Its just a quick ferry ride away from the city centre, making it the perfect place to live for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but still be close enough for a day trip. This is because we have relatively little air pollution compared with many other countries, and less ozone, which makes the UV rays in our sunlight very strong. Dont expect to show up in a tank top all year, though. Fortunately, a lot of concern was alleviated by very high product prices at the moment, he said. Niwa's noted that it been 47 months since New Zealand . New research finds that the dark silicate glass strewn across a vast swath of the Atacama Desert was created by an exploding comet around 12,000 years ago. Aircraft from the two World Wars took to the skies over south Auckland along with more recent military and training planes as the New Zealand Warbirds Association lived up to their mission to Keep em flying. Photos / Alex Burton. Blenheimseems to follow the weather patterns of theNorth Island, so the most rain falls in winter and spring. are less crowded. 13 Jun 2014. But dont worry, theres also plenty to do in Queenstown on a budget. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research meteorologist Seth Carrier said for the past few weeks, a hotspot had been declared for coastal Wairarapa. Alexandra 3. Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. They hire for 100% remote roles only. Auckland is a great place to live if you are looking for an exciting and fast-paced city life. It also falls heavily in inland Canterbury and Otago in the South Island. Summerwould be the best time to visit this region withFebruarybeing the best month to get the least amount of rain. Its a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities arent restricted. Dairy farmers will have to bring in supplements, well start to see irrigation restrictions, and we will also see sheep and beef farmers struggling to shift stock and crops just wont grow. The city is also home to the Maori culture, and you can learn about their history and traditions at the many museums and cultural centres. 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. low 12c (53F) Avg . Napier 5. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island and wild winds and rain lash the region. I dont think you can really go wrong when living in New Zealand. Alexandra closely competes with Gisborne for the warmest place in New Zealand, yet is located in a very different region of the country From November through February, Alexandra temperatures soar into the mid 20s C (high 70s F) and is deemed the hottest town in the country from November through February. Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters! If you are looking for the best places to live in New Zealand, here are 13 of the top contenders: Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations withBooking.com to save money when youre moving abroad! Cropp River in New Zealand may only be 9 kilometers in length, but it gets so huge precipitation annually. The region has a population of around 150,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. 2009-07-06 23:54:37. Devonport 11. He said westerly wind flow predicted for December and January would result in further dry conditions, but that there would be a northeasterly turn from the middle of January which would likely mean some good news in terms of getting rainfall. However, the city has a very high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. Average temperatures increase as you travel north. Find out more about New Zealand's national parks. Pronounced fang-a-ray, Whangarei is New Zealands northernmost city and is both pleasantly warm and lush. You can expect to spend around $1,500 NZD on rent and $1,200 NZD on general expenses. New Zealand, Mori Aotearoa, island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the southwesternmost part of Polynesia. Devonport is also a great place for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and biking. The basic cost of living in Dunedin is roughly NZ$2,000 per month for a couple. Luckily, if the weather isnt fit for the beach, opt for a hike on a nearby extinct volcano instead. Located at the very top of the South Island, Nelson is susceptible to strong storms charging off Tasman Bay. Napier is located on the east coast of the North Island, just over an hours drive from the capital, Wellington. Look no further than these nine warmest places in New Zealand. Photos / Hayden Woodward, Samoa Rugby League supporters took to the streets to support their team playing Australia in the World Cup final played in Manchester 19 November 2022, The New Zealand rugby Black Ferns celebrate their world cup triumph with fans in downtown Auckland. This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. Lives in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Author has 2.3K answers and 824.3K answer views 2 y It depends on what you mean by best. and the majority of the summer music festivals take place in January. Auckland is the best place to live in New Zealand for business positions. Again this is good news for people who want to visit the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park or Golden Bay. The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. #Climate data were sourced from the National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. With a warm, coastal climate without any temperature extremes, residents can enjoy the trendy urban sprawl, expansive wilderness, and pristine beaches all year round. These are rarely severe but its best to be prepared with a basic emergency kit in the house. Highway 6 from the south from, for example, Wanaka. 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. Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad and then when I did it again. Whangarei is a city located in the Northland region of New Zealand. If youre looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work! Common wealth. North Island Avg. Therefore, it is advisable to earn at least $500 per week to have a good standard of living in Queenstown. 9 terms. The mean annual rainfall in . Rent and general expenses can cost around $3,000 NZD per month. Alexis_Hagedorn. He said by mid-January, if there was not enough rain, it would be very difficult for farmers. If you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle, then we would recommend Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, or Queenstown. Highway 73 from the east via Arthurs Pass from, for example, Christchurch. Where is the most rain in the world: Equatorial Guinea, San Antonio de Ureca is known as the wettest part of the African Continent. 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. Dont get thrown off by the cost of living, though: although the town is quite small, you can also find exciting job opportunities contributing to a healthy work-life balance! 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. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here. Most snow in New Zealand falls in the mountain areas. Located on both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Auckland is prone to cold fronts and extreme hailstorms. Youll get a great quality of life, but expect to spend $1,800 NZD on an apartment near the city centre, and an additional $1,500 on general expenses. Some people might prefer a big city with all the excitement and culture that comes with it. While typically a town doesnt want to be known for its foul smell, theres always an exception to the rule, and in this case, its Rotorua. Photo / CyldeServices, The long, hard work to clean up after the cyclone's destruction starts in the hardest-hit area of Hawke's Bay, Looking like the aftermath of a battle-zone, Esk Valley, known for it's productive land and outstanding beauty, has been smashed in cyclone Gabrielle's path. As well as being a popular tourist destination, Napier is also a great place to live. Queenstown, Wanaka, and Auckland are some of the best places to live in New Zealand for young adults. Consider what side of the city you prefer to live on carefully. Christchurch also has a number of hospitals and retirement homes. So cold, in fact, the town even has an outdoor ice rink. There are also many artists who live on the island, which gives it a creative and eclectic feel. One pro of living in Auckland is that you can save money on your commute by taking the public transportation system. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. NZ temperature 1981-2010 (click to enlarge), Climate - NZ annual sunshine hours 1981-2010 (click to enlarge), 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. Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Travelling in the shoulder seasons can be a good idea as youll often find more availability and better rates on accommodation and activities. Located on the South Islands east coast, Christchurch is a story of two halves. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused devastating damage to regions around the North Island. You will need to have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, and you will need to meet the immigration requirements. Whatever time of year you are visiting, pack a raincoat as you never know when you might get showers. The midday summer solar radiation index (UVI) is often very high in most places and can be extreme in northern New Zealand and in mountainous areas. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Less than a millimetre of rain falls there per year on average. . Summer orautumnwould be the best time to visit Blenheim withFebruarylooking the best. The city has a population of around 60,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. South Pacific Tuna Treaty. Exploration The Driest Place on Earth The Atacama Desert is the driest place in the world. . Rainfall tends to be relatively low in February,March, July, andAugust, so during some parts of summer, autumn, and winter. Referred to by the locals as The Mount, Tauranga is New Zealands ultimate beach destination. Photo / Christine Cornege, New Zealand beat England by one run in the final day of the Basin Reserve Test in Wellington. Aprilbrings the least amount of rain toQueenstownandJunethe most. However, you will experience torrential rain and very dark skies for a few weeks. If were going to make a summer recovery, its likely to be in the second half of summer.. Devonport is a beautiful, historic seaside town located on Aucklands North Shore. The Bay of Plenty is a region located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. Submitted by Lena of Not Another Backpacker. Christchurch Warmest places in New Zealand FAQs Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? need to carry chains and take extra care on the roads. This is especially true in winter, where youre much more likely to have days of rain and windy storms. Photos / Andrew Cornaga, Photosport, Aucklanders are being warned to take shelter before a potentially damaging line of thunderstorms barrels over the city. If I could do it broke at 16, so can you! The Covid-19 lockdown of New Zealand started at 11:59pm 25 March 2020. . Whats the best luggage for living abroad? However, the cost of living in the Bay of Plenty is quite high, and it can be difficult to find work. Grab your lizard goggles and climb some rocks, spy some bugs and soak up the sun at one of the driest places in New Zealand. The region is known for its sunny climate, award-winning wines, and beautiful coastline. 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. This little township is packed with awesome bars, eateries, shops, and markets that will keep any local busy. Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. The city has a low cost of living, and its a very safe place to live. Flatters could manage to keep costs under $2,000 per month whilst still achieving all the lifestyle perks of living in Mount Maunganui. The city is rich in geothermal activity, with stinky sulfur gas bubbling from mud pools and geysers. 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 perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking. Queenstown and Wanaka in the South Island and the Central Plateau in the North Island are the most popular spots for skiing and snowboarding. Type of Work: Educators and hospital workers. The city has a population of around 50,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. New Zealand map National Parks North Island Auckland Bay of Plenty The Coromandel Hawke's Bay Manawatu Northland & Bay of Islands Rotorua Ruapehu Tairwhiti Gisborne Taranaki Taup Waikato Wairarapa Wellington Whanganui South Island Central Otago Christchurch - Canterbury Clutha Dunedin Fiordland Marlborough Nelson Tasman Queenstown Southland It is the only place in New Zealand with that severity. Antarctica. The landscape is so arid, that NASA 's astrobiologists travel to the Atacama Desert hoping it will lead them to clues about life on other planets. Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay. The small town sits on beautiful Lake Wanaka and is close to some major hiking spots and the gorgeous Mt. A welcome mat composed of billions of tiny carbon tubes could one day suck water out of thin air, even in the driest places on Earth. There are many cafes and restaurants, as well as museums and art galleries. Gisborne has the best weather in New Zealand. Given the variety of activities, Wanaka is also a popular place to live in New Zealand. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. The city also has a thriving food and wine scene, with many boutique wineries and restaurants to enjoy. July, the coldest month, still has an average high of 15.3 C (59.5 F). New Zealand is a great place to live, but it might not be the right place for everyone. Gisborne 2. the plants and wildlife that make up a . As Napier sits in the rain shadow of the Kaweka Range and Volcanic Plateau to the west, it has the driest and warmest summer in the country. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Looking Ahead:North America. Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand, and its not somewhere we would recommend living. Rotorua 13. Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61F and 75F. The cost of living in Christchurch is approximately 10% of Auckland, although rent tends to be higher than other costs balance this out. Mori culture is an integral part of life in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Christchurch has less rainfall than the rest of New Zealands other major cities. The driest part of the North Island is the bottom half starting on a line south of Mount Taranaki and Tongariro National Park down toWellington, excluding parts where there are mountain ranges. Average summer highs of 22.8 C (73 F) make it one of the warmest places in New Zealand and as Rotorua is located in the middle of the North Island, away from the coast and sheltered by high country, its also one of the least windy places in the country. Image 1 of 36: Lake Kiwitahi the water reservoir at Kiwitahi, that supplies water to Morrinsville is drying up with a drought about to be announced in the Waikato. The cost of living can be expensive, but it really depends on your lifestyle and where youre located. 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. What is the wettest place in New Zealand? We also provide downloadable files for monthly and annual rain, temperature, sunshine, frost and wind data for selected locations throughout New Zealand. Meetup.com Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! The best way to find work is to network with people in your industry and to look for job postings online. Learn where you can go in New Zealand to get the least amount of rain and the most amount of sunshine, and when. Dunedin 6. Surrounded by Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, and Tasman Bay, every way you turn is a mind-blowing view. Resource prepared by Lesley Mackintosh RSNZ Teacher Fellow 2001, NIWA, Copyright, NIWA. If you are interested in knowing what the cloudiest place is in New Zealand, that would be the southernmost parts of the South Island so the area around Invercargill. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. Come winter, Alexandra switches its tune and sees lows below zero most days. These New Zealand climate extremes were updated in April 2022. This is what it was like on the first morning. All rights reserved. Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? 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. ForChristchurch, winter is the wettest season, and spring or summer is the best time to visit Christchurch to avoid a lot of rain. So it is very hazardous to reach, especially when driving from Christchurch. The North Island has had one of its driest summers in years, with farmers now feeling the brunt of the lack of water. Over the northern and central areas of New Zealand more rainfall falls in winter than in summer, whereas for much of the southern part of New Zealand, winter is the season of least rainfall. Just remember that the North Island is not a very good place to visit in winter or early spring due to the amount of rain that falls. Canterbury (Christchurch) Bay of Plenty (Tauranga) Many are surprised that Auckland does not feature as the main destination for relocating New Zealanders. 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. 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. This datum was archived into the National Climate Database, CliFlo,on 26 February 2009. 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. conducive. Its free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee. Hawkes Bay is a region located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. The top of the North Island is also deemed the winterless north, and you can look forward to plenty of beach-worthy days even in the heart of winter. The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. The weather in Auckland and the Coromandel has been wet and wild causing road closures, slips, and canceled holidays as well as some extreme sporting opportunities. January, March, andSeptemberbring the least amount of rain to Christchurch. Alexandra in Central Otago is on average the driest centre, followed by South Canterbury's Timaru. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. While many ski fields open in June, the highest snowfall is usually throughout July and August. Copyright, NIWA. Tauranga 9. Word has certainly got out that Tauranga is one of the warmest places in New Zealand and is the place to be as its now one of New Zealands fastest-growing cities. Its handy location makes it a great spot for expats looking for a place within a few hours drive of Auckland, but away from the hustle and with more central access to the rest of the North Island. Photos / Warren Buckland. Plus, opposite to the northern hemisphere, the more north you go, the warmer temperatures tend to be. Similar scales have been used for each graph to allow comparison between locations. Type of Work: Engineering and manufacturing. Carrier said there was a chance of rain next week, but that it would be unlikely to alleviate the problem. Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. Photos by NZ Herald Staff photographers. For example, the 566 mm recorded at Cropp at Waterfall (Hokitika catchment) occurred between 2311 NZST on 11 May 1978 and 1111 NZST on 12 May 1978. The climate of Christchurch is very temperate and can be compared to the south of the U.K, although with significantly less rainfall. New Zealand's scenic highlights and natural wonders I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you! Bay of Plenty Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island, including severe flooding in the Coromandel region. 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. Wanaka 5. Find more transport options > Essential travel information Weather and climate In terms of employment, because Queenstown is a major tourist destination, most of the jobs here are in the tourism sector (think hotel and restaurant type jobs) and the pay is typically not much higher than minimum wage. 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.