I Love Travelling

Especially in New Zealand

The best time to visit New Zealand for backpacking, hiking, and camping outdoors will somewhat depend on your own preferences. However, most people would agree that between October and April is the best time to go backpacking in New Zealand. Hiking trails and campsites tend to be busier with locals and international tourists mid-summer (late December to late January). The weather is usually warmest and driest at this time, but if you're hiking at lower altitudes (such as in the Abel Tasman National Park or Northland), the daytime temperature might actually be too warm. The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are often preferred for the quieter trails and more comfortable temperatures.

Wherever you go in New Zealand, you won't be far from great hiking trails and campsites. The South Island is more sparsely populated than the North Island, with only about a quarter of New Zealand's overall population and seven out of the country's national parks. It also has larger and more mountains. These make the South Island a favorite destination for outdoor lovers, although there's still a lot to enjoy on the North Island.