This guide gives you official average temperatures, a layered packing list, and the road rules that matter if you're driving to the ski fields or Milford Sound.
How cold does it actually get?
These are long-term averages (1991–2020) from NIWA climate data, published by Figure.NZ. "Max" is the average daytime high and "min" the average overnight low.
| Place | July avg max | July avg min | June–August range of averages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 8.2 °C (46.8 °F) | −1.4 °C (29.5 °F) | highs 8.2–10.2 °C, lows −1.4 to 0.2 °C |
| Christchurch | 11.2 °C (52.2 °F) | 0.7 °C (33.3 °F) | highs 11.2–12.5 °C, lows 0.7–2.0 °C |
| Auckland | 14.6 °C (58.3 °F) | 7.7 °C (45.9 °F) | highs 14.6–15.5 °C, lows 7.7–8.7 °C |
Fahrenheit values are Aorista's conversions. See the Celsius to Fahrenheit converter.
A few things stand out:
- Queenstown's average July low is below freezing. Expect frosty mornings even when the afternoon feels mild.
- Auckland rarely gets properly cold by these averages. Rain gear will matter more than a heavy down jacket.
- These are averages, not forecasts. For your actual dates, check the forecast for Queenstown, Christchurch, Auckland or Wellington closer to the time.
Packing in layers
Because conditions change between regions, and between morning and afternoon, layers work better than one big coat. Our cold-weather packing list is a good base to tick off. For New Zealand in winter, think in four layers:
- Base layer: thermal top and leggings (merino or synthetic) for cold mornings in the South Island.
- Mid layer: a fleece or light wool jumper.
- Insulating layer: a packable puffer jacket, worth it for Queenstown, Wānaka or anywhere near the mountains.
- Outer shell: a waterproof, windproof jacket. Useful everywhere, and probably the one you'll wear most in Auckland and Wellington.
Then add:
- Warm accessories: beanie, gloves, a scarf or neck warmer, and warm socks.
- Footwear: waterproof shoes or boots with decent grip for frosty paths. Leave room for thick socks.
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm. The World Health Organization notes that snow can reflect as much as 80% of UV radiation, so you can burn on a cold, bright day in the mountains.
- Indoor clothes: something comfortable for evenings inside.
- A day pack to carry layers as you take them off.
Heading up the mountain? The ski trip packing list covers the extras. For winter walks, start with the hiking trip list and check track conditions with the operator before you go.
Driving in winter: chains and road checks
If you're hiring a car, this is the section that matters most.
Check the road before you go. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises checking its Journey Planner for closures and conditions before driving in winter. It also recommends carrying warm clothes, food and water, keeping at least half a tank of fuel, and driving to the conditions.
Milford Road (State Highway 94). NZTA’s Milford Road FAQ (last updated September 2020) says chains may need to be carried on the Milford Road between June and November, and signs show whether chains must be carried or fitted. Driving past a chains sign without complying can result in a NZ$750 fine.
Queenstown Lakes roads. From the 2026 winter, Queenstown Lakes District Council says motorists who fail to fit chains in snowy or icy conditions on council-managed roads may face a $750 fine. This includes the Crown Range Road and ski field access roads such as Coronet Peak. Police issue the infringements. The council also runs a daily winter road report you can sign up for.
The council's advice is to carry chains and know how to fit them. Practising once in the car park is much easier than learning on a cold, steep shoulder. If you're hiring a car, ask the rental company whether chains are included and whether its terms allow driving on ski field roads.
In an emergency in New Zealand, call 111.
Power, money and time
- Plugs: New Zealand uses Type I plugs at 230 V (IEC World Plugs). Check your chargers on the New Zealand voltage checker before you pack a hair dryer or heated gear.
- Money: see the rates for AUD to NZD, USD to NZD or GBP to NZD. For tipping, see tipping in New Zealand.
- Time: check the current time in Auckland before you call home.
The New Zealand travel essentials page brings all of this together.
A quick winter checklist
- Thermal base layers
- Fleece or wool mid layer
- Packable puffer
- Waterproof, windproof jacket
- Beanie, gloves, scarf, warm socks
- Waterproof footwear with grip
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Plug adapter (Type I)
- Chains plan for your rental car, if driving in alpine areas
- The road conditions checked on the morning you drive
Quick answers
When is winter in New Zealand?
June, July and August, according to NIWA.
How cold is Queenstown in July?
NIWA's 1991–2020 averages give Queenstown a July average high of 8.2 °C and an average low of −1.4 °C.
Is Auckland cold in winter?
Milder than the South Island. Its July averages are a 14.6 °C high and a 7.7 °C low (NIWA, 1991–2020). A waterproof jacket and a warm layer usually cover it.
Do I need snow chains in New Zealand?
On some alpine roads, yes, when signs say so. NZTA says chains may need to be carried on the Milford Road (SH94) between June and November. Queenstown Lakes District Council can fine drivers $750 for not fitting chains when required on council roads. Ask your rental company about chains.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
It's worth packing for the mountains. The WHO notes that snow can reflect as much as 80% of UV radiation.
Sources
- NIWA (Earth Sciences New Zealand), "Common climate and weather terms": https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/common-climate-and-weather-terms. Winter = June, July, August.
- NIWA 1991–2020 climate normals via Figure.NZ, "Weather and climate – Mean monthly values by station 1991–2020": https://figure.nz/table/lzIenwXd73K2Ikh2. Queenstown chart: https://figure.nz/chart/suDfDLV40cwPuZWq-W7lnE9qXOJZVj3uZ. Covers all the temperatures in the table.
- World Health Organization, "Radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation" Q&A: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv). Snow can reflect as much as 80% of UV.
- NZTA Waka Kotahi, "Winter driving": https://nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/driving-to-the-conditions/winter-driving, and Journey Planner: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
- NZTA Waka Kotahi, "SH94 Milford Road – FAQs": https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh94-milford-road/faqs/. Chains may need to be carried June–November; NZ$750 fine. The page is older (last updated 2020); re-check each season.
- Queenstown Lakes District Council, "Motorists reminded to carry and fit chains as new winter enforcement begins" (25 May 2026): https://www.qldc.govt.nz/2026/may/motorists-reminded-to-carry-and-fit-chains-as-new-winter-enforcement-begins
- IEC, World Plugs (New Zealand: Type I, 230 V): https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs. The site blocks curl, but it was read via WebFetch.
- The 111 emergency number appears in NZTA's winter driving guidance (source 4).
Related: All travel guides