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New Zealand has four seasons, although they occur at periods that are different from other parts of the world. Every year in New Zealand begins in Summer as the seasons last from December to February. Autumn comes next and lasts from March to May before giving way for winter, which lasts from June to August, And finally Spring, lasting from September to November. Each season in the country comes with its special adventures, which is why it’s important to know the kind of adventures to expect during the period one is visiting the country. At any time, one can visit museums or eat delicious food, but before visiting, here’s what to expect during different periods of the year in New Zealand.

Summer

Summer in New Zealand lasts from December to February, and during this period, there are lots of exciting outdoor activities one can do. First, it is an opportunity to experience Christmas in summer, which is characterized by crowded beaches and lots of exciting festivals. New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to celebrate Christmas, and visitors to the country during this time will be met with streets decorated with Christmas trees, colorful lights, and several Christmas parades.

With fewer rainy days, summer in New Zealand is the best time to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, sailing, swimming, and kayaking. For some road adventures, one can engage in cycling, mountain biking, and horse riding. There are also lots of historic attractions and interesting destinations one can visit in New Zealand during summer, from the amazing national parks to the Moeraki Boulders, the Southern Alps, and the stunning Hobbiton, among others.

Related: Visit Fiordland: New Zealand's Largest National Park That's Home To Many Wonders

Autumn

Autumn is a beautiful time to be in New Zealand as the country is decorated with golden colors. The season lasts from March to May, and with the sunshine still visible all day long, Autumn in New Zealand is a great time to be outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the country while also engaging in exciting outdoor adventures. Central Otago and Arrowtown are some of the best destinations to visit to witness the scenery of Autumn in New Zealand.

During Autumn in New Zealand, one can also go hiking, swimming, fishing, and take exciting road trips across the islands in the country to witness more autumn scenery. Harvesting seasons also happen to fall in Autumn, which means one can also enjoy some delicious wine during this period in New Zealand.

Related: Your Guide To Wine Tasting In South New Zealand

Winter

Winter in New Zealand lasts from June to August - a period that is summer in many parts of the world. This makes New Zealand an appealing destination to visit for those escaping the increasingly hot summers of the Northern Hemisphere. During this period, many parts of New Zealand are bathed in lots of snow, creating the perfect atmosphere for winter activities such as - skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, surfing, and cruising through the country's stunning fjords.

Winter in New Zealand is also the whale watching season As whales migrate during this period. Kaikoura, Whakatane, and Hauraki Gulf are some of the best places to spot these creatures in New Zealand.

With average daily temperatures placed between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius, winter in New Zealand can be cold, which is why there are so many spas and geothermal pools in the country ready to beat the chills out of one's body with some relaxing massage and some warm dips. New Zealand is also one of the best places in the world to experience a polar plunge, and this activity can only be done during winter.

Other things to do in New Zealand in winter include - attending the Maori New Year, exploring New Zealand wildlife, and taking train rides across the islands to witness the magical scenery of Winter. With shorter days and dark, long nights, winter in New Zealand is a great time to watch Aurora Australis - the Southern Hemisphere’s version of Aurora Borealis.

Spring

Spring is a time of rejuvenation, and this is what one can expect in New Zealand. The season lasts from September to November in New Zealand, and those in the country during this period will be met with the sights of blossoming fields and rushing rivers that are great for kayaking, white water rafting, fishing, and other exciting water activities.

Besides the blossoming fields and the roaring water bodies, spring also comes with opportunities to hike the trails in the country and witness the fauna and flora. Waterfalls are at their peak during spring, and this is one more exciting thing to enjoy during this period in New Zealand.