New Zealand in December: A perfect summer trip!

New Zealand is at its best, undoubtedly in the summer. Summers are embraced with warm sunshine, making it an ideal time for adventures and outdoor activities. New Zealand in December is when the country begins to warm up as spring fades to summer. The hues of New Zealand become attractive as the flowers bloom and the turquoise-blue water gleams in the sunlight. It is the perfect time to go on a backpacking trip to get the whole of what the country has to offer. The North Island is typically warmer than the South Island, but the South Island tends to experience more rain during this time of year. I can sense you already dreaming of your vacation in the pristine lakes and lavender fields of New Zealand. Here is everything you need to know as you plan your New Zealand tour package in December. 

Everything you need to know about travelling to New Zealand in December:

• New Zealand Weather in December
• Best Places to visit in New Zealand in December
• What can you expect while travelling to New Zealand during December?
• Things to do in New Zealand in December
• Summer Essentials for New Zealand in December?
• Cost of New Zealand Trip

New Zealand Weather in December

The temperature in New Zealand in December ranges from 20 °C to 25 °C. Thus, you can expect very pleasant and warm weather in New Zealand in December. The days are longer, leaving room for extended hours of outdoor activities to enjoy. Due to this, skydiving in a clear sky, cruising Milford Sound in broad daylight, and photographing Lake Tekapo’s fully blooming purple lupins are possible and beautiful in this month. The weather in Auckland in New Zealand in December ranges between 14 °C to 21 °C. However, beware of the south, as it can get as cold as -10°C. Now that the sky and road are clear, you can drive to Mount Cook for a sunset hike or a photography tour. If you want a summer holiday without snow or indoors, New Zealand is the best place to be.

Best Places to visit in New Zealand in December

• Milford Sound
• Abel Tasman National Park
• Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonderland

1. Milford Sound

Take a cruise through the magnificent Milford Sound in New Zealand in December. Look at the tall cliffs and amazing water falls. It’s also possible to observe seals, dolphins, and penguins in their natural environments. It is even more enchanting, given that the weather in December is usually relatively mild. Discover trails that are immersed in rainforest environments. Milford Sound delivers a calm and magnificent experience.

2. Abel Tasman National Park

Spend December touring the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand. Trek through dense woodlands and sandy coasts. Swim, snorkel, and sail in the clearest waters to explore hidden lagoons and grottoes. The December weather is relatively moderate, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Observe different species of animal and marine life, such as dolphins and birds, peculiar to that region. There is no better place to have an adventure than in Abel Tasman National Park.

3. Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonderland

Travel to Rotorua and explore New Zealand’s geothermal phenomenon in December. Go for hot baths in the gushing mud pools, spurting geysers, and colourful hot springs. Exploration is easy because December has warm temperatures. Taste the Maori cuisine and engage in Maori dancing and music. You can enjoy thermal spas that will help to restore your body. Rotorua provides a perfect combination of natural attractions and Maori culture.

What can you expect while travelling to New Zealand during December?

1. Christmas is more colourful in New Zealand

Christmas in New Zealand is about blazing barbecues, treats, bright streets with caricatures and clear skies later in the evening. New Zealand in December is embezzled with festive spirits. Visit Auckland Christmas Markets to soak up some liveliness, take part in fun-filled and charitable Santa’s Grotto shows or embark on a Christmas-special picnic with your family.

2. More time outdoors, hence more adventures

Without rain and snow, this is the place for adventure lovers to unleash their best. Surfing season, whale watching season, skydiving and bungee jumping seasons, hiking and kayaking seasons—you name it, and everything falls here in December. Hiking in New Zealand in December is fun and exciting, with a variety of options available due to the Great Walks season through October to April. From stunning towns such as Arrowtown to mind-bending meadows in Canterbury, most places experience full foliage in December—fully bloomed, fiery-coloured flowers of all imaginable colours. There you go—the best kind of subtle adventures for you!

3. Christmas Feasts at Top NZ Restaurants or Kiwi-Style Lake Picnics

Only in New Zealand can you dine in a see-through restaurant with views of the entire stunning landscape around you. Indulge in a full-blown Christmas feast of blazing hot delicacies and roasted sweet potatoes. You’ll be served just like the Kiwis like it, and that’s the best thing ever. While a fancy platter with a shining glass of red wine sounds Christmas-y, you really want to make it more “Kiwi,” right? All you need to do is pick a destination like Waikato or West Coast beaches, arrange BBQ grills, pack your picnic gear, and you are all set for your New Zealand tour in December.

4. For the seasonal delicacies

New Zealand’s desserts are a level up, and Christmas is dedicated to celebrating them for what they are. Pavlova, the Meringue dessert with a rich whipped cream frosting and blueberries, almond-strawberry roulade topped with grated pistachios, stollen fruit bread with a crisp exterior, and of course gingerbread cookies and cheesecakes adorn the festive platter. Experience these delightful treats firsthand.

Things to do in New Zealand in December

• Celebrating Christmas in Auckland
• Wine Tasting in Hawke’s Bay
• Stargazing at Aoraki/Mount Cook

1. Celebrating Christmas in Auckland

Travel to New Zealand and celebrate Christmas in Auckland. Watch fireworks, processions, and lighted fairs. Summer is a great time to celebrate, as the weather is fine. Engage in holiday caroling and watch special Christmas performances. Drive to the historical Franklin Road for striking light shows. The Christmas celebration promises festive and joyful moments as the weather in Auckland, New Zealand, in December is comfortable.

2. Wine Tasting in Hawke’s Bay

Enjoy wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Taste exquisite wines while touring the most famous vineyards in the world. Take a guided tour and discover more about the wine-making process. Accompany your tastings with some exquisite local food specialities. The Hawke’s Bay wine tasting is a delightful experience for the senses and one of the greatest things to do here.

3. Stargazing at Aoraki/Mount Cook

Observe the beauty of starry skies in Aoraki/Mount Cook for your New Zealand trip in December. Take in the clear, vibrant blue skies in this Dark Sky Reserve. Listen to experienced guides talk about constellations and galaxies. December days and nights are rather chilly, and it is excellent weather for stargazing. Look through telescopes to observe faraway stars and planets. Telescopic Aoraki/Mount Cook stargazing is an entrancing and enlightening activity.

Summer Essentials for New Zealand in December?

For days that are hot and sunny, it is recommended that you pack light clothing. Pack a swimsuit for any beach destinations or hot springs. Carry a jacket for evenings or if the weather suddenly changes. Remember comfortable hiking shoes to enjoy gorgeous trails. Hats and sunscreen are essentials that need to be taken along in order to protect yourself from the sun. Ensure to carry a reusable water bottle to help you stay hydrated. Make sure you bring a travel adapter for your gadgets. With these necessities, you are set for a great New Zealand summer adventure!

Cost of New Zealand Trip

New Zealand presents wonderful opportunities to discover in December. Flight costs are relatively affordable; they are within the range of ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 for a round trip. It is more advisable to have early bookings to be able to get better prices. In terms of hotels and lodges, there are different categories, ranging from budget hotels at ₹5000 per night to luxurious hotels at ₹15000 per night. Breakfast and other meals during the day cost approximately ₹2,500 to ₹5,000. Skiing, bungee jumping, and tour expenses fall between ₹7000 and ₹20000 each. The local transport system is convenient and affordable, with options like rental cars costing roughly ₹ 3,000 per day for tourists. On average, a week will cost you anywhere between ₹1,50,000 and ₹2,00,000. Experience the best of nature, adventure, and history in this beautiful region.

FAQ’s for a fun trip to New Zealand in December

It is the perfect time to say, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.” Plan your dream New Zealand honeymoon packages to make your occasion more beautiful. Make memories that last a lifetime with your summer trip to New Zealand!