Best time to visit NZ

[fphmtb]

Looking at visiting NZ later in the year, around November.
Is that a good time to visit?
Or is it better later, in Janurary?

Thanks

 

[nzhumpy]

Absolute lottery weather wise, South Is could be blazing hot one day and snow the next.

But you will at least avoid the bulk of the crowds in Jan and the trails will probably be in better shape in Nov.

Short answer is go whenever, you'll have a hoot.

 

[XYGTHO]

Been Nov and feb. Both great.

 

[rowdyflat]

Check the weather records for where ever you are going.
Weather March April pleasant minimal rain last 2 trips

 

[Goats]

Been to Rotorua 4 times now, all in first week of December.
Seems to beat the Xmas crowds, weather is warm enough and only been rained out twice across 28 days of riding.
A lot of the events are through Jan and Feb so there may be trail closures if you go then

 

[Hilst]

Like others that have replied, I've been to Rotorua a few times with mates and each time we've gone it's been around November. Maybe we've just been lucky, but I reckon Nov is an awesome time to go. Hasn't been very busy as a general rule and the weather's always been pretty great. Bit of rain here and there but unless it's absolutely flogging down the trails generally hold up pretty well. Having said all that you could always go earlier in Mar/Apr and see Crankworx!

 

[slowmick]

Best time of year for Queenstown? Wanting to go in the next season (fat man needs to train). I got money for my 40th to go Heli-biking in Queenstown. Will be 47 this year - seems like it is time.

 

[Zaf]

Removed by user

 

[creaky]

I've got an option for a conference in Queenstown mid-Sept. Appealing for obvious reasons.

As school holidays start the weekend after the conference, my missus is keen to bring the kids over for a couple of weeks holiday. I've been to QT and the south island twice now but in November and January.

I see that the QT bike park officially opens before I arrive (12 Sept from memory). Realistically, what are the chances of decent riding in QT in mid-late September, pretty risky weather wise I assume? Not looking to spend days in the bike park so would also want to be able to do some back country riding.

Would I be better heading north from QT with the family to Nelson area and then the North Island, which we have not visited before?

 

[0psi]

I'm often in the bottom end of the North Island around October and it's pretty nice then.

I've also been in December and March and both have been great as well. Bit of a lottery weather wise over there.

 

[Dozer]

I've got an option for a conference in Queenstown mid-Sept. Appealing for obvious reasons.

As school holidays start the weekend after the conference, my missus is keen to bring the kids over for a couple of weeks holiday. I've been to QT and the south island twice now but in November and January.

I see that the QT bike park officially opens before I arrive (12 Sept from memory). Realistically, what are the chances of decent riding in QT in mid-late September, pretty risky weather wise I assume? Not looking to spend days in the bike park so would also want to be able to do some back country riding.

Would I be better heading north from QT with the family to Nelson area and then the North Island, which we have not visited before?

The ski areas in Otago will still have snow on them (Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona) but you'd only miss the riding side of things on Coronet Peak which is basically some of the best riding in the area. If you take a trail bike though, you can still ride 7 Mile and surrounds, the bike park and especially the trails above the bike park (best trails in town).
I've been 209 times and in every season and ridden in every season. My trip in February this year was the first trip ever that it didn't snow so keep in mind it's always a possibility and hopefully it does so you can peg snowballs at your family.

 

[DMan]

Anytime is a good time. NZ is awesome