New Zealand Weather
The islands of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean lie between latitudes similar to those of Seattle and Los Angeles or Bilbao and Rabat. Queenstown lies halfway (latitude 45 degrees South) between the Equator and South Pole. It is therefore temperate. Because of its situation and because of the mountainous areas New Zealand has an amazing variety of climate zones for such a small country. Precise and long term weather forecasting are also somewhat difficult. If your stay is longer than 7 days you will almost certainly experience sun, rain and wind. The warmest time and usually the driest time is mid to late summer (Jan-mid Mar) and autumn (mid Mar-Apr) can be very pleasant. Temperatures certainly cool in May but throughout the winter months many days can be sunny with bright blue skies. It can get very cold but it is a popular time of year to visit the South Island ski resorts. With snow in the hills this is when South Island scenery is at its most stunning. The onset of spring (late Oct -mid Dec) brings warmer temperatures but it can be wet, especially on the West Coast. The school summer holiday, from just before Christmas to the end of January, is the South Island's busiest period but with a population of only 1.1 million this is rarely an issue for international tourists
The fickle nature of the South Island weather is due to the frontal systems which move quickly round and up from the Southern Oceans and without a continental influence, the weather can change dramatically and often within 24 hours. The seasonal weather in each of the South Island climate zones depends on which side of The Divide (Southern Alps) it is located, distance from the coast and the latitude.
Visitors should be prepared for any weather!
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