New Zealand Weather, Climate and Appropriate Clothing

Climate

The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.  In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service website.

While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, particularly we recommend layers of clothing for motorbiking as the temperature can change up to 15 degrees in one day if you are going from mountain passes to the beaches.

Clothing

For your motorcycling clothing, we provide helmets, jackets, gloves and wet weather gear, you do need to bring your own foot and leg wear.  We recommend layers of clothing to cope with the varying temperature changes that you can encounter in New Zealand.  If you are riding outside of the summer months a heated vest can be an added bonus to!

For the time you are off the motorbikes, dress is informal in New Zealand and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots.

In our summer months, for the evenings a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or if you visit higher altitudes. You can also expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat.