New Zealand weather in October: What to pack + travel ideas for spring
October in New Zealand is the middle of spring — the weather is getting warmer and the days longer, but rain showers are always a possibility.
New Zealand has a public holiday at the end of October — Labour Day, celebrated on the fourth Monday of the month. This long weekend is a pivotal moment.
It gives everyone a short holiday and typically marks the arrival of better weather. Labour Day weekend is often the first weekend people return to swimming in the sea, and the time to plant tomatoes in anticipation of summer.
Traditionally, my friends and I will book a getaway on this weekend, and it’s usually a sunny weekend full of good times.
October is peak spring, with all the excitement and potential of the season.
Still, for the earlier weeks in October, New Zealand weather can still be changeable. Here is my best advice for visiting in October (my number one tip is to always pack a raincoat!).
Is October a good time to visit New Zealand?
October is a great time to visit New Zealand. Clocks change at the end of September, so October means longer days and warmer weather.
The country is still in the flush of spring. For New Zealand that generally means a lot of lambs and calves around.
Approaching summer means hiking trails that have been covered in snow all winter become more accessible, and more sunshine makes outdoor adventures more inviting.
The Great Walk season usually opens at the very end of October, but you can start to walk trails like the Kepler or Routeburn by mid October — they are usually passable at that point, and you won’t have to pay the full hut fees.
October is still a slow season for New Zealand travel though, so you don’t need to worry about booking in advance or competing with throngs of tourists in most places.
It’s typically a cheaper month to travel New Zealand if you’re on a budget.
New Zealand weather in October
October can be a typically turbulent month in New Zealand, weather wise. Days can switch from warm and sunny to wet and cold within hours.
Although the North Island tends to get less rain in October compared to the winter months, October can be one of the wettest months of the year in Queenstown.
In Auckland, the sun rises around 7am at the start of October and sets at 7.25pm. By the end of October, the sun is rising at 6.20am and setting at 7.50pm.
More daylight makes travel around New Zealand a lot easier, particularly if you’re camping, hiking, or generally spending a lot of time outdoors.
What temperatures can you expect in New Zealand in October?
Here are some of the average high/low temperatures across the North and South Islands in October:
Auckland: 14° / 7° Celcius, or 57° / 44° Fahrenheit
Wellington: 12° / 7° Celcius or 53° / 44° Fahrenheit
Christchurch: 11° / 1° Celcius or 51° / 33° Fahrenheit
Queenstown: 8° / -1° Celcius or 46° / 30° Fahrenheit
Temperatures in October are generally still quite cool.
Days can warm up when there is plenty of sunshine, but if it’s overcast or rainy, the weather is usually quite fresh.
In October, average daytime temperatures in the North Island range from around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Nighttime temperatures tend to be cooler, ranging from 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F).
In the South Island, the average daytime temperature is around16°C (60°F). Nighttime temperatures can drop, with averages of 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
Travel tips for visiting New Zealand in October
At the end of October, you can walk the Kepler Track before the Great Walk season starts. This means the huts are cheaper and you won’t have to book. This is only really possible toward the end of the month though — earlier in October snow and bad weather can make the alpine crossing impassable.
Halloween isn’t a big deal in New Zealand, in case you were wondering.
October is a great time to visit New Zealand's beautiful gardens and parks, which are in full bloom in spring. Places like the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Wellington's Botanic Garden offer stunning displays of spring flowers.
What to wear in New Zealand in October
For most of New Zealand, October is still jeans and sneaker weather.
In the North Island, you can get away with having just a warm cardigan or jumper, but you might still need to pack a puffer jacket or other insulating layer for the South Island.
Because it’s New Zealand, something waterproof is also a good idea.
Pack layers, with short and long sleeved base layers.
If you find you don’t have enough warm clothing for October weather, I recommend popping into a second hand store (we call them op shops). Especially in outdoorsy spots like Queenstown and Wanaka, you’re likely to find good quality second hand base layers from local brands like Kathmandu and Macpac.
I picked up an extra merino layer in Queenstown on one trip, when I realised I was unprepared for how cold it is in the South Island!
Where to go in New Zealand in October
Milford Sound
Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a stunning destination year-round. But the extra rainfall around the region in October lifts waterfalls to their peak flow, and the lush greenery enhances the dramatic fjord landscape. It’s also a good time to visit without the summer crowds.
Dunedin
October is a vibrant time to explore the historic architecture of Dunedin and the stunning Otago Peninsula, known for its wildlife, including penguins and albatrosses.
Thanks for reading! I hope you love visiting New Zealand as much as I love travelling here. Here are more guides to help you plan your trip:
