Devonport 11. As well as this, there is a strong manufacturing and engineering industry in Christchurch. 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. What Does it Cost to Live in New Zealand in 2022? This place is where the giant monolith Uluru, or Ayers Rock, can be found and also provides ninety-five percent of the world's opal supply. 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. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island, including severe flooding in the Coromandel region. Wellington 3. 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. Wiki User. 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 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. One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Rotorua as it is in other parts of New Zealand, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. The entire area of _____ is the driest and windiest place on the planet. After the large earthquake in 2011, Christchurch is still rebuilding in new and creative ways. How do I pick a country to live abroad? Best places to live in New Zealand for young adults. It is one of the driest places on Earth and has not seen rain for nearly two million years. Located seemingly at the bottom of the world, next to Australia, New Zealands seasons are opposite to most. So catch aferry from Wellington to Pictonand then drive or fly to, for example, Nelson and then drive. 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. It is mainly the area that runs from the top of the South Island to the bottom of the South Island on the western side of the mountain ranges that gets the most rain. Hawkes Bay Where not to live in New Zealand 1. These New Zealand climate extremes were updated in April 2022. (Read more). All rights reserved. Here youll find most of the major companies of New Zealand, and global companies, operating in the Central Business District (CBD). New Zealand climate extremes for 2018 Hottest: 38.7C, Alexandra, 30 JanColdest: -10.4C, Mt Cook, 3 JunWettest: 6818 mm, Milford SoundDriest: . NewZealand is lush and green for a reason! Instead of June through August being the summer months, New Zealand enjoys summer in December through February. We also provide downloadable files for monthly and annual rain, temperature, sunshine, frost and wind data for selected locations throughout New Zealand. The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. Auckland 6. You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. So winter would be the best time to visit this region because neighboring areas also get rain inspring. If you are looking for dry places on theNorth Island, I can tell you that there arent many although some parts of the North Island can experience extreme droughts from time to time. Even in the middle of winter, temperatures rarely drop below 0 C (32 F), and in the summer, highs hang around the mid 20s C (mid 70s F) and occasionally reach into the 30s C (high 80s F). Type of Work: Educators and hospital workers. The region is one of the world's most extreme deserts, and includes many features . The island is home to around 9,000 people and is a popular tourist destination for its many vineyards, olive groves, and sandy beaches. need to carry chains and take extra care on the roads. With little commuting time needed and a temperate climate, residents make the most by getting out to enjoy the beaches (the surf is epic! Actual data recorded at Reefton can be accessed for use in statistical analyses (see CliFlo). Cropp River, New Zealand. In 2015, the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute granted funding to AUT to develop methods for operating unmanned aerial vehicles. Auckland's population is indeed growing . 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. What is the chance of a warm summer in Invercargill? Whatever the season, its always a good time to visit NewZealand as theres so much to see and do year-round. The North Island of New Zealand also has a couple of sunny areas: So good places to visit for sun on the North Island would be Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Whakatane, Opotiki, Gisborne, Napier, and Hastings. . Were interested in how you are using this information and whether its useful let us know by emailing [emailprotected]. Yes! Highway 73 from the east via Arthurs Pass from, for example, Christchurch. Napier is often referred to as the art deco capital of the world, and its easy to see why. The cheapest place to live in New Zealand is probably Invercargill. If you would like sunshine but fewer crowds, then autumn is a fantastic time to visit NewZealand. Napier 8. There are many cafes and restaurants, as well as museums and art galleries. ForCentral Otagowhere Alexandra is located, much of the rain tends to fall in autumn with also some in summer. Gisborne 2. Fortunately, a lot of concern was alleviated by very high product prices at the moment, he said. the plants and wildlife that make up a . So lets have a look at where you can go and when you should go there when planning a trip to New Zealand to maximize your chances of getting lots of sun with a minimal amount of rain. The town of Alexandra in central Otago has an annual rainfall of less than 400mm. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who arent supportive. 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. The windy city doesnt have the best weather, but it makes up for it with spectacular scenery. The National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. . I dont think you can really go wrong when living in New Zealand. . The Southern Alps run down the length of the South Island and provide excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. This datum was archived into the National Climate Database, CliFlo,on 26 February 2009. Summer orautumnwould be the best time to visit Blenheim withFebruarylooking the best. NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. Devastation from the February 2011 earthquake is a stark reminder of the citys past, whereas creative new builds showcase an enthusiastic and bright future. Its location in the northern portion of the North Island ensures the temperatures are mild to hot all year, and rainfall is spread right across all 12 months. The nearby Doubtful Sound is also spectacular but less accessible - travelers . A two-bedroom apartment in a good location will set you back anywhere from $450 $600 per week. Tauranga 9. Reinhardt said if there wasnt decent rainfall by New Years Day, were going to have to make some more big moves. Mean annual temperatures range from 10C in the south to 16C in the north of New Zealand. The city of 165,000 has all the benefits of a larger city without the crazy traffic, making it a comfortable place to live. Property in Wellington can be very expensive, both to rent and to own, in part due to the high cost of insurance. Where is the most rain in the world: Equatorial Guinea, San Antonio de Ureca is known as the wettest part of the African Continent. Arica, Chile. All rights reserved. The nights are cold but not freezing, and the days are warm but not hot. The best place to live in New Zealand for retirees is probably Christchurch. Consider your reasons for wanting to move to New Zealand, and make sure that its the right decision for you. ), playing sports for the many clubs and organisations, meeting for coffee in the Scottish-inspired town centre, and exploring city parks and cycle trails. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best place to live in New Zealand. Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. The city is small enough to get around on foot, but there is also a good public transport system. Looking Ahead:North America. 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. Note that the same area southeast of Blenheim that receives the least amount of rain, is also one of the areas that has the most hours of sunshine during the year. Christchurch is a great place to live for older individuals looking to live in a city without Auckland business. The driest areas of New Zealand are parts of inland Otago and Canterbury. If youre looking for a more urban environment, then Auckland or Wellington might be a better option. Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. Napier 5. The Legend of New Zealand. Its also one of the most expensive towns in the country to live in, due to the high rent demand is greater than supply so landlords here can charge a higher weekly rate. Nestled in a valley between the Southern Alps, Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand offers picturesque views and lots of outdoor activities! I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. All rights reservedPrivacy Policy, Free phone within New Zealand: 0800 RING NIWA (0800 746 464) Contact details. Queenstown 9. Share your stories, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us. It's an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking. Some people might prefer a big city with all the excitement and culture that comes with it. Best Places to Live. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. You can expect to spend around $1,500 NZD on rent and $1,000 NZD on general expenses. The most rain tends to fall during spring, andJuly is the month when the least amount of rain is expected to fall on the West Coast. 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. The cost of living in New Zealand can be expensive, depending on your lifestyle. The windiest and driest place on earth is _____. He said by mid-January, if there was not enough rain, it would be very difficult for farmers. 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. Dunedin 6. If you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle, then we would recommend Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, or Queenstown. *Data entry of historical New Zealand climate records, from paper into electronic format, is an on-going activity. It only drops down to about 4C on the coldest days. Located far from both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean with low lying and sheltered bare ground, the town heats up quickly and continues to warm throughout the day. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. Farmers are really watching that long-term outlook closely., Wairarapa Times-Age 2023 | Website by Web Publisher PRO. 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. Being close to tourist attractions such as Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, and the Hamilton Gardens will also give expats plenty to experience from their home base. Photos by NZ Herald Staff photographers. Ive recruited some travel blogger friends to help share other amazing places to live in New Zealand, so you can find the right spot for you. 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. For millennia, Mori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. Getting around New Zealand Whether you want to self-drive, fly, join a tour, or hop on a bus or train, there are plenty of options for getting around New Zealand. Image 1 of 36: Lake Kiwitahi the water reservoir at Kiwitahi, that supplies water to Morrinsville is drying up with a drought about to be announced in the Waikato. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research meteorologist Seth Carrier said for the past few weeks, a hotspot had been declared for coastal Wairarapa. Alexandra 3. New Zealand's national parks cover more than 30,000 square kilometres, full to the brim with beautiful, natural scenery ready to explore. He said the stations summer crops were also not well established which would cause further major issues. 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. Especially, jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry are easy to find, since Wanaka is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand! As it gets drier, theyre going to have to consider more supplementary feed, or drying cows off earlier.. Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay. 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. The weather helps too with average temperatures in summer of 22 Celsius and snow in the winter. The average annual rainfall there is 11,516 millimeters (453 inches). These cities offer a great lifestyle, plenty of work opportunities, and a vibrant nightlife. How much does it cost to live in New Zealand? Spring in NewZealand is when the weather starts to warm up, although there is a high chance of rainfall around this time of year. While not a large country exactly, New Zealand spreads about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) from the top of North Island to the bottom of South Island - the two main islands. Whats the best site to find cheap hotels? Youll rarely be lacking entertainment in Wellington as there are plenty ofthings to doand great options forweekend trips in the Wellington Region. While many ski fields open in June. December - February Average daytime temperature: 20 - 25C (68 - 77F), March - May Average daytime temperature: 17 - 21C (62 - 70F), June - August Average daytime temperature: 12 - 16C (53 - 61F), September - November Average daytime temperature: 16 - 19C (61 - 66F). 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. Cost of living for a family in Hamilton is $4,000 per month, roughly based on the cost of the average family home ($500-700 per week) or an executive home ($700-800 per week), groceries ($250-350), and eating out once in a while (meals costing $25-35 per meal). This is what it was like on the first morning. However, you will experience torrential rain and very dark skies for a few weeks. Temperatures also drop about 0.7C for every 100 m of altitude. The basic cost of living in Dunedin is roughly NZ$2,000 per month for a couple. If we do start to get rain, a lot of those crops will recover, and we will get reasonable yield. Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. Summer would be the best season because youll then also experience thehighest temperatures. Christchurch has less rainfall than the rest of New Zealands other major cities. Alexis_Hagedorn. There are also many artists who live on the island, which gives it a creative and eclectic feel. Within the city, youll find plentiful shopping and hip cafes to sample New Zealands food culture. The city is rich in geothermal activity, with stinky sulfur gas bubbling from mud pools and geysers. Waiheke Island 12. Similar scales have been used for each graph to allow comparison between locations. What are the safest places to live in New Zealand? 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. Photo / Christine Cornege, New Zealand beat England by one run in the final day of the Basin Reserve Test in Wellington. What is the best country to live in as an expat? Type of Work: Tourism and service industry. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Adding to the problem is an average windspeed of 42.5kmh over October and November, creating drier conditions. Best for epic landscapes. Submitted by Jennifer of Backyard Travel Family, Best For: People who stop to smell the flowers. Or, if you prefer to stay out of the water, Gisbornes temperate oceanic climate is ideal for chardonnay, and the region boasts a handful of charming boutique wineries. Summerwould be the best time to visit this region withFebruarybeing the best month to get the least amount of rain. the most popular spots for skiing and snowboarding. 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. Winter in NewZealand can be busy or quiet depending on where you go ski areas like, in the North Island are always buzzing in the depths of winter, whereas coastal areas and big cities like. One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Devonport as it is in other parts of Auckland, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. Or, take to the warm waters and see if you can spot dolphins, seals, penguins, and even whales. The coldest month is usually July and the warmest month is usually January or February. PHOTO/LUCAIS DAVIES. Wanaka 5. The weather in Auckland and the Coromandel has been wet and wild causing road closures, slips, and canceled holidays as well as some extreme sporting opportunities. Exploration The Driest Place on Earth The Atacama Desert is the driest place in the world. While traffic isnt insane like Auckland traffic, it does build up in the city when crossing the bridges. If were going to make a summer recovery, its likely to be in the second half of summer.. 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. Our average rainfall is high and spread evenly throughout the year. Our average rainfall is high and spread evenly throughout the year. Its at a point where we are trying to get down to the bottom wintering stock numbers and trying to get through the summer.. Rent and general expenses can cost around $3,000 NZD per month. Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61F and 75F. Schultz/Brown University Soil conditions along Wairarapas coast have been labelled extremely dry on the New Zealand Drought Index. In addition to a great lifestyle, there are many work opportunities here. Once you get a taste of the Wanaka lifestyle, youll never want to leave its just too beautiful! Based on the average yearly high of 19.7 C (67.6 F), Whangarei is the warmest place in New Zealand. Travelling in the shoulder seasons can be a good idea as youll often find more availability and better rates on accommodation and activities. Whatever you prefer, there is sure to be a place in New Zealand that is perfect for you. In summer, temperatures climb to the mid 20s C (mid 70s F) and occasionally reach above 30 C (mid 80s F). From November through April, the average high is between 20 and 25 C (68 and 76 F), and with more beaches in the region than we could possibly name, you wont have to fight for your perfect spot on the golden sand. The cost of living on Waiheke Island is similar to the cost of living in Auckland. Antarctica. Whangarei is a city located in the Northland region of New Zealand. Located at the very top of the South Island, Nelson is susceptible to strong storms charging off Tasman Bay. Further inland in Wairarapa, the soil is labelled as very dry, and dry. Best places to live in New Zealand for expats, cost of living on Waiheke Island is similar to the cost of living in Auckland. Hamilton is also close to many popular destinations such as the Coromandel and Mount Maunganui for beautiful beaches, Rotorua, New Zealands cultural capital, and Taupo, a popular lakeside holiday spot. Highway 6 from the north from, for example, Nelson. New Zealand is a remote landone of the last sizable territories suitable for habitation to be populated and settledand lies more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Australia, its nearest neighbour. desertification. Rainfall data used were 9am-9am 24-hour totals. Ophir Ophir, in the south of New Zealand, is a tiny town which held the record for the country's lowest temperature. Less than a millimetre of rain falls there per year on average. Rainfall data used were near-instantaneous. Western Plateau Central Lowlands . So pack your sunnies, lather up the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy these nine warmest places in New Zealand. The annual Farmer's Santa Parade returned to central Auckland after a year off for the Pandemic and the rain wasn't enough to deter Christmas fans. In addition, the city is located in a very remote part of the country, and it can be difficult to find work. Everything Ive written here is based on a combination of experience living and traveling in New Zealand, and research using scientific and non-scientific data and charts. All rights reservedPrivacy Policy, Free phone within New Zealand: 0800 RING NIWA (0800 746 464) Contact details, Air quality monitoring with low-cost sensors, Science to respond to our changing climate: teaching climate adaptation, Rangi - weather and climate lessons for teachers, Using trigonometric functions to model climate, Weather plots: temperature and relative humidity. Over the northern and central areas of New Zealand more rainfall falls in winter than in summer, whereas for much of the southern part of New Zealand, winter is the season of least rainfall. There are a lot of great places to live in New Zealand, and it really depends on what youre looking for. How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad? 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. All temperature data from stations below 500 m AMSL were included. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there is a strong sense of community here. Napier is located on the east coast of the North Island, just over an hours drive from the capital, Wellington. The city was rebuilt in the 1930s following a devastating earthquake, and many of the buildings from this period have been carefully preserved. Wellington is the perfect location for expats looking for the career opportunities that come with a capital city alongside the laidback Kiwi lifestyle. Surrounded by Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, and Tasman Bay, every way you turn is a mind-blowing view. To find cheap rental cars, I recommendDiscover Cars. On July 3rd, 1995, a low of . Located in Arica, Chile, its annual rainfall is only 0.03 inches. Video / NZ Herald, Monster Trucks Extremes Auckland show: Crowds pack out Auckland show of maligned NZ tour. Aprilbrings the least amount of rain toQueenstownandJunethe most. As New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the warmest months are December through February and the coldest months are June through August. 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). What is the wettest place in New Zealand? Average summer highs of 22.8 C (73 F) make it one of the warmest places in New Zealand and as Rotorua is located in the middle of the North Island, away from the coast and sheltered by high country, its also one of the least windy places in the country. 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. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused devastating damage to regions around the North Island. New Zealand's scenic highlights and natural wonders Napier is a great place to live if you are looking for a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of things to do. Settlement and Movement. 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. If the dry spell continues for another month, it will be a big concern. Bay of Plenty Then there are those who want to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature. Auckland has the most stable climate with the least seasonal variation but it's often claimed the humidity is too high. Note:This article was accurate when it was published. 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). Auckland has amazing weather. There are a few reasons why Wanganui is not a great place to live. Christchurch Warmest places in New Zealand FAQs Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? If I could do it broke at 16, so can you! 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. Common wealth. Before moving to Queenstown consider joining the local Facebook groups like Queenstown Houses to Rent, here you can find apartments for rent, as well as events in the area to meet new people. To find cheap flights, I recommendSkyscanner. Waiheke Island is a beautiful location located in the Hauraki Gulf, just a short ferry ride from Auckland. 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. Typically, temperatures get cooler the further south you go in New Zealand. Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad and then when I did it again. In terms of employment, because Queenstown is a major tourist destination, most of the jobs here are in the tourism sector (think hotel and restaurant type jobs) and the pay is typically not much higher than minimum wage. New Zealand's Sandy Coasts Educational CD, NIWA and Kia Toipoto Closing Gender and Ethnic Pay Gaps, Annual climate summary 2021: New Zealand's warmest year on record, In numbers: New Zealands wild summer weather, Cropp at Waterfall (Hokitika Catchment)**. The city has a population of around 50,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. Summer temperatures soar into the low 30s (high 80s), while winter temperatures often dip below freezing. 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. 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. 9 terms. Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! Its not all sunshine, though. 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. Just remember that the North Island is not a very good place to visit in winter or early spring due to the amount of rain that falls. Alexis_Hagedorn. It depends picking a country to live in is hard. 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! It is also one of the most expensive places to live in New Zealand. 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. is the most popular time to visit NewZealand. Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country into dramatically different climate regions.