Is February The New January
January is being replaced by its next door neighbour.
In the years gone by, January was generally considered THE summer month. The temperatures were at the highest, it was still the holidays at the start of the month, and everyone took road trips to the various paradisiacal spots around the country. We would also see a massive influx of tourists getting away from their own winter.
But recently this trend has begun to shift forwards to the humble month of February. People have realised that while the temperature difference isn’t all that large, the tourist numbers are, and this makes a huge difference when travelling. Here’s a quick rundown of travelling New Zealand in the month of February.
February tends to be the driest of the summer months, so any activities that benefit from hot, dry weather are the perfect things to do. Hiking, kayaking, swimming, sailing, mountain climbing, mountain biking, or taking a scenic drive can all be enjoyed throughout the month. New Zealand is filled to the brim with incredible hiking tracks and February is the perfect time to try and see as many of them as possible. They range from beginner to experienced so there is something for everyone. Kayaking or swimming in one of the country’s hundreds of rivers or thousands of lakes is highly recommended, just be sure to stay safe and always go with at least one other person.
Because it is still summer, there is always a host of events happening around the country during the month of February. There’s music festivals, wine festivals, food festivals, sporting events and much more to suit the needs of absolutely anyone who wants a day or weekend of fun. One notable event happening during the month is the Auckland Lantern Festival which has grown each year to become one of the biggest dates on Auckland's event calendar. There will be food, performances, activities and more for all ages. If you’re in Auckland from the 14th to the 17th then you can’t miss this.
Another popular event is the Wellington Wine and Food Festival on the 2nd of February. This is another one that has gone from strength to strength. It will have a plethora of different wines, beers and ciders to taste as well as some of Wellington’s finest gourmet food to enjoy during a day of sun, fun and friends.
If you do decide to travel this beautiful country during February, here’s a few tips to ensure you’re prepared and have a great time:
- Bring an extra layer. It may still be summer but the country is still transitioning into Autumn and so the temperatures can drop suddenly without warning. Don’t get caught out!
- Book in advance. February is quieter than January but it can still get busy, particularly at popular destinations. Booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out.
- Don’t forget the sunscreen! New Zealand is situated directly below a massive hole in the ozone layer and our skin cancer rates are some of the highest in the world. Always wear sunscreen if you are going to be outside for extended periods of time. Sunburn is no joke in this country!
- Go with the flow! The main thing is to have fun and go with the flow. Just know that things can change in an instant and you shouldn’t let it get you down if you can’t do certain things because of the weather or whatnot.
Want to travel New Zealand this February but don’t have the means? Call Rite Price Rentals and ask about our range of cars, vans, and trucks for hire. We have car/van/truck rental locations in Rotorua, Hamilton and Tauranga. Have a chat with one of our friendly consultants and they will sort you out with exactly what you need at a great price. Rite Price Rentals is New Zealand’s trusted car rental company.
