip went smoothly, allowing us the chance to...
Jacqui, Queen Charlotte Freedom Package, March 2024