New Zealand Weather in October

© Pixabay

Typical Temperatures in October

New Zealand experiences slightly different climates around the country so depending on where you are visiting can vastly change your weather experience. With that in mind, here are some average temperatures experienced in October in every New Zealand location.

Northern New Zealand (Northland, Auckland and Tauranga) – 14ºC (57ºF)
Central North Island (Hamilton, Taupo and Rotorua) – 13ºC (55ºF)
South-West North Island (New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Wellington) – 12ºC (53ºF)
Eastern North Island (Gisborne, Napier and Wairarapa) – 14ºC (57ºF)
Northern South Island (Blenheim and Nelson) – 13ºC (55ºF)
Western South Island (Westport, Hokitika and Milford Sound) – 11ºC (51ºF)
Eastern South Island (Kaikoura, Christchurch and Timaru) – 12ºC (53ºF)
Inland South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Alexandra) – 9-11ºC (48-51ºF)
Southern New Zealand (Dunedin and Invercargill) – 11ºC (51ºF)

© Pixabay

Other Weather Patterns in October

October is a mixed bag when it comes to weather. While the temperature is typically mild, be prepared for a variety of weather: rain, sun and wind. Some of the strongest winds in New Zealand have been recorded in October.

Rainfall in October

The different climates in each area of New Zealand determine how much rainfall is experienced each month. Take a look at the average rainfall in October at the locations you are visiting.

Northern New Zealand (Northland, Auckland and Tauranga) – 120mm (5″)
Central North Island (Hamilton, Taupo and Rotorua) – 80mm (3″)
South-West North Island (New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Wellington) – 100mm (4″)
Eastern North Island (Gisborne, Napier and Wairarapa) – 60mm (2.4″)
Northern South Island (Blenheim and Nelson) – 90mm (3.5″)
Western South Island (Westport, Hokitika and Milford Sound) – 300mm-700mm (12″-27.5″)
Eastern South Island (Kaikoura, Christchurch and Timaru) – 50mm (2″)
Inland South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Alexandra) – 40mm-60mm (1.5″-2.4″)
Southern New Zealand (Dunedin and Invercargill) – 70mm (2.7″)

© NZPocketGuide.com

The Best Places to Visit in October

For the best places to see spring happening all around you with an abundance of wildlife and blossoming flowers, check out these locations in New Zealand during October!

Christchurch – Otherwise known as the “Garden City”, Christchurch should definitely be on your itinerary for October.

Stewart Island – The New Zealand birds become a lot more active in spring. Visit Stewart Island’s bird sanctuary on Ulva Island and be enchanted!

Hamilton – Visit the Hamilton Gardens, the country’s most award-winning garden.

Tongariro National Park – October is the perfect time to do the Tongariro Crossing while the snow is clearing up making it safe to hike alone, plus, it’s before the busy tourist season starts!

Fiordland National Park – The shoulder season and mild weather make a great time to hit the popular hiking trails and see Milford Sound.

For October events you can’t miss, see New Zealand in October.

© pxhere

October Packing List

Here are a few extra things to pack specifically if you are visiting New Zealand in October.

• Mid-layers (layer up or take layers off for the changing temperatures)
• Rain jacket
• Waterproof hiking shoes (here’s how to pick a good pair)
• Swimwear (New Zealand has lots of hot pools!)
• High factor sunscreen
• Day pack (take your sunscreen and extra layers with you)

For more things to pack, check out the Packing List for Autumn or Spring in New Zealand and The Ultimate Packing List for an Extended Trip in New Zealand. Most important of all, check out our complete New Zealand Packing List.