New Zealand is situated in the latitudes of prevailing westerlies and exposed coastal locations often experience strong winds, with generally lighter winds elsewhere.
Rainfall is evenly distributed across the year, although late-summer and early-autumn is typically the driest time of the year, whereas the wettest months are typically observed in winter. Temperatures are relatively mild throughout New Zealand, with the moderating influence of the surrounding sea resulting in a relative lack of extreme high and extreme low temperatures.
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Download the Climate and weather of New Zealand 1st edition 2018 [PDF 7.3MB]
Suggested citation
Macara, G.R. 2018. The climate and weather of New Zealand. NIWA Science and Technology Series 74, 50 pp.
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