New Zealand in July - 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.

July is winter chill with the South Island geering up for an influx of snow ski and snowboard visitors. July is the wettest month of the year.

A man is ready for skiing in front of a half pipe

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NEW ZEALAND IN JULY?

In NZ in July the South Island is tourist poster selfie scenery with lots of snowy landscapes. July is very busy with visitors to NZ from snow lovers, Europeans escaping the heat and locals on either school holidays. July is the wettest month in NZ with Auckland well known for being very damp.

Restaurants, cafes and tour operators catering to the winter season are in full swing with peak prices to match.

Great photo opportunity with the rare Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) making a coveted appearance. Hope for clear skies and check forecasts
Check winter tourist towns of Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka travel guide, and elsewhere for pop up festivals and events
Celebrate winter with a Winter Safari in The Catlins, Southland and find out the charms of 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

Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights at Oreti Beach, Invercargill

@Roundhill Ski Area

@Mt Cheeseman Ski Area

@Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

@Manganui Ski Area - Stratford Mountain Club

Winter sports skiing Mt Hutt, New Zealand @Mt Hutt

@Cardrona Alpine Resort

Tasman Saddle Hut, New Zealand @alpinerecreation / Elke Braun-Elwet

Copland Shelter, New Zealand @Alpine Recreation

TIP: Mountain passes can be temporarily closed due to severe winter snow and ice storms. Be prepared to change your holiday schedule accordingly.

@Lake Ōhau Lodge & Ōhau Snow Fields

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN NEW ZEALAND IN JULY?

North Island NZ July monthly average temperature:

Average low +2°c
Average high +14°c

South Island NZ July monthly average temperature:

Average low –2°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

Oxford @eyrewellevanescent

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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