Is there a "best time" to visit Abel Tasman and the northern South Island?
Jan 30th, 2015, 01:14 PM
#1
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Is there a "best time" to visit Abel Tasman and the northern South Island?
Since I'll be living in Auckland through 2015, I'm beginning to think that it might be best to take two trips to the South Island, one for the northern part, and one for the southern part.
In terms of weather, is there a "best time" to see the northern South Island? A time to avoid?
Thanks for advice!
In terms of weather, is there a "best time" to see the northern South Island? A time to avoid?
Thanks for advice!
Jan 30th, 2015, 01:54 PM
#2
Great idea.
I'd avoid local school holidays like the plague - lots of locals visit the area (and Golden Bay) at that time. I'd also avoid the height of the summer season when an estimated 200,000 visitors descend upon Abel Tasman.
I'm very much an off season traveler, and I adore NZ in the slow season - May, June, July, August, Sept - while weather can be hit and miss, the top of the south island sees the most sun of the entire island and as an added bonus, you'll have Abel Tasman practically to yourself. Bliss.
Just be aware that boats into Abel Tasman run on a reduced schedule in the low season. There's still plenty of them though.
I'd avoid local school holidays like the plague - lots of locals visit the area (and Golden Bay) at that time. I'd also avoid the height of the summer season when an estimated 200,000 visitors descend upon Abel Tasman.
I'm very much an off season traveler, and I adore NZ in the slow season - May, June, July, August, Sept - while weather can be hit and miss, the top of the south island sees the most sun of the entire island and as an added bonus, you'll have Abel Tasman practically to yourself. Bliss.
Just be aware that boats into Abel Tasman run on a reduced schedule in the low season. There's still plenty of them though.
Feb 16th, 2015, 03:30 AM
#6
we were there at the beginning of December 2013, and though it was busy, it was before the school hols so it wasn't overwhelmed, and the boats were all running which was helpful.
do take fly repellant, whenever you go - the sandflies are the very devil.
if you want to swim [which is great after a long hike] you may want to wait until Feb when the water would be nice and warm.
do take fly repellant, whenever you go - the sandflies are the very devil.
if you want to swim [which is great after a long hike] you may want to wait until Feb when the water would be nice and warm.
Feb 16th, 2015, 11:13 AM
#8
really Mel? the water ought to be getting towards its warmest by Feb - it's the southern hemisphere equivalent of August, surely? I know that we have water temps that time of year of about 17-18C - not exactly hot but ok for swimming.
how come it's so cold?
how come it's so cold?
Feb 16th, 2015, 11:17 PM
#9
Beats me annhig...but I like it!
I'd imagine water temps in February are as warm as they ever get here. When I typed my post this morning we were wishing we'd packed our down slippers, but we still managed to get sunburns today - 29c predicted for tomorrow. NZ weather, the never-ending mystery.
I'd imagine water temps in February are as warm as they ever get here. When I typed my post this morning we were wishing we'd packed our down slippers, but we still managed to get sunburns today - 29c predicted for tomorrow. NZ weather, the never-ending mystery.
