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
10% Off
From $3,920
US$3,528per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
8 Jan, 2027
9 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
10% Off
From $5,390
US$4,851per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
11 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
10% Off
From
US$1,152per person
Price based on Shared Room
13 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
28 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
19-Day Ruru Select: The Premier New Zealand North & South Island Journey (Auckland Start)
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"A range of accommodation from basic to very good and an amazing amount of extra activities."
Jan, traveled in February
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
20% Off
From $4,364
US$3,491per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
13 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
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Explorer
New Zealand South Island Express
4.3 (9 traveler reviews)
"Loved the whole trip. Our guide Duli was amazing he read our wishes from our lips and made them happen."
Maximilian, traveled in August
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Kawarau Gorge,Milford Sound,Arrowtown,Wanaka,Lake Wanaka,Franz Josef,Lake Hawea,Haast+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,510per person
Price based on Shared Room
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
19 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
9-Day Pukeko Select: The Essential North Island New Zealand Journey (Auckland to Wellington)
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
20% Off
From $2,279
US$1,823per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
13 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic
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, Waiheke Island, Waitomo, Rotorua, Christchurch,Arthur's Pass National Park,Lake Tekapo,Mount Cook,Wanaka,Arrowtown,Queenstown,Fiordland National Park+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
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 - South Island Escape
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Everything is set safe in mind before my trip starts. This was my best experience with Tour Radar!"
YAJUAN, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound,Queenstown,Franz Josef+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild Kiwi
25% Off
From
US$2,391per person
+$359 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
16 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
4.6 (26 traveler reviews)
"Great people and scenery, plenty of options to either do activities or just hang out!"
Grace, traveled in November
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Cape Foulwind,Westport,Punakaiki,Franz Josef,Queenstown,Fiordland National Park,Milford Sound,Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park,Lake Tekapo,Christchurch,Kaikoura,Picton+11 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $2,699
US$2,024per person
Price based on Shared Room
7 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
14 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
The Moa Tour
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Auckland, Coromandel, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington,Abel Tasman National Park,Westport,Hokitika,Franz Josef,Wanaka,Queenstown,Milford Sound,Lake Tekapo,Christchurch+9 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiwi Experience
25% Off
From
US$1,638per person
Price based on Shared Room
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
3 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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$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)
"It was actually the most epic trip I have ever had the opportunity to go on."
Nicole, 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
25% 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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Hiking & Trekking
11-Day Takahe Select: The Ultimate South Island New Zealand Loop (Christchurch Start)
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Well planned. Very interesting tour."
phil, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Marahau, Hokitika, Franz Josef,Milford Sound,Te Anau,Mount Cook+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
New Zealand South IslandSouthern Alps+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
20% Off
From $2,747
US$2,198per person
Price based on Private Single Room
14 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
21 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Highlights of New Zealand
4.6 (47 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic guide, beautiful country."
Donni, traveled in November
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura,Christchurch,Franz Josef,Queenstown,Milford Sound+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$4,599per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
7 Jan, 2027
9 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
10% Off
From $1,144
US$1,030per person
+$171 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
New Zealand – North Island Multisport
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"all the points of the program could not be realized because of the bad weather."
marie, traveled in December
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Auckland, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Raglan
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
New Zealand North Island
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From
US$2,649per person
Price based on Shared Room
3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
10 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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