What Is New Zealand Weather Like?

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, to the southeast of Australia, New Zealand is geographically positioned in both the southern and eastern hemispheres. So what is New Zealand weather like? It has four distinct seasons, but overall it can be best described as temperate.

New Zealand comprises two islands, the North Island and South Island, and is completely surrounded by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Because it is a small country which is generally no more than 200 kms across its width, the climate is very-much influenced by the sea. The country is exposed to the rain and wind-bearing fronts that travel west-to- east from the Tasman Sea, and because of this, New Zealand weather, especially in the North Island, can be quite changeable.

The North Island can experience a brilliantly-fine few days, followed by a wet one. In fact, because the city of Auckland is positioned on an isthmus, the weather can be extremely changeable in this city. In fact people who live in Auckland make the joke that it is the only place in the World where one can experience four seasons in one day! The weather in the eastern parts of the North Island tends to be more settled, with the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay generally enjoying a more warm and temperate climate.

In the South Island the weather is less changeable, with the Southern Alps, running from north to south, acting as a `weather divide'. In other words, the West Coast experiences very high rainfall as the fronts coming in from the Tasman Sea push up against this `weather divide'. The eastern areas, by comparison (Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago), usually enjoy much lower rainfall and generally sunny weather. Canterbury is known for its occasional nor-west winds (`Nor-westers') which can be very hot and dry.

In the winter, the South Island can experience a sudden drop in temperature, especially when a `good old Southerly' hits, with the winds blowing in from the Antarctic. Parts of Southland and Otago can experience some quite heavy snowfalls, much to the delight of skiers, and of course the Southern Alps look majestic after a heavy dusting of snow.

New Zealand temperatures, as a result, can vary quite a bit, with the North Island experiencing temperatures that range from 10 degrees Celsius (30 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter up to 30 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer.

South Island temperatures can also be 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, but can drop to minus 2 degrees Celsius on occasions in the winter, especially in the inland and southern areas. The good thing is that the snow does not tend to stay on the ground for long periods of time, which means that your travel plans are rarely affected. If you are a tourist to New Zealand, go to http://www.metservice.com/national/home for more information on New Zealand's current weather.

My name is Norman Sutton and I am a fourth-generation Kiwi who lives in Auckland, New Zealand. My wife and I are passionate about our country, and we enjoy helping people from all around the globe get to experience the beauty and uniqueness that is New Zealand, whether as a tourist or as a new immigrant. If you would like us to help you discover New Zealand, go to http://www.destinationdownunder.co.nz

Article Source: Norman_A_Sutton

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