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. The city has a low cost of living, and its a good place to live if youre on a budget. Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! It's an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking. Alexandra 3. Hawkes Bay is a region located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. The basic cost of living in Dunedin is roughly NZ$2,000 per month for a couple. conducive. The city also has a thriving food and wine scene, with many boutique wineries and restaurants to enjoy. Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? I dont think you can really go wrong when living in New Zealand. Rotorua 8. Wanaka 5. Invercargill 2. Mori culture is an integral part of life in Aotearoa, New Zealand. In addition, the city is located in a very remote part of the country, and it can be difficult to find work. Alexandra in Central Otago is on average the driest centre, followed by South Canterbury's Timaru. It is also the most multicultural city in the country, with over 200 different ethnicities represented. Arica is the driest city on the planet, though not quite . How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad? driving in areas of NewZealand that are prone to snow. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here. The town has a population of just over 5,000 people, making it one of the smaller places on this list. A small area just southeast of Blenheim at the top of the South Island. . Coastal road towards the beaches of Arica, Chile. It pays to be prepared for what you might encounter on your travels. The sun in NewZealand is much stronger than elsewhere and in warmer months you can get burnt quickly without sunscreen or other sun protection. Western Plateau Central Lowlands . Christchurch is a fantastic place to live, it gives you the energy and excitement of living in a city whilst being the perfect location to explore the rest of the South Island. Summer seems to stretch for a good portion of the year, with temperatures in the high teens to mid 20s (high 60s low 70s) from October through May. What are the warmest months in New Zealand? Summer is boiling hot, which drives most people to Mission Beach to try and cool off. What are the best places to live in New Zealand for families? 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. Make the most of this great location by being able to have weekends skiing in the winter or beach days in the summer. If youre planning on driving in areas of NewZealand that are prone to snow, youll need to carry chains and take extra care on the roads. Antartica. invasive. NewZealand too, making the most of the sunshine and Christmas break. Also opposite to much of the world, the further north you head in New Zealand, the warmer it gets albeit a few exceptions. The island is home to around 9,000 people and is a popular tourist destination for its many vineyards, olive groves, and sandy beaches. A single room can easily cost $300 NZD a week or more. All rights reserved. The hottest months in NewZealand are January and February, and the coldest month of the year is July. The best place to live in New Zealand for retirees is probably Christchurch. The cost of living can be expensive, but it really depends on your lifestyle and where youre located. 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. Just be sure to have a raincoat on hand as moderate rainfall is experienced all year round. #Climate data were sourced from the National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Gisborne is also known for its fabulous surfing, delicious chardonnay, and prominent Maori culture. A two-bedroom apartment in a good location will set you back anywhere from $450 $600 per week. If youre looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work! Theres good reason Auckland is New Zealands most populous city. If you are looking for the best places to live in New Zealand, here are 13 of the top contenders: Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations withBooking.com to save money when youre moving abroad! Napier is located on the east coast of the North Island, just over an hours drive from the capital, Wellington. However, you will experience torrential rain and very dark skies for a few weeks. Overall, Hawkes Bay is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. The 2001 census figures from Statistics NZ show there are two regions New Zealanders have been the most popular to move too. In summer, temperatures climb to the mid 20s C (mid 70s F) and occasionally reach above 30 C (mid 80s F). However, the cost of living in the Bay of Plenty is quite high, and it can be difficult to find work. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best place to live in New Zealand. The best Mount Maunganui accommodation is found near Mauao and the main street. You want to stay warm and dry during your vacation, right? Cycling is a big focus in the region with many cycle trails such as the Waikato River trail that runs 105km. Despite this, living in Queenstown is a truly wonderful experience with an abundance of awesome hikes, adrenaline sports like bungee jumping, skiing, and mountain biking on offer its no wonder this mountain town attracts so many expats. Tutukaka Coast. It also falls heavily in inland Canterbury and Otago in the South Island. Christchurch was the driest main centre in New Zealand over 2020. Summer temperatures soar into the low 30s (high 80s), while winter temperatures often dip below freezing. There are many cafes and restaurants, as well as museums and art galleries. The long-term average annual rainfall is 1050mm. July, the coldest month, still has an average high of 15.3 C (59.5 F). Frosts can occur anywhere in New Zealand and usually form on cold nights with clear skies and little wind. Therefore, it is advisable to earn at least $500 per week to have a good standard of living in Queenstown. Learn where you can go in New Zealand to get the least amount of rain and the most amount of sunshine, and when. Any rise in the sea level or a tsunami could be devastating to the town. Luckily, if the weather isnt fit for the beach, opt for a hike on a nearby extinct volcano instead. In winter, temperatures are still very pleasant, with an average low of 7.8 C (46.0 F). Travelling in the shoulder seasons can be a good idea as youll often find more availability and better rates on accommodation and activities. It comes as Niwa's freshly-released 2020 summary showed New Zealand just saw its seventh warmest year on record - continuing a dire climate change trend that's put six of our last eight years among the hottest ever recorded. Whakatane in the North Island's Bay of Plenty district, is the sunniest place in New . (Read more). Its known for its geothermal activity, with hot springs and bubbling mud pools dotting the landscape. Napier 5. These New Zealand climate extremes were updated in April 2022. Temperatures in NewZealand are generally mild, but the weather can vary a lot around the country and might change quickly as we are a relatively narrow island nation. Gisborne is a surfers paradise, with numerous spots for both beginners and advanced surfers. Jeff Fitlow/Rice University; (inset) Hans Hillewaert. Its at a point where we are trying to get down to the bottom wintering stock numbers and trying to get through the summer.. Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay. The area around Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula. Highway 6 from the south from, for example, Wanaka. As the main centre in the region, it has many major facilities, such as a covered stadium that attracts the likes of Elton John and Ed Sheeran. Rotorua is a city located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. Although its worth noting that snow rarely falls in the town itself. Dreaming of endless stretches of golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and ideal sunbathing weather? Located on the east cape of the North Island and protected by high country, the entire year sees pleasant temperatures with minimal rainfall. Gisborne has the best weather in New Zealand. 2023 Nina Out and About - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP - Privacy Policy, 13 Best Places to Live in New Zealand At a Glance, Wrap Up: Best Places to Live in New Zealand, FAQs about the Best Places to Live in New Zealand. This is what it was like on the first morning. Photos / Andrew Cornaga, Photosport, Aucklanders are being warned to take shelter before a potentially damaging line of thunderstorms barrels over the city. 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. If you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle, then we would recommend Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, or Queenstown. here is beautiful scenery as the autumn colours spread through the countryside. New Zealand map National Parks North Island Auckland Bay of Plenty The Coromandel Hawke's Bay Manawatu Northland & Bay of Islands Rotorua Ruapehu Tairwhiti Gisborne Taranaki Taup Waikato Wairarapa Wellington Whanganui South Island Central Otago Christchurch - Canterbury Clutha Dunedin Fiordland Marlborough Nelson Tasman Queenstown Southland Rotorua 13. Warmest Places in Turkey: 7 of the Hottest Cities, The 7 Warmest Places in Mexico: Where to Go For the Summer, Wellington or Auckland: New Zealands Biggest Cities Compared, One Week in Queenstown Itinerary: Your Locals Guide, Things to Avoid in New Zealand: 9 Big Do Nots. The small town sits on beautiful Lake Wanaka and is close to some major hiking spots and the gorgeous Mt. Video / Benjamin Plummer. The highest amount of rain falls where there are mountains and in the top half of the North Island, which tends to get convective showers, thunderstorms, and remnants of tropical cyclones. Living in New Zealand can be expensive, especially if you live in a city like Auckland or Wellington. An example of a rich forest community that would have once covered the . Looking Ahead:North America. Submitted by Lena of Not Another Backpacker. 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. Spring in NewZealand is when the weather starts to warm up, although there is a high chance of rainfall around this time of year. All rights reservedPrivacy Policy, Free phone within New Zealand: 0800 RING NIWA (0800 746 464) Contact details. Abel Tasman is all about the golden beaches, turquoise seas, and forested hiking trails. Basic groceries cost $500 pp/month. Some of the best places to live in New Zealand for families include Tauranga, Hamilton, and Palmerston North. In addition, the city has a very high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. Can I still live abroad? The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Even though the smell doesnt offer a pleasant greeting, the chance to wander around the otherworldly landscapes dotted around the city is why many tourists find their way here. Whakatane in the North Island's Bay of Plenty district, is the sunniest place in New . Most snow in NewZealand falls in the mountainous areas, like the Central Plateau in the North Island, and the Southern Alps in the South Island. Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! Mix these pleasant temperatures with large stretches of coastline and white sand beaches, and you have the perfect location to spend your days between the beach and the water. need to carry chains and take extra care on the roads. Auckland is a great place to live if you are looking for an exciting and fast-paced city life. Niwa's noted that it been 47 months since New Zealand . Napier 8. If you would like sunshine but fewer crowds, then autumn is a fantastic time to visit NewZealand. As well as being a popular tourist destination, Napier is also a great place to live. Beautiful places in New Zealand: The Land of the Long White Cloud is spoiled for beauty.We have put together an insider's guide to New Zealand's must-see attractions including Marlborough Sounds . 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. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Napier is a great place to live if you are looking for a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of things to do. Bush walks and hiking are great options now as the days are not as hot. You dont need to know it before you leave home. Newspaper reports at the time in The Otago Witness and The Tuapeka Times described extreme impacts from snow and severe temperatures in the region, consistent with the recorded temperatures. To summarize the climate of New Zealand, selected locations throughout the country have been grouped into broad climate zones. Type of Work: Educators and hospital workers. Take particular care from September to April, especially between 10am and 4pm, even on cloudy days. Type of Work: Engineering and manufacturing. Yes! Even though Auckland is a busy city, the locals are still incredibly friendly. The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. What is the chance of a warm summer in Invercargill? Nicknamed the Nice of the Pacific, Napier is roughly a 200 km drive south from Gisborne on the east coast of the North Island. So pack your sunnies, lather up the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy these nine warmest places in New Zealand. Lives in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Author has 2.3K answers and 824.3K answer views 2 y It depends on what you mean by best. Temperatures sit at an ideal low to mid 20s (mid 70s) from November through March, and with an average of eight rainy days a month, youre almost guaranteed a perfect stay. VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. The city is built on hills surrounding the Wellington Harbour, against the backdrop of the towering Remutaka Ranges. The nearby Doubtful Sound is also spectacular but less accessible - travelers . Alexis_Hagedorn. It depends picking a country to live in is hard. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen. Photos by NZ Herald Staff photographers. That said, Maunganui Beach and the stunning coastline is the real reason to choose to live in Mount Maunganui. Badass female expat with a passion for making new countries my home. From November through February, you can look forward to daily highs in the low to mid 20s C (low to mid-70s F), perfect for enjoying one of the many beaches in the area or wandering the esplanade lined with 1930s Art Deco architecture. What are four sources of income that are provided by New Zealand's geography? 13 Best Places to Live in New Zealand - At a Glance 1. 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. To find cheap flights, I recommendSkyscanner. Located on both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Auckland is prone to cold fronts and extreme hailstorms. Auckland's population is indeed growing . 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. Hamilton, in New Zealands North Island is an excellent place for expats to live. Some people might prefer a big city with all the excitement and culture that comes with it. The coastal region of the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile is one of the driest places on Earth. The driest areas of New Zealand are parts of inland Otago and Canterbury. In New Zealand generally there are relatively small variations between summer and winter temperatures, although inland and to the east of the ranges the variation is greater (up to 14C). ForChristchurch, winter is the wettest season, and spring or summer is the best time to visit Christchurch to avoid a lot of rain. The city is situated on a narrow isthmus, which means there are many beautiful beaches within close proximity. I'm on a mission to empower every young woman to stop waiting to move abroad. After the large earthquake in 2011, Christchurch is still rebuilding in new and creative ways. The North Island has had one of its driest summers in years, with farmers now feeling the brunt of the lack of water. It really depends where youre located and your type of lifestyle. Are you looking for a community of like-minded adventurers to share your experiences with? You can expect to spend around $1,600 NZD on rent and $1,300 NZD on general expenses. 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. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island and wild winds and rain lash the region. If we do get reasonable rain over the next month, that will carry farmers through thats the biggest thing.. The best way to find work is to network with people in your industry and to look for job postings online. During the hot summers, you can cool off in the refreshing water of the lake and go hiking in the wilderness, whereas snowboarding and skiing are some of the best things to do in Wanaka during its cold winter season. Based on the average yearly high of 19.7 C (67.6 F), Whangarei is the warmest place in New Zealand. The city is rich in geothermal activity, with stinky sulfur gas bubbling from mud pools and geysers. In winter, it never snows! Best places to live in New Zealand for expats, cost of living on Waiheke Island is similar to the cost of living in Auckland. Another area on the South Island that gets a lot of sun runs from just north of Christchurch in southwestern direction toward Lake Tekapo and includes Ashburton, Geraldine, and Fairlie. New Zealand is not known for its low living costs, as all products must be imported by sea or air. Queenstown 9. Coastal Wairarapa is the only place in New Zealand currently labelled extremely dry. 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. are less crowded. Nelson 7. The driest part of the North Island is the bottom half starting on a line south of Mount Taranaki and Tongariro National Park down to Wellington, excluding parts where there are mountain ranges. Milford Sound Milford Sound is the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand, and one of the wettest places in the world! April 29, 2020 JPEG View Both Images December through Februarysummer in the Southern Hemisphereare typically the driest months in north and central New Zealand. 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. 2009-07-06 23:54:37. Cost of living in Mount Maunganui is fairly similar to other urban areas of New Zealand. Most snow in New Zealand falls in the mountain areas. Auckland 6. PHOTO/LUCAIS DAVIES. What is the best country to live in as an expat? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On the edge of the South Island, Fiordland National Park is home to one of New Zealand's most famous attractions, the majestic Milford Sound. You can expect to spend around $1,500 NZD on rent and $1,200 NZD on general expenses. Canterbury (Christchurch) Bay of Plenty (Tauranga) Many are surprised that Auckland does not feature as the main destination for relocating New Zealanders. New Zealand's Sandy Coasts Educational CD, NIWA and Kia Toipoto Closing Gender and Ethnic Pay Gaps, Climate change information for climate solvers, In numbers: New Zealands wild summer weather. The city of 165,000 has all the benefits of a larger city without the crazy traffic, making it a comfortable place to live. 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. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you! The town of Alexandra in central Otago has an annual rainfall of less than 400mm. Bush walks and hiking are great options now as, in NewZealand is the best time to visit if. You can check NewZealand weather conditions on the. Our average rainfall is high and spread evenly throughout the year. But dont worry, theres also plenty to do in Queenstown on a budget. In 2015, the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute granted funding to AUT to develop methods for operating unmanned aerial vehicles. Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. Arica, Chile. Whangarei 5. Overall, Rotorua is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. When I lived in Auckland, I had three roommates, and my rent was still just under $1,000 NZD because I was in the CBD. Snow typically falls during the months of June through to October, though cold snaps can occur outside of this. 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). However, it is rare for snow to stay on the ground for more than a few hours. Best Places to Live. Note that this pattern is shared with places like Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay where lots of beaches are located. Id like to start by saying that Im not a meteorologist. This is the most popular time to visit NewZealand for sunny beach days, adventures on the water, beautiful bush walks and mountain hiking. What is the wettest place in New Zealand? Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters! Queenstown and Wanaka in the South Island and the Central Plateau in the North Island are the most popular spots for skiing and snowboarding. Meetup.com Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! From all of the data Ive gathered and analyzed, the top of the South Island comes out as the winner with lots of sun, a moderate amount of rain, and above average temperatures. As well as this, there is a strong manufacturing and engineering industry in Christchurch. Autumn and spring UVI values can be high in most areas. Water from thin air. The city is also home to some other famous residents royal albatross birds, endangered yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, sea lions, seals, and many native other birds also reside here. The advance . Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country into dramatically different climate regions. Antarctica. Find out more about New Zealand's national parks. Auckland is the best place to live in New Zealand for business positions. advantageous or favorable toward something. Then there are those who want to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature. NewZealands climate is diverse the north of the North Island can have warm subtropical weather in summer, while inland alpine areas of the South Island can have heavy snow and temperatures as low as -10C (14F) in winter. Consider what side of the city you prefer to live on carefully. the transformation of land from green to desert. Summer orautumnwould be the best time to visit Blenheim withFebruarylooking the best. For the calendar month and calendar year totals, the data start at 0000 NZST. 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. Gisborne is a city located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. 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. Dunedin is a great fit for those looking for work-life balance and has a very high quality of life (as rated by local residents). Auckland 2. Note: New Zealand typically charges rent by week rather than by month. 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. Summerwould be the best time to visit this region withFebruarybeing the best month to get the least amount of rain. The sunniest areas in New Zealand can be found in Nelson and Marlborough so at the top of the South Island. Does it snow in New Zealand? Highway 6 from the north from, for example, Nelson. It is also an affordable city, with a cost of living that is lower than many other parts of New Zealand. Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. Be 'SunSmart' by using these three simple steps when you go outdoors: You can check NewZealand weather conditions on theMetService website. Its a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities arent restricted. . 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 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. Dunedin 6. The country comprises two main islandsthe North and the South Island . The midday summer solar radiation index (UVI) is often very high in most places and can be extreme in northern New Zealand and in mountainous areas. The nights are cold but not freezing, and the days are warm but not hot. This little township is packed with awesome bars, eateries, shops, and markets that will keep any local busy. Cyclone Gabrielle smashes into the north island, Slips, flooding and disruption greeted Aucklanders this morning as heavy rain hits again, The top ten images chosen by New Zealand Herald judges for the 2023 Summer Holiday Photo Competition, RNZAF P-3K2 Orion aircraft flew across the North Island for a farewell tour after 57 years of service, Jacinda Ardern attends the Rtana celebrations for the last time as Prime Minister photographed by Mark Mitchell. Whats the best site to rent cars abroad? For longer hikes, enter the park from the tiny town of Marahau. Try to live on the same side of the Waikato river that you work to avoid this inner city headache. He said dairy farmers were slightly down on production. The National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. As New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the warmest months are December through February and the coldest months are June through August. The weather helps too with average temperatures in summer of 22 Celsius and snow in the winter. 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. 100%YES! So winter would be the best time to visit this region because neighboring areas also get rain inspring. If we do start to get rain, a lot of those crops will recover, and we will get reasonable yield. Auckland has the most stable climate with the least seasonal variation but it's often claimed the humidity is too high. New Zealand, Mori Aotearoa, island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the southwesternmost part of Polynesia. 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). NewZealand is lush and green for a reason! All temperature data from stations below 500 m AMSL were included. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. What are the safest places to live in New Zealand? Whatever time of year you are visiting, pack a raincoat as you never know when you might get showers. The city has a population of around 35,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. Snow rarely falls in the coastal areas of the North Island and west of the South Island, although the east and south of the South Island may experience some snow in winter. Actual data recorded at Reefton can be accessed for use in statistical analyses (see CliFlo). The region is known for its beautiful beaches and its warm climate. Nestled in a valley between the Southern Alps, Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand offers picturesque views and lots of outdoor activities!