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History

Polynesians were thought to have discovered and settled New Zealand sometime between 950 and 1130 AD. It is also believed that the Maori were settling at the same time on the small group of islands, the Chatham or Rekohu, off the coast of New Zealand.


In 1642 the first of the European explorers, Abel Janszoon Tasman from Holland, sailed into the New Zealand waters. The first encounter between the Maori and Europeans was violent, and lead to bloodshed. Tasman left New Zealand after partly charting the coastline, and never stepped foot on shore.


Just over another hundred years later, the next Europeans arrived. In 1769 James Cook, a British explorer, and Jean Francois Marie de Surville, commander of a French trading ship, arrived in New Zealand waters at the same time. Neither ship ever saw the other.


From the late 1790’s on, whalers, traders, and missionaries arrived, establishing settlements mainly along northern coast of New Zealand.


February 6th 1840, many Maori chiefs signed the treaty of Waitangi with the British. The increase of European settlers after the treaty led to the Land wars. The Maori, though outnumbered, proved to be fierce warriors.


Today, New Zealand is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. The British Monarch, although the constitutional head of state, plays no role in the administration of New Zealand’s government.


New Zealand has a very unique and dynamic culture. The culture of its indigenous Maori people affects the language, the arts, and even the accents of all New Zealanders. Their place in the South Pacific, and their love of the outdoors, sport, and the arts make New Zealanders and their culture unique in the world.


Climate, Weather, Temperature, and Seasons

Climate and Weather
Since the Maori people named New Zealand 'Land of the Long White Cloud', weather and climate has been of extreme importance to the people of New Zealand, many of whom make their living from the land. New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and quite a bit of sunshine throughout most of the country. Its climate is dominated by the mountains and sea.


Seasons
New Zealand does not have a large temperature range, however, the weather can change unexpectedly. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature if you're going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.


  • Spring - September, October, November
  • Summer - December, January, February
  • Autumn - March, April, May
  • Winter - June, July, August

Temperature
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -10 C in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and plenty of sunshine.

Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC.


Regional Temperatures
The following temperatures are mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit. Rainfall is indicated as the average rainfall days per season.


Spring Sep, Oct, NovSummer Dec, Jan, FebAutumn Mar, Apr, MayWinter Jun, Jul, Aug
Bay of IslandsHighLowHighLowHighLowHighLow
Temperature (C)19925142111167
Temperature (F)6748765670526145
Rain Days/Season1171116
Auckland 
Temperature (C)181124122013159
Temperature (F)6552755468555948
Rain Days/Season1281115
Rororua 
Temperature (C)1772412189134
Temperature (F)6345755468555948
Rain Days/Season119913
Wellington 
Temperature (C)15920131711126
Temperature (F)5948685563525443
Rain Days/Season1171013
Christchurch 
Temperature (C)1772212188123
Temperature (F)6345725465465437
Rain Days/Season7777
Queenstown 
Temperature (C)1652210166101
Temperature (F)6141725061435034
Rain Days/Season9887


Sunshine
Most places in New Zealand receive over 2000 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest areas are Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Nelson, and Marlborough, receiving over 2350 hours.

As New Zealand observes daylight saving, during summer months daylight can last up until 9.00pm.

New Zealand experiences relatively little air pollution compared to many other countries, which makes the UV rays in our sunlight very strong during the summer months. In order to avoid sunburn, visitors should wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats when they are in direct summer sunlight, especially in the heat of the day (11am - 4pm).


Summer
New Zealand's summer months are December to February, bringing high temperatures and sunshine. Days are long and sunny, nights are mild.


Autumn
March to May are New Zealand's autumn months. While temperatures are a little cooler than summer, the weather can be excellent, and it is possible to swim in some places until April.


Winter
New Zealand's winter months of June to August bring colder weather to much of the country, and more rain to most areas in the North Island. Mountain ranges in both islands become snow-covered, providing beautiful vistas and excellent skiing. The South Island has cooler winter temperatures, some areas of the island experience little rainfall in winter, so this is an excellent time to visit glaciers, mountains, and other beautiful landscapes.


Spring
Spring lasts from September to November, and New Zealand's spring weather can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot.

The largest city in New Zealand is Auckland.

TVC need to know:
At the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you can take a boat trip through a grotto lit by thousands of tiny, glow-in-the-dark insects.