The 2019-2020 summer season was especially dry, leaving the entirety of North Island in severe meteorological drought. Jeff Fitlow/Rice University; (inset) Hans Hillewaert. 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. . 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. Best for epic landscapes. 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. Aprilbrings the least amount of rain toQueenstownandJunethe most. There are three main areas on the South Island that do not get a lot of rain: But just knowing what these locations are is not enough. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought, Niwa says. 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. What are the safest places to live in New Zealand? Ophir Ophir, in the south of New Zealand, is a tiny town which held the record for the country's lowest temperature. Even in the middle of winter, its not uncommon for Auckland to be one of the warmest places in New Zealand and enjoy temperatures above 15 C (60 F). All temperature data from stations below 500 m AMSL were included. Wairarapa Federated Farmers president William Beetham said if the dry spell continued, it will be a real concern for farmers. Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. April 29, 2020 JPEG View Both Images December through Februarysummer in the Southern Hemisphereare typically the driest months in north and central New Zealand. Whangarei is a city located in the Northland region of New Zealand. Our average rainfall is high and spread evenly throughout the year. 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. plants or animals introduced to an area that destroy or hinder indigenous species. Adding to the problem is an average windspeed of 42.5kmh over October and November, creating drier conditions. 13 Jun 2014. What city in New Zealand has the best weather? We also provide downloadable files for monthly and annual rain, temperature, sunshine, frost and wind data for selected locations throughout New Zealand. and the majority of the summer music festivals take place in January. January, March, andSeptemberbring the least amount of rain to Christchurch. Mori culture is an integral part of life in Aotearoa, New Zealand. If I could do it broke at 16, so can you! Gisborne 2. Top that with 2400 hours of sunshine a year, warm summers, and mild winters, and its no wonder many visitors arrive in Nelson and decide to stay forever. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused devastating damage to regions around the North Island. Dunedin is also the gateway to iconic New Zealand destinations the ski fields and wineries of Central Otago, the mountains of Aoraki Mt Cook and the rugged Catlins coast are all no more than a few hours drive away. Are you looking for a community of like-minded adventurers to share your experiences with? Niwa's noted that it been 47 months since New Zealand . 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. Overall, Waiheke Island is a great place to live if you want to be close to Auckland but escape the hustle and bustle of the city. conducive. One thing to keep in mind is that there are limited public transportation options on the island, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. It comes as Niwa's freshly-released 2020 summary showed New Zealand just saw its seventh warmest year on record - continuing a dire climate change trend that's put six of our last eight years among the hottest ever recorded. If were going to make a summer recovery, its likely to be in the second half of summer.. Some people might prefer a big city with all the excitement and culture that comes with it. For millennia, Mori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. 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)**. How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad? Christchurch is a great place to live for older individuals looking to live in a city without Auckland business. The country offers a great lifestyle, and there are plenty of opportunities for work and study. Drenched in all-year sun with warm winters and pleasant summers, youll land yourself right in the middle of paradise. Wellington is built on a geographic faultline, so residents get used to occasional earthquakes. Theres good reason Auckland is New Zealands most populous city. The highest amount of rain falls where there are mountains and in the top half of the North Island, which tends to get convective showers, thunderstorms, and remnants of tropical cyclones. Try to live on the same side of the Waikato river that you work to avoid this inner city headache. Dunedin 6. So cold, in fact, the town even has an outdoor ice rink. Yes, many regions of New Zealand see snow in the winter months of June through August. Its my favourite place to live in the world and Ive lived in many countries! While many ski fields open in June. Gisborne has the best weather in New Zealand. Yes, it is relatively easy to immigrate to New Zealand. The average temperature in NewZealand decreases as you travel south. The days are still quite warm early in the season (that means beach swims through March and well into April in some parts of the country) with cooler evenings, and there is beautiful scenery as the autumn colours spread through the countryside. Last on our list of the warmest places in New Zealand is Christchurch. Join our Facebook group for travelers and connect with a global network of passionate explorers. The region is one of the world's most extreme deserts, and includes many features . The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Cycling is a big focus in the region with many cycle trails such as the Waikato River trail that runs 105km. How much does it cost to live in New Zealand? 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. I'm on a mission to empower every young woman to stop waiting to move abroad. Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. Nina Out and About contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Hawkes Bay as it is in other parts of New Zealand, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. Whats the best site to buy cheap flights? Napier 5. Just remember to factor in the cost of living and the availability of work when choosing where to live. 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. Visitor numbers are high and summer holidays mean more Kiwis are travelling around NewZealand too, making the most of the sunshine and Christmas break. These are rarely severe but its best to be prepared with a basic emergency kit in the house. 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. the most popular spots for skiing and snowboarding. 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. However, the summer months are when Whangarei really puts on a show. Type of Work: Tourism and service industry. Any rise in the sea level or a tsunami could be devastating to the town. 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. There are also plenty of things to do in Auckland, from exploring the many museums and art galleries, to hiking in the nearby Waitakere Ranges. NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. Similar scales have been used for each graph to allow comparison between locations. 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. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here. 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. A single room can easily cost $300 NZD a week or more. Carrier said there was a chance of rain next week, but that it would be unlikely to alleviate the problem. Referred to by the locals as The Mount, Tauranga is New Zealands ultimate beach destination. Photos / Andrew Cornaga, Photosport, Aucklanders are being warned to take shelter before a potentially damaging line of thunderstorms barrels over the city. 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. The basic cost of living in Dunedin is roughly NZ$2,000 per month for a couple. Once you get a taste of the Wanaka lifestyle, youll never want to leave its just too beautiful! These cities have low crime rates and are generally very safe places to live. To find cheap rental cars, I recommendDiscover Cars. driving in areas of NewZealand that are prone to snow. New Zealand climate extremes for 2018 Hottest: 38.7C, Alexandra, 30 JanColdest: -10.4C, Mt Cook, 3 JunWettest: 6818 mm, Milford SoundDriest: . However, finding a place to stay here will typically be a bit more pricey so staying further from the town would be a cheaper alternative. Summerwould be the best time to visit this region withFebruarybeing the best month to get the least amount of rain. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK! Soil conditions along Wairarapas coast have been labelled extremely dry on the New Zealand Drought Index. Located on both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Auckland is prone to cold fronts and extreme hailstorms. Further inland in Wairarapa, the soil is labelled as very dry, and dry. 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. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island and wild winds and rain lash the region. The city is rich in geothermal activity, with stinky sulfur gas bubbling from mud pools and geysers. Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Yet, Alexandras location in Central Otago (in the middle of the bottom half of the South Island) gives it the perfect recipe for hot summers. The best place to live in New Zealand for retirees is probably Christchurch. The climate here is mild and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities. 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. Meetup.com Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! July, the coldest month, still has an average high of 15.3 C (59.5 F). Firstly, the city has a high crime rate and its not particularly safe. One Central Otago town was the driest place in the country last year, while another recorded the highest temperature in what was our second-warmest year on record. 2009-07-06 23:54:37. Overall, Hawkes Bay is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. The region is known for its sunny climate, award-winning wines, and beautiful coastline. Sunshine hours are relatively high in areas that are sheltered from the west and most of New Zealand would have at least 2000 hours annually. The 2001 census figures from Statistics NZ show there are two regions New Zealanders have been the most popular to move too. Devastation from the February 2011 earthquake is a stark reminder of the citys past, whereas creative new builds showcase an enthusiastic and bright future. Theres always something to do and see between the many festivals, markets, and other events. The University of Otago and Dunedin Hospital are two of the biggest employers; however, the agriculture, general business, tourism, and food production sectors are also very strong in the city. Does it snow in New Zealand? There are many factors to consider when choosing the best place to live in New Zealand. If you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle, then we would recommend Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, or Queenstown. Auckland's population is indeed growing . 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. Napier is often referred to as the art deco capital of the world, and its easy to see why. Tauranga 9. Cost of living in Mount Maunganui is fairly similar to other urban areas of New Zealand. Best places to live in New Zealand for young adults. When I lived in Auckland, I had three roommates, and my rent was still just under $1,000 NZD because I was in the CBD. Spring in NewZealand is when the weather starts to warm up, although there is a high chance of rainfall around this time of year. . 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. In addition, the city has a very high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. (Read more). I recommend Dunedin over Invercargill for a cheap lifestyle without being so cold or cut off from the rest of the country. The Bay of Plenty is a region located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. Photos / Alex Burton, Competitors battle wet conditions for this year's event/ Photographs by Alex Burton, Winning entries from the New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2022, The top 13 designs for the Resene Colour of Fashion competition open to final year fashion students at Whitecliffe College in Auckland, Former policeman John Purkis was swept down a culvert during Aucklands January floods and managed to survive. An example of a rich forest community that would have once covered the . The population of 400,000 supports career opportunities in most industries. Hawkes Bay Where not to live in New Zealand 1. A large proportion of Wellingtonians work for the public service as most government ministries are based in Wellington, but the city also offers lots of hospitality jobs in the many cafes and bars and creative jobs in the Wellywood film industry. The average annual rainfall there is 11,516 millimeters (453 inches). The sun in NewZealand is much stronger than elsewhere and in warmer months you can get burnt quickly without sunscreen or other sun protection. Rainfall data used were 9am-9am 24-hour totals. Dont expect to show up in a tank top all year, though. 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. Travelling in the shoulder seasons can be a good idea as youll often find more availability and better rates on accommodation and activities. Christchurch Warmest places in New Zealand FAQs Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? The city is small enough to get around on foot, but there is also a good public transport system. This datum was archived into the National Climate Database, CliFlo,on 26 February 2009. The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. 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. Continuing for miles, this beach is one of New Zealands best. The North Island has had one of its driest summers in years, with farmers now feeling the brunt of the lack of water. Autumn and spring UVI values can be high in most areas. PHOTO/LUCAIS DAVIES. The city of 165,000 has all the benefits of a larger city without the crazy traffic, making it a comfortable place to live. Temperatures in winter average around 14C/58F and summer months average 24C/75F. To cool off, head to one of the 18 lakes in the region for a swim or paddleboard. 11 terms. Christchurch has less rainfall than the rest of New Zealands other major cities. Its the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, and there is often spring skiing available at some ski fields too. Australia and New Zealand. There are also popular tourist spots like the Skytower, Mount Eden, surfing in Paihia, and drinking wine in Waiheke, nearby. If the dry spell continues for another month, it will be a big concern. Whatever time of year you are visiting, pack a raincoat as you never know when you might get showers. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Youll rarely be lacking entertainment in Wellington as there are plenty ofthings to doand great options forweekend trips in the Wellington Region. A lot of the guys who would normally buy those lambs to grow them out further are not buying at this point of time because its dry and the crops arent quite ready.. Travelling in the shoulder seasons can be a good idea as youll often find more availability and better rates on accommodation and activities. These cities offer a great lifestyle, plenty of work opportunities, and a vibrant nightlife. New Zealand's climate is complex and varies from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climates in the far south, with severe alpine conditions in the mountainous areas. A luxurious lifestyle with your own place near the beach can easily cost upwards of $6,000-8,000 per month with over half of that going towards rent. Milford Sound Milford Sound is the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand, and one of the wettest places in the world! Auckland has the most stable climate with the least seasonal variation but it's often claimed the humidity is too high. The nearby Doubtful Sound is also spectacular but less accessible - travelers . Hawkes Bay is a region located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country into dramatically different climate regions. 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). It is an island of forest rich in flora. Arable farmers were also concerned, Beetham said. He said the stations summer crops were also not well established which would cause further major issues. This is the most popular time to visit NewZealand for sunny beach days, adventures on the water, beautiful bush walks and mountain hiking. desertification. So catch aferry from Wellington to Pictonand then drive or fly to, for example, Nelson and then drive. 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.