Queenstown is shaping as one of the better options for sun for the rest of the summer, Earth Sciences New Zealand says. File photoEarth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ - formerly Niwa) is expecting the rest of summer to remain warm and wet for many regions. Despite the prediction of warmer weather, the North Island was still likely to get a few downpours, Fedaeff said. When all the weather factors combined, it looked like inland Otago was the perfect holiday spot for the rest of the summer. Sea surface temperatures around the country cooled markedly during December but remain generally above average, which meant nights would be particularly warm for the rest of the summer.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 08, 2026 20:38 UTC