Planning to beat the heat of your country by visiting New Zealand in May? If yes, then it is probably a wise decision as you are certainly going to enjoy great wealth and blooming beauty of the country. New Zealand always warmly welcomes all the nature lovers as it is home to the rolling hills, sparkling glaciers and also several mystical mountain ranges that make you feel like you are in proximity to nature.
Apart from the mesmerizing landscape and adventure activities that keep you hooked and fully preoccupied in New Zealand, you are bound to feel homely in this country because of the friendly locals. So, here are a few takeaways for your trip. Read on to explore this region to the most during the May month.
Weather In New Zealand In May
Cold weather conditions prevail in New Zealand in the May month as it is the end of the autumn season and beginning of the winter season in this country. There is a mixture of sunny days as well as rainy/snowy days during May in New Zealand. Thus, it is advised that you remain well prepared for the unpredictable weather conditions while travelling New Zealand in May month.
Temperatures in North Island: Min 6C and Max 18C
Temperatures in South Island: Min 2C and Max 16C
Must Read: 15 Adventurous Spots For Camping In New Zealand On Your Next Trip
Why Visit New Zealand In May
The most appealing aspect of going on a trip to New Zealand in May is that the time remains perfect for exploration as tourists footprint is less. It means that you can conveniently get accommodation in any of the hotels/resorts located in the country and that too in affordable price ranges. Along with that, the cost of living and other expenses comparatively go less during that period. It, therefore, makes your visit to NZ in May an economical option.
Suggested Read: New Zealand In Winter
Australia Honeymoon Packages On TravelTriangle
Events And Festivals In New Zealand In May
When travelling New Zealand in May, you should do extensive efforts to know and explore this region through various sources. Your participation in some of the popular festivals will make you feel connected to the region. It will also expose you to some of the innovative things that you had perhaps never experienced earlier.
Bluff Oyster Festival: Organized in the last week of May month in Bluff, this festival will certainly give you an opportunity to taste some of the amazing seafood delicacies of New Zealand. It will also take you close to the culture and traditions of the region through your active participation.
Auckland Writers Festival: Your creative side can be unleashed in this five-day festival held in Auckland during May month. If you are a writer or simply admire some of the writers, you can explore much from this festival. The urge to admire and meet some of the literati will be fulfilled on this special festival.
Auckland Comedy Festival: Local as well as international comedians are invited to come together in Auckland to celebrate the festival of laughter in May month. It is something you should not miss out while travelling New Zealand in May month.
Suggested Read: Valentine’s Day In New Zealand: 12 Romantic Things To Do With Your Beloved
5 Places To Visit In New Zealand In May
If you want to immerse yourself in the beautiful vibe of New Zealand, then here are the top 5 places in New Zealand that you must visit during your May month trip:
1. Te Papa Museum
Four words define this National Museum of New Zealand – fun, innovative, scholarly and bicultural. It represents the true spirit and culture of New Zealand therefore you must ensure that a visit to this museum is there in your itinerary.
Working Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM every day.
Fees: Entry is free for all.
Suggested Read: Food Festivals In New Zealand: To Indulge In The Country’s Most Exclusive Delicacies
2. Rotorua
This geothermal hotspot with its hot springs, geysers, mud pools and steaming lakes would be a wonderful place to stop by during the month of May while the weather is a bit chilly here.
Things to Do: Enjoy the Skyline Gondola Ride, Go Mountain Biking through Redwoods Forest and watch the Maori Cultural performances which are exceptionally appealing to watch.
Suggested Read: 24 Famous New Zealand Tourist Attractions
3. Whangarei Falls
The curtain Whangarei Waterfall of Hatea River is surely one of the most sought after swimming spots in this country which you shouldn’t miss out during your trip. The height of the fall is around 26 km and it remains an adventure experience for the travellers.
Location: Around 2.5 hours away from Auckland and 10 minutes away from the Whangarei City Centre.
Facilities: Parking area at Boundary Road, toilets and picnic area.
4. Mount Cook
Visiting the highest mountain peak of New Zealand, the famous Mount Cook should be on your itinerary during a trip in May month. This area is a perfect one for all sorts of activities like mountain walks, glacier skiing and mountaineering amongst others.
Places of Interest Nearby: Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Suggested Read: New Zealand Visa For Indians: Documents Required And More Information
5. Milford Sound
Home to dolphins, penguins and fur seals, this Fiord in New Zealand is surrounded by the stunning rainforests.
Things to Do: Boat cruise, kayak tour, scuba diving.
Places of Interest Nearby: Lake Marion, Stirling Waterfalls, Bowen Falls, Lake Gunn.
Suggested Read: 7 Must-Try Cruises In New Zealand To Make Your Vacation Memorable
5 Things To Do In New Zealand In May
During your visit to New Zealand in May, you should not let boredom envelope you. And, rather you must try out the following 5 activities:
1. Bungee Jumping
New Zealand is credited for introducing this activity to the world, therefore, trying it out during your May visit is a must.
Where to Do: Nevis Canyon (Queensland), Rotorua, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Hanmer Springs.
2. Fishing
There is no better way to relax in New Zealand than to go fishing. You should thus ensure your involvement in this wonderful activity here.
Where to Go: Northland Rivers and Lakes, Taupo River, Turangi River.
Suggested Read: Snorkeling In New Zealand: 6 Best Places To Swim Through Ultimate Joy!
3. White Water Rafting
New Zealand’s mountainous terrains definitely make it ideal for white water rafting activities.
Where to Do: Tongariro River, Shotover River and The Mohaka River.
4. Mountain Biking
Breath-taking sceneries and ideal terrain in most parts of the country make mountain biking a popular activity in entire New Zealand.
Where to Do: Taupo, Motu Trails, Whakatane, Woodhill Forest, Hauraki Gulf.
5. Sailing
Apart from enjoying the mountains, you should take out some time to explore the waters of New Zealand by opting for sailing activities.
Popular Places: Bay of Islands, Lake Taupo, Abel Tasman, Akaroa.
Further Read: 10 Things To Do In Auckland In Winter To Witness A Unique Side Of New Zealand
Get ready to enjoy peace and tranquillity as well as some amazing adventure sports activities at most affordable prices in New Zealand in May. Plan your New Zealand trip as soon as possible to avail the benefits before it turns costlier.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand In May
Is May a good time to visit New Zealand?
Yes, most definitely as the winter season is setting in and it is less crowded with the tourists.
Is snowfall expected in May in New Zealand?
Weather is pretty erratic in New Zealand during May month. Snowfall can be expected at the end of May so you must prepare yourself accordingly.
Is it expensive to visit New Zealand in May?
Due to off-season in May, you can expect the prices to be pocket-friendly especially for the accommodation facilities.
How many days would it take to enjoy New Zealand to the fullest?
A maximum of 14 days will be required to enjoy New Zealand if you plan to visit both the North and South Islands.
When will it be budget-friendly to fly to New Zealand?
May month is ideal for flying to New Zealand affordably, due to offseason.
Looking To Book An International Honeymoon?
Asif Anwar Alig is Co-Founder cum Editor-in-Chief at www.seocontentindia.in. He formerly served as an Executive Producer at ETV; Editorial Coordinator at Management Development Institute, Gurgaon, India; Media Specialist at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia; and Assistant Professor in the Saudi Ministry of Education for two decades.