New Zealand Climate
 New Zealand is in the same hemisphere as South Africa and Australia, having a temperate climate with moderate, year-round rainfall and in the North Island especially, an absence of extreme temperatures. The country enjoys a pleasant and generally stable climate. The country is long and narrow, stretching a distance of 1600 kilometres in a North to South direction and being no more than 450 kilometres wide, at its widest point. The North and South Islands have a combined area of approximately 268,000 square kilometres. The sea moderates the climate bringing mild temperatures and a reliable climate throughout the year. The country is close to the International dateline and it is claimed that Gisborne, on the East Coast of the North Island is the first place in the world to see the light of each new day. October through to April are the warmest months and May to September are the coolest. A typical summers day in the North will range in temperature between 21 and 28 degrees centigrade (72 and 86 Fahrenheit), while a mid-winters day will rarely fall below 11 or 12 degrees centigrade (around 52 Fahrenheit). Snow is generally not seen at sea level, though there is an abundance of snow during winter in the South Island high country and in the mountain ranges in the North Island. Both the North and South Islands have ample winter ski fields, with the South Island renowned for the majesty of its mountains and beauty of its woodlands, lakes and rivers. Nelson, at the top of the South Island is the sunniest city in the country, however most of the country enjoys over 2000 hours of sunshine per year. |