What is the weather like in New Zealand during January?

New Zealand's summer peaks in January with reliable conditions for outdoor exploration. The North Island sees temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) while the South Island stays slightly cooler at 18-22°C (64-72°F). Coastal regions like Abel Tasman National Park offer warm swimming conditions. According to TourRadar travelers "January offered perfect weather for hiking the Tongariro Crossing and exploring outdoor attractions." Mountain areas including Mount Cook remain cool enough to warrant bringing extra layers.

What are the most popular activities to do in New Zealand during January?

The warm January weather opens up classic New Zealand experiences. Visitors can join glacier walks at Franz Josef trek through Fiordland National Park or go kayaking in Abel Tasman. The Marlborough wine region welcomes tasters while Rotorua's thermal springs provide year-round warmth. A TourRadar traveler notes "spending time on the water in January whether it's kayaking in Raglan's black sand beaches or taking a scenic cruise through Milford Sound - the waterfalls are spectacular this time of year." Key lodging options range from the urban QT Auckland to the nature-focused Te Waonui Forest Retreat near Franz Josef.

Are there any special events or festivals in New Zealand during January?

The summer calendar fills with festivals across New Zealand during January. Highlights include Christchurch's World Buskers Festival the Auckland Folk Festival and food and wine celebrations in Marlborough and Central Otago. According to a TourRadar review "The summer festival atmosphere in January really adds to the experience especially in places like Queenstown where there's live music and events happening outdoors." Festival-goers often base themselves at the Furneaux Lodge in Marlborough Sounds or Edgewater Lake Wanaka.

What are the best regions to visit in New Zealand during January?

January brings optimal conditions to several key regions. The Coromandel Peninsula offers prime beach time at Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Queenstown buzzes with summer adventure sports while the Bay of Islands presents ideal sailing weather. Glacier hiking peaks at Franz Josef under clear summer skies. As one TourRadar reviewer shared: "The South Island was particularly breathtaking in January - we had crystal clear views of Mount Cook and perfect conditions for the Milford Sound cruise." Consider stays at Franz Josef's Rainforest Retreat or YHA Queenstown Central.

How crowded are major tourist attractions in January?

Peak season crowds gather at popular sites like Hobbiton Milford Sound and the TranzAlpine train during January. Advance booking becomes essential for activities at Franz Josef Glacier and Rotorua's Te Puia. A TourRadar reviewer observed "Popular spots like Queenstown and the Bay of Islands were bustling in January but staying at hotels like QT Queenstown or The Duke of Marlborough in Russell helped us escape the crowds."

What wildlife encounters are best in New Zealand during January?

January creates prime conditions for marine wildlife viewing especially in Kaikoura where sperm whales dolphins and seals frequent the waters. The Bay of Islands' warm waters attract diverse sea life while Wellington's Zealandia sanctuary offers excellent bird watching. The Kaikoura Waterfront Hotel provides a strategic base for wildlife enthusiasts. As shared by a TourRadar reviewer: "The wildlife spotting in Kaikoura was incredible in January - we saw multiple whale breaches and huge pods of dolphins."

New Zealand Tours in January 2027

10 best New Zealand trips in January 2027

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Explorer
New Zealand Southern Pioneer
2.3 (4 traveler reviews)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Twizel,Kawarau Gorge,Queenstown,Arrowtown,Wanaka,Lake Hawea,Lake Wanaka,Franz Josef,Greymouth,Arthur's Pass National Park+9 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $4,060
US$3,248per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
8 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent south islamf tour going to the main spots!"
Nicolas, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park,Castle Hill Peak,Franz Josef,Lake Hawea,Wanaka,Queenstown,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Lake Tekapo+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18-49
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiwi Experience
15% Off
From $1,155
US$982per person
Price based on Shared Room
13 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
28 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
4.7 (9 traveler reviews)
"The tour bus was very clean and our driver/guide kept us entertained during the entire trip."
Andy, traveled in September
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Auckland, Waitemata Harbour, Waiheke Island, Waitomo,Rotorua,Christchurch,Arthur's Pass National Park,Lake Tekapo,Mount Cook,Wanaka,Arrowtown,Queenstown,Fiordland National Park+9 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
25% Off
From $6,419
US$4,814per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
10 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Premium New Zealand North Island
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"We thoroughly enjoyed our time in New Zealand. We are grateful to Runty for his leadership skills, friendliness and professional guiding."
John, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo,Tongariro National Park,Ohakune,Wellington+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand North Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
25% Off
From
US$5,390per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
11 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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$19 Day \'Ruru\' National Select Tour Tour$
$19 Day \'Ruru\' National Select Tour - 29 destinations$
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Explorer
19 Day 'Ruru' National Select Tour
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The 19 day Ruru tour was fantastic! All of the sites and options for activities were great."
Mary, traveled in January
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Hot Water Beach,Lake Aniwhenua,Taupo,Whanganui National Park,Tongariro National Park,Wellington,Picton,Marahau,Abel Tasman National Park,Punakaiki,Hokitika,Franz Josef,Wanaka,Queenstown,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Lake Pukaki,Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park,Mount Cook,Lake Tekapo,Christchurch+20 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
25% Off
From
US$4,377per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
13 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"The trip was excellent for adventure activities."
Susan, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Westport, Cape Foulwind,Punakaiki,Kumara,Hokitika,Okarito,Westland Tai Poutini National Park,Fox Glacier,Franz Josef,Mount Aspiring National Park,Wanaka,Queenstown+10 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
New Zealand South IslandSouthern Alps+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From
US$2,595per person
Price based on Private Double Room
10 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
17 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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$9 Day \'Pukeko\' North Island Select Tour Tour$
$9 Day \'Pukeko\' North Island Select Tour - 8 destinations$
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Explorer
9 Day 'Pukeko' North Island Select Tour
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Lake Aniwhenua, Taupo,Whanganui National Park,Tongariro National Park,Wellington+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand North Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
25% Off
From
US$2,286per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
13 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Southern Wonders of New Zealand – 10 Day Journey
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
New Zealand South IslandTe Araroa Trail+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
10% Off
From $6,048
US$5,443per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
8 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"amazing it was! cool acitivities, good advices what to do/where to go and of course, many amazing people to meet!"
Ariana, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park,Hanmer Springs+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-49
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiwi Experience
15% Off
From $1,026
US$872per person
Price based on Shared Room
6 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
21 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Premium - North Island Escape
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Many highlights and impossible to rate them. But if you like The lord of the ring - Hobbiton are a must!!"
Eva, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Auckland, Mount Maunganui, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo,Cambridge,Raglan+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand North Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild Kiwi
15% Off
From
US$2,245per person
+$337 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
9 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
23 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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$New Zealand\'s North to South Island Adventure Tour$
$New Zealand\'s North to South Island Adventure - 9 destinations$
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Explorer
New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure
4.5 (75 traveler reviews)
"Very relaxing and you could easily spend time with others or go off alone if you needed space."
AlvinParker, traveled in December
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Murupara, Taupo, Wellington,Marlborough,Kaikoura,Christchurch+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
US$2,190per person
Price based on Shared Room
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
16 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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$11 Day \'Takahe\' South Island Select Tour Tour$
$11 Day \'Takahe\' South Island Select Tour - 10 destinations$
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Hiking & Trekking
11 Day 'Takahe' South Island Select Tour
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Well planned. Very interesting tour."
phil, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Picton, Marahau, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau,Milford Sound,Mount Cook,Christchurch+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
15% Off
From
US$2,720per person
Price based on Private Single Room
14 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
21 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Southern Voyager
4.7 (111 traveler reviews)
"perfect trip.love wild kiwi"
BOWEN, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound,Franz Josef+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Physical Rating
Active
Regions
New Zealand South IslandMilford Sound+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild Kiwi
15% Off
From
US$1,148per person
+$172 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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$9 Day \'Kaka\' South Island Select Tour Tour$
$9 Day \'Kaka\' South Island Select Tour - 8 destinations$
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Explorer
9 Day 'Kaka' South Island Select Tour
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"The whole trip had such a good balance of included activities and optional extras, so you could make the experience your own."
Lauren, traveled in November
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau,Milford Sound,Mount Cook+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
15% Off
From
US$2,462per person
Price based on Private Double Room
16 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
23 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
4.6 (7 traveler reviews)
"Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way."
Nigel, traveled in February
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Haast, Wanaka,Queenstown,Cardrona,Milford Sound,Te Anau,Arrowtown,Lake Ohau,Lake Tekapo+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
18% Off
From $1,650
US$1,350per person
Price based on Shared Room
6 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
10 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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