Auckland is the best place to live in New Zealand for business positions. The area around Christchurch comes in a good second being relatively very dry and moderately sunny with above average temperatures. Continuing for miles, this beach is one of New Zealands best. The landscape is so arid, that NASA 's astrobiologists travel to the Atacama Desert hoping it will lead them to clues about life on other planets. The National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Note: New Zealand typically charges rent by week rather than by month. 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). PHOTO/LUCAIS DAVIES. Cropp River in New Zealand may only be 9 kilometers in length, but it gets so huge precipitation annually. Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. Photo / Christine Cornege, New Zealand beat England by one run in the final day of the Basin Reserve Test in Wellington. You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. 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. Auckland's population is indeed growing . Mount Maunganui 7. Summerwould be the best time to visit this region withFebruarybeing the best month to get the least amount of rain. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island, including severe flooding in the Coromandel region. In 2015, the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute granted funding to AUT to develop methods for operating unmanned aerial vehicles. Coastal road towards the beaches of Arica, Chile. Make the most of this great location by being able to have weekends skiing in the winter or beach days in the summer. If youre looking for a more urban environment, then Auckland or Wellington might be a better option. Drought: New Zealand's driest areas. The country comprises two main islandsthe North and the South Island . Bay of Plenty Referred to by the locals as The Mount, Tauranga is New Zealands ultimate beach destination. There, visitors can see waterfalls, magnificent views along the fiord and some marine wildlife. Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand, and its not somewhere we would recommend living. Alexis_Hagedorn. Many travelers take the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton, at the top of the South Island, and drive west to the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest national park. Note:This article was accurate when it was published. Warmest Places in Turkey: 7 of the Hottest Cities, The 7 Warmest Places in Mexico: Where to Go For the Summer, Wellington or Auckland: New Zealands Biggest Cities Compared, One Week in Queenstown Itinerary: Your Locals Guide, Things to Avoid in New Zealand: 9 Big Do Nots. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. Nina Out and About contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Whangarei 4. The town of Alexandra in central Otago has an annual rainfall of less than 400mm. Youll also find government roles, tourism jobs, and other professional positions. As a result of the significant reconstruction efforts ongoing, there are a large number of work opportunities in the construction sector. Located on the east cape of the North Island and protected by high country to its west, Gisborne constantly sees the highest temperatures across all of New Zealand and is also the first city in the world to greet the sun of a new day. Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad and then when I did it again. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. The University of Otago and Dunedin Hospital are two of the biggest employers; however, the agriculture, general business, tourism, and food production sectors are also very strong in the city. As it gets drier, theyre going to have to consider more supplementary feed, or drying cows off earlier.. New Zealand is a great place to live, but it might not be the right place for everyone. The windy city doesnt have the best weather, but it makes up for it with spectacular scenery. . But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all! Rainfall data used were near-instantaneous. If you are looking for dry places on theNorth Island, I can tell you that there arent many although some parts of the North Island can experience extreme droughts from time to time. The weather in Auckland and the Coromandel has been wet and wild causing road closures, slips, and canceled holidays as well as some extreme sporting opportunities. While typically a town doesnt want to be known for its foul smell, theres always an exception to the rule, and in this case, its Rotorua. . The mean annual rainfall in . Napier is often referred to as the art deco capital of the world, and its easy to see why. January, March, andSeptemberbring the least amount of rain to Christchurch. Coastal Wairarapa is the only place in New Zealand currently labelled extremely dry. If were going to make a summer recovery, its likely to be in the second half of summer.. Queenstown on the South Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular towns in New Zealand. The best Mount Maunganui accommodation is found near Mauao and the main street. You can get to the West Coast by road by following three highways: If you want to visit the West Coast in winter, you may want to drive, for example, from Picton to Greymouth via State Highway 6 instead of from Christchurch. Whats the best luggage for living abroad? The small town sits on beautiful Lake Wanaka and is close to some major hiking spots and the gorgeous Mt. Most snow in New Zealand falls in the mountain areas. Snow typically falls during the months of June through to October, though cold snaps can occur outside of this. If I could do it broke at 16, so can you! You can expect to spend around $1,800 NZD on rent and $1,500 NZD on general expenses. Some of the best places to live in New Zealand for families include Tauranga, Hamilton, and Palmerston North. The region has a population of around 150,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. 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. So cold, in fact, the town even has an outdoor ice rink. Devonport is also a great place for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and biking. A lot of the guys who would normally buy those lambs to grow them out further are not buying at this point of time because its dry and the crops arent quite ready.. 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. The West Coast is a difficult part of New Zealand to get to during winter because you typically have to drive through mountain passes, which can get snowed-in. VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. The sunniest places in NewZealand (recorded hours of sunshine) are the Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Nelson/Marlborough. This datum was archived into the National Climate Database, CliFlo,on 26 February 2009. Gisborne 3. Gisborne is also known for its fabulous surfing, delicious chardonnay, and prominent Maori culture. Auckland has amazing weather. Hottest, coldest, wettest, driest, sunniest, windiestfind out here which places hold the record for climate extremes in New Zealand. In summer, the average high is between 77.9 F (25.5 C) and 73.2 F (22.9 C), and in winter, temperatures rarely drop below freezing. For example, the 566 mm recorded at Cropp at Waterfall (Hokitika catchment) occurred between 2311 NZST on 11 May 1978 and 1111 NZST on 12 May 1978. Best places to live in New Zealand for young adults. It is the only place in New Zealand with that severity. Less than a millimetre of rain falls there per year on average. 1. Best places to live in New Zealand for expats, cost of living on Waiheke Island is similar to the cost of living in Auckland. Our average rainfall is high and spread evenly throughout the year. 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). Hamilton, in New Zealands North Island is an excellent place for expats to live. In addition, the city is located in a very remote part of the country, and it can be difficult to find work. Highway 73 from the east via Arthurs Pass from, for example, Christchurch. If you prefer peace and quiet, dont worry. Drenched in all-year sun with warm winters and pleasant summers, youll land yourself right in the middle of paradise. ), playing sports for the many clubs and organisations, meeting for coffee in the Scottish-inspired town centre, and exploring city parks and cycle trails. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. 9 terms. I lived in New Zealand for a year, living in Auckland. From November through February, you can look forward to daily highs in the low to mid 20s C (low to mid-70s F), perfect for enjoying one of the many beaches in the area or wandering the esplanade lined with 1930s Art Deco architecture. It pays to be prepared for what you might encounter on your travels. If you would like sunshine but fewer crowds, then autumn is a fantastic time to visit NewZealand. What is the best place to live in New Zealand for retirees? 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. Share your stories, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us. What is the wettest place in New Zealand? To find the places that receive the least amount of rain in New Zealand, we have to look for places on theSouth Island, because almost everywhere on the North Island receives 800 mm or more rain annually, especially in winter. Theres good reason Auckland is New Zealands most populous city. Top that with 2400 hours of sunshine a year, warm summers, and mild winters, and its no wonder many visitors arrive in Nelson and decide to stay forever. There are many cafes and restaurants, as well as museums and art galleries. Note that this pattern is shared with places like Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay where lots of beaches are located. Located on the east cape of the North Island and protected by high country, the entire year sees pleasant temperatures with minimal rainfall. Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. Finally, Gisborne has a very hot climate and it can be quite uncomfortable to live there during the summer months. 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. The town has a population of just over 5,000 people, making it one of the smaller places on this list. Rotorua is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. Try to live on the same side of the Waikato river that you work to avoid this inner city headache. Auckland 6. The days are still quite warm early in the season (that means beach swims through March and well into April in some parts of the country) with cooler evenings, and there is beautiful scenery as the autumn colours spread through the countryside. Can I still live abroad? The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. Niwa's noted that it been 47 months since New Zealand . Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? Some people might prefer a big city with all the excitement and culture that comes with it. The 2019-2020 summer season was especially dry, leaving the entirety of North Island in severe meteorological drought. Firstly, the city has a high crime rate and its not particularly safe. desertification. Photos / Andrew Cornaga, Photosport, Aucklanders are being warned to take shelter before a potentially damaging line of thunderstorms barrels over the city. Looking Ahead:North America. Wanganui 4. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. These cities offer a variety of work opportunities and a multicultural environment. The average temperature in NewZealand decreases as you travel south. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there is a strong sense of community here. Like the rest of New Zealand, youll always want to plan for four seasons in one day. New Zealand's national parks cover more than 30,000 square kilometres, full to the brim with beautiful, natural scenery ready to explore. Aircraft from the two World Wars took to the skies over south Auckland along with more recent military and training planes as the New Zealand Warbirds Association lived up to their mission to Keep em flying. Photos / Alex Burton. A brief description of each climate zone illustrating the average rainfall and temperature can be reached by clicking on the links below: The data are monthly averages for the period 19712000, for locations with at least 5 years of complete data. #Climate data were sourced from the National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Rotorua 8. Farmers are really watching that long-term outlook closely., Wairarapa Times-Age 2023 | Website by Web Publisher PRO. You will need to have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, and you will need to meet the immigration requirements. The city has a population of around 50,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. Rotorua 13. The sunniest areas in New Zealand can be found in Nelson and Marlborough so at the top of the South Island. Similar scales have been used for each graph to allow comparison between locations. The hottest months in NewZealand are January and February, and the coldest month of the year is July. NewZealand is lush and green for a reason! 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. The top of the North Island north of Kerikeri. To find cheap hotels, I recommendBooking.com. Helping you understand the science of climate change. Christchurch also has a number of hospitals and retirement homes. Instead of June through August being the summer months, New Zealand enjoys summer in December through February. For an individual, your costs would be about half of this. 2009-07-06 23:54:37. 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. P.H. With miles of sandy beaches and an abundance of nearby hikes, youll always be able to find your personal slice of paradise. The city has a population of around 50,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. Ive already talked about thetemperatures in New Zealand, and because wind is usually not interesting for someone who wants to visit New Zealand, Ill primarily focus on rainfall and sunshine in this article. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. advantageous or favorable toward something. Getting around New Zealand Whether you want to self-drive, fly, join a tour, or hop on a bus or train, there are plenty of options for getting around New Zealand. Its at a point where we are trying to get down to the bottom wintering stock numbers and trying to get through the summer.. The things we can do to combat climate change, individually, and alongside our whnau, school and community, can and will make a difference. (Image credit: dreamstime) Average rainfall: 0.761 mm (0.03 in) per year. Cropp River, New Zealand. However, the city has a high crime rate, and its not a particularly safe place to live. Where is the coldest place in New Zealand? 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. In summer, temperatures climb to the mid 20s C (mid 70s F) and occasionally reach above 30 C (mid 80s F). Located on the east coast of the North Island, its so well known for its fabulous coastlines and laidback but full of life atmosphere, its been voted as New Zealands best beach. The basic cost of living in Dunedin is roughly NZ$2,000 per month for a couple. Common wealth. It very rarely snows in the coastal areas of the North Island, although they experience some heavy overnight frosts in winter. is the most popular time to visit NewZealand. 5 terms. The driest areas of New Zealand are parts of inland Otago and Canterbury. To cool off, head to one of the 18 lakes in the region for a swim or paddleboard. Nelson is quintessential New Zealand beauty. Like many other regions of New Zealand, its best to be prepared for four seasons in one day. This little township is packed with awesome bars, eateries, shops, and markets that will keep any local busy. Before moving to Queenstown consider joining the local Facebook groups like Queenstown Houses to Rent, here you can find apartments for rent, as well as events in the area to meet new people. The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, whereas the area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the driest. Summer is boiling hot, which drives most people to Mission Beach to try and cool off. However, it is rare for snow to stay on the ground for more than a few hours. Overall, Hawkes Bay is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. Kaitaia and Whangarei top the list with an. (Read more). The best place to live in New Zealand for retirees is probably Christchurch. Plus, opposite to the northern hemisphere, the more north you go, the warmer temperatures tend to be. Dont expect to show up in a tank top all year, though. It is also one of the most expensive places to live in New Zealand. Whether youre looking for outdoor adventure, NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. What are four sources of income that are provided by New Zealand's geography? The midday summer solar radiation index (UVI) is often very high in most places and can be extreme in northern New Zealand and in mountainous areas. Luckily, if the weather isnt fit for the beach, opt for a hike on a nearby extinct volcano instead. The region is known for its beautiful beaches and its warm climate. The climate of Christchurch is very temperate and can be compared to the south of the U.K, although with significantly less rainfall. The annual Farmer's Santa Parade returned to central Auckland after a year off for the Pandemic and the rain wasn't enough to deter Christmas fans. Yes, many regions of New Zealand see snow in the winter months of June through August. Fortunately, a lot of concern was alleviated by very high product prices at the moment, he said. Devastation from the February 2011 earthquake is a stark reminder of the citys past, whereas creative new builds showcase an enthusiastic and bright future. How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad? April 29, 2020 JPEG View Both Images December through Februarysummer in the Southern Hemisphereare typically the driest months in north and central New Zealand. It only drops down to about 4C on the coldest days. With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from World Nomads! New research finds that the dark silicate glass strewn across a vast swath of the Atacama Desert was created by an exploding comet around 12,000 years ago. To find cheap rental cars, I recommendDiscover Cars. Therefore, it is advisable to earn at least $500 per week to have a good standard of living in Queenstown. Dreaming of endless stretches of golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and ideal sunbathing weather? . Photos / Warren Buckland. Travelling in the shoulder seasons can be a good idea as youll often find more availability and better rates on accommodation and activities. ), Wise.com is a great solution. The windiest and driest place on earth is _____. To find cheap flights, I recommendSkyscanner. The West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand receives the most rain in the entire country. Submitted by Jennifer of Backyard Travel Family, Best For: People who stop to smell the flowers. So catch aferry from Wellington to Pictonand then drive or fly to, for example, Nelson and then drive. Alexandra in Central Otago is on average the driest centre, followed by South Canterbury's Timaru. Wellington is the perfect location for expats looking for the career opportunities that come with a capital city alongside the laidback Kiwi lifestyle. Surrounded by Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, and Tasman Bay, every way you turn is a mind-blowing view. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best place to live in New Zealand. Pronounced fang-a-ray, Whangarei is New Zealands northernmost city and is both pleasantly warm and lush. Were interested in how you are using this information and whether its useful let us know by emailing [emailprotected]. So it is very hazardous to reach, especially when driving from Christchurch. ForCentral Otagowhere Alexandra is located, much of the rain tends to fall in autumn with also some in summer. Highway 6 from the south from, for example, Wanaka. - Advertisement - Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. Gisborne is a city located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. It also falls heavily in inland Canterbury and Otago in the South Island. I'm on a mission to empower every young woman to stop waiting to move abroad. Its the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, and there is often spring skiing available at some ski fields too. Average temperatures increase as you travel north. (opens in new window). The city has a low cost of living, and its a very safe place to live. Cost of living is high in Auckland. Christchurch Warmest places in New Zealand FAQs Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? Australia and New Zealand. 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. However, the cost of living in the Bay of Plenty is quite high, and it can be difficult to find work. Napier is located on the east coast of the North Island, just over an hours drive from the capital, Wellington. I recommend Dunedin over Invercargill for a cheap lifestyle without being so cold or cut off from the rest of the country. , and there is often spring skiing available at some ski fields too. Whakatane in the North Island's Bay of Plenty district, is the sunniest place in New . However, you will experience torrential rain and very dark skies for a few weeks. Ive recruited some travel blogger friends to help share other amazing places to live in New Zealand, so you can find the right spot for you. Kiwi Guardians at Forest Hill Forest Hill is a great example of native bush surrounded by agricultural land. Waiheke Island is a beautiful location located in the Hauraki Gulf, just a short ferry ride from Auckland. (Read more). Hundreds of people turned out at the annual Warbirds On Parade at Ardmore Airport. Even though the smell doesnt offer a pleasant greeting, the chance to wander around the otherworldly landscapes dotted around the city is why many tourists find their way here. For millennia, Mori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. driving in areas of NewZealand that are prone to snow. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. Some of the warmest places to live in New Zealand include Tauranga, Hamilton, and Napier. Photos / Alex Burton, Competitors battle wet conditions for this year's event/ Photographs by Alex Burton, Winning entries from the New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2022, The top 13 designs for the Resene Colour of Fashion competition open to final year fashion students at Whitecliffe College in Auckland, Former policeman John Purkis was swept down a culvert during Aucklands January floods and managed to survive. Cost of living in Mount Maunganui is fairly similar to other urban areas of New Zealand. There are also popular tourist spots like the Skytower, Mount Eden, surfing in Paihia, and drinking wine in Waiheke, nearby. While traffic isnt insane like Auckland traffic, it does build up in the city when crossing the bridges. He said dairy farmers were slightly down on production. Type of Work: Engineering and manufacturing. The area around Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula. The coldest month is usually July and the warmest month is usually January or February. This is especially true in winter, where youre much more likely to have days of rain and windy storms. Bush walks and hiking are great options now as the days are not as hot. In winter, it never snows! So pack your sunnies, lather up the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy these nine warmest places in New Zealand. Napier 8. However, you should keep in mind that rent prices are comparatively high, and affordable apartments can be tricky to find. Rainfall tends to be relatively low in February,March, July, andAugust, so during some parts of summer, autumn, and winter. Water from thin air. Youll rarely be lacking entertainment in Wellington as there are plenty ofthings to doand great options forweekend trips in the Wellington Region. Hawkes Bay is a region located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. Hamilton is also close to many popular destinations such as the Coromandel and Mount Maunganui for beautiful beaches, Rotorua, New Zealands cultural capital, and Taupo, a popular lakeside holiday spot. These are rarely severe but its best to be prepared with a basic emergency kit in the house. The country of New Zealand is actually made up of an estimated 600 islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean. Journeying The Globe. Gisborne 2. The city is rich in geothermal activity, with stinky sulfur gas bubbling from mud pools and geysers. The coastal region of the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile is one of the driest places on Earth. Bush walks and hiking are great options now as, in NewZealand is the best time to visit if. Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. Antartica. 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. New Zealand, Mori Aotearoa, island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the southwesternmost part of Polynesia. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of over 1.4 million people. 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. Property in Wellington can be very expensive, both to rent and to own, in part due to the high cost of insurance. Christchurch has less rainfall than the rest of New Zealands other major cities. Reinhardt said if there wasnt decent rainfall by New Years Day, were going to have to make some more big moves. Summer seems to stretch for a good portion of the year, with temperatures in the high teens to mid 20s (high 60s low 70s) from October through May.