NEW ZEALAND CLIMATEGeneral Information About New Zealand Region: Pacific Ocean Even though New Zealand is considered mostly a tropical island because it is located in the South Pacific, the weather varies quite a bit from one region to another. The terrain varies from tropical rain forests to alpine mountain ranges and sandy beaches. The northern part of the North Island is sub-tropical with warm, humid weather in the summer. The South Island is generally cooler with occasional Antartic blasts. It's a good idea to dress in layers if you are traveling around the country. New Zealand is well known for its seismic, volcanic, and geothermal activity. Earthquakes are not uncommon, and, when we were there in February, we experienced a tropical typhoon for several days. This dramatic weather is what makes New Zealand one of the most scenic countries in the world. The overall climate could be called moderate. Winter temperatures range from lows around 32 degrees F to highs of 60 degrees F. In the summer, expect highs between 68 degrees F and 86 degrees, depending on what part of the country you are in. One caution to take. New Zealand has one of the highest UV ratings in the world. The clean air makes the sun extremely harsh. It is important to protect yourself with sunscreen, hats and the proper clothing when your outdoors. This is important even on a cloudy day. RECOMMENDED LINKSOfficial New Zealand Climate PageNew Zealand's National Meteorological Service
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