New Zealand in August - Things to Do & Reasons to Visit

Is it your first time in New Zealand and not sure what to do? Check out Best Bits – Things to Do as you sort out the best month to visit New Zealand.

Weather in New Zealand is four seasons in one day. Aotearoa New Zealand is several skinny narrow islands isolated in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Glorious day throughout the year is a promise together with the option of rain throughout the year.

Seasons are the opposite to Europe, United Kingdom, North America (northern hemisphere) creating a great winter escape for our neighbours in the Far East and beyond. Peak season is summer, December to February.

August is a photographer’s dream with snow dusted landscapes, rivers white water torrents and the beginnings of wildlife returning to New Zealand land and coasts welcoming the glimmers of spring.

Kaikoura

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NEW ZEALAND IN AUGUST?

In NZ in August imposing snow clad mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes and waterfalls are beautiful. With school kids back in the classroom in Australia and New Zealand there is a slight decrease in the crowds on the snow slopes. August is a busy month for tour buses and expect popular tour operators to be fully booked.

The South Island wildlife humpback whales pass by Kaikoura on their way north to warmer waters. Northland and Rotorua are great places to visit in August with the promise of a toasty warm natural spa and milder weather.

August is winter in New Zealand with cold blustery weather and rain.

Capture the vivid light show of the elusive Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) making a coveted appearance. Hope for clear skies and check forecasts.
Bustling, full of good cheer Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka travel guide, attractions, things to do and places to visit offer plenty of things for visitors to do in winter with pop up festivals and events
Celebrate the cold and chill wind with a Winter Safari in The Catlins, Southland and discover why it’s a great idea to explore Invercargill
Find out 10 outdoor winter holiday ideas – Where to go & what to do
Discover Winter holidays, rain, wet weather – Where to go in New Zealand

Mt Cook in Hooker Valley with Aurora Australis

Fighting the winter cold, a couple looked in amazement upon the strong beam of Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights at Oreti Beach, Invercargill

Alpine vegetation below Mount Egmont with track covered in snow leading through kamahi forest to slopes of mountain, Taranaki

Mackenzie Lake Opuha with the snow capped Southern Alps, New Zealand

The crystal clear water and amazing reflections of Lake Opuha with the snow capped Southern Alps in the background

Lake Wanaka iconic much photograhed tree, South Island, New Zealand

That Wanaka Tree, willow tree growing in lake is popular tourist scene in long exposure with sunset colors reflected from snow covered mountains behind. Lake Wanaka, South Island

Arthur's Pass Day Tour - TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch

View towards Lyell Range from Tombstone Rock, Old Ghost Road cycle trail, West Coast

Lake Hawea scenic road trip from Wanaka, Otago

Late winter mist rising from Lake Hawea, Wanaka, Otago

Winter hoar frost, Ida Valley Ophir suspension bridge

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN NEW ZEALAND IN AUGUST?

North Island NZ August monthly average temperature:

Average low +4°c
Average high +15°c

South Island NZ August monthly average temperature:

Average low -1°c
Average high +13°c

Check out New Zealand average temperatures for the month you are planning to visit either the North or South Island. Or anywhere in between. The most reliable weather forecast service is NZ Met Service.

NEW ZEALAND CLIMATE, WEATHER AND SEASONS ADDS A RICHNESS TO YOUR HOLIDAY

Four seasons, four opportunities to experience what New Zealand has to offer visitors. The climate, the daily weather forecast and the distinct seasons add to the rich palate of attractions from spring festivals to winter ski resort activities.

Find out more

Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake

TRAVEL PACK INFORMATION

NEW ZEALAND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Monthly temperature data is sourced from Monthly | NIWA. For visitors fascinated by climate change data NIWA provides a rich publicly available resource to browse
Source The uniqueness of New Zealand plants an excellent school resource handy for visitors to help understand NZ’s unique biodiversity

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Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.

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