I am definitely biased, but if I were to ever go back to New Zealand to visit, I would go in November (again). There was one very specific reason that my cousin and I wanted to travel to New Zealand in November (I’ll get to that later), but I enjoyed it so much. The weather was perfect, and the country felt like it was gradually in bloom. In my opinion, November really is one of the best times to visit Aotearoa and here are a few of the reasons why:
Ideal Weather and Climate
November is the tail-end of the spring season in New Zealand, so the temperatures and weather are, overall, quite pleasant. It’s one of the months with the least amount of rainfall (unless you’re traveling to the South Island, where places like Milford Sound or Invercargill get more rain than the rest of the country on average), and it’s neither too hot nor too cold. You can get away with a light, waterproof rain jacket, but be careful: New Zealand’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. You should pack layers, so you’re prepared for anything. I have my perfect packing list here for a two-week trip, plus packing essentials and what NOT to pack.
It’s Shoulder Season
One of the best things about traveling down under to Oceania is that it’s also New Zealand’s shoulder season, which means that it won’t be as crowded as in the summer or winter, and excursions, rentals, accommodations, etc. won’t be as expensive as they would typically get during peak tourist season (but don’t get me wrong, New Zealand is NOT cheap to travel to at any time of the year). It will also be easier for you to book some of the more in-demand experiences, like Hobbiton, if you travel during an off or shoulder season. So, if you’re looking for a little bit of everything and want to save some money while you’re at it, November is an ideal time to visit.
It’s Also Lupin Season
You may have already seen these all over TikTok and Instagram Reels, but November is when the lupin flowers are in full bloom on Lake Tekapo and across the South Island. Though they’re an invasive species to New Zealand, they’re beautiful and a must-see for a lot of visitors. As mentioned earlier, this is the main reason my cousin and I wanted to visit New Zealand in November (we ended up going late November into early December for two weeks, which was perfect for us). If you, too, want to see the lupins in bloom, November is the best month to see them.
Bring Insect Repellent
It’s not all perfect, however: November also signals the start of sandfly season, especially if you’re on the South Island. They’re pesky little critters and WILL leave tons of small, itchy bug bites all over your body. Bring insect repellent and wear layers to protect yourself. The sun is also quite strong; wear plenty of reef-safe, high-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and hats to cover your face.
So, if you’d like to visit the country, but you’re not sure when, look no further. November in New Zealand is pretty close to perfection and you won’t regret it.
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