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Climate: seasons are opposite to
that of the Northern Hemisphere. The top of the
North Island is sub-tropical
and the bottom of the South Island is temperate.
Overall, however, the climate is very mild.Summer average max temps range
between 20-30C / 68-86F, winter 10-15C / 50-60F.
The warmest months
are Jan, Feb and the coolest June, July.
Jan
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23C
/ 76F
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July
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8C
/ 46F
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Feb
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24C
/ 78F
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Aug
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9C
/ 48F
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March
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20C
/ 70F
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Sept
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12C
/ 54F
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April
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15C
/ 60F
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Oct
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16C
/ 62F
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May
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10C
/ 50F
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Nov
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19C
/ 68F
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June
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8C
/ 46F
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Dec
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22C
/ 74F
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Temperature range is
not extreme, however weather can change
unexpectedly, for this reason you should be
prepared for sudden changes in weather,
especially if you're doing outdoor activities.
With over 2000 hours
of sunshine per year and very little air
pollution, the UV rays are strong during summer.
Sunscreen, hats,
sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts are highly
recommended when you are in the sunlight.
Annual rainfall on average
is between 650mm / 26inches and 1500mm / 60
inches. As well as producing
areas of stunning native forest, this high
rainfall makes an ideal place for farming and
horticulture.
Spring
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Sept - Nov
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Summer
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Dec
- Feb
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Autumn
|
March
- May
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Winter
|
June
- Aug
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What to
wear / pack: New Zealand is typically an
informal place so bring casual clothes and
comfortable
walking shoes/sneakers. Since the weather can
change from sunnyand hot, to cold - all within
one day,
bring clothes that can be layered. No
matter what time of year you visit, bring a
sweater and waterproof,
windproof jacket.
Depending on the activities you plan
to pursue, bring T-shirts and shorts,
swimming gear, hiking shoes and
rainwear. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen
and... for hiking in Fiordland, insect repellant.
Forget heavy denim jeans, they are
weighty to pack and a pain to wash and dry, who
wants to be stuck
doing laundry longer than needed? Light-weight,
quick-dry trousers are ideal and if travelling in
colder
months, all you need are polypropylene leggings (long-johns)
underneath.
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