Bay of Islands & NorthlandPhoto by Linde Lanjouw on Unsplash

Bay of Islands & Northland

New Zealand · Oceania

The best time to visit Bay of Islands & Northland is January–April and October–December, when it is at its strongest for hiking and nature & wildlife. Mild autumn weather provides comfortable conditions for coastal hiking, scenic driving, and swimming with thinning crowds.

Plan a trip to Bay of Islands & Northland

Month by month

MonthFitWeatherCrowds & pricesWhat it's good for
January 9/10 24°C · 13 rain days crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 Beach, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Peak summer brings warm coastal waters, bustling seaside towns, and maximum demand for sailing and boat tours around the islands.
February 9/10 24°C · 13 rain days crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 Beach, Nature & wildlife, Culture. Features the warmest sea temperatures of the year and major cultural celebrations for Waitangi Day on February 6th.
March 9/10 22°C · 12 rain days crowds 3/5 · prices 4/5 Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Mild autumn weather provides comfortable conditions for coastal hiking, scenic driving, and swimming with thinning crowds.
April 8/10 20°C · 12 rain days crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Temperatures cool and ocean waters become crisp, while dry spells make it a pleasant time for forest walks and visiting Cape Reinga.
May 7/10 18°C · 12 rain days crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 Nature & wildlife. Late autumn brings quieter coastal communities and reduced ferry schedules as temperatures dip into the mid-teens.
June 6/10 16°C · 16 rain days crowds 1/5 · prices 2/5 Early winter brings frequent rainfall and the shortest daylight hours, though the subtropical climate remains frost-free on the coast.
July 6/10 15°C · 15 rain days crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 The coolest month of the year is characterized by damp weather, low accommodation rates, and peaceful visits to historic sites.
August 6/10 15°C · 16 rain days crowds 1/5 · prices 2/5 Winter persists with frequent showers, making outdoor adventures muddy while indoor heritage sites like the Treaty Grounds remain open.
September 7/10 17°C · 16 rain days crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 Nature & wildlife. Spring begins with blooming flora and longer days, though rain frequency remains high across the region.
October 8/10 18°C · 15 rain days crowds 2/5 · prices 3/5 Nature & wildlife, Hiking, Culture. Warming temperatures and expanding marine tour operations make this a good shoulder month for coastal exploration.
November 8/10 21°C · 15 rain days crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Warm, sunny days return ahead of the main summer rush, providing great conditions for sailing and beach walks before peak rates apply.
December 9/10 23°C · 14 rain days crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 Nature & wildlife, Road trips, Beach. Pohutukawa trees bloom vibrant red along the coastline as holidaymakers arrive for Christmas and summer vacations.

Getting in

Israeli passport: e-Visa · up to 90 days — NZeTA and IVL fee required prior to boarding.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.

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