With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from World Nomads! Common wealth. Hamilton 10. If you prefer peace and quiet, dont worry. These cities have low crime rates and are generally very safe places to live. Whatever time of year you are visiting, pack a raincoat as you never know when you might get showers. The basic cost of living in Dunedin is roughly NZ$2,000 per month for a couple. Napier 8. Its also one of the most expensive towns in the country to live in, due to the high rent demand is greater than supply so landlords here can charge a higher weekly rate. New Zealand is a great place to live, but it might not be the right place for everyone. These cities have a subtropical climate, and they offer a great lifestyle. Aspiring National Park. Gisborne is also known for its fabulous surfing, delicious chardonnay, and prominent Maori culture. These New Zealand climate extremes were updated in April 2022. Also opposite to much of the world, the further north you head in New Zealand, the warmer it gets albeit a few exceptions. In towns like Queenstown, Tekapo, and Alexandra, it will snow in town a few times a year. Given the variety of activities, Wanaka is also a popular place to live in New Zealand. Individuals (or couples) can save costs by house-sharing, which is very popular with the student population. Cycling is a big focus in the region with many cycle trails such as the Waikato River trail that runs 105km. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are some of the best places to live in New Zealand for expats. Photos / Warren Buckland. Continuing for miles, this beach is one of New Zealands best. The island is home to around 9,000 people and is a popular tourist destination for its many vineyards, olive groves, and sandy beaches. 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. It depends the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. There are many cafes and restaurants, as well as museums and art galleries. Wiki User. The cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle, but you can expect to spend around $1,600 NZD on rent and $1,300 NZD on general expenses. Rotorua is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. There are also popular tourist spots like the Skytower, Mount Eden, surfing in Paihia, and drinking wine in Waiheke, nearby. The coastal region of the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile is one of the driest places on Earth. Firstly, the city has a high crime rate and its not particularly safe. Tutukaka Coast. Located at the very top of the South Island, Nelson is susceptible to strong storms charging off Tasman Bay. The top of the North Island north of Kerikeri. Even in the middle of winter, its not uncommon for Auckland to be one of the warmest places in New Zealand and enjoy temperatures above 15 C (60 F). Photos by NZ Herald Staff photographers. Isengard Lord of the Rings scenery near Glenorchy, Where to go in New Zealand for sun minus rain. Instead of June through August being the summer months, New Zealand enjoys summer in December through February. Coastal road towards the beaches of Arica, Chile. However, you will experience torrential rain and very dark skies for a few weeks. Note that the same area southeast of Blenheim that receives the least amount of rain, is also one of the areas that has the most hours of sunshine during the year. In winter, it never snows! Queenstown, Wanaka, and Auckland are some of the best places to live in New Zealand for young adults. 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. Flatters could manage to keep costs under $2,000 per month whilst still achieving all the lifestyle perks of living in Mount Maunganui. July, the coldest month, still has an average high of 15.3 C (59.5 F). But dont worry, theres also plenty to do in Queenstown on a budget. The city is situated on a narrow isthmus, which means there are many beautiful beaches within close proximity. conducive. *Data entry of historical New Zealand climate records, from paper into electronic format, is an on-going activity. A small area just southeast of Blenheim at the top of the South Island. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. 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. Autumn and spring UVI values can be high in most areas. 101 New Zealand Fun Facts To Know Before You Go, How to Move to New Zealand with a Working Holiday Visa, 25 Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand, 17 Best Places to Visit & Top Things to Do In North Island New Zealand, 18 Places to Visit & Top Things to Do In South Island of New Zealand. (Read more). Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! The cost of living can be expensive, but it really depends on your lifestyle and where youre located. It is hard to imagine that. . I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who arent supportive. Yes, it is relatively easy to immigrate to New Zealand. 100%YES! So pack your sunnies, lather up the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy these nine warmest places in New Zealand. Queenstown 9. Share your stories, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us. The highest amount of rain falls where there are mountains and in the top half of the North Island, which tends to get convective showers, thunderstorms, and remnants of tropical cyclones. New Zealand is not known for its low living costs, as all products must be imported by sea or air. 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. Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. Type of Work: Engineering and manufacturing. Whats the best site to buy cheap flights? 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. Whether youre looking for outdoor adventure, NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. Nicknamed the Nice of the Pacific, Napier is roughly a 200 km drive south from Gisborne on the east coast of the North Island. Mount Maunganui 7. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought, Niwa says. Some of the warmest places to live in New Zealand include Tauranga, Hamilton, and Napier. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here. One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Rotorua as it is in other parts of New Zealand, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. January, March, andSeptemberbring the least amount of rain to Christchurch. Rotorua 8. Overall, Devonport is a great place to live if you want to be close to Auckland but still have a more laid-back lifestyle. The weather helps too with average temperatures in summer of 22 Celsius and snow in the winter. This is what it was like on the first morning. One Central Otago town was the driest place in the country last year, while another recorded the highest temperature in what was our second-warmest year on record. This datum was archived into the National Climate Database, CliFlo,on 26 February 2009. Theres always something to do and see between the many festivals, markets, and other events. Outside the city, endless stretches of beautiful landscapes beg to be explored. For an individual, your costs would be about half of this. The city is built on hills surrounding the Wellington Harbour, against the backdrop of the towering Remutaka Ranges. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. The area around Christchurch comes in a good second being relatively very dry and moderately sunny with above average temperatures. Carrier said there was a chance of rain next week, but that it would be unlikely to alleviate the problem. The 2001 census figures from Statistics NZ show there are two regions New Zealanders have been the most popular to move too. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen. Be 'SunSmart' by using these three simple steps when you go outdoors: You can check NewZealand weather conditions on theMetService website. Some of the safest places to live in New Zealand include Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. To cool off, head to one of the 18 lakes in the region for a swim or paddleboard. It really depends where youre located and your type of lifestyle. the most popular spots for skiing and snowboarding. Wellington is the perfect location for expats looking for the career opportunities that come with a capital city alongside the laidback Kiwi lifestyle. The city is small enough to get around on foot, but there is also a good public transport system. 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 would like sunshine but fewer crowds, then autumn is a fantastic time to visit NewZealand. Its also one of the most affordable cities in New Zealand. The 2019-2020 summer season was especially dry, leaving the entirety of North Island in severe meteorological drought. Learn where you can go in New Zealand to get the least amount of rain and the most amount of sunshine, and when. Dont expect to show up in a tank top all year, though. . Rainfall data used were 9am-9am 24-hour totals. #Climate data were sourced from the National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Water from thin air. Located in Arica, Chile, its annual rainfall is only 0.03 inches. What is the wettest place in New Zealand? This is good news for beachgoers who flock to beaches in summer. The sunniest areas in New Zealand can be found in Nelson and Marlborough so at the top of the South Island. Australia and New Zealand. Alexis_Hagedorn. Rent and general expenses can cost around $3,000 NZD per month. Badass female expat with a passion for making new countries my home. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. With miles of sandy beaches and an abundance of nearby hikes, youll always be able to find your personal slice of paradise. Consider your reasons for wanting to move to New Zealand, and make sure that its the right decision for you. Drenched in all-year sun with warm winters and pleasant summers, youll land yourself right in the middle of paradise. Farmers are really watching that long-term outlook closely., Wairarapa Times-Age 2023 | Website by Web Publisher PRO. Average temperatures increase as you travel north. There are a few reasons why Wanganui is not a great place to live. 5 terms. To find cheap flights, I recommendSkyscanner. 13 Best Places to Live in New Zealand - At a Glance 1. The city has a population of around 50,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. Submitted by Jennifer of Backyard Travel Family, Best For: People who stop to smell the flowers. Located far from both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean with low lying and sheltered bare ground, the town heats up quickly and continues to warm throughout the day. Theres good reason Auckland is New Zealands most populous city. Highway 6 from the south from, for example, Wanaka. 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. Submitted by Lena of Not Another Backpacker. The best Mount Maunganui accommodation is found near Mauao and the main street. Alexis_Hagedorn. Napier is a great place to live if you are looking for a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of things to do. Therefore, it is advisable to earn at least $500 per week to have a good standard of living in Queenstown. Youll rarely be lacking entertainment in Wellington as there are plenty ofthings to doand great options forweekend trips in the Wellington 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. Just remember to factor in the cost of living and the availability of work when choosing where to live. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of over 1.4 million people. Although its worth noting that snow rarely falls in the town itself. Mix these pleasant temperatures with large stretches of coastline and white sand beaches, and you have the perfect location to spend your days between the beach and the water. These cities offer a variety of work opportunities and a multicultural environment. Here youll find most of the major companies of New Zealand, and global companies, operating in the Central Business District (CBD). Located seemingly at the bottom of the world, next to Australia, New Zealands seasons are opposite to most. NewZealands climate is diverse the north of the North Island can have warm subtropical weather in summer, while inland alpine areas of the South Island can have heavy snow and temperatures as low as -10C (14F) in winter. 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. Hottest, coldest, wettest, driest, sunniest, windiestfind out here which places hold the record for climate extremes in New Zealand. It is an island of forest rich in flora. Note:This article was accurate when it was published. NewZealand is lush and green for a reason! Where is the coldest place in New Zealand? However, the summer months are when Whangarei really puts on a show. Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay. 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. 2023 Nina Out and About - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP - Privacy Policy, 13 Best Places to Live in New Zealand At a Glance, Wrap Up: Best Places to Live in New Zealand, FAQs about the Best Places to Live in New Zealand. What are the best places to live in New Zealand for families? For the calendar month and calendar year totals, the data start at 0000 NZST. So pack your sunnies, lather up the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy these nine warmest places in New Zealand. **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. I'm on a mission to empower every young woman to stop waiting to move abroad. Ophir Ophir, in the south of New Zealand, is a tiny town which held the record for the country's lowest temperature. Christchurch has less rainfall than the rest of New Zealands other major cities. The driest areas of New Zealand are parts of inland Otago and Canterbury. On July 3rd, 1995, a low of . The population of 400,000 supports career opportunities in most industries. After the large earthquake in 2011, Christchurch is still rebuilding in new and creative ways. You can expect to spend around $1,800 NZD on rent and $1,500 NZD on general expenses. Auckland has amazing weather. 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. It is also one of the most expensive places to live in New Zealand. Wanaka 5. Only you can answer this question! Mean annual temperatures range from 10C in the south to 16C in the north of New Zealand. However, the city has a very high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. Type of Work: Tourism and service industry. Come winter, Alexandra switches its tune and sees lows below zero most days. How much does it cost to live in New Zealand? need to carry chains and take extra care on the roads. I recommend Dunedin over Invercargill for a cheap lifestyle without being so cold or cut off from the rest of the country. Based on the average yearly high of 19.7 C (67.6 F), Whangarei is the warmest place in New Zealand. Video / Luke Nola, Monster Truck & FMX Spectacular event at Aucklands Waikaraka Park Speedway. Devonport is also a great place for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and biking. What city in New Zealand has the best weather? Mori culture is an integral part of life in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Copyright, NIWA. Apartments are generally preferable to houses, and it is worth paying a bit extra for a newer place because many Wellington houses, particularly older ones have little/no insulation which is unpleasant in the cold winters. In addition to a great lifestyle, there are many work opportunities here. Christchurch 4. The city is also home to some other famous residents royal albatross birds, endangered yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, sea lions, seals, and many native other birds also reside here. plants or animals introduced to an area that destroy or hinder indigenous species. As it gets drier, theyre going to have to consider more supplementary feed, or drying cows off earlier.. November is when you start to see consistently mild temperatures and is typically the driest month in New Zealand. 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. 13 Jun 2014. So it is very hazardous to reach, especially when driving from Christchurch. P.H. 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. Schultz/Brown University Mount Maunganui is a laid-back suburb of Tauranga, one of New Zealands larger cities (albeit still small), situated on the eastern coast of the North Island. , and there is often spring skiing available at some ski fields too. . Best for epic landscapes. Photos / Andrew Cornaga, Photosport, Aucklanders are being warned to take shelter before a potentially damaging line of thunderstorms barrels over the city. Again this is good news for people who want to visit the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park or Golden Bay. like sunshine but fewer crowds, then autumn is a fantastic time to visit. You can check NewZealand weather conditions on the. Less than a millimetre of rain falls there per year on average. Its at a point where we are trying to get down to the bottom wintering stock numbers and trying to get through the summer.. Id like to start by saying that Im not a meteorologist. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK! The things we can do to combat climate change, individually, and alongside our whnau, school and community, can and will make a difference. Pronounced fang-a-ray, Whangarei is New Zealands northernmost city and is both pleasantly warm and lush. Fortunately, a lot of concern was alleviated by very high product prices at the moment, he said. 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. Summer orautumnwould be the best time to visit Blenheim withFebruarylooking the best. 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. Auckland is the best place to live in New Zealand for business positions. As the main centre in the region, it has many major facilities, such as a covered stadium that attracts the likes of Elton John and Ed Sheeran. It is also an affordable city, with a cost of living that is lower than many other parts of New Zealand. 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. The Legend of New Zealand. A large proportion of Wellingtonians work for the public service as most government ministries are based in Wellington, but the city also offers lots of hospitality jobs in the many cafes and bars and creative jobs in the Wellywood film industry. These cities offer a variety of schools and family-friendly activities. If we do get reasonable rain over the next month, that will carry farmers through thats the biggest thing.. The climate here is mild and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You also need to knowwhat seasonto visit to get the least amount of rain. Or, take to the warm waters and see if you can spot dolphins, seals, penguins, and even whales. That said, Maunganui Beach and the stunning coastline is the real reason to choose to live in Mount Maunganui. Its the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, and there is often spring skiing available at some ski fields too. Its location in the northern portion of the North Island ensures the temperatures are mild to hot all year, and rainfall is spread right across all 12 months. 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. This little township is packed with awesome bars, eateries, shops, and markets that will keep any local busy. What is the chance of a warm summer in Invercargill? The region is one of the world's most extreme deserts, and includes many features . The town of Alexandra in central Otago has an annual rainfall of less than 400mm. Copyright 2021 newzealandtravelinsider.com. The city has a population of around 35,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. Whatever time of year you are visiting, pack a raincoat as you never know when you might get showers. ForCentral Otagowhere Alexandra is located, much of the rain tends to fall in autumn with also some in summer. Located on the east cape of the North Island and protected by high country, the entire year sees pleasant temperatures with minimal rainfall. Look no further than these nine warmest places in New Zealand. The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. Abel Tasman is all about the golden beaches, turquoise seas, and forested hiking trails. 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. Photo / Christine Cornege, New Zealand beat England by one run in the final day of the Basin Reserve Test in Wellington. To find cheap rental cars, I recommendDiscover Cars. The city was rebuilt in the 1930s following a devastating earthquake, and many of the buildings from this period have been carefully preserved. Temperatures in winter average around 14C/58F and summer months average 24C/75F. The North Island has had one of its driest summers in years, with farmers now feeling the brunt of the lack of water. Cropp River in New Zealand may only be 9 kilometers in length, but it gets so huge precipitation annually. is the most popular time to visit NewZealand. The city has a population of around 60,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. For longer hikes, enter the park from the tiny town of Marahau. 1. 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. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island, including severe flooding in the Coromandel region. The places that receive the most amount of sun in New Zealand depend largely on their latitude (southern locations have shorter days inwinter and longer days in summer) and how much cloud cover there is (the more clouds there are, the less sunnier a place is). While many ski fields open in June, the highest snowfall is usually throughout July and August. Summer would be the best season because youll then also experience thehighest temperatures. Rotorua is a city located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. 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. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. New Zealand is a remote landone of the last sizable territories suitable for habitation to be populated and settledand lies more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Australia, its nearest neighbour. With a warm, coastal climate without any temperature extremes, residents can enjoy the trendy urban sprawl, expansive wilderness, and pristine beaches all year round. Whangarei 5. Its also a very popular student city, so youll find welcoming students around and often out partying at the citys nightclubs. In winter, temperatures are still very pleasant, with an average low of 7.8 C (46.0 F). NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. Wanganui 4. Waiheke Island is a beautiful location located in the Hauraki Gulf, just a short ferry ride from Auckland. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research meteorologist Seth Carrier said for the past few weeks, a hotspot had been declared for coastal Wairarapa. You can expect to spend around $1,500 NZD on rent and $1,000 NZD on general expenses. Alexandra 3. What is the best country to live in as an expat? Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. The average temperature in NewZealand decreases as you travel south. Best places to live in New Zealand for young adults. Like many other regions of New Zealand, its best to be prepared for four seasons in one day. However, the city is located in a very remote part of the country, and it can be difficult to find work. Even in the middle of winter, temperatures rarely drop below 0 C (32 F), and in the summer, highs hang around the mid 20s C (mid 70s F) and occasionally reach into the 30s C (high 80s F). 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. Its a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities arent restricted. He said by mid-January, if there was not enough rain, it would be very difficult for farmers. You want to stay warm and dry during your vacation, right? If youre planning on driving in areas of NewZealand that are prone to snow, youll need to carry chains and take extra care on the roads. Christchurch was the driest main centre in New Zealand over 2020. February tends to be the hottest and driest month of the year, with an average high of 22.6 C (72.7 F) and only 5.8 average rainy days. Then there are those who want to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature. While many ski fields open in June. Consider what side of the city you prefer to live on carefully. Whangarei is a city located in the Northland region of New Zealand. Gisborne 3. If were going to make a summer recovery, its likely to be in the second half of summer.. Or, if you prefer to stay out of the water, Gisbornes temperate oceanic climate is ideal for chardonnay, and the region boasts a handful of charming boutique wineries. ), playing sports for the many clubs and organisations, meeting for coffee in the Scottish-inspired town centre, and exploring city parks and cycle trails. 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. Hikers are always encouraged to have a location beacon and tell friends and families their plans, as its not uncommon to hear of hikers becoming stranded due to the weather. Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand, and its not somewhere we would recommend living. 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! In addition, the city has a very high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. You can expect to spend around $1,600 NZD on rent and $1,300 NZD on general expenses. New Zealand's scenic highlights and natural wonders The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there is a strong sense of community here.