Page 50 - New Zealand: Natural Wonders North & South

CLIMATE

New Zealand: The winter season runs from May to September, but since weather in New
Zealand is changeable throughout the year, especially in the South Island, all types of weather
conditions can occur during any season. All months are at least moderately wet; though
extended periods of settled, sunny weather can occur at any time of the year. Overall, the
country has more sunshine than might be expected in such a variable climate. Weather
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• North Island: The northern region of New Zealand and its eastern coast tend to be
sunnier and drier than the southern half of the country. While snow can occur almost
anywhere at sea level in New Zealand, it is very rare in the extreme north of the North
Island. Here the climate is almost subtropical with gentle winters and warm, humid
summers. Rain is quite frequent in the northern part of the North Island and you should
come prepared with adequate rain gear. Temperatures become cooler as you move south
toward New Zealand’s second major island.

• South Island: 6YZbY L^ _SP >Z`_S ;LNTʭNɪ^ ɭ2L_PbLd _Z ,Y_L]N_TNL ɮ _SP >Z`_S 4^WLYO T^
equally famous for its unpredictable weather shifts. At any time of year, it’s not unusual
for a day to start with bright sunlight, turn to wind-driven rain, intensify to snow and
sleet, and then miraculously go back to dazzling sunshine. Temperatures may soar into
the 80s and 90s, then plummet into the 40s and 30s, all within a few hours.

Fiji: This island has a tropical climate, with sunny skies and warm temperatures year-round.
The weather is most pleasant April through October, when there is less humidity and sea
breezes are constant. Fiji does experience a wet season (November to April), but much of the
Fiji’s rain falls in heavy, brief local showers.

Port Douglas, Australia: As part of the northeast tropical zone, Port Douglas is warm and wet
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winter, spring, summer, and fall. Rainy season would be January-March and part of April; dry
season is June-October; and the other months would be transitional shoulder seasons.

Sydney, Australia: Sydney is in the temperate zone. As a result, temperatures are generally in
the 50s-70s throughout the year, although highs in the 80s are common in summer and lows
in the 40s are normal in the winter. Occasionally, heat waves will spike the highs up even
more—to as much as 100 degrees—but this is the exception, rather than the rule. Compared to
other cities in this climate zone Sydney gets the more rainfall, meaning that rain can happen
at any time of year.

Climate Averages & Online Forecast
?SP QZWWZbTYR NSL]_^ ]PʮPN_ _SP average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This
means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme
heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we
encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.

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