New Zealand, situated in southwestern Pacific Ocean, is a popular island country. Home to breathtaking scenic beauty the country is a dream destination and is also known as the God zone. Several isles build up this Pacific nation and the main ones are the South and the North Island. Set in the Southern hemisphere this country experiences peak summer in the months of December, January, February and March. The year-end holidays in fact are best spent on the beach enjoying the sun and barbecues. So we have compiled a list of things to do in New Zealand in January as the New Zealand weather in January is summer.
Weather In New Zealand In January
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The Southern hemisphere experiences summer in the month of January and so does New Zealand, whereas snow comes in the month of July. The weather here is pleasant and good for outdoor activities in the month of January as one won’t find snow in January unlike the Northern Hemisphere. However, January is being the warmest month of the year and typically averages high temperatures annual in New Zealand. Summer rain showers are very common during the month of January which results in fair amount of rainfall especially in North Island. Aditionally, January is one of the ideal time to visit plentiful beaches of the North Island.
Also Read: Camping In New Zealand
15 Places To Visit In New Zealand In January
Confused about which places to explore in winters when you are in New Zealand? Here is the list of best places you can visit and have fun on your trip. Take a look!
1. Lord Of The Rings Tour
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New Zealand is a forever favorite among tourists, but the Lord of the Rings and hobbit series are what that put it on the map. Visit the Hobbiton and experience the Tolkien’s Earth comes to life. The quaint village is sure to mesmerize you book a tour in advance to avoid and last minute disappointment.
Location: Matamata, Waikato district, New Zealand.
Things to do: mountain ranges, green pastures, bush walks, Tongariro Crossing, welcome dinner, movie guest preparation.
2. Bay Of Islands
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This is an adventure and fun region that allows you to enjoy the sweetest mammals on the planet, the dolphins. The friendly locals here make swimming in these waters a fun and memorable experience. Head here with your family for having a perfect vacay! Take a part in the Bay Islands Sailing Week and the Tall Ships Regatta, both take place in the Bay of Islands region and highlight the significance of sailing in the Kiwi culture. The Tall Ships Regatta has been conducted for over 30 years in Russell, around the Bay of Islands and is an eagerly awaited event. The Bay Islands Sailing Week is one of the most anticipated sailing events in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts top quality talent from across the globe to a week-long sailing extravaganza.
Location: Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
Things to do: swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or sailing, wildlife, walking, dining and other activities.
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3. Waiheke Island
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Waiheke Island is a forty minute ferry ride Auckland New Zealand’s biggest city. This Island has gorgeous sandy beaches with picturesque walkways and charming shops and this area is famous for its beautiful vineyards and famous wines. To ensure a good trip explore this place by foot.
Location: Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
Things to do: Tantalus Estate Vineyard & Winery, Mudbrick Vineyard, Wine Tastings, Wineries & Vineyards
4. The Wonder Of Waitomo
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Located in North Islands, this place is a true feast for one’s eyes. The limestone caves here happen to be over 30 million years old and are having stalactite formations and has stunning stalagmite all around. It is home to the famous glowing worms, Arachnocampa luminosa. The boat ride under the caves is another serene experience all together. While on the boat you will be seeing thousands of glow worms lined on the walls and it feels like staring into a starry night in broad daylight.
Location: Waitomo, North Islands, New Zealand.
Things to do: rafting, boating, lunch, bird watching, enjoy panoramic views
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5. Waitangi
Image Credit: VK2CZ for Wikipedia
Waitangi is a famous spot for history buffs, this is where it all began. In 1840, this country was founded under the Treaty of Waitangi which was made between the local Maori tribes and the British Empire. The residence of James Busby, the British personality who drafted the Treaty of Waitangi still stands here and visitors get a chance to visit this place of historic importance.
Location: Waitangi, New Zealand.
Things to do: Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, Biking Trails, Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi, History Museums, Waitangi To Haruru etc.
6. Sky Tower
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Sky Tower is the tallest manmade structure to the south of equator. This place in North Islands give you an opportunity to try the nerve wrecking skywalk that is about 192 meters from the ground that too without any handrails. Certainly a piece of entertainment for the adrenaline junkie. And in case you are left with a desire for more adrenaline rush the try the Skyjump from this tower, it is a 90 degree drop at the speed of 85 km per hour.
Location: Sky Tower, North Islands, New Zealand.
Things to do: Observation deck, SkySlide, SkyJump, Dining, SkyBar etc
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7. One Tree Hill
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A site that is claimed to be a volcanic peak about 28000 years ago is now a beautiful natural beauty. In the 19th century while the foundations of Auckland were being laid the tree then stood on a summit which was later cut off by settler claiming that he needed firewood. This was not well digested by the locals and trees were planted in place of the original one but the two pines that survived were also cut off in 1994 and 2000.
Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
Things to do: Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill, TRIC Tours, Karen’s Café & Tree Hill Café, University of North Carolina Wilmington campus, USS North Carolina etc.
8. Harbour Bridge
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New Zealand is known as the home of bungee jumping so when you are here at the Harbour Bridge don’t forget to take the plunge at the spot where it all started. AJ Hackett, the founder of this sport first hurled himself from the Harbour Bridge in the year 1987, following which he was arrested then released in a few hours, the remaining is what they say is history.
Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
Things to do: walk, cycle, climb across the bridge, Visit the Pylon Lookout etc.
Related Post: Ski In New Zealand
9. Rotorua
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This is the hotspot of New Zealand as the place offers seventeen lakes with a host of water sports and activities. But what’s the main thing here is the planet’s geothermal activity there as it keeps its geysers and thermal pools warm. If you love water sports, Rotorua will be perfect for you!
Location: North Island, New Zealand.
Things to do: Wing your way to geothermal wonders, Get your adrenaline pumping, Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley etc.
10. Maori Village
Image Credit: Michal Klajban for Wikimedia Commons
The Tamaki Maori village isn’t much far from Rotorua and gives you an unique opportunity to blend in with the native culture. The customs and cuisine of these indigenous people will give you a traditional welcome and you will be transported to a different era with the Maori traditions.
Location: Rotorua, New Zealand.
Things to do: cultural performances, Learn about Māori culture, Watch a war canoe, Eat a hangi meal, Engage with the locals etc.
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11. Taupo
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The lake Taupo is at the heart of the North Islands and from here you can reach the Mount Ruapehu which is an hour long drive, this place is a winter attraction for the skiing enthusiasts. And even if you don’t like skiing you can wander around in this area filled with stunning landscapes and beautiful peaks. The Tongariro crossing here is a 19 kilometer stroll that will leave you with an experience of a wonderful stroll.
Location: North Island, New Zealand.
Things to do: Encounter geothermal wonders, Sample delicious New Zealand honey, Soak in geothermal waters, Hike the Tongariro
12. Wellington
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Wellington is a paradise for the art lovers, this capital city of New Zealand is dotted with public sculptures and art galleries. You can also head out for a walk in the stunning waterfront to absorb the rich culture of this place. The Writers Walk strip has at least 19 text sculptures representing the writers who lived here at some point.
Location: Southern part of North Island.
Things to do: ride the wellington cable car, walk the red rocks coastal walks, admire panoramic views, tour the parliament buildings etc.
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13. Backbenchers Gastro Pub
This popular pub sits among government offices and across the parliament. Famous for dry humor highlighting the politicians of New Zealand. The pub has been refurbished after the unfortunate fire that broke out here in 2012. The pub serves around 20 different tap beers and at least 60 different wines.
Location: Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand.
Things to do: try the Beer battered market fish, The Bencher Burger, Onion bhajis with cucumber raita, Bencher Board etc.
14. Dunedin
Image Credit: Ulrich Lange, Dunedin, New Zealand for Wikimedia Commons
This is a happening small city that is home to the largest universities in New Zealand. It has a good student population that has a substantial appetite for adventure. This little wonder has the world’s steepest residential streets. The street is 350 meters long with an elevation of 70 meters and even the surrounding streets have a sharp incline. Try walking backwards from this steep incline and make sure you don’t tip off.
Location: South Island, New Zealand.
Things to do: Larnach Castle, Royal Albatross Centre, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, Olveston historic home, Speight’s Brewery etc
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15. International Antarctic Center
Image Credit: Steffen Sledz for Wikipedia
Penguins, penguins and penguins, if you love penguins don’t forget to add this place to your wish list. And if you are lucky then you may also experience the cold snow storm in the world’s coldest continent. An also visit Hagglund, to experience a scenic ride in the sturdy reliable transport vehicles in Antarctica.
Location: Christ Church, New Zealand.
Things to do: Snow and ice, Antarctic storm, Polar plunge, 4D theater, Penguin Backstage Experience, Antarctic Gallery, Hagglund Ride etc.
Events And Festivals In New Zealand In January
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As you are aware of that January is the peak tourist month in New Zealand with plenty of events which happens right after the new year across the month. North and south Islands become heavens for activity and some of the most anticipated events take place in the month of January. Some of them are mentioned below.
Scottish Highland Games: The rich tradition of this games usually happens in January in Scottish Highlands that have found their way into kiwi culture as European settlers brought their way of life to New Zealand. In the North Island region of Waipu Highland Games and Tartan in the Park are celebrated in January.
The Rhythm and Vines Music Festival: it is one of the highly rated and largest music festival that takes place in Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island usually at the end of the December or in the first week of January.
Rhythm and Alps Music Festivals: This is the festival’s sister event that take place around the same time on the south Island in Wanaka which is slightly more posh and sophisticated version of its north Island sibling.
The Pinot Noir New Zealand Festival: It is regarded as one of the highly rated premier festival in the world that are meant to celebrate locally made pinot noir. This celebration will conduct in the end week of January that happens only once in a 4 year.
New Zealand Food and Wine Festival: invites visitors to a beautiful and rustic cottage in Cromwell to indulge in the best of Kiwi food and wine, which are locally sourced from nearby vineyards and farms. This festival that celebrates Kiwi cuisine is slated to happen during the first week of January.
How To Reach New Zealand?
New Zealand can easily be reached by the air route, regardless of wherever you are staying and once you are in New Zealand all the places that we have mentioned here are relatively easy to reach though air, water or roadways. Lets look at to them.
By Air: New Zealand has five major airports including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin that connects the major parts of the world. One you can use any of the appropriate airport and take the taxi to reach to their hotel/resort or any particular place.
By water: Cruises are also available to reach New Zealand during January. Fly from your place to Australia and then board a ship or freighter to New Zealand.
Stroll through the road: When you reach New Zealand, you can use public transport or hire a cab to stroll around the streets of New Zealand.
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What To Pack ?
Plan the packing according to your planned activities, since you will be travelling there in January, we have prepared a list of things to pack for the summer in New Zealand
- A pair of jeans.
- A pair of long hiking trousers.
- A nice and warm sweater.
- Socks and thermal wear.
- A rainproof/windproof jacket.
- A warm scarf.
- Several t-shirts.
- A long sleeved shirt.
- A nice top or dress as night wear.
- And last but not the least, underwear and bras.
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So here is a list of 15 places with locations and things to do in New Zealand in January. Pack the necessary summer items, as New Zealand is warm and balmy in January. Done with the packing? Book your trip to New Zealand and enjoy your summery winter vacation
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Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand In January
Is January a good time to visit NZ?
January marks the summer season in New Zealand and is generally a pleasant time to visit this country. It is by far the most popular time to travel to New Zealand. It’s the time when the summer crowds have left, the hotel rooms are the least expensive, and the weather is amazing!
What season is it in New Zealand in January?
It is the summer season in New Zealand in December and January. The weather is quite warm and the average maximum temperature ranges from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Is New Zealand cold in January?
No, it’s not cold in New Zealand in January. January is actually the middle of the summer season in New Zealand when this place normally experiences the highest average temperatures month-wise.
How hot is New Zealand in January?
January is essentially the hottest month in New Zealand and the peak of the summer season. The highest average temperature is about 25 degrees Celsius while the lowest average is about 12 degrees Celsius, which is quite pleasant for exploring this country.
What’s the weather in New Zealand in January?
New Zealand experiences a warm weather in January wherein the average temperature is about 18 degrees Celsius.
What is there to do in New Zealand in January?
There’s plenty to do in New Zealand in the month of January. You can go hiking, kayaking, swimming, sailing, surfing, mountain climbing, mountain biking, bungy jumping, fishing, or simply lazying on the beach or on the banks of a lake. You can also go for long drives in the awesome summer weather in New Zealand.
What clothes to take to New Zealand in January?
Your New Zealand Summer Packing List should ideally include the following items:
1. Comfortable hiking shoes and flip flops
2. Shorts or loose linen trousers
3. Hats and sunscreen
4. A light rain jacket
5. Umbrella and raincoat
6. A light jacket for cooler evenings
7. Sarongs
What is there to do in Auckland in January?
There are numerous things to do in Auckland in January. You can be a part of New Zealand Herald New Year’s Day Races, Sky Walking and Sky Jumping at the Sky Tower, sailing in yachts, Zip Lining and Jet Skiing at Waiheke Island, touring the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, exploring the Rangitoto Island Volcano, flying above the clouds in a helicopter, cruising around the Tiritiri Matangi Bird Sanctuary, kayaking and parasailing on the East Coast beaches, Shopping in Queen Street, and hanging out at Viaduct Harbour.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
