One of the youngest countries in the world – New Zealand is a land of enchanting natural beauty and contrasts. This island nation is globally renowned for its rich Maori culture, crystal-clear lakes, glacial fjords, snow-capped peaks, and subtropical forests. Whether you are drawn to the dramatic Alps of the South Island or the volcanic wonders of the North Island, New Zealand ensures unforgettable experiences year-round. But if you are looking for summer fun and festive cheer, there is no better time to visit New Zealand than in December.
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Although New Zealand is a great country to travel to year round – with this blog, I will highlight why you should travel to New Zealand in December.
As I mentioned earlier December is the onset of the summer season in New Zealand featuring pleasant weather across the country. The sun shines with all its might and so does the influx of international tourists who wish to escape the winters. The average temperature in December in New Zealand ranges from 20°C to 25°C in most places. The longer daylight hours allow you to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the country.
And, on the rainy days, opt for long hikes through the verdant national parks. Since the summer has just started there will be fewer tourists compared to peak tourist months like January and February. The South Island has slightly warmer temperatures compared to the North Island. While the weather is usually pleasant, sporadic rain showers can occur, especially in mountainous areas. Overall, December offers a great mix of warm sunshine and refreshing breezes, making it a delightful time to explore New Zealand.
The best choice to travel from India to New Zealand in December is by air. Although there are no direct flights between India and New Zealand, there are multiple connecting options to travel to New Zealand from India. Airline carriers like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Air India, and others fly from major Indian cities.
Depending on your chosen airline, you may have stopovers in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and others. The popular international airports in New Zealand are Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, and Christchurch Airport; however, the most preferred one is the Auckland International Airport. Since December is the onset of the peak tourist season, you may avail of the best airfares if you book in advance.
New Zealand in December is all about enjoying the beautiful outdoors of this amazing country. From glacial lakes to turquoise seas, sand dunes to mountains, the stunning natural geography and landscapes offer a diverse range of places to explore. Discover Aotearoa in some of the best spots in New Zealand.
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The eighth wonder of the world – Milford Sound is a fjord in the Fiordland National Park on the South Island. Surrounded by lush rainforests, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, it is easy to see why Milford Sound is one of the most stunning places in the country. In December, the weather is mild, perfect for boat tours, kayaking, and cruising under the waterfalls. You can also experience activities like hiking or taking scenic flights. You can see seals, dolphins, and sometimes penguins. Explore the iconic Mitre Peak – one of the most clicked spots here. Accessible by car, the scenic drive to Milford Sound is equally stunning, winding through alpine landscapes and lush valleys. December days are long, giving you more time to walk around and admire the breathtaking views.
Rotorua, in the North Island, is world-famous for its rich Maori culture and geothermal wonders. This is one of the locations that you cannot miss while exploring the Kiwi land. It is known for its bubbling mud pools, geysers, and hot springs. In December, you can enjoy warm weather while exploring its unique attractions. While in Rotorua you may notice a sulfur smell – that’s just one of the USPs of Rotorua. Many spots like Whakarewarewa village and Te Puia geyser offer traditional Maori cultural shows and Hangi feasts. Enjoy boat trips at Lake Rotorua, mountain biking in the Redwood Forest, and zorbing. Don’t miss the chance to unwind in one of the natural hot pools or experience a traditional Māori cultural performance and feast.
Also Read: Explore Rotorua – Thermal Wonderland Of New Zealand!
Just a 60-minute drive from Rotorua is the striking town of Taupo. It sits on the shores of the largest lake in New Zealand – Lake Taupo. The lake itself was formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, leaving behind the picturesque caldera. Taupo is best known for its alpine deserts, ski fields, vast lakes, and geothermal valleys. The town is ideal for both those who wish to relax and thrill seekers. Huka Falls, an iconic waterfall, is a must-see place nearby. Taupo is renowned as the home to the largest natural trout fishing in the world. It is also a good base that leads you to the Tongariro National Park. Adventure seekers can enjoy skydiving, while nature lovers will find plenty of cycling and hiking trails around the area.
Also Read: Discover Tongariro National Park in New Zealand, where nature meets adventure!
Paihia is just three hours from Auckland. It is the perfect location to start exploring the Bay of Islands. This charming town with its clear blue waters and gorgeous beaches is an absolute summer destination in December. You can visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, take boat tours to see dolphins, or relax on the peaceful beaches. In Paihia, you will be spoiled for choice with water-based activities like fishing, sea kayaks, sailing, scuba diving, and paddleboarding. The town has a relaxed vibe with cafes, stores, and restaurants along the waterfront. The warm December weather is ideal for outdoor dining and beach picnics. With its casual vibe and dramatic scenery, Paihia is a great spot for both relaxation and adventure.
One of the smallest yet the most beautiful national parks – Abel Tasman National Park is on the tip of the South Island. Spanning more than 22000 hectares, its grand mix of landscapes makes this park unique compared to other parks in the country. The Abel Tasman National Park passes through winding ridges, beautiful coastline, forested reserves, and blue lagoons. Such different landscapes offer you a chance to enjoy numerous activities like helicopter tours, scuba diving, exploring the various nature trails, sailing catamarans, or just chilling on the beach. The famous Abel Tasman Coast Track is a popular multi-day hike, offering stunning views of the coastline and chances to explore secluded bays.
With fourteen national parks, two unique islands, and more than a dozen diverse towns and cities, there are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy in New Zealand in December. From thrilling adventures to the must-try local foods to wildlife encounters, there is something for everyone in this country.
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While exploring New Zealand, you cannot miss to experience this natural wonder in Rotorua. The town is home to several hot water springs and bubbling mud pools. Its therapeutic and naturally hot waters are ideal for wellness, relaxation, and beauty. Set at the end of Lake Rotorua, it is also known as the Nature’s Spa and an international resort in New Zealand for its surreal landscape. Check out its Pohutu Geyser – an active and massive geyser that erupts around twenty times a day.
Apart from its geothermal wonders – Rotorua is also known for its rich Maori heritage. Visit Te Puia, a living Maori village in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley in Rotorua. It is the ideal place to discover more about the traditions, history, and culture of the indigenous people of New Zealand. Discover their carvings, tattoos, and weaving. Understand their connection to nature and ancestors. Experience their warm hospitality and respect for elders.
This place would definitely be on the bucket list of all the Lord of the Rings fans. And even if you are not a die-hard admirer of the movies, it is still a dazzling and downright fun place to visit! The Hobbiton movie set is on the Alexander Farm in Waikato, around 200 km from Auckland. Take a Hobbiton Movie Set tour and explore the permanent movie sets with its Party Tree, Hobbit holes, and the Green Dragon Inn. The guided tours will share what went into making these iconic sets.
Queenstown, in the South Island of New Zealand, is often known as the Adventure capital of the world. This stunning lakeside town features plenty of activities in the air, on water, and on land to inspire, challenge, and thrill you. Choose from a range of adventure activities from jet boating, bungy jumping, sky diving, white water rafting, quad biking, river surfing and more.
Central Otago is a spectacular region with rugged snow-capped mountains, vast rolling landscapes, tussock-clad hills, and crystal-clear rivers. It has a few of the most scenic wine regions in the country and is home to the best pinot noir in the world. Visit the vineyards, meet the wine-makers, bike or stroll through the vineyards and savour the best wines of this region. Join one of the many local celebrations to add extra zing to your experience.
Apart from the diverse scenic beauty, this island country also hosts plenty of festivals and events around the year. While some offer a glimpse of the Maori culture, local foods, and others are around the social and artistic expressions of New Zealand. Some popular summer festivals in New Zealand are as below.
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If you are looking for an epic summer adventure, New Zealand in December is the place to be! It offers a unique blend of holiday cheer and summer fun that is hard to find anywhere else. Whether you want to hike through mesmerizing scenery, chill on the beach, or soak in the festive vibes, New Zealand’s got you covered. And with plenty of New Zealand tour packages available, arranging your trip is a breeze. So, with the right travel partner like us and a customized tour itinerary, you can make the most of this incredible country and create unforgettable memories in this southern hemisphere paradise.
I graduated in commerce from Bombay University and run a family-owned business where we believe in transparency, trust, knowledge distribution and provide quality tours to our customers. According to me “Customers are our brand ambassadors and employees are our biggest Strength”. I also believe that “Travel brings knowledge, Knowledge brings opportunity and Opportunity brings prosperity”. With God’s grace was awarded the “Best Female Entrepreneur of India” by Tourism awards Gujarat. And currently, I am actively involved in key decisions and itinerary staff management in the travel industry.
