If you prefer peace and quiet, dont worry. Find out what's best for you with our practical advice on travel and transport in New Zealand. Whangarei 4. In addition to a great lifestyle, there are many work opportunities here. Cost of living for a family in Hamilton is $4,000 per month, roughly based on the cost of the average family home ($500-700 per week) or an executive home ($700-800 per week), groceries ($250-350), and eating out once in a while (meals costing $25-35 per meal). One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Hawkes Bay as it is in other parts of New Zealand, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. It really depends where youre located and your type of lifestyle. Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay. Christchurch was the driest main centre in New Zealand over 2020. There are also popular tourist spots like the Skytower, Mount Eden, surfing in Paihia, and drinking wine in Waiheke, nearby. But dont let that fool you theres still plenty to do in Devonport. Make the most of this great location by being able to have weekends skiing in the winter or beach days in the summer. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island and wild winds and rain lash the region. The Driest Place on Earth - Discovery Com The region is known for its beautiful beaches and its warm climate. This is made up of very reasonable housing costs (NZ$500), utilities (NZ$150), internet & mobile (NZ$160), transport (NZ$200), groceries (NZ$600), and eating out / entertainment (NZ$400). 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. The entire area of _____ is the driest and windiest place on the planet. January, March, andSeptemberbring the least amount of rain to Christchurch. If I could do it broke at 16, so can you! Christchurch is a fantastic place to live, it gives you the energy and excitement of living in a city whilst being the perfect location to explore the rest of the South Island. However, the city has a very high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. Were interested in how you are using this information and whether its useful let us know by emailing [emailprotected]. I dont think you can really go wrong when living in New Zealand. There are also plenty of things to do in Auckland, from exploring the many museums and art galleries, to hiking in the nearby Waitakere Ranges. The windy city doesnt have the best weather, but it makes up for it with spectacular scenery. However, you will experience torrential rain and very dark skies for a few weeks. Devonport is also a great place for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and biking. For longer hikes, enter the park from the tiny town of Marahau. Alexis_Hagedorn. Everything Ive written here is based on a combination of experience living and traveling in New Zealand, and research using scientific and non-scientific data and charts. The population of 400,000 supports career opportunities in most industries. I dont speak the language. Napier is located on the east coast of the North Island, just over an hours drive from the capital, Wellington. Milford Sound Milford Sound is the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand, and one of the wettest places in the world! driving in areas of NewZealand that are prone to snow. NewZealand is lush and green for a reason! So cold, in fact, the town even has an outdoor ice rink. Where to go in New Zealand for sun minus rain - NZTI (Read more). Photos by NZ Herald Staff photographers. The 2019-2020 summer season was especially dry, leaving the entirety of North Island in severe meteorological drought. A brief description of each climate zone illustrating the average rainfall and temperature can be reached by clicking on the links below: The data are monthly averages for the period 19712000, for locations with at least 5 years of complete data. here is beautiful scenery as the autumn colours spread through the countryside. Thats why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps Ive taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there. Aspiring National Park. Photos / Alex Burton, Competitors battle wet conditions for this year's event/ Photographs by Alex Burton, Winning entries from the New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2022, The top 13 designs for the Resene Colour of Fashion competition open to final year fashion students at Whitecliffe College in Auckland, Former policeman John Purkis was swept down a culvert during Aucklands January floods and managed to survive. How plants survive in one of the driest places on Earth, and what they 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. Dont expect to show up in a tank top all year, though. Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? Journeying The Globe. Alexandra in Central Otago is on average the driest centre, followed by South Canterbury's Timaru. Whether youre looking for outdoor adventure, NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. Cool sea breezes can blow in and drop temperatures, and storms arrive with little warning. Getting around New Zealand Whether you want to self-drive, fly, join a tour, or hop on a bus or train, there are plenty of options for getting around New Zealand. Youll also find government roles, tourism jobs, and other professional positions. New Zealand's Sandy Coasts Educational CD, NIWA and Kia Toipoto Closing Gender and Ethnic Pay Gaps, Annual climate summary 2021: New Zealand's warmest year on record, In numbers: New Zealands wild summer weather, Cropp at Waterfall (Hokitika Catchment)**. Reinhardt said if there wasnt decent rainfall by New Years Day, were going to have to make some more big moves. New Zealand, Mori Aotearoa, island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the southwesternmost part of Polynesia. The Legend of New Zealand. Before moving to Queenstown consider joining the local Facebook groups like Queenstown Houses to Rent, here you can find apartments for rent, as well as events in the area to meet new people. New Zealand is not known for its low living costs, as all products must be imported by sea or air. Cost of living is high in Auckland. To find cheap flights, I recommendSkyscanner. Although its worth noting that snow rarely falls in the town itself. So pack your sunnies, lather up the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy these nine warmest places in New Zealand. If we do start to get rain, a lot of those crops will recover, and we will get reasonable yield. Just be sure to have a raincoat on hand as moderate rainfall is experienced all year round. Best Time to Visit New Zealand: When to Go & When to Avoid Individuals (or couples) can save costs by house-sharing, which is very popular with the student population. Summerwould be the best time to visit this region withFebruarybeing the best month to get the least amount of rain. As a result, it attracts a large number of overseas backpackers on a Working Holiday Visa who come to town for a year or two to work and socialise. Based on the average yearly high of 19.7 C (67.6 F), Whangarei is the warmest place in New Zealand. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. 12 of New Zealand's most beautiful places | CNN Youll find NewZealands countryside full of bouncing lambs and spring blossoms, so it makes for great photos! Overall, Hawkes Bay is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. Overview of New Zealand's climate | NIWA But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all! Queenstown on the South Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular towns in New Zealand. Be 'SunSmart' by using these three simple steps when you go outdoors: You can check NewZealand weather conditions on theMetService website. 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! Take particular care from September to April, especially between 10am and 4pm, even on cloudy days. Climate extremes | NIWA Its free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee. Geography Test Flashcards | Quizlet For millennia, Mori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. 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. The region has a population of around 150,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. The region is one of the world's most extreme deserts, and includes many features . Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! Best places to visit in New Zealand - Lonely Planet 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. These are rarely severe but its best to be prepared with a basic emergency kit in the house. Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country into dramatically different climate regions. The country of New Zealand is actually made up of an estimated 600 islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean. ForChristchurch, winter is the wettest season, and spring or summer is the best time to visit Christchurch to avoid a lot of rain. You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. The weather helps too with average temperatures in summer of 22 Celsius and snow in the winter. Weve had people praying, people dancing for the rain I might have to start myself.. What are the best places to live in New Zealand for families? 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. Whats the best luggage for living abroad? From all of the data Ive gathered and analyzed, the top of the South Island comes out as the winner with lots of sun, a moderate amount of rain, and above average temperatures. As NewZealand observes Daylight Saving, daylight can last up until 9.30pm during summer months. plants or animals introduced to an area that destroy or hinder indigenous species. Within the city, youll find plentiful shopping and hip cafes to sample New Zealands food culture. Copyright, NIWA. Coastal Wairarapa is the only place in New Zealand currently labelled extremely dry. Aprilbrings the least amount of rain toQueenstownandJunethe most. The coldest month is usually July and the warmest month is usually January or February. Christchurch 4. Frosts can occur anywhere in New Zealand and usually form on cold nights with clear skies and little wind. Arica, Chile. It comes as Niwa's freshly-released 2020 summary showed New Zealand just saw its seventh warmest year on record - continuing a dire climate change trend that's put six of our last eight years among the hottest ever recorded. Ive recruited some travel blogger friends to help share other amazing places to live in New Zealand, so you can find the right spot for you. There are plenty of parks and gardens to explore, as well as cycle trails and walkways. However, it is rare for snow to stay on the ground for more than a few hours. Living in New Zealand can be expensive, especially if you live in a city like Auckland or Wellington. Auckland's population is indeed growing . Whatever the season, its always a good time to visit NewZealand as theres so much to see and do year-round. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research meteorologist Seth Carrier said for the past few weeks, a hotspot had been declared for coastal Wairarapa. Located on the east coast of the North Island, its so well known for its fabulous coastlines and laidback but full of life atmosphere, its been voted as New Zealands best beach. *Data entry of historical New Zealand climate records, from paper into electronic format, is an on-going activity. is the most popular time to visit NewZealand. The city also has a thriving food and wine scene, with many boutique wineries and restaurants to enjoy. Just remember to factor in the cost of living and the availability of work when choosing where to live. Which area of New Zealand is the driest? - Answers Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. Find out more about New Zealand's national parks. Seemy Disclosure Policyfor more information. Adding to the problem is an average windspeed of 42.5kmh over October and November, creating drier conditions. What is the chance of a warm summer in Invercargill? This rarely visited region south of the Bay of Islands is a hidden gem on New Zealand's North Island. Or, take to the warm waters and see if you can spot dolphins, seals, penguins, and even whales. The 9 Warmest Places in New Zealand for Sun Lovers. There are three main areas on the South Island that do not get a lot of rain: But just knowing what these locations are is not enough. The Covid-19 lockdown of New Zealand started at 11:59pm 25 March 2020. (Read more). Hawkes Bay Where not to live in New Zealand 1. Yet, Alexandras location in Central Otago (in the middle of the bottom half of the South Island) gives it the perfect recipe for hot summers. What is the wettest place in New Zealand? Cycling is a big focus in the region with many cycle trails such as the Waikato River trail that runs 105km. New Zealand | History, Map, Flag, Capital, Population, & Facts That said, Maunganui Beach and the stunning coastline is the real reason to choose to live in Mount Maunganui. Napier 5. Also opposite to much of the world, the further north you head in New Zealand, the warmer it gets albeit a few exceptions. The nights are cold but not freezing, and the days are warm but not hot. We also provide downloadable files for monthly and annual rain, temperature, sunshine, frost and wind data for selected locations throughout New Zealand. However, the summer months are when Whangarei really puts on a show. You dont need to know it before you leave home. . Visitor numbers are high and summer holidays mean more Kiwis are travelling around NewZealand too, making the most of the sunshine and Christmas break. Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. Nelson 7. 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. 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. Given the variety of activities, Wanaka is also a popular place to live in New Zealand. What is the driest place in New Zealand? - 2022 All Toyota Kiwi Guardians sites - Department of Conservation Whakatane in the North Island's Bay of Plenty district, is the sunniest place in New . Whats the best site to find cheap hotels? This also means New Zealand celebrates Christmas in the middle of summer and has unique culture and traditions compared to much of the rest of the world. With an annual rainfall of just 673mm at Castlepoint Station this year, compared with 1370mm in 2018, reserves arent in the soil water-wise, Reinhardt said. Most snow in New Zealand falls in the mountain areas. 100%YES! I lived in New Zealand for a year, living in Auckland. 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. Dont let Napiers picture-perfect weather fool you, though. 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. Nelson is quintessential New Zealand beauty. I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. 11 terms. December - February Average daytime temperature: 20 - 25C (68 - 77F), March - May Average daytime temperature: 17 - 21C (62 - 70F), June - August Average daytime temperature: 12 - 16C (53 - 61F), September - November Average daytime temperature: 16 - 19C (61 - 66F). (Image credit: dreamstime) Average rainfall: 0.761 mm (0.03 in) per year. Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand, and its not somewhere we would recommend living. Hundreds of people turned out at the annual Warbirds On Parade at Ardmore Airport. Temperatures in winter average around 14C/58F and summer months average 24C/75F. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. Average temperatures increase as you travel north. Summer seems to stretch for a good portion of the year, with temperatures in the high teens to mid 20s (high 60s low 70s) from October through May. the transformation of land from green to desert. New Zealand climate extremes for 2018 Hottest: 38.7C, Alexandra, 30 JanColdest: -10.4C, Mt Cook, 3 JunWettest: 6818 mm, Milford SoundDriest: . Another area on the South Island that gets a lot of sun runs from just north of Christchurch in southwestern direction toward Lake Tekapo and includes Ashburton, Geraldine, and Fairlie. Hawkes Bay is a region located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. The area around Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula. Cost of living in Mount Maunganui is fairly similar to other urban areas of New Zealand. Being close to tourist attractions such as Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, and the Hamilton Gardens will also give expats plenty to experience from their home base. Meetup.com Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! Mean annual temperatures range from 10C in the south to 16C in the north of New Zealand. With miles of sandy beaches and an abundance of nearby hikes, youll always be able to find your personal slice of paradise. Devonport 11. There are a few reasons why Wanganui is not a great place to live. Best places to live in New Zealand for young adults. 5 terms. 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. **Cropp at Waterfall is a gauge sited near the waterfall on the Cropp River, which is a tributary of the Whitcombe River, itself a tributary of the Hokitika River. A single room can easily cost $300 NZD a week or more. Nestled in a valley between the Southern Alps, Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand offers picturesque views and lots of outdoor activities! South Pacific Tuna Treaty. Tauranga 9. Yes, many regions of New Zealand see snow in the winter months of June through August. PHOTO/LUCAIS DAVIES. However, finding a place to stay here will typically be a bit more pricey so staying further from the town would be a cheaper alternative. A small area just southeast of Blenheim at the top of the South Island. Find more transport options > Essential travel information Weather and climate Summer orautumnwould be the best time to visit Blenheim withFebruarylooking the best. The sunniest areas in New Zealand can be found in Nelson and Marlborough so at the top of the South Island. 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. 13 Jun 2014. Located in Arica, Chile, its annual rainfall is only 0.03 inches. How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad? Whakatane in the North Island's Bay of Plenty district, is the sunniest place in New . This little township is packed with awesome bars, eateries, shops, and markets that will keep any local busy. , and there is often spring skiing available at some ski fields too. Photos / Andrew Cornaga, Photosport, Aucklanders are being warned to take shelter before a potentially damaging line of thunderstorms barrels over the city. Note: New Zealand typically charges rent by week rather than by month. If youre looking for a more urban environment, then Auckland or Wellington might be a better option. Less than a millimetre of rain falls there per year on average. Best places to live in New Zealand for expats, cost of living on Waiheke Island is similar to the cost of living in Auckland. The basic cost of living in Dunedin is roughly NZ$2,000 per month for a couple. It very rarely snows in the coastal areas of the North Island, although they experience some heavy overnight frosts in winter. On July 3rd, 1995, a low of . Over successive summer seasons . a group made up of sovereign states that remain associated with Great Britain. Type of Work: Engineering and manufacturing. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. You can check NewZealand weather conditions on the. Temperatures in NewZealand are generally mild, but the weather can vary a lot around the country and might change quickly as we are a relatively narrow island nation. This is the most popular time to visit NewZealand for sunny beach days, adventures on the water, beautiful bush walks and mountain hiking. 9 terms. You also need to knowwhat seasonto visit to get the least amount of rain. desertification. I'm on a mission to empower every young woman to stop waiting to move abroad.