Warning
- see
Close

Explore New Zealand in Summer with a rental car

New Zealand Summer


There’s a reason why January is the peak time to visit New Zealand. Aside from the beautiful summer weather, you’ll also be able to enjoy festivals, sport tournaments, and beachside resorts. With temperatures at around 25 degrees on the North Island, it’s the ideal time of year to pay a visit.

It’s the perfect time for hiking

The incredible scenery around Queenstown.
The incredible scenery around Queenstown / Tāhuna.

With many of the most popular mountain trails not easily accessible in winter, January is a great time to travel if you enjoy hiking. There are also some particularly beautiful trains in the Southern Alps—in both the Fiordland and Queenstown / Tāhuna regions—and if you’re in Wānaka in January, you can enjoy the Rhythm and Alps music festival.

You won’t want to miss these beaches

New Zealand has no shortage of secluded beaches.
New Zealand has no shortage of secluded beaches.

There's nothing better than spending the day at the beach on a hot summer day. There are plenty of beach resorts surrounding the Coromandel Peninsula / Te Tara o Te Ika a Māui, including Waipu Cove and Tauranga. Why not treat yourself to a few nights by the ocean?

Longer days means more sunshine

Looking out towards Moutohora Island from near Whakatane.
Looking out towards Moutohora Island from near Whakatane.

After shivering through the colder months, New Zealand definitely celebrates the arrival of its long summer days. In Central Otago / Ōtākou, the temperatures are often well over 30 degrees, making it the perfect place for outdoor sports and activities. Nelson / Whakatū and Whakatāne experience the most hours of sunshine in the country.


Exciting Summer events

The “City of Sails”.
The “City of Sails”.

January is a great time to visit Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau. The city celebrates its anniversary with the traditional Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, the day the city really becomes the “city of sails.” All kinds of boat races are held, including yachts, dragon boats and tugboats. Adding to the buzz on the waterfront is the ASB Seafood Festival and an international buskers festival.

For an unforgettable holiday, January is the perfect time to visit New Zealand and experience all that the country has to offer. The best way to see it all is by way of rental car or campervan, and at VroomVroomVroom, we can help you find the right vehicle for your adventure.


Other useful articles