Central North Island, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Central North Island, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Central North Island, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Central North Island
  2. Important essentials for Central North Island
  3. Activities for Central North Island
  4. Central North Island in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Central North Island in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Central North Island in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Central North Island in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Central North Island in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Central North Island in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Central North Island in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Central North Island in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Central North Island in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Central North Island in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Central North Island in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Central North Island in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Central North Island, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in Central North Island, New Zealand, the best time to go is March. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Central North Island, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Central North Island, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Central North Island, New Zealand by month

January

January in this region is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Central North Island is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Central North Island is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. There is frost occasionally. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Central North Island is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. There is frost 5-10 days this month. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you visit Central North Island during June, you will probably notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time. There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

Traveling to Central North Island in July, you will notice that it can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to get the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

Traveling to Central North Island in August, you will notice that it is brisk and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Central North Island can be chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. There is frost sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

In October, Central North Island is chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Central North Island, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November here is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you vacation in Central North Island during December, you are likely to see that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central North Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you see the Ohakune Railway Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Central North Island, New Zealand

Central North Island, New Zealand is a land of natural beauty, adventure and cultural significance. The region boasts some of the most stunning landscapes and natural wonders that attract visitors from all over the world. From the towering Mount Ruapehu to thrilling adventure sports and ancient Maori culture, Central North Island has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Central North Island.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing – a 19.4 km trek that takes you through some of the most breathtaking volcanic landscapes in the world. The park is also famous for its three volcanic mountains – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, which provide stunning views and adventurous hiking routes.

Mount Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano and the highest peak in the North Island. It is also home to New Zealand's largest ski resort, Whakapapa Ski Area, which offers snowboarding, skiing and other winter sports. The mountain is a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts and provides a stunning backdrop for photography and sightseeing.

Huka Falls

Huka Falls is a spectacular waterfall located near the town of Taupo. The falls are created by the Waikato River and provide an impressive sight as up to 220,000 liters of water per second plummets into the river. The area is also a popular spot for rafting, jet boating and other water sports.

Waitomo Caves

The Waitomo Caves are a natural wonder located in the King Country region of Central North Island. The caves are famous for their underground streams, glow worms and unique limestone formations that provide a breathtaking sight. Visitors can take guided tours through the caves or take a more adventurous route and go black water rafting.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a popular tourist destination in Central North Island famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture, and adventure sports. The region is home to numerous geysers, hot springs, and mud pools. Visitors can also experience the Maori culture and enjoy various traditional performances and dishes. Rotorua is also a popular hub for adventure sports like ziplining, mountain biking, and skydiving.

In conclusion, Central North Island is a region of natural beauty, adventure and cultural significance. The above-mentioned must-visit tourist attractions in Central North Island offer a glimpse into the stunning landscapes and adventurous activities awaiting visitors. This region is truly a paradise for tourists looking to explore New Zealand's unique beauty and culture.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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