April Weather
Generally speaking, April's weather is known or rather celebrated for its crisp sunny days, clear blue skies and cold, bright nights. You can expect highs of 18-20°C in the North Island and 16-18°C in the South. The nights definitely start feeling cooler throughout the country with lows in the North of between 9-11°C and on the South Island, 6-8°C. April, like many months of the year, can experience highly changeable weather, particularly in mountainous regions, so if you are planning a weather-dependent activity, be sure to check the latest weather reports.
April and March are wonderful months for hiking and walking in New Zealand, particularly in the South Island. For hikers or trampers as they are called in New Zealand, March is characterised by warm weather and cool mornings – simply great hiking conditions. However, April remains a favourite hiking month for many as the autumn colours (particularly around Wanaka, Arrowtown and Queenstown in the South Island) are so beautiful.
The temperature in April fluctuates between hot days and cold nights, but April weather is generally known for its lack of wind, lack of rain and its long, fine spells. Popular hiking routes tend to be less crowded although there can be occasional storms leaving snow on ground, as well as shorter days and frost on the ground.
Hikers' Packing for April Weather
If you intend to spend time in the mountains, either climbing or hiking,your packing remains pretty much as it would be for all-year hiking – at all times of year, you should have warm and waterproof clothing. Warm fleeces and polar layers are perfect for cold nights, warm sleeping bags are recommended, as well as a box of matches to get the hut-fire going.
Other essentials include:
- Woollen hat or beanie, hooded raincoat, over-pants, hat and gloves, warm and fast drying tops, trousers and shorts and thermal underwear made from wool or polypropylene. (Thermal tops and leggings (polyprops) are widely available in outdoor clothing stores).
- Wear sturdy boots, warm, long and quick drying socks.
Check out the great advice from DOC (the Department of Conservation) on:
April Events Not to Be Missed
- Easter Show, Auckland – Fun-filled, family entertainment extravaganza
- Warbirds Over Wanaka – Bi-annual aerial displays of vintage aircraft
- Festival of Colour, Southern Lakes – Based in the beautifully autumnal Arrowtown
Weather By Month
Our overview of New Zealand's typical weather by month can help you plan your holiday, unmissable highlights for the month (e.g. events and festivals), sightseeing and activities and even your packing. But do be warned – these are not weather forecasts, so expect some of the unexpected during your stay!
| Spring Weather | Summer Weather | Autumn Weather | Winter Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | December | March | June |
| October | January | April | July |
| November | February | May | August |
Weather in the Major Centres
Find out: where to expect 'four seasons in one day', where to find New Zealand's semi-tropical regions, which city is the sunniest, where to experience the most rainfall and discover which city is the country's windiest.
| North Island Weather and Climate | South Island Weather and Climate |
|---|---|
| Auckland | Christchurch |
| Bay of Islands | Queenstown |
| Rotorua | |
| Wellington |
