New Zealand in September - 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.

September is for wildlife and birding enthusiasts with spring lambs in paddocks, albatross sitting on nests, and seals tending to newborn pups. The night sky is clearer with Aurora Australis a tendril promise in the sky.

Mt Cook in Hooker Valley with Aurora Australis, New Zealand

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NEW ZEALAND IN SEPTEMBER?

In NZ early spring heralds wildlife bursts of activity and baby lambs frolicking. September and October are peak months for viewing wildlife with new births and a flurry of activity around feeding hungry mouths. Adrenaline adventure tourism has fast flowing white water rafting on offer with the spring melt creating ideal conditions for visitors.

Aurora Australis temperamental light show is still around. New Zealand photo opportunities galore. Expect some wintry blasts from the past in a month transitioning to spring. Best time to visit in September is the last week of the month.

Whitianga Scallops Festival is seafood bonanza
World of Wearable Art (WOW) Award Show (Wellington) unmissable fantasy art dressed up on people
Spring tourist travel deals from accommodation to tours, usually at short notice so be prepared to check regularly. It is unlikely places will be fully booked. Although heading into October (beginning of the peak season check status beforehand)

@WorldofWearableArt

Immature Fairy tern (Sternula nereis davisae) resting on a shellbank. Vulnerable species.

Wildlife photo of a New Zealand sea lions

Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

@ElmWildlifeTours

Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch

Little Blue Penguins, Caroline Bay @timarupenguinsredone

New Zealand dotterel red-breasted plover Charadrius obscurus on sand coast, Waikato, Coromandel Peninsula, North Island

Royal Spoonbill New Zealand bird resident, Wairau Lagoon

Kokako North Island wattlebird, Sanctuary mountain

Miranda Shore Bird Centre, Auckland

South Island Oystercatcher - Haematopus finschi - torea in maori, one of the two common oystercatchers found in New Zealand

TIP: Walks can be closed due the lambing season. Check on the Department of Conservation website for updates.

@Hanmer Springs Scenic Views Motel

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN NEW ZEALAND IN SEPTEMBER?

North Island NZ September monthly average temperature:

Average low +7°c

Average high +17°c

South Island NZ September monthly average temperature:

Average low +3°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

Springfield @lhinketsaya

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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