Hottest Destinations in New Zealand

Hottest Places to Visit in New Zealand

Gear up to explore the natural landscapes, adrenaline rushing outdoor sports, and Maori culture in the island nation of New Zealand with Thrillophilia. The country lies in the temperate zone and hence the warm summers with abundant sunshine are the best time to holiday in New Zealand.Whether you’re chasing sun, comfort or adventure, discovering the hottest place in New Zealand will let you explore the country’s diverse beauty in favourable climatic conditions through New Zealand Tour Packages curated for all types of travellers.

Napier, Nelson, and Ashburton are some of the hottest places in New Zealand where temperatures range from 24°C to 34°C during summer. Napier is renowned for its Art Deco buildings and hot-air balloon rides, Nelson for kayaking along Abel Tasman and skydiving, and Ashburton for river fly-fishing and Lake Hood activities. Auckland and Whangarei have pleasant, subtropical climates. In Auckland, you can sail on Waitematā Harbour and Whangarei has Poor Knights Islands diving. Coastal regions like Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, and Waiheke Island have thermal beaches, marine tours, and vineyard explorations. These destinations are also highly popular among couples choosing New Zealand Honeymoon Packages, thanks to their romantic beaches, island sunsets, and serene boutique stays.

Top Hottest Cities in New Zealand

Napier – Art Deco city, hot-air balloon rides, beaches, vineyards
Nelson – Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, skydiving, craft culture
Ashburton – Lake Hood water sports, river fly-fishing, relaxed countryside charm
Auckland – Subtropical climate, Waitematā Harbour sailing, island tours
Whangarei – Diving at Poor Knights Islands, waterfalls, coastal hikes

Best Coastal & Island Destinations

Coromandel Peninsula – Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, scenic coastal walks
Bay of Plenty – Marine cruises, golden beaches, surfing, harbour lookouts
Waiheke Island – Vineyards, wine-tasting tours, beaches, coastal thrills

Top Adventure Places in New Zealand

Nelson – Skydiving, sea kayaking, hiking trails
Bay of Plenty – Surfing, fishing, wildlife cruises
Auckland – Sailing, volcano hikes, harbour cruises
Whangarei – World-class diving, snorkelling, coastal exploration

Why Visit the Hottest Places in New Zealand?

Pleasant summer temperatures ideal for beach holidays & sightseeing
Water sports, marine wildlife tours, hikes, and adventure activities
Cultural experiences, vineyard visits, and natural hot landscapes
Perfect destinations to enjoy sunshine and outdoor fun

Hottest places in New Zealand

01

Napier (Hawke’s Bay)

Napier is considered a hottest place in New Zealand due to its dry, sunny weather and mild winters. January is the warmest month here and temperatures reach a maximum of around 24?°C (75?°F). During this month, you can witness booming vineyard scenes because of the warm weather. Top attractions here are the iconic Art?Deco buildings along Marine Parade, the twin peaks of Te?Mata?Peak, and the world?renowned vineyards of the Hawke’s Bay wine region. You can also enjoy a hot?air balloon ride over the plains at sunrise and cycle the 200?km Hawke’s Bay Trails through orchards and vineyards.

Highlights of Napier

Dry, sunny climate with mild winters
January highs around 24 °C
Famous wine region and Art Deco architecture

Best Places to Visit

Marine Parade & Art Deco buildings – Explore beautifully preserved 1930s heritage architecture by the waterfront.
Te Mata Peak – Enjoy panoramic views over Hawke’s Bay from its dramatic twin summits.
Hawke’s Bay vineyards – Taste world-class wines at award-winning cellar doors.
Napier city waterfront – Scenic walkways, cafés, cycling paths and seaside viewpoints.

Top Things to Do

Hot-air balloon ride over Hawke’s Bay plains
Cycle the 200 km Hawke’s Bay Trails
Explore vineyards & wine tasting

02

Nelson

Located at the northern tip of the South Island, Nelson is another hottest place in New Zealand that you should definitely visit. In February, daytime temperatures in Nelson can reach around 30?°C making the region warm and inviting for exploring. The top attractions include the golden beaches and coastal walking tracks of Abel Tasman National Park, the craft breweries in the region, and the Brook?Waim?rama Sanctuary in native bush. Some of the exciting activities you can try here are sea kayaking along the Abel Tasman coastline, spotting seals and dolphins, or skydiving over both the North and South Islands for a panoramic view.

Highlights of Nelson

February temperatures reaching around 30 °C
Golden beaches and coastal tracks
Nature reserves and scenic coastline

Best Places to Visit

Abel Tasman National Park – Famous for turquoise bays, forest trails, and golden sandy beaches.
Brook Waim?rama Sanctuary – A vast predator-free wildlife reserve with native birds and bush walks.
Nelson Craft Breweries – Sample local artisanal beer in a region known for craft brewing culture.

Top Things to Do

Sea kayaking along Abel Tasman coastline
Seal & dolphin spotting
Skydiving with panoramic island views

Check out places to visit in Nelson.

03

Ashburton

Ashburton is a laid back rural region located on the Canterbury Plains. In January, Ashburton often records maximum daytime temperatures of about 34?°C. Attractions to explore here are the fascinating Ashburton Aviation Museum, Trott’s Garden which is recognised for horticultural significance, and the Lake Hood Aquatic Park for boating and kayaking. A uniquely local activity that you should definitely try is fly?fishing on the Rangitata or Rakaia Rivers just outside town. If you want consistent summer sun, a relaxed rural setting and fewer tourist crowds, this hottest town in New Zealand is the place to be.

Highlights of Ashburton

Relaxed rural landscapes
January highs up to 34 °C
Fewer tourists and spacious outdoors

Best Places to Visit

Ashburton Aviation Museum – Explore historic aircraft collections and aviation history.
Trott’s Garden – Award-winning botanical gardens with themed landscaping.
Lake Hood Aquatic Park – A hub for water sports like kayaking, boating, and swimming.

Top Things to Do

Fly-fishing on Rangitata or Rakaia Rivers
Boating & kayaking on Lake Hood
Scenic drives across Canterbury Plains

04

Whangarei

Whangarei, in Northland, enjoys a subtropical climate and is one of the North Island’s warmest urban centres. It's considered a hottest place in New Zealand due to its long summers and high humidity levels. In January, Whangarei sees daytime highs up to 31?°C. You can visit the Whangarei Falls, the vibrant Town Basin Marina, the Whangarei Quarry Gardens, and the striking Hundertwasser Art Centre. The boat cruise to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is an exhilarating activity to do here and while at the reserve, you can indulge in snorkelling and diving. For travellers wanting warmth plus coastal adventure and tropical vibes, Whangarei stands out as one of the hottest place in New?Zealand destinations.

Highlights of Whangarei

Subtropical climate and humid summers
January highs up to 31 °C
Coastal adventure destination

Best Places to Visit

Whangarei Falls – A 26-metre waterfall surrounded by forest walking trails.
Town Basin Marina – A waterfront dining and arts district with cafés and galleries.
Hundertwasser Art Centre – Iconic architectural landmark featuring colourful design and exhibitions.
Whangarei Quarry Gardens – Lush subtropical gardens built in an old quarry.

Top Things to Do

Snorkelling & diving at Poor Knights Islands
Boat cruise to marine reserve
Urban coastal walks

05

Auckland – The Hottest City in New Zealand

Auckland earns the title of the hottest city in New Zealand not just for its weather, but also for its lifestyle. In January, Auckland experiences average maximum temperatures of around 24°C, with occasional peaks up to 28°C. Top attractions you should visit here are the Sky Tower, Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the Viaduct Harbour. A standout experience is sailing on the Waitemat? Harbour and you will experience why Auckland is famously known as the "City of Sails". You can also take a short ferry to Rangitoto Island for a volcanic hike or explore street art and food markets in Ponsonby.

Highlights of Auckland

Warm lifestyle-oriented climate
Waterfront culture and sailing hub
Summer highs up to 28 °C

Best Places to Visit

Sky Tower – 360-degree views from New Zealand’s tallest observation tower.
Auckland War Memorial Museum – Insightful M?ori cultural artefacts and war history.
Viaduct Harbour – Popular for restaurants, bars and evening waterfront walks.
Rangitoto Island – A volcanic island with hiking trails and lava formations.

Top Things to Do

Sailing on Waitemat? Harbour
Explore Ponsonby markets & street art
Ferry to Rangitoto for volcanic hike

06

Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty region is a top pick for sunseekers and is often ranked among the hottest place in New Zealand. Towns like Tauranga and Whakatane enjoy long summers, warm ocean waters, and golden beaches. In February, daytime temperatures in the Bay of Plenty often hit around 30?°C and you can also enjoy warm ocean breezes. You can hike up Mount Maunganui, go on marine wildlife tours and witness dolphins & whales, and kayak around scenic coastlines. Other standout experiences are taking a scenic helicopter flight over the coast and islands and embarking a dolphin and seal?watching tour along the turquoise shoreline.

Highlights of Bay of Plenty

February highs around 30 °C
Warm coastal breezes
Golden beaches & marine wildlife

Best Places to Visit

Mount Maunganui – A scenic volcanic cone with summit views and white-sand beaches below.
Tauranga & Whakatane beaches – Ideal spots for swimming, surfing, and seaside relaxation.
Marine wildlife cruise harbours – Gateway to dolphin and whale-watching adventures.

Top Things to Do

Hike Mount Maunganui
Dolphin & whale watching tours
Scenic helicopter flights

07

Coromandel Peninsula

In January and February, daytime temperatures in the Coromandel Peninsula can soar to a maximum of around 31?°C. Its top attractions include Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own thermal pool in the sand at low tide, Cathedral?Cove with its iconic sea arch and white?sand beach, and the native rainforest hiking trails around the Pinnacles. A most famous thing to do is join a guided kayak tour through sea caves and hidden coves along the coastline and bask in warm?sunshine and coastal views. With warm days, golden beaches and sheltered bays, the Coromandel stands out as a true coastal hotspot among the hottest place in New?Zealand.

Highlights of Coromandel

Warm coastal climate up to 31 °C
Hot Water Beach & Cathedrals
Sheltered bays & golden beaches

Best Places to Visit

Hot Water Beach – Dig your own geothermal hot pool in the sand during low tide.
Cathedral Cove – Iconic sea arch and pristine beach accessible by walkway or boat.
Pinnacles Hiking Track – A popular trail offering dramatic mountain and sunrise views.

Top Things to Do

Dig thermal pools at Hot Water Beach
Kayak through caves & coves
Hike Pinnacles trails

08

Queenstown

In mid?summer (January) Queenstown can register temperatures of up to 30?°C on rare warm days. Key attractions here include the Remarkables mountain range, Lake?Wakatipu shoreline, and the historic gold?rush village of Arrowtown. What makes it unique is combining warm summer weather with alpine scenery, enjoy a lakeside cruise at dusk or a paragliding jump from Bob’s Peak, followed by sipping wine in nearby Gibbston Valley. Even though it’s better known for winter sports, Queenstown during warm months qualifies easily as one of the hottest place in New?Zealand for those wanting adventure plus sunshine.

Highlights of Queenstown

Alpine scenery & warm lakeside summers
Adventure capital of New Zealand
Mountain landscapes & vineyards

Best Places to Visit

Remarkables Mountain Range – Striking alpine scenery perfect for hiking and photography.
Lake Wakatipu – Crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountains.
Arrowtown – Historic gold-rush village with heritage streets and cafés.
Gibbston Valley – A renowned wine-growing region.

Top Things to Do

Paragliding from Bob’s Peak
Lakeside cruise
Wine tasting in Gibbston Valley

Explore Queenstown with Thrillophilia's Queenstown tour packages.

09

Taupo

Located in the centre of the North Island, Taupo enjoys high summer temperatures and is surrounded by geothermal wonders. In February, the warmest month for Taupo, average daytime highs reach around 23?°C and on some days up to 30?°C. Leading attractions here are Lake?Taupo (New?Zealand’s largest lake), the geothermal Huka Falls, and the volcanic Craters of the Moon geothermal walkway. You can enjoy scenic bike ride along the Taupo Great Lake Trail and late soak relaxedly in the lake?front hot?spring. With its warm summers and geothermal landscapes, Taupo is a must-visit warm?weather destination among the hottest place in New?Zealand.

Highlights of Taupo

Geothermal landscapes & warm climate
February highs up to 30 °C
Lakefront adventure destination

Best Places to Visit

Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake and a hub for boating and swimming.
Huka Falls – A powerful waterfall known for blue rapids.
Craters of the Moon – Steaming geothermal craters and fumaroles.

Top Things to Do

Cycle Taupo Great Lake Trail
Soak in lakefront hot-spring
Explore volcanic geothermal parks

10

Waiheke Island

Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is known for its warm microclimate, sandy beaches, and hillside vineyards.In February, Waiheke Island records daytime temperatures around 24?°C to 25?°C. Top attractions include the vineyards of Stonyridge and Mudbrick, Onetangi Beach, and the island’s olive groves and art galleries. Go on a vineyard?to?beach electric?bike tour in the afternoon and enjoy a sunset wine tasting while overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. Located close to Auckland, Waiheke counts among the hottest place in New?Zealand for a relaxed island escape.

Highlights of Waiheke

February temperatures around 24–25 °C
Vineyards, beaches & olive groves
Laid-back island escape

Best Places to Visit

Stonyridge & Mudbrick Vineyards – Famous for premium wines and ocean-view dining.
Onetangi Beach – One of the island’s longest beaches with soft sand and calm waters.
Olive groves & art galleries – Boutique creative spaces and local producers throughout the island.

Top Things to Do

Vineyard-to-beach e-bike tour
Sunset wine tasting
Scenic coastal walks

New Zealand Top Attractions

Places To Visit In New Zealand

Explore New Zealand

Bay Of Islands

Tucked neatly on the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s North Islands, Bay Of Islands is an iconic destination known for its lush green landscape and sparkling turquoise waters. With more than 140 subtropical islands spread across the Bay, here you may get unmatched opportunities for adventure and exploration.Travellers visiting the Bay Of Islands may cruise through the iconic Hole in the Rock or unwind on the golden sands of Paihia Beach. Explore the stunning Bay of Islands with New Zealand packages, offering beautiful beaches, marine adventures, and rich Maori culture.You will be introduced to the Māori culture at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on your trip. If you are an adventure seeker seeking a major adrenaline rush, head to the Bay Of Islands and indulge in all adventure activities such as snorkelling, hiking, diving, wildlife exploration and more. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, the Bay Of Islands is known to captivate every traveller with its rich heritage and natural beauty. The place promises a major adrenaline rush if you are an adventure seeker.

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New Zealand Reviews

Bhisham Gandhi 14 Days Family Extravaganza New Zealand Tour

Excellent

It was really a nice, beautiful and unforgettable trip!! New Zealand is such a beautiful place with lots of amazing attractions and different experience, I booked this tour with my friends and we really enjoyed a lot on this tour. We have a guide with us who was very knowledgable, friendly and helpful took us to all the main attractions with proper details of each... It was really a full fun trip... I never forget the tours at Agordome the show there is about different kinds of sheep which was very lovely and cute it was very entertaining and the audience was full really it was the hightlight of the place and our tour. We had many different activities on this trip, the transfer on the SIC basis was very comfortable and enjoyable with the other traveler. Accommodations were really good with good service and breakfast the entire stay, Full support we get from the team the entire trip, The tour went so perfect as we expected... I highly recommend this tour to everyone who is looking for the best tour in New Zealand this is the best package... I love this tour would like to return again one day...

Anilabh Bharadwaj 8 Days New Zealand Tour Package: North Island Exclusive

Excellent

This is my first-time using this service...I had a knowledgable, friendly, and helpful agent who was happy to assist me before planning, during the trip, and even after I returned back from the trip we are kinda good friends now... Thoughtfully they planned my trip with detailed about everything which was easy for me to follow the itinerary and it went well... they keep in touch the entire trip and tried their level best to give the possible service to me...I enjoyed every bit of this trip. Great stay, great transport, great activities...Literally I was blown away with this trip

Achintya Malik Scenic New Zealand North-south Island with Glacier Region

Excellent

The longest international trip I took this time with Thrillophilia that is for 12 days in New Zealand. Yes, I've been getting a good experience with this company in which I have no doubt to booked any tour from this portal... The trip I had was very well-planned and very-executed especially the itinerary was very fulfilling right from the beginning till the end of the trip, the service we get from Thrillophilia and the entire team who was looking towards us the entire trip was truly amazing, we found no issues at all the whole time on real-time they took action and solved all the problems...The hotels and the transport they provided as per what we choose on the time of booking which was outstanding, luxurious and at a prime location, the guide they assigned to us was very informative, knowledgable and friendly too shared all the interesting fact of the place like culture, religion, and history... We really had a great sightseeing tour, amazing activities, and explored the place like a local... I am so happy that I got all exactly on the itinerary... This is really amazing... I would definitely recommend this to all who loved to travel.

Chandrani Pothuvaal 10 Nights New Zealand Tour: North South Island Special

Excellent

Absolutely amazing experience, the planned of the trip was amazing from the beginning to end. The team always answered and available for us whenever we need any kind of help and everything arranged seamlessly which we had nothing to worry about... The hotels they booked for us was truly great, the transfers excursion was great, Our guide was very knowledgable and informative about the place... Each place we arrived really took our breath away... Especially at Willington, Queenstown and, Christ Church... We had all the activities mentioned on the website... It was a very executed trip... We are totally satisfied...

Kamala Saini Exotic New Zealand with Fiji Islands Holiday

Excellent

I've never used any travel agency before for planning my trip, This is the first time, I was nervous at first but just after I experienced it with them I found out that the trip was truly great and this platform was completely genuine as what they have been promised since the time of planning the itinerary and booking we completely get everything as promised, The team was responsive and helpful throughout the trip...The sightseeing happened as the time schedule, on-time picked-up, and dropped-off, hotels were the best, Our highlights were Fiji Island...I was completely satisfied with this amazing trip

Suryakanta Marar New Zealand Tour Package From India

Excellent

I would start from how wonderful the place the environment and the surroundings were. We loved the way the tour was executed including mostly every type of the activities possible. We were mermerised in all the way possible. Just it!!

Dhana Ganaka 14 Days Family Extravaganza New Zealand Tour

Superb

I was always attracted and wanted to travel to New Zealand for a long time... I am so happy that I am getting this chance to make it happened this year and I am so glad also that I choose the right website for my trip. Very professionally they plan my trip as per my needs. I 100% very satisfied...with the itinerary, the service, arrangement of accommodations, transport, guide, and everything... Altogether made my trip memorable... Really appreciate everything...Worthy Experience.

Gorakhnath Sethi 8 Days New Zealand Tour Package: North Island Exclusive

Superb

Any trip I plan directly I connected with my booking platform ( Thrillophilia ) I don't need to do any research and all I just informed them of the destination I would like to visit and the team took care of everything... As always I had a great trip whenever I traveled with them... The services, arrangements and the itinerary met my expectations... It was a smooth tour... Thoroughly I enjoyed every bit of it... With lots of blessings to the team...Thanks

Chaaruchandra Dwivedi 14 Days Family Extravaganza New Zealand Tour

Excellent

My experience in New Zealand was superb. Everything was because of the well-planned trip done by Thrillophilia. From day 1 till the last day of our trip it went so smooth and unforgettable which was beyond our expectation, The Itinerary was very fulfilling and we even get more than what is mentioned on it... The package is mixed with a unique experience of activities... We truly enjoyed the whole tour throughout. Even we had a great stay, nice adventure, new tastes of amazing foods, met wonderful people, and get close to nature... Lovely organized we missed nothing on this tour.

Shakti Arora 8 Days New Zealand Tour Package: North Island Exclusive

Superb

The team was responsive and gave us great service, the trip itself was enjoyable and fulfilling, It was our first international trip but we felt safe the entire trip... The planned of the trip was simple and rich, we get everything promised to us since the time of booking that the best of the best... The activities were fun especially Agrodome, Te Puia, and Kiwi wildlife Park and lots of amazing experience... The trip was less to describe in words...