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

View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
Highlights of New Zealand
4.6 (47 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic guide, beautiful country."
Donni, traveled in November
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Taihape, Wellington,Kaikoura,Hanmer Springs,Franz Josef,Queenstown,Fiordland National Park,Doubtful Sound,Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park,Lake Tekapo,Christchurch+9 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Physical Rating
Active
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $4,599
US$3,449per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
7 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
View tour

View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
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 $1,700
US$1,395per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save
6 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
10 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
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
18% Off
From
US$1,591per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
3 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
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
18% Off
From
US$4,530per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
8 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Nature & Wildlife
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Had a great time during first visit to South Island, fantastic choice of places to see and experience."
Agata, 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
18% Off
From
US$2,780per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
10 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
17 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
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
18% Off
From
US$2,214per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
6 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
13 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
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
18% Off
From
US$994per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save
6 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
21 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
Premium - South Island Escape
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"We really enjoyed our tour of South Island. It was very well organised and we all had the best time."
Helen, traveled in February
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
26% Off
From $2,647
US$1,970per person
+$397 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
16 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
Enchanting Northland
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Auckland, Whangarei, Tutukaka, Paihia, Bay of Islands,Waitangi+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand NorthlandNew Zealand North Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
26% Off
From
US$2,290per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
8 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
22 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic
4.7 (9 traveler reviews)
"The trip fulfilled my expectations; a good introduction to New Zealand, including both North and South islands."
Diarmid, traveled in December
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
10% Off
From $5,899
US$5,309per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
10 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
View tour
$New Zealand\'s North to South Island Adventure Tour$
$New Zealand\'s North to South Island Adventure - 9 destinations$
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure
4.5 (75 traveler reviews)
"Had a wonderful experience. The tour paid attention to all of our needs."
Erica, traveled in March
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
10% Off
From
US$2,520per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
16 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Adventure & Adrenaline
Southern Voyager
4.7 (111 traveler reviews)
"Absolutely amazing! The group were amazing and this trip will be one of the biggest highlights of my year living in New Zealand!"
Molly, traveled in November
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 $1,112
US$1,001per person
+$167 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
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
US$5,250per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
7 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
11 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
New Zealand South Island Express
4.3 (9 traveler reviews)
"Seen great sights!"
Janet, traveled in February
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
10% Off
From
US$1,735per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
19 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
11-Day Takahe Select: The Ultimate South Island New Zealand Loop (Christchurch Start)
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic itinerary. We had options for group bonding as well as personal time to be with nature and the wonders we saw."
Nina, traveled in April
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Blenheim, Marahau, Buller Gorge, Punakaiki,Hokitika,Franz Josef,Kawarau Gorge,Queenstown,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Mount Cook,Lake Tekapo+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
10% Off
From
US$2,669per person
Price based on Private Single Room
Sign up and save
14 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
21 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
View tour