Considering a trip to New Zealand mid- September to tack on to work trip for my husband early Oct. in Australia. Wondering about the weather as it looks to be the end of winter. We had thought we would focus on South Island as we enjoy hiking, but now wonder if the weather would not permit.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3017 posts
Actually, I think late September and into early October is a pretty good time to visit South Island destinations like Queenstown, Christchurch and Abel Tasman Park up at the northern tip. While there will be snow lingering at the higher elevations of the Southern Alps we've always been able to get our hikes in at the lower elevations. The first ten miles of the Routebourne track, for example, is generally clear by that time of year - it's one of our personal favorites.
The further north you go the warmer it'll be, though it tends to be a little rainier up on the North Island.
September will be shoulder season so you'll see fewer crowds and better prices on accommodations & rental cars too.
There are direct flights to Queenstown & Christchurch from Sydney. Qantas has a low-cost affiliate called JetStar that's very affordable.