Post #263825 by Paipo on Wed, Nov 1, 2006 1:35 PM

On 2006-11-01 10:59, Tamapoutini wrote:

On 2006-11-01 07:16, Orphananas wrote:
Note to self: Must go to New Zealand asap. Does anyone know when's the best month to go?

If you want to experience COLD, head South.

This is a bit misleading...we have plenty of places in the South Island that get just as hot as up North in summer, but without the humidity. As for winter, I've been places in the North Island (e.g. central plateau)that were as cold as anything I've felt here. You can't really generalise about the weather here as there are so many different zones in each island.

If you just want to see tikis, the North Island is where it's at - that's where the Maori and Polynesian population is strongest. Auckland and Rotorua would cover the bases nicely. It's probably worth heading down to Wellington to check out the National Museum (Te Papa)too. If you want uncrowded scenic beauty, the South is tops.
If I had to recommend months, February and March would probably be best. Still nice and warm, but without the crazy traffic and crowded beaches of December/January.