where is the driest place in new zealand
where is the driest place in new zealand
Similar scales have been used for each graph to allow comparison between locations. Learn where you can go in New Zealand to get the least amount of rain and the most amount of sunshine, and when. Thats why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps Ive taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there. The places that receive the most amount of sun in New Zealand depend largely on their latitude (southern locations have shorter days inwinter and longer days in summer) and how much cloud cover there is (the more clouds there are, the less sunnier a place is). *Data entry of historical New Zealand climate records, from paper into electronic format, is an on-going activity. One pro of living in Auckland is that you can save money on your commute by taking the public transportation system. From all of the data Ive gathered and analyzed, the top of the South Island comes out as the winner with lots of sun, a moderate amount of rain, and above average temperatures. The North Island has had one of its driest summers in years, with farmers now feeling the brunt of the lack of water. conducive. A brief description of each climate zone illustrating the average rainfall and temperature can be reached by clicking on the links below: The data are monthly averages for the period 19712000, for locations with at least 5 years of complete data. On July 3rd, 1995, a low of . All Toyota Kiwi Guardians sites - Department of Conservation But dont worry, theres also plenty to do in Queenstown on a budget. There are a few reasons why Wanganui is not a great place to live. It is one of the driest places on Earth and has not seen rain for nearly two million years. Rainfall tends to be relatively low in February,March, July, andAugust, so during some parts of summer, autumn, and winter. While many ski fields open in June. NewZealands climate is diverse the north of the North Island can have warm subtropical weather in summer, while inland alpine areas of the South Island can have heavy snow and temperatures as low as -10C (14F) in winter. Which area of New Zealand is the driest? - Answers Alexandra 3. Especially, jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry are easy to find, since Wanaka is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand! Ophir Ophir, in the south of New Zealand, is a tiny town which held the record for the country's lowest temperature. It is hard to imagine that. **Cropp at Waterfall is a gauge sited near the waterfall on the Cropp River, which is a tributary of the Whitcombe River, itself a tributary of the Hokitika River. Youll get a great quality of life, but expect to spend $1,800 NZD on an apartment near the city centre, and an additional $1,500 on general expenses. The cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle, but you can expect to spend around $1,600 NZD on rent and $1,300 NZD on general expenses. Temperatures in winter average around 14C/58F and summer months average 24C/75F. Wellington is the perfect location for expats looking for the career opportunities that come with a capital city alongside the laidback Kiwi lifestyle. What are four sources of income that are provided by New Zealand's geography? Rotorua is a city located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. What is the wettest place in New Zealand? In summer, temperatures climb to the mid 20s C (mid 70s F) and occasionally reach above 30 C (mid 80s F). During the hot summers, you can cool off in the refreshing water of the lake and go hiking in the wilderness, whereas snowboarding and skiing are some of the best things to do in Wanaka during its cold winter season. These New Zealand climate extremes were updated in April 2022. Rainfall data used were 9am-9am 24-hour totals. Less than a millimetre of rain falls there per year on average. Arriving here from the Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki over 1,000 years ago, the great explorer Kupe, was the first Mori to reach these lands. Located on the east cape of the North Island and protected by high country, the entire year sees pleasant temperatures with minimal rainfall. In 2015, the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute granted funding to AUT to develop methods for operating unmanned aerial vehicles. This is especially true in winter, where youre much more likely to have days of rain and windy storms. This little township is packed with awesome bars, eateries, shops, and markets that will keep any local busy. Be 'SunSmart' by using these three simple steps when you go outdoors: You can check NewZealand weather conditions on theMetService website. 101 New Zealand Fun Facts To Know Before You Go, How to Move to New Zealand with a Working Holiday Visa, 25 Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand, 17 Best Places to Visit & Top Things to Do In North Island New Zealand, 18 Places to Visit & Top Things to Do In South Island of New Zealand. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen. The West Coast is a difficult part of New Zealand to get to during winter because you typically have to drive through mountain passes, which can get snowed-in. Devonport is a beautiful, historic seaside town located on Aucklands North Shore. Cool sea breezes can blow in and drop temperatures, and storms arrive with little warning. Photos / Warren Buckland. Everything Ive written here is based on a combination of experience living and traveling in New Zealand, and research using scientific and non-scientific data and charts. With miles of sandy beaches and an abundance of nearby hikes, youll always be able to find your personal slice of paradise. . Summerwould be the best time to visit this region withFebruarybeing the best month to get the least amount of rain. However, finding a place to stay here will typically be a bit more pricey so staying further from the town would be a cheaper alternative. However, the city is located in a very remote part of the country, and it can be difficult to find work. The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, whereas the area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the driest. For the calendar month and calendar year totals, the data start at 0000 NZST. The ground isnt the only thing hot in Rotura either. A luxurious lifestyle with your own place near the beach can easily cost upwards of $6,000-8,000 per month with over half of that going towards rent. P.H. So winter would be the best time to visit this region because neighboring areas also get rain inspring. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Average temperatures increase as you travel north. Hamilton, in New Zealands North Island is an excellent place for expats to live. Isengard Lord of the Rings scenery near Glenorchy, Where to go in New Zealand for sun minus rain. The entire area of _____ is the driest and windiest place on the planet. Even though Auckland is a busy city, the locals are still incredibly friendly. Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. Exploration The Driest Place on Earth The Atacama Desert is the driest place in the world. Most snow in NewZealand falls in the mountainous areas, like the Central Plateau in the North Island, and the Southern Alps in the South Island. Here youll find most of the major companies of New Zealand, and global companies, operating in the Central Business District (CBD). What city in New Zealand has the best weather? The 2001 census figures from Statistics NZ show there are two regions New Zealanders have been the most popular to move too. Dreaming of endless stretches of golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and ideal sunbathing weather? Lives in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Author has 2.3K answers and 824.3K answer views 2 y It depends on what you mean by best. Where is the coldest place in New Zealand? As NewZealand observes Daylight Saving, daylight can last up until 9.30pm during summer months. plants or animals introduced to an area that destroy or hinder indigenous species. The mean annual rainfall in . There are a lot of great places to live in New Zealand, and it really depends on what youre looking for. The nights are cold but not freezing, and the days are warm but not hot. . The coastal region of the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile is one of the driest places on Earth. Grab your lizard goggles and climb some rocks, spy some bugs and soak up the sun at one of the driest places in New Zealand. The long-term average annual rainfall is 1050mm. The average annual rainfall there is 11,516 millimeters (453 inches). The cost of living in New Zealand can be expensive, depending on your lifestyle. You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. The driest part of the North Island is the bottom half starting on a line south of Mount Taranaki and Tongariro National Park down to Wellington, excluding parts where there are mountain ranges. Note: New Zealand typically charges rent by week rather than by month. The region is known for its beautiful beaches and its warm climate. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK! Most snow in New Zealand falls in the mountain areas. It pays to be prepared for what you might encounter on your travels. Temperatures in NewZealand are generally mild, but the weather can vary a lot around the country and might change quickly as we are a relatively narrow island nation. Dunedin is also the gateway to iconic New Zealand destinations the ski fields and wineries of Central Otago, the mountains of Aoraki Mt Cook and the rugged Catlins coast are all no more than a few hours drive away. Hottest, coldest, wettest, driest, sunniest, windiestfind out here which places hold the record for climate extremes in New Zealand. Seemy Disclosure Policyfor more information. Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. How much does it cost to live in New Zealand? Photos by NZ Herald Staff photographers. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought, Niwa says. On the edge of the South Island, Fiordland National Park is home to one of New Zealand's most famous attractions, the majestic Milford Sound. Mount Maunganui 7. New Zealand's Sandy Coasts Educational CD, NIWA and Kia Toipoto Closing Gender and Ethnic Pay Gaps, Annual climate summary 2021: New Zealand's warmest year on record, In numbers: New Zealands wild summer weather, Cropp at Waterfall (Hokitika Catchment)**. Whakatane in the North Island's Bay of Plenty district, is the sunniest place in New . Many travelers take the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton, at the top of the South Island, and drive west to the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest national park. New Zealand's national parks cover more than 30,000 square kilometres, full to the brim with beautiful, natural scenery ready to explore. The city has a low cost of living, and its a very safe place to live. Napier is a great place to live if you are looking for a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of things to do. In terms of employment, because Queenstown is a major tourist destination, most of the jobs here are in the tourism sector (think hotel and restaurant type jobs) and the pay is typically not much higher than minimum wage. PHOTO/LUCAIS DAVIES. Also opposite to much of the world, the further north you head in New Zealand, the warmer it gets albeit a few exceptions. Which New Zealand city has the best climate? - Quora Canterbury (Christchurch) Bay of Plenty (Tauranga) Many are surprised that Auckland does not feature as the main destination for relocating New Zealanders. What is the chance of a warm summer in Invercargill? Aprilbrings the least amount of rain toQueenstownandJunethe most. Affectionately called the pav and variously described as a festive chess board, Santas kaleidoscope and a rainbow Parthenon, the Christmas pavilion now in place at the lower end of Queen Street in Te Komititanga square - is turning heads and captivating hearts. A welcome mat composed of billions of tiny carbon tubes could one day suck water out of thin air, even in the driest places on Earth. Although its worth noting that snow rarely falls in the town itself. Whether youre looking for outdoor adventure, NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. is the most popular time to visit NewZealand. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. , and there is often spring skiing available at some ski fields too. Wairarapa Federated Farmers president William Beetham said if the dry spell continued, it will be a real concern for farmers. Rotorua 8. The area is home to some truly spectacular coastal scenery, deserted beaches, and lovely walking trails. If were going to make a summer recovery, its likely to be in the second half of summer.. Its free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee. Hamilton 10. Living in New Zealand can be expensive, especially if you live in a city like Auckland or Wellington. Western Plateau Central Lowlands . Top that with 2400 hours of sunshine a year, warm summers, and mild winters, and its no wonder many visitors arrive in Nelson and decide to stay forever. You will need to have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, and you will need to meet the immigration requirements. Share your stories, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us. ), Wise.com is a great solution. Winter in NewZealand is the best time to visit if youre into snow sports. Flatters could manage to keep costs under $2,000 per month whilst still achieving all the lifestyle perks of living in Mount Maunganui. The 2019-2020 summer season was especially dry, leaving the entirety of North Island in severe meteorological drought. Like many other regions of New Zealand, its best to be prepared for four seasons in one day. One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Rotorua as it is in other parts of New Zealand, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. Just remember that the North Island is not a very good place to visit in winter or early spring due to the amount of rain that falls. driving in areas of NewZealand that are prone to snow. Even in the middle of winter, temperatures rarely drop below 0 C (32 F), and in the summer, highs hang around the mid 20s C (mid 70s F) and occasionally reach into the 30s C (high 80s F). Plus, opposite to the northern hemisphere, the more north you go, the warmer temperatures tend to be. So it is very hazardous to reach, especially when driving from Christchurch. Again this is good news for people who want to visit the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park or Golden Bay. So lets have a look at where you can go and when you should go there when planning a trip to New Zealand to maximize your chances of getting lots of sun with a minimal amount of rain. Kaitaia and Whangarei top the list with an. It also falls heavily in inland Canterbury and Otago in the South Island. The city is small enough to get around on foot, but there is also a good public transport system. Auckland is the best place to live in New Zealand for business positions. One Central Otago town was the driest place in the country last year, while another recorded the highest temperature in what was our second-warmest year on record. Property in Wellington can be very expensive, both to rent and to own, in part due to the high cost of insurance. The driest part of the North Island is the bottom half starting on a line south of Mount Taranaki and Tongariro National Park down toWellington, excluding parts where there are mountain ranges. Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research meteorologist Seth Carrier said for the past few weeks, a hotspot had been declared for coastal Wairarapa. After the large earthquake in 2011, Christchurch is still rebuilding in new and creative ways. The cost of living in Devonport is similar to the cost of living in Auckland. There are also many artists who live on the island, which gives it a creative and eclectic feel. When I lived in Auckland, I had three roommates, and my rent was still just under $1,000 NZD because I was in the CBD. Note:This article was accurate when it was published. Snow rarely falls in the coastal areas of the North Island and west of the South Island, although the east and south of the South Island may experience some snow in winter. February tends to be the hottest and driest month of the year, with an average high of 22.6 C (72.7 F) and only 5.8 average rainy days. Best Time to Visit New Zealand | Climate Guide | Audley Travel Copyright, NIWA. The midday summer solar radiation index (UVI) is often very high in most places and can be extreme in northern New Zealand and in mountainous areas. As a result of the significant reconstruction efforts ongoing, there are a large number of work opportunities in the construction sector. Or, take to the warm waters and see if you can spot dolphins, seals, penguins, and even whales. January, March, andSeptemberbring the least amount of rain to Christchurch. Inspired by the Namib Desert beetle (inset), this forest of carbon nanotubes harvests moisture. Youll rarely be lacking entertainment in Wellington as there are plenty ofthings to doand great options forweekend trips in the Wellington Region. Rainfall data used were near-instantaneous. Devastation from the February 2011 earthquake is a stark reminder of the citys past, whereas creative new builds showcase an enthusiastic and bright future. #Climate data were sourced from the National Climate Database, CliFlo, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. The advance . Invercargill 2. Its the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, and there is often spring skiing available at some ski fields too. The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, whereas the area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the driest. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you! advantageous or favorable toward something. While many ski fields open in June, the highest snowfall is usually throughout July and August. I dont speak the language. New Zealand is a remote landone of the last sizable territories suitable for habitation to be populated and settledand lies more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Australia, its nearest neighbour. 2023 Nina Out and About - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP - Privacy Policy, 13 Best Places to Live in New Zealand At a Glance, Wrap Up: Best Places to Live in New Zealand, FAQs about the Best Places to Live in New Zealand. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. Whats the best site to buy cheap flights? So catch aferry from Wellington to Pictonand then drive or fly to, for example, Nelson and then drive. Resource prepared by Lesley Mackintosh RSNZ Teacher Fellow 2001, NIWA, Copyright, NIWA. The population of 400,000 supports career opportunities in most industries. Rotorua 13. Blenheimseems to follow the weather patterns of theNorth Island, so the most rain falls in winter and spring. Napier is located on the east coast of the North Island, just over an hours drive from the capital, Wellington. If you prefer peace and quiet, dont worry. It is an island of forest rich in flora. The climate of Christchurch is very temperate and can be compared to the south of the U.K, although with significantly less rainfall. New Zealand Browned by Drought - NASA Waiheke Island 12. Where is the driest place in New Zealand? - 2022 Gisborne is also known for its fabulous surfing, delicious chardonnay, and prominent Maori culture. You will need to update your CV to match the Kiwi style! It comes as Niwa's freshly-released 2020 summary showed New Zealand just saw its seventh warmest year on record - continuing a dire climate change trend that's put six of our last eight years among the hottest ever recorded. Video / NZ Herald, Monster Trucks Extremes Auckland show: Crowds pack out Auckland show of maligned NZ tour. Video / Benjamin Plummer. Located on the east coast of the North Island, its so well known for its fabulous coastlines and laidback but full of life atmosphere, its been voted as New Zealands best beach. (Image credit: dreamstime) Average rainfall: 0.761 mm (0.03 in) per year. The Covid-19 lockdown of New Zealand started at 11:59pm 25 March 2020. As the main centre in the region, it has many major facilities, such as a covered stadium that attracts the likes of Elton John and Ed Sheeran. New Zealand climate extremes for 2018 Hottest: 38.7C, Alexandra, 30 JanColdest: -10.4C, Mt Cook, 3 JunWettest: 6818 mm, Milford SoundDriest: . . Overall, Rotorua is a great place to live if you want to experience the true Kiwi lifestyle. Any rise in the sea level or a tsunami could be devastating to the town. Wanganui 4. There are three main areas on the South Island that do not get a lot of rain: But just knowing what these locations are is not enough. 11 terms. Adding to the problem is an average windspeed of 42.5kmh over October and November, creating drier conditions. . Yes, it is relatively easy to immigrate to New Zealand. There are plenty of parks and gardens to explore, as well as cycle trails and walkways. Mix these pleasant temperatures with large stretches of coastline and white sand beaches, and you have the perfect location to spend your days between the beach and the water. The most rain tends to fall during spring, andJuly is the month when the least amount of rain is expected to fall on the West Coast. The Bay of Plenty is a region located on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. Yet, Alexandras location in Central Otago (in the middle of the bottom half of the South Island) gives it the perfect recipe for hot summers. It depends picking a country to live in is hard. The weather helps too with average temperatures in summer of 22 Celsius and snow in the winter. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of over 1.4 million people. Journeying The Globe. So pack your sunnies, lather up the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy these nine warmest places in New Zealand. The 10 Driest Places on Earth | Live Science Located far from both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean with low lying and sheltered bare ground, the town heats up quickly and continues to warm throughout the day. Alexis_Hagedorn. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best place to live in New Zealand. The top of the North Island north of Kerikeri. Coastal road towards the beaches of Arica, Chile. Type of Work: Tourism and service industry. ForChristchurch, winter is the wettest season, and spring or summer is the best time to visit Christchurch to avoid a lot of rain. The climate here is mild and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Hundreds of people turned out at the annual Warbirds On Parade at Ardmore Airport. The best place to live in New Zealand for retirees is probably Christchurch. If you are looking for the best places to live in New Zealand, here are 13 of the top contenders: Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations withBooking.com to save money when youre moving abroad! the transformation of land from green to desert. Its handy location makes it a great spot for expats looking for a place within a few hours drive of Auckland, but away from the hustle and with more central access to the rest of the North Island. Napier 8. For example, the 566 mm recorded at Cropp at Waterfall (Hokitika catchment) occurred between 2311 NZST on 11 May 1978 and 1111 NZST on 12 May 1978. It depends the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. For millennia, Mori have been the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa. Gisborne has the best weather in New Zealand. For an individual, your costs would be about half of this. It's an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking. These cities have low crime rates and are generally very safe places to live. Bush walks and hiking are great options now as the days are not as hot. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. ForCentral Otagowhere Alexandra is located, much of the rain tends to fall in autumn with also some in summer. Actual data recorded at Reefton can be accessed for use in statistical analyses (see CliFlo). Napier 5. New Zealand's scenic highlights and natural wonders . Two particularly lovely spots are Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay. If you would like sunshine but fewer crowds, then autumn is a fantastic time to visit NewZealand. Rainfall data used were near-instantaneous. November is when you start to see consistently mild temperatures and is typically the driest month in New Zealand. The city has a population of around 35,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all! From November through April, the average high is between 20 and 25 C (68 and 76 F), and with more beaches in the region than we could possibly name, you wont have to fight for your perfect spot on the golden sand. As well as being a popular tourist destination, Napier is also a great place to live. Instead of June through August being the summer months, New Zealand enjoys summer in December through February. Hawkes Bay Where not to live in New Zealand 1. Or, if you prefer to stay out of the water, Gisbornes temperate oceanic climate is ideal for chardonnay, and the region boasts a handful of charming boutique wineries. Auckland has the most stable climate with the least seasonal variation but it's often claimed the humidity is too high. What are the best places to live in New Zealand for families? Continuing for miles, this beach is one of New Zealands best. On the other hand, with less than six rainy days per month in January and February, youre even more likely to experience plentiful hot and dry days. 1. You can expect to spend around $1,500 NZD on rent and $1,000 NZD on general expenses. From November through February, you can look forward to daily highs in the low to mid 20s C (low to mid-70s F), perfect for enjoying one of the many beaches in the area or wandering the esplanade lined with 1930s Art Deco architecture. Photos / Alex Burton, Competitors battle wet conditions for this year's event/ Photographs by Alex Burton, Winning entries from the New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2022, The top 13 designs for the Resene Colour of Fashion competition open to final year fashion students at Whitecliffe College in Auckland, Former policeman John Purkis was swept down a culvert during Aucklands January floods and managed to survive.