April is the middle of the fall season in New Zealand. In some parts of the country, that means the leaves on the trees turn orange and the air is crisp and cool. In others, especially farther north, April can still be quite warm, particularly at the start of the month. And because it's shoulder season, you'll contend with fewer visitors than in the peak season. But, if Easter falls in April, you can expect domestic travelers to be out and about.

Weather

New Zealand is quite a long country, spanning roughly 870 miles (1,400 km) from Cape Reinga in the subtropical north to Bluff in the temperate south. That means there's a lot of climatic variety, especially when you factor in the mountain chains that run through both islands, and the long coastline that hugely affects the weather. 

April is mid-fall which means, in general, daytime temperatures are moderately warm, nighttime temperatures cool, and rainfall is higher than in the summer. In the northern North Island (Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula), April high temperatures can still reach 68°F (20°C), sometimes warmer. When the sun's out, it may still be comfortable to swim in the sea, especially earlier in the month. In fact, sea temperatures are often warmer in March and April than earlier in the summer, as they've had months of warm weather to heat up.

farther south, cities like Wellington and Christchurch can be quite cool in April, with average highs around 60°F (16°C). Nights will be colder. Mountainous areas on both islands, but especially the south, can be quite wintry in April, with snow on the hills and crisp temperatures (ski season, however, doesn't start until June). But, you can still expect some warmer temperatures in the daytime in towns like Queenstown and Wānaka, with average highs on a par with coastal Christchurch. 

New Zealand is quite a wet country, and you can't rule out rain at any time of year. April isn't as wet as the winter months, but it's more so than the summer. In general, the farther north you go, the wetter the weather, with Auckland receiving significantly more rain in April than Christchurch (Auckland being at the top of the North Island, and Christchurch about halfway down the South Island). 

Crowds & Costs

April is shoulder season in New Zealand. Crowds and costs aren't as high as in the summer (December-February), but because of relatively warm temperatures, it's still busier than the winter (June-August).

Easter often falls in April, and New Zealand schools, as well as many workplaces, close for the holiday. New Zealanders like to get out and about and explore their own country. So, you can expect to see a lot of domestic travelers, especially families, if you're visiting New Zealand over the Easter break. Accommodation prices in popular places may be higher at this time. If you plan on crossing the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands, it would be a good idea to book as far in advance as possible.

Where to Go

To experience a last gasp of summery weather, head to Northland, the wider Auckland region, and the Coromandel Peninsula. There's no guarantee you'll get beach weather in April, but temperatures are consistently higher in the north, so you have a good chance.

Yet, if you're seeking crisp fall weather and mountain vistas, the mountains of the South Island are a good destination. In April, places like Queenstown, Wānaka, Arrowtown, Lake Tekapo, and Aoraki Mount Cook are very scenic. Plus, temperatures are warm enough that you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking without overheating. Conditions are also generally good at the top of the South Island this month. The small city of Nelson often takes the honor of sunniest city in the country, and nearby Golden Bay, Abel Tasman National Park, and the Marlborough Sounds are good places to enjoy outdoor sightseeing when the sun is shining. 

Rotorua and Taupō, in the central North Island, are popular destinations throughout the year because of their natural beauty and strong Māori cultural attractions. They're also full of natural hot springs, from fancy spa resorts to natural pools out in nature. April is a great time to enjoy these, because a hot spring bath is much more appealing when the weather is cool.

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What to Do

Experienced hikers will find April a good time to go on short or long-distance hikes in New Zealand. Extreme care should always be taken in alpine areas, even in summer, as conditions can change quickly. But hikes at lower elevations are perfectly accessible in April, and the most popular trails (such as in Abel Tasman National Park) are likely to be less busy during this month. You may wish to book a bed in Department of Conservation (DOC) huts, though, rather than camp in April.

April is a good time to do general sightseeing, too. Cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin have lots of galleries, museums, and restaurants that can be enjoyed in any weather. Some other outdoor sightseeing, like dolphin or whale watching tours, can also be enjoyed in almost any weather, although cruises may be canceled if there's a lot of rain or wind. 

Events in April 

Easter, Nationwide. This Christian holiday often falls in April. Although not everyone observes the holiday from a religious perspective, schools and many workplaces are on vacation. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on Easter Sunday and Good Friday unless you're buying it to drink with a meal in a licensed restaurant.

National Jazz Festival, Tauranga. This jazz festival began in 1962 and is the longest-running jazz festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

Traveling to New Zealand in April? Check out these great itineraries

Discover New Zealand's South Island From Coast to Coast - 13 Days. Discover New Zealand's South Island on this 13-day self-drive adventure, suited for the intrepid traveler. Starting and ending in Christchurch, you'll soar over the city in a hot-air balloon, then drive the open road to Aoraki / Mount Cook and Haupapa / Tasman Glacier. Visit Dunedin, cruise along the Otago Peninsula to see giant Albatrosses, and take to Dart River's glacier-fed rapids in a jet boat. 

Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown, Christchurch & More - 14 Days.
Spend two weeks in New Zealand on this eventful road trip, from Auckland, through the Coromandel Peninsula to Whitianga, and stopping in Tauranga before hitting geothermic Rotorua and Art Deco-inspired Napier.

More Helpful Information

New Zealand in March
New Zealand in May
Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand
How Many Days to Spend in New Zealand