South Island in early June?
 

What is the weather like on the South Island in June? Will the weather pose a problem for sightseeing,hiking? We are planning on renting a car and driving around the island.

Also what type of clothing should we bring?

MB

We were in NZ South Island last July for a week. It was cold, but not extremely so. Snow only at the higher elevations. For the most part the weather was gorgeous...fortunately for us the best days were the one we drove down to Milford Sound and our day at Mt Cook. Not so good weather in Christchurch at the beginning and end of the trip. This was my 2nd trip to the South Island, previous time was in Aug...with similarly cool crisp weather. My understanding of NZ weather in general is that it is very maritime and can change quickly. Also just because it's rainy in one place, doesn't mean it's rotten everywhere, as was our experience this year. I assume the weather in June will be similar to my experiences a little later in the year. I'd say go for it!

June is the start of winter. Typically tho it is not really cold then. However, much of the south island will be cold.

But winter in NZ does not mean bad weather just cold. Take some polyprops (thermals) or buy some of them here. The high country will be quite a lot colder than the other parts because it is higher and the Fiords (Milford Sound) even more cold. I needed a sweater/jeans in January down there.

I did a south island trip that time of year and it was great. Less travellers, blue skies, friendly hotels.

Take a hat and scarf and a polar fleece (or get them here!). That is all you'll need to get by in case of a cold snap.

Unless you are going up to the snowlines that is.

I'm sitting here in the midwest looking at the snow covered ground and and the temperature in the 20s, would June in New Zeland be more like midwest winters? Or sounds like the it would more like our autumn weather, football weather, cool, sunny and crisp, maybe 50 to 60 degrees.

Thanks for your help.

MB

Hi MB

In June you would be unlikely to see settled snow at low levels, though you will see it in the mountains and foothills of the Alps. As has been mentioned June is not the coldest month, August would probably be the winner in those stakes.

As far as temperatures are concerned, generally the temps only go below freezing on clear nights (And then they do get cold, below zero celsius, but still positive farenheit) during the days the temperatures in the towns do get above zero though (sometimes in places such as Alexandra only just).

Over all you will find the South Island a more temperate one with weather governed by the fact that the Island is surrounded by ocean, therefore moist but not nearly as cold as where you are right now.

Have a look at the sight below. This wil give you an idea of weather temperatures and conditions.

http://metservice.com/default/index....amp;class=menu

Cheers

Steve