New Zealand in February: A Summer Island Hopping Trip
February is the last summer month in New Zealand. Families on summer break will be heading back home during this time. So the beaches and campgrounds will not be as crowded as in January, making February an ideal time to travel to New Zealand’s famous beaches, like Ninety Mile Beach and Maitai Bay in Northland. This is also a great time to camp in Abel Tasman National Park, go hiking or island hopping. There is no dearth of places you can go and things you can do if you visit New Zealand in February.
- Jonalyn
- From USA
New Zealand Weather in February
The weather in New Zealand in February sees the hottest temperatures, averaging between 10°C to 25°C in the south. Just like in January, the weather will vary between north and south. The north experiences an average temperature of 13°C to 24°C. Since this is still the summer season, bring light clothes. But if you plan to explore colder parts of the country, pack a sweater or a jacket to keep yourself warm.
Auckland enjoys an average temperature in February, ranging from 18°C to 23°C. With the average water temperature at 21°C, February is an ideal time to swim at Auckland's famous beaches, such as Takapuna Beach and Mission Bay Beach.
Wellington enjoys an average temperature between 15°C and 19°C during February. The month also has the least rainfall, so this is a great time to visit the city's outdoor attractions, such as the Wellington Botanic Garden and Wellington Zoo.
Weather in New Zealand in February - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 20.2 | 20.2 | 19.6 | 17.6 | 15.5 | 13.6 | 12.6 | 13.1 | 13.7 | 15.1 | 16.7 | 18.8 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 15.9 | 16.5 | 15.3 | 14 | 12.3 | 10.8 | 9.7 | 10.1 | 10.3 | 11.3 | 12.7 | 14.8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 69 | 69 | 68 | 64 | 60 | 57 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 60 | 63 | 66 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 61 | 62 | 60 | 58 | 55 | 52 | 50 | 51 | 51 | 53 | 55 | 59 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 27 | 29.5 | 32 | 43.5 | 48 | 59 | 52 | 51 | 43 | 37.5 | 40 | 47 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 20.2 | 20.2 | 19.6 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 15.9 | 16.5 | 15.3 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 69 | 69 | 68 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 61 | 62 | 60 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 27 | 29.5 | 32 |
Why Visit New Zealand in February
February is a great time to visit New Zealand. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy its outdoor attractions. Furthermore, there are not many tourists around, guaranteeing you a quiet, stress-free holiday experience. Here are some reasons why you should visit New Zealand in February.
- Fewer tourists: Local summer breakers will start dispersing around this month, which means you will get to enjoy the country's top outdoor attractions in relative peace and quiet.
- Fun events and festivals: There are plenty of fun outdoor events happening in New Zealand in February. Wine lovers will not want to miss the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival. The Wellington Fringe Festival, which features fun entertainment of music, comedy, and theater, is also worth checking out.
- Weather is great for sightseeing: With the weather still warm enough for exploring, February is a great time for sightseeing in New Zealand. And since there are not too many tourists, you are guaranteed an enjoyable sightseeing experience in the country's top tourist attractions, such as the Moeraki Boulders and The Sky Tower.
- Perfect time for hiking: Many of New Zealand's hiking trails are inaccessible during the winter months. So, if you want to go hiking in New Zealand, you should visit the country in the summer. If you are traveling to New Zealand in February, head to the Southern Alps, where you will find many scenic hiking trails, or Tongariro National Park, which has hiking trails for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Where to Go and What to Do
Most of New Zealand is accessible in February. Where you decide to go will depend on the activities you wish to do and how many days you will spend in the country.
A three-hour drive from downtown Auckland, the Bay of Islands is a fantastic place to explore when you visit New Zealand in February. With more than 140 islands to explore, consider booking an island-hopping cruise that departs from Paihia.
Kayaking at Cathedral Cove is one of the best things to do in New Zealand in February. The spectacular cove, made famous by the film Chronicles of Narnia, is located in the Coromandel Peninsula, only 2.5 hours' drive from Auckland.
The beach of Mount Maunganui is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand in the summer months. Featuring a long stretch of pristine white sand, the Mount is an ideal spot for sunbathers and surfers. It is also a great place to witness stunning sunrise views.
Aside from the beautiful summer weather, you will not have to deal with massive tourist crowds if you decide to visit New Zealand in February. This is a great time to explore the outdoors, go sightseeing and enjoy hiking in peace and in your sweet time. Contact our local travel experts to book a customized trip to New Zealand in February.
Other articles:
New Zealand in January
New Zealand in March
