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Since agriculture and farming are key industries in New
Zealand, the climate and weather are main concerns within
the country. The temperatures in the country are mild,
rainfall is moderate, and the sun shines more often than not
throughout the nation. The two major geographical features
in New Zealand are the sea and mountains.
Because New Zealand is not endowed with a wide range
in temperature, it lacks the extreme changes in
temperature experienced in most countries that have
continental climates. And yet, the climate in New
Zealand can change without warning.
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There have been instances wherein tropical
cyclones or cold fronts suddenly blow in. This is why
travelers are advised to prepare for sudden weather changes,
especially when hiking or embarking on any other activities
outdoors.
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The spring months in the country last from September to
November. Summer months are from December to February.
Autumn months are from March to May and Winters are from
June to August.
The climate in New Zealand is mostly temperate. Although the
far north enjoys subtropical weather in the summer months,
and the South Island’s mainland, alpine areas can have
temperatures dropping to as low as -10 C during winter, a
large percentage of the country is located near the coast,
an therefore enjoys temperatures that are mild, rainfall
that is moderate, and lots and lots of sunshine.
The temperature in the southern part of New Zealand is lower
because the country is located in the Southern Hemisphere.
Therefore, New Zealand’s northern part is subtropical while
the southern part is temperate. New Zealand’s warmest months
are from December to February, and the coldest months are
from June to August. Summer temperatures have a maximum of
20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Winter temperatures are from 10 to
15 degrees Celsius. |
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High temperatures and lots of sunshine occur during New
Zealand's months of summer from December to February. During
this time, days are long and full of sunshine, nights are
cool and mild. Outdoor activities such as trekking in the
bush are excellent to get into during this time of the year.
The country’s gorgeous and beautiful beaches are great for
sunbathing, swimming, boating, surfing, and any other water
sports.
Even though the native flora of New Zealand is evergreen,
many deciduous trees have been introduced into the country.
Autumn in New Zealand is very colorful with the trees’
changing leaves found in areas known for their fall splendor
such as Hawke’s Bay and Central Otago.
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Snow-capped mountains which are ideal for skiing and scenic
vistas are characteristic of winters in New Zealand which
are from June to August. Temperatures are colder in most
parts of the country and the North Island regions experience
more rain.
There are cooler temperatures in the South Island and some
parts of the island have little rainfall during winter. This
situation poses an excellent opportunity to go visit
mountains, glaciers, and other places for sightseeing. |
Blossom festivals are celebrated in both Central Otago’s
Alexandra and Hawke’s Bay’s Hastings. For white water
rafting enthusiasts, spring season is the period when
melting snow raises river water levels. |
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